CHAPTER XXVI.

Arrival of the Immigration at the Dalles--Wagons Abandoned--Pitiable Condition of the Women and Children--Aid from the Hudson's Bay Company--Perils of the Columbia--Wreck of the Boat--Wonderful Escape--Trials of the New Colonists--The Generous Savage--The Barefoot Lawyer--Meek's Pumpkin--Privation of the Settlers--Shopping under Difficulties--Attempt to Manufacture Ardent Spirits--Dilemma of the People--An Appeal--The Sheriff Destroys the Distillery--Anecdote of Dr. White and Madam Cooper--Meek Levies on Her Whisky--First Official Act of the Sheriff, 294