CHAPTER XXXVI.

Meek Appointed U.S. Marshal for Oregon--"Home Sweet Home"--Pay of the Delegates--The Lion's Share--Meek's Interview with Gov. Lane--Buying out a Peddler--The Escort of Riflemen--The Start from St. Louis, and the Route--Meeting Price's Army--An Adventure and a Pleasant Surprise--Leaving the Wagons--Desertion of Soldiers--Drought--The Trick of the Yumas--Demoralization of the Train--Rumors of Gold--Gen. Lane's Coffee--The Writer's Reflection--The Party on Foot--Extreme Sufferings--Arrival at William's Ranch--Speculation in Silks and Jack-Knives--Miners at Los Angelos--Oregonians at San Francisco--Nat Lane and Meek Take the Gold Fever--Meek's Investment--The Governor and Marshal Quarrel--Pranks with a Jew--A Salute--Arrival in Oregon City, 394