CHAPTER XXXIV

CROSSING THE MOUNTAINS IN MIDWINTER.--SURPRISE OF THE COEUR D'ALENES AND SPOKANES

The start homeward--The haggard expressman brings news of Indian outbreak--How Pearson ran the gauntlet of hostile Indians--Governor Stevens disregards warning dispatches--Resolves to force his way back by the direct route--Sends to Fort Benton for arms and ammunition--Hastens ahead of train to Bitter Root valley--Confers with Flatheads and Nez Perces--Alarming reports--Procures fresh animals--Nez Perce chiefs join the party--Taking the unexpected route--Crossing the snowy Bitter Roots--Ten dead horses--The surprise of the Coeur d'Alenes--"Peace or war?"--Craig and the Nez Perces take direct route home--Surprise of the Coeur d'Alenes--Rescue of blockaded miners--Indians called to council--The Stevens Guards and Spokane Invincibles organized 120