Somebody threw a sofa pillow just then and it struck exactly where his face happened to be. Before he could find out who did it Mr. Norton went on.
"At last they reached the mouth of the Kansas River. A large city stands there now. Does anybody know the name of it?"
"That is too far from home," said Benny. "I know what city is at the mouth of Hoosac River. There ain't any."
"Kansas City now stands where they went into camp. They divided into two parties. One went out after game, so that there should be plenty to eat, and the other explored the country."
"It's fun to explore," said Bill.
"Probably these men found a certain pleasure in it, notwithstanding the hardships. They were seeing something new every day. After a time they started once more and late in July reached the mouth of the Platte River. They had heard that a tribe of Indians were living near there, so Lewis and Clark went out with a party to find them and tell them that the country now belonged to the Great Father at Washington. Under some bluffs, opposite the present city of Omaha, they sat in council with the Indians, made them gifts, and smoked the peace pipe. The Indians didn't seem to care who owned the country so long as they received presents and had room enough to hunt. A city now stands on those bluffs where the Indian council was held. I guess you can tell me the name of that one."
"Council Bluffs," said two or three of us at the same time.
"Then on went the explorers up the river, through a wonderful country. Vast prairies, covered with grass and without any trees, stretched away in every direction, as far as they could see, and great herds of buffalo roamed up and down. On they went, through what is now Nebraska; then through South Dakota; then, North Dakota, where some fierce Indians dwelt. Another council was held and more presents were given. When the boat was about to put off after this council, the Indians grabbed hold of the cable and held it. They wouldn't let go."
"Great snakes!" said Bill. "I'll bet they didn't do a thing to those Injuns. I'll bet they paralyzed them. They had guns, didn't they?"
"Yes, and they did sort of paralyze the savages, I guess.