"When did you leave Woodvale?"
"About a year ago."
"And how far west have you been?"
"Far enough to get a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean."
"That is our destination. We thought we were to be the first white men to make the journey."
"So you will be, for we did not go all the way to the coast. I suppose you will do that?"
"Such are our instructions from President Jefferson."
While this conversation was going on other members of the exploring party gathered round. George had yielded the place of spokesman to his brother, and Deerfoot stood a few paces behind him. He was conscious of the curious scrutiny he was under from several of the members, but he acted as if unaware of it and held his peace. But he, too, was using his eyes and listening to the talk of the leaders, in whom he was much interested.
Victor fancied he detected just a shade of disappointment in the last remark of Captain Lewis, and he hastened to add:
"We amount to nothing. Only two of us belong to your race, and we cannot ask to be considered as men for a few years to come."