The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1878-06-21
Original Story.
NUMBER SIXTEEN,
BY JOHN j. HEALY.

The crew of Standiferd s boat used sucl
excellent judgment in attempting thu
crossing low down that they would have
got over the fall without difficulty had not
one of the oars snapped just at the most
critical moment when the entire strength
OF the party was required to keep the
craft from turning broadside to the cur
rent. The boat, however, happened to be
near the shore when the accident oc-
currd, and the presence Of mind ofone of
the party saved the craft and its cargo
Seizlng the painter, one of the men Jump
ed into the water, and BY good luck and
quick movements reached the shore in
time to secure the rope and prevent the
boat from going over the fall. Tt vas
narrow escape, however, as the stern part
Of the craft was extending over the fall
Rawlston and Pinkman started next.
but from point higher up, and finally
succeeded in making safe and expedi-
tious crossing.
Our turn came now, and the other par.
ties held their breath as we prepared for
the plunge, for no one expected our mis-
cradle tub would live to pass through the
boiling torrent. To cross even as low
dcwn as the second boat had done was out
Of the question, as we had but two oars,
while the others had four. Our only
chance was to cross through the rough
water close to the falls. This we did at
the risk Of swapping; passing into the
current, mounting the swell, and then go,
ing down, down, until it seemed as though
we were plunging to the bottom Of the
river never to rise again. The swell
rushed over us, filling our boat with water
but at the same time tossing us out into
the comparatively smooth water beyond
the fall.
The Canadian was out as soon US our
craft righted ard held the boat until Payne
went TO his assistance. Meanwhile Per
kins piled the camp kettle, and in few
moments we were landed safe hundred
wards above the other hoats, much to the
relief aud astonishment Of ali who witness
cd our narrow escape, We were told at
terwards that our boat had gone down Ell
tirely out Of sight, and no one expected tt
see as rise again.
Some time later in the day we discover
ed lust ahead of us raft with two me
upon it. They saw us about the same tim
and landed their raft at once to wait flo
us to come up. On reaching the spot W
found the men in starving condition
One of them was Bill Rollins, q blacksmlt
from Fort Owen. They had started tror
Fort Owen for the purpose Of reachm
Florence, which they supposed was on II
salmon river. They entered the Salmo
about forty miles below Lemhi, and aft
hard work and much suffering they wei
obliged to abandon their horses, the ira
becoming too rongh for the animals
travel further. The suferings Of the'
men should have been warning to us q
as we were not unlikely to come to Il
same stage of extreme destitution. q
moor fellows when We found them h
nothing left but dried bearSkin viii
they were pounding with rocks and eatll
to keep themselves alive. Had We
met them as soon as We did, they Won
certainly have gone over the falls, as th
were drifting down rapidly Withthe cure
aud we're too weak and exhausted 70 sa
themselves if their craft had reached I
swift stream below.
Rollins begged US to return, as i v
not possible for men provided as we we
to reach the point we were aiming +
But his advice was not needed, and afl
sharing portion Of our provisions y