From the park
they are to go across country to Fort Missoula, and as there is only a
narrow trail over the mountains they will have to depend entirely upon
pack mules. These were sent up from Fort Custer for Faye to fit out
for the entire trip. I went down to the corral to see them start out,
and it was a sight well worth going to see. It was wonderful, and
laughable, too, to see what one mule could carry upon his back and two
sides.
The pack saddles are queer looking things that are strapped carefully
and firmly to the mules, and then the tents, sacks, boxes, even stoves
are roped to the saddle. One poor mule was carrying a cooking stove.
There were forty pack mules and one "bell horse" and ten packers - for
of course it requires an expert packer to put the things on the saddle
so they are perfectly balanced and will not injure the animal's back.
The bell horse leads, and wherever it goes the mules will follow.
At present Faye is busy with preparations for two more parties of
exceedingly distinguished personnel. One of these will arrive in a day
or two, and is called the "Indian Commission," and consists of senator
Dawes and fourteen congressmen.
