He was likely to omit anything that detracted from his glory. Bancroft is exceedingly severe in his criticism of Bonneville. Irving, who was Bonneville's chronicler of events, was a novelist. And one who has read Irving much is frequently amused at his exaggerations of the character of his heroes. Should his principal character, together with others, go on a spree, his would always "maintain the dignity of a gentleman, although intoxicated," while the other would be "beastly drunk."

Farther in the wilderness, over on the Green river. Captain Bonneville accused Fontenelle of taking from him some of his Delaware Indian guides, with promise of better wages. As Fontenelle has much to do with Nebraska history in subsequent years, readers will become acquainted with him, and they will find it hard to believe that he ever took unfair advantage of any one. In fact the Delawares were formerly of Fontenelle's party, and only attached themselves to Bonneville to make their way into the wilderness again, of which purpose the captain was probably unaware.

Some two and a half years later, the remnant of Bonneville's party came back over the trail which he had traversed, and which later became one of the most remarkable highways in the history of the world.

CHAPTER Xll

.ITTI.K MOON LAKE -- FAMOUS MISSIONARIES

June 22. 1X.i2, an elkskin boat bearing four Indians came plunging out of the rapids at the lower end of Platte canyon and pulled in upon the shore, making camp at about the present site of Guernsey. < >n the following day they ■ 1 down the river to a grove upon what to be .hi island. To the right of it. the waters rushed with increasing velocity, but on the left were invitingly quiet,