Rumors proliferated the closer Oregon appeared. Would the helpful Indians passively allow the white men to push them into the sea? Oregon was as far west as they could go. If not, Oregon was a likely spot for an Indian war. The thought shead traveled all this way to be killed over political disputes or clashes with primitives appeared ludicrous. Gritting already gritty teeth, she hauled her body up over a mountain to view a world of trees and glimpse a shining river below. Oh, to just slide down off it and wash for hoursa]no clothes or linensa]just soak leisurely and play with Jonathan! Slowly the men braced, roped, and otherwise prevented the wagons from crashing down the mountain. When they arrived at the river, it was a while before she realized that she would not be on the raft upon which Joe floated her wagon west.