early noon
Our pilot led us up the divide between the Missouri and the headwaters of the Musselshell during the afternoon , weaving in and out around the heads of creeks putting into either river ; and towards evening we crossed quite a creek running towards the Missouri , where we secured ample water for the herd . We made a late camp that night , and our guide assured us that another half day 's drive would put us on the Judith River , where we would intercept the Fort Benton road . The following morning our guide led us for several hours up a gradual ascent to the plateau , till we reached the tableland , when he left us to return to his own camp . Flood again took the lead , and within a mile we turned on our regular course , which by early noon had descended into the valley of the Judith River , and entered the Fort Maginnis and Benton military road . Our route was now clearly defined , and about noon on the last day of the month we sighted , beyond the Missouri River , the flag floating over Fort Benton . We made a crossing that afternoon below the Fort , and Flood went into the post , expecting either to meet Lovell or to receive our final instructions regarding the delivery . After crossing the Missouri , we grazed the herd over to the Teton River , a stream which paralleled the former watercourse , -- the military post being located between the two .