American Big-Game Hunting 



the buffalo were ; and, riding up on the 

 easternmost of these, we tried to locate our 

 game more exactly. It was important to get 

 as close as possible before starting them, so 

 that our first rush might carry us into the 

 midst of them. Knowing the capabilities 

 of our horses, which were thin from long 

 travel, we felt sure that if the buffalo should 

 take the alarm before we were close to them, 

 we could not overtake the cows and young 

 animals, which always run in the van, and 

 should have to content ourselves with old 

 bulls. On the other hand, if we could dash 

 in among them during the first few hun- 

 dred yards of the race, we should be able to 

 keep up with and select the fattest animals 

 in the herd. 



When we reached a point just below the 

 crest of the hill, I stopped and waited, while 

 my companion rode on. Just before he got 

 to the top he too halted, then took off his hat 

 and peered over the ridge, examining so 

 much of the prairie beyond as was now visi- 

 ble to him. His inspection was careful and 

 thorough, and when he had made sure that 

 nothing was in sight, his horse took a step or 

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