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 
imytue) 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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