198 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 



prayers of the priests. A solemn feeling pervades every 

 thoughtful member of the tribe. The death-defying 

 warrior, who curls his scalp-lock derisively when he 

 thinks of his enemies, now bows in submission to the 

 invisible presence that bestows upon the red man the 

 great game he is about to destroy, and it is not until 

 the fastings, prayers, and self-sacrifices are finished that 

 the excitement of the chase commences. 



The morning sun greets the hunter divested of all 

 unnecessary clothing, his arrows numbered—h.h harness 

 in order — a plume floats from his crown — his long hair 

 streams down his back — his well-trained horse, as wild 

 as himself, anticipates the sport, and paws with impa- 

 tience the ground. 



Far, far in the horizon are moving about, in black 

 masses, the game ; and with an exulting whoop, a party 

 start off luith the ivind, dash across the prairie, and are 

 soon out of sight. 



The buffalo is a wary animal ; unwieldy as he ap- 

 pears, his motions are quick, and, at the approach of a 

 human being, he instinctively takes the alarm, and flies. 



An hour or two may elapse, when the distant masses 

 of buffalo begin to move. There is evident alarm spread- 

 ing through the ranks. Suddenly they fly ! 



Then it is that thousands of fleet and impatient 

 horsemen, like messengers of the wind, dash off and 

 meet the herds. The party first sent out are pressing 

 them in the rear; confusion seizes upon the alarmed 



