216 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 



horses, used to the chase, endeavored to separate a 

 single object for especial pursuit. 



This once accomplished, it was easy to range along- 

 side ; and in this situation the members of our party 

 severally found themselves ; and drawing deadly aim, as 

 they supposed, the crack of the sharp rifle was heard 

 over the prairies, and yet nothing was brought to the 

 ground. Contrary to all this, a noble bull lay helpless in 

 the very track I took, the fruit of " Breeches' '- murderous 

 skill; and from the energetic manner with which he 

 pressed on, we became satisfied that there was a magic 

 in those sticks we had not dreamed of 



Our curiosity excited, we ran across the diameter 

 of a circle he was forming, and came by his side. Soon 

 he overtook his object of pursuit, and thrusting forward 

 his pole, we saw glittering, for the first time, on its end 

 a short blade ; a successful thrust severed the hamstring^ 

 and a mountain of flesh and life fell helpless on the 

 prairie. The thing was done so suddenly, that some 

 moments elapsed before we could overcome our astonish- 

 ment. My horse approached the animal, and thrusting 

 forward his head and ears, snorted in his face, and then 

 commenced quietly cropping the grass. 



It would be impossible for mo to describe my emo- 

 tions as I, dismounting, examined the gigantic and 

 wounded bull before me. There lie lay — an animal, that 

 from his singular expression of face and general appear- 

 ance, joined with his immense size, looked like some an- 



