A Sportsman 169 



under fortunate circumstances, slay a number before 

 returning to skin and cut up those first killed. The In- 

 dians with their arrows would do great execution if well 

 mounted, and in some instances would send an arrow 

 clear through a buffalo. Much depended upon the speed 

 and management of the mustangs employed, some of 

 which acquired a singular skill and intelligence in 

 pursuing the buffalo, and would in a short time so 

 direct themselves as to require no guidance. 



A remarkable instance of this character, well 

 authenticated, occurred in the presence of several army 

 officers near Fort Hays, in 1868, where Colonel Cody 

 ("Buffalo Bill") exhibited his unequalled skill in horse- 

 manship and shooting accuracy. Buffalo were about, 

 and a few officers freshly arrived at the Fort started 

 out in conquest. Buffalo Bill, observing a group of 

 eleven buffalo not far off, hastily mounted his famous 

 steed Brigham. Not finding his saddle and bridle 

 convenient, he seized an old bridle and blinders, and 

 bareback started out, overtaking the well-mounted 

 officers, who made some facetious remarks at his 

 presence. He volunteered some advice to the officers 

 regarding the route the buffaloes were taking, and the 

 policy of cutting across in a particular direction which 

 the buffalo, then running, would take. To this the 

 officers gave no attention, and Buffalo Bill, hastily 

 throwing off his bridle, started, bareback and bridle- 

 less, in the direction he had indicated. The officers, 

 giving speed directly for the buffaloes, soon rounded 

 them in the direction indicated by Buffalo Bill. The 

 latter, having the advantage of the cut-off, was soon 

 in advance alongside the bounding buffalo, which his 

 obedient and trained Brigham pressed closely in 



