198 ADVENTURES OF DR. ALLEN. 



erable, would permit. I was resting for a moment,, when I 

 chanced to look down the river, and saw, on a small island, 

 as many as one hundred buffaloes. Some were lying down, 

 others standing gazing idly around, while some of them were 

 goring the bank with their horns. 



As my boat was drifting directly toward them, I made 

 no other movement than to take up my gun, which was sup- 

 ported by hooks at my side. The wind, which was blowing 

 toward me, was favorable. They did not so much as turn 

 their heads, and, should they discover me, they might easily 

 mistake my skiff for a floating tree. When the report of 

 my rifle broke the stillness, they started up and were off, 

 their languor instantly forsaking them, being succeeded by 

 the wildest alarm. 



When they rushed into the stream, such a great volume 

 of water was thrown into the air that it seemed as if the 

 river were lifted from its bed. The waves, lashed into white 

 caps, receded before the mass of living, struggling creat- 

 ures, like surging billows before a mighty tempest. Finally 

 they took to swimming quietly, when I pulled rapidly toward 

 them and fired another volley of shots, when those in the 

 rear leaped upon those just in front, a large number being 

 submerged and great confusion ensued. They were all 

 heaped together, some riding upon others which were almost 

 drowned. 



I came close enough to punch one with an oar, but when 

 he turned for fight the current was too much for him. He 

 gave up the attempt and made for the bank, where a general 

 stampede took place. Some went one way and some another, 

 uttering loud snorts. They kept up a gallop, across the val- 

 ley, as far as I could see them. The excitement of the chase 

 lent me fresh strength and again I pushed forward. I could 

 have killed a score or more of them had I so desired. 



