210 IN THE OLD WEST 



bulls within long rifle-shot of the camp, out of 

 which four of the fattest were soon laid low by his 

 rifle. 



They still had hard times before them, for to- 

 wards spring the buffalo again disappeared; the 

 greater part of their meat had been spoiled, ow- 

 ing to there not being sufficient sun to dry it thor- 

 oughly ; and when they resumed their journey they 

 had nothing to carry with them, and had a desert 

 before them without game of any kind. We pass 

 over what they suffered. Hunger and thirst were 

 their portion, and Indians assaulted them at times, 

 and many miraculous and hair-breadth escapes 

 they had from these enemies. 



