166 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



spring, as he now found that buffalo frequently visited 

 the valley, as it was more bare of snow than the low- 

 lands, and afforded them better pasture; and one 

 morning he had the satisfaction of seeing a band of 

 seventeen 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 towards 

 spring the buffalo again disappeared ; the greater part 

 of their meat had been spoiled, owing to there not being 

 sufficient sun to dry it thoroughly ; 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. 



