254 The Wilderness Hunter. 



border of the forest we found the stark black body 

 stretched motionless. He was a splendid old bull, still in 

 his full vigor, with large, sharp horns, and heavy mane 

 and glossy coat ; and I felt the most exulting pride as I 

 handled and examined him ; for I had procured a trophy 

 such as can fall henceforth to few hunters indeed. 



It was too late to dress the beast that evening; so, 

 after taking out the tongue and cutting off enough meat 

 for supper and breakfast, we scrambled down to near the 

 torrent, and after some search found a good spot for 

 camping. Hot and dusty from the day's hard tramp, I 

 undressed and took a plunge in the stream, the icy water 

 making me gasp. Then, having built a slight lean-to of 

 brush, and dragged together enough dead timber to burn 

 all night, we cut long alder twigs, sat down before some 

 embers raked apart, and grilled and ate our buffalo meat 

 with the utmost relish. Night had fallen ; a cold wind 

 blew up the valley ; the torrent roared as it leaped past 

 us, and drowned our words as we strove to talk over our 

 adventures and success ; while the flame of the fire 

 flickered and danced, lighting up with continual vivid 

 flashes the gloom of the forest round about. 



