American Big-Game Hunting 



better than we had supposed they could, and 

 were going well and under a pull. I felt that 

 a touch of the spurs and a little riding would 

 bring us up even with the leaders of the buf- 

 falo. The pace had already proved too much 

 for several bulls, which had turned off to one 

 side and been passed by. As we flew across 

 the flat, I saw far off a dark line and two 

 white objects, which I knew must be our 

 command. I called to my comrade, and, 

 questioning by the sign, pointed at the buf- 

 falo. He nodded, and in a moment we had 

 given free rein to our horses and were up 

 among the herd. During the ride I had two 

 or three times selected my game, but the in- 

 dividuals of the band changed positions so 

 constantly that I could not keep track of 

 them. Now, however, I picked out a fat two- 

 year-old bull ; but as I drew up to him he ran 

 faster than before, and rapidly made his way 

 toward the head of the band. I was resolved 

 that he should not escape, and so, though I 

 was still fifteen or twenty yards in the rear, 

 fired. At the shot he fell heels over head 

 directly across a cow which was running by 

 his side and a little behind him. I saw her 



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