The Thundering Herd 77 



But almost before they had time to real- 

 ize it, the mad, galloping, pushing, steam- 

 ing, snorting herd was all about them, 

 pounding by so close that the coats of the 

 nearest bulls brushed the sides of the mules. 



At first they seemed to turn out a bit for 

 the wagon, but presently a bunch of buffalo, 

 more compact than the rest of the herd, 

 was seen bearing down upon them as 

 though they were charging the schooner, 

 although they probably did not even notice 

 it. 



" Ready with your rifle, Bennie," called 

 Mr. Anderson, and father and son both 

 cocked their guns. When the bunch was 

 almost upon them, both fired, and a mighty 

 bull fell kicking against the back of the 

 wagon, but his kicks were not of long du- 

 ration, for at this short range the rifles did 

 fearful execution. 



There was no respite, however, for close 

 behind the fallen bull came more, and Mr. 



