A Strange Ride 149 



down from the north and emptying into the 

 Missouri, and for a diversion he left the 

 larger river to follow the creek. 



After a two days* journey he discovered 

 that it was a favorite feeding-ground for the 

 bison. For a mile on each side the creek 

 was flanked with a beautiful meadow which 

 reminded Bennie of the home acres. Upon 

 these meadows the grass was still green and 

 the feeding was excellent. 



One evening, just at dusk, he came out 

 upon the top of a swell about two miles from 

 the creek. The weather, that had been ideal 

 for the entire trip, was now threatening. 

 Heavy thunder-heads were rolling up in the 

 west, and even while he gazed at the lower- 

 ing clouds, a low rumble of thunder was 

 heard. For five minutes Bennie sat watch- 

 ing the storm develop, and then he thought 

 of shelter. The bison seemed ill at ease. 

 Low complaining bellows came floating 

 over the prairies from every direction, min- 



