198 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 
prayers of the priests. A solemn feeling pervades every 
thoughtful member of the tribe. _ The death-defying 
warrior, who curls his scalp-lock derisively when he 
thinks of his enemies, now bows in submission to the 
invisible presence that bestows upon the red man the 
great game he is about to destroy, and it is not until 
the fastings, prayers, and self-sacrifices are finished that 
the excitement of the chase commences. 
The morning sun greets the hunter divested of all 
unnecessary clothing, is arrows numbered—his harness 
in order—a plume floats from his crown—his long hair 
streams down his back—his well-trained horse, as wild 
as himself, anticipates the sport, and paws with impa- 
tience the ground. 
Far, far in the horizon are moving about, in black 
masses, the game; and with an exulting whoop, a party 
start off with the wind, dash across the prairie, and are 
soon out of sight. 
The buffalo is a wary animal; unwieldy as he ap- 
pears, his motions are quick, and, at the approach of a 
human being, he instinctively takes the alarm, and flies. 
An hour or two may elapse, when the distant masses 
of buffalo begin to move. There is evident alarm spread- 
ing through the ranks. Suddenly they fly ! 
Then it is that thousands of fleet and impatient 
horsemen, like messengers of the wind, dash off and — 
mect the herds. The party first sent out are pressing 
them in the rear; confusion seizes upon the alarmed 
