412 BUFFALO LAND. 



suing. There went Sacliem, on liis long-legged pur- 

 chase, the beast staggering and stumbling through 

 ravines; and Semi also, upon Cynocephalus, whose 

 abbreviated tail was hoisted straight in air, while at 

 the other extremity his nose stretched w^ell out and 

 took in air under asthmatic protests. Rearward was 

 the Mexican donkey, arguing the point with Dobeen 

 whether or not to enter the race. Ahead of all went 

 the wild turkeys, running like ostriches. The bird 

 is a heavy one, and its short flights and runs, there- 

 fore, though rapid, can not be long continued. Seeing 

 the pursuit gaining, it would turn to the woods again 

 for protection. Other riders would there head it oif, 

 and soon, completely exhausted and only able to stag- 

 ger along, it was easily taken. In this manner, we 

 obtained over twenty turkeys while passing along 

 the river. 



That evening we reached the little settlement on 

 the Solomon, which was the Canaan of all our 

 wanderings to certain members of our party, and 

 went into camp among the Sydneys and their 

 neighbors. Our welcome was a warm one, and it 

 took Shamus but a few moments to find our friend's 

 kitchen, where he at once installed himself in the 

 dual capacity of lover and assistant cook, discharging 

 the duties of each position to the entire satisfaction 

 of all concerned. Our supper with the S^'^dney 

 family seemed like civilization again, notwithstand- 

 ing that we were still on the uttermost bounds of 

 civilized manners and customs. The Professor, sit- 

 ting next to Miss Flora, was the very picture of 

 happiness, and " all went merry as a marriage bell." 



