THE BUFFALO AT BAY. 49 



more frequently used. I purchased her for a trifle from a 

 fellow with " villain " plainly written on his countenance, 

 and, as might have been expected, she was recognized and 

 claimed. To part with her was a great trial ; but I had the 

 satisfaction of learning that my surmises of her parentage 

 were correct, her sire being thorough-bred, and her dam a 

 mustang. 



When buffalo are so severely wounded as to feel in- 

 capacitated from further flight, they will then occasionally 

 turn to bay. When this takes place, unless the animal be 

 an old bull, you may safely conclude the wound mortal, 

 and that but an hour or two will elapse before death comes 

 to their relief; but if you be desirous to terminate the 

 final sufferings, when dismounted, be very cautious how 

 you approach to deliver the coup; for, with velocity al- 

 most marvelous, they will dash at their tormentor, gather- 

 ing all their energy for the occasion. A bull I had disabled 

 stood at bay, and, judging from appearances, was within a 

 few moments of expiring ; blood flowed profusely from his 

 nose, and already he had commenced to straddfe his legs 

 to support his towering carcass. Carelessly I approached. 

 The manner of the rider was infections on the steed. 

 When twenty yards distant from me, down went his head, 

 and at me he sprang. The activity of the horse alone 

 saved me ; and the shave was so close as to be far from 

 pleasant. It was a cleverly executed charge, and a fitting 

 finale to life. The impetus of his motion he was unable to 

 control. The strength of the body was unequal to his 

 courage of heart ; for, ere he could halt, over he rolled to 

 rise no more. In hunting, as in civilized life, it is danger- 

 ous to trust in appearances we know how often they are 

 deceptive. But there are other dangers to be apprehended 

 on the buffalo range viz.,- the Indians, who are so cunning 

 and treacherous that the hunter must ever be on his guard. 



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