246 THE CHANCE SHOT. 



we were enabled to make further headway than the preceding one. We 

 also saw a few ravens, but they, as if conscious of our desperate condition, 

 cautiously avoided coming within gun-shot ; — a big rabbit likewise showed 

 itself in the distance, but, being at the top of its speed, disappeared almost 

 as soon as seen ; — thus we were again doomed to go supperless to bed and 

 feast upon the well-furnished tables of dreams, which, though they please 

 the fancy during their continuance, serve only to increase the appetite 

 and stimulate its cravings. 



On the morning of the fifth day, as we arose to continue our journey, 

 determined to hold out as long as possible, the haggard looks of my com- 

 rade excited my compassion, and wishing to cheer him, 1 observed, 



" Well, what would you think were I to predict for us a good supper to- 

 night ]" 



" Really," said he, " I don't know. But there's a poor show for its ful- 

 filment, any how." 



" We shall have one, I know it." 



"God send we may. But, pray, where is it to come from. 



" I am quite confident we shall find game. If so, as my rifle bears the 

 name of Old Straightener, and it has never been known to fail in a case oi 

 emergency, I know she will maintain her ancient honor." 



" What if we don't find game 1 Then how." 



" Why, here's my horse. It will be of no service to me if I am to die 

 from starvation. In case we find nothing, its carcase shall save our lives." 



'•Horse meat or any thing else wouldn't go bad, just at this time." 



Thus resolved, we continued our way, plodding along in gloomy silence, 

 brooding over the sad realities of our deplorable situation, — ever and anon, 

 scanning the vacant expanse, in the fast-waning hope of looked-for relief, 

 — but as yet looked for in vain. 



The day was fast verging to a close, and I was summoning a sufficien- 

 cy of fortitude to submit to the sacrifice of my favorite beast, and rumi- 

 nating upon the many difficulties and inconveniences that must result 

 from such a step, volving and revolving all the pros and cons the case 

 admitted of, when I was roused from my reverie by the shrill voice of my 

 comrade, who joyfully exclaimed, 



"Look ! — look ! A buffalo !" — at the same time pointing in the direc- 

 tion it appeared. 



I looked, and sure enough a venerable old bull presented himself a few 

 hundred yards to the right. 



" Aye, aye, my hearty ! There's a chance for Old Straightener !" said 

 I, as, lowering my rifle, I started towards the intended victim. 



" Don't forget," cried my comrade, " that all my hopes of salvation are 

 centred in your rifle-ball." 



The animal was feeding quietly, and I was enabled to approach within 

 some sixty yards of him, when levelling, I pulled trigger, — but the cap, 

 being damp, burst without a discharge. The noise caught the quick ear 

 of the buffalo, and caused him to look round ; — however, seeing nothing 

 to excite his alarm, he soon resumed an employment more agreeable to 

 his taste than needless vigilance. 



Having put fresh powder into the tube, and supplied it with another cap 

 I was again raising to take aim, and had brought my piece nearly half, 



