A COMRADE AND FRESH SPORTS. 27 



and as th'ey fled, we followed, first tethering our pack 

 mules. 



On reaching the summit of a low bluff, we caught 

 sight of a herd of buffaloes, quietly cropping the grass, 

 almost within rifle-shot. I judged there were about five 

 hundred large fat cows in the herd. They discovered us 

 almost as soon as we reached the top of the bluff, a'hd 

 scampered off with a rumbling noise that seemed to make 

 the ground tremble. Each of us singled out a fat ani- 

 mal, which we endeavored to separate from the rest. Joe 

 succeeded in accomplishing this very soon. But I had 

 a long chase and a dangerous struggle, before I could 

 drive my cow from the herd. There is but one spot where 

 a buffalo may be mortally wounded at the first shot. This 

 vulnerable place is a few inches above the brisket, be- 

 hind the shoulder. I took a cautious aim and fired. The 

 buffalo was immediately brought to a stand, and I con- 

 cluded that the shot was a clean one, and that, as the 

 hunters have it, I had " thrown it in its tracks." After 

 the mortal wound is given, it is a great point to keep in 

 the rear of the fierce beast, as, unless it sees its enemy, 

 it will remain still. I was fortunate enough to keep from 

 its view, and while reloading could observe its efforts to 

 remain upright. It braced itself on its legs, swayed from 

 side to side, and stamped impatiently as it felt a grow- 

 ing weakness. It planted its limbs farther apart, but to 



