32 THE LITTLE SANDY BUFFALO IN ABUNDANCE. 



willows upon the sloping bank. We cleared a space 

 about twenty-five feet square, and around its sides ex- 

 cept that of the stream planted a stout picketing of 

 the strongest willow branches we could find. At each 

 end farthest from the stream, we constructed a rude shed, 

 and made couches of our packs. The fire was kindled in 

 the centre of the camp. It was agreed that our mules 

 and Fondle should be brought within the pickets at night, 

 so that they might be more easily defended against the 

 savages and wolves. 



It was late, and the moon was high in the sky that 

 night before the camp was completed ; so tired were we, 

 that the sun was high above the prairie next morning, 

 before we opened our eyes. Joe was up and moving 

 about for some time before I awoke. His iron frame could 

 bear the brunt of many a day's severe toil. He wanted 

 but little rest, and was so constituted that he could take 

 that any where. Hardy as I was, I could not have 

 attempted to compete with this veteran hunter. 



Our breakfast was quickly dispatched ; for we saw 

 plenty of buffalo not far from camp, and we were " eager 

 for the fray." This day we resolved to try our skill at 

 what is called " still hunting" approaching the buffalo 

 on foot. The head of this animal is so thickly hung with 

 long, shaggy hair, that it is almost precluded from seeing 

 an object directly in its front ; and if the wind be against 



