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 bullI 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 straddle his legs 
to support his towering carcass. Carelessly I approached. 
The manner of the rider was infectious 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. 
3 
