XIV 
THE BUFFALO 
59 
I accordingly continued my approach until, when 
within about 50 yards, they condescended to observe 
me, and they at once resolved upon retreat ; but 
their strongly curved horns were hooked together 
in their combat, and when attempting a departure, 
they pulled in vain to disengage themselves, 
ranging side by side in their efforts to effect a 
separation. Seeing the opportunity, I fired exactly 
through the shoulder of the nearest bull, and it 
dropped dead upon *the spot, thus unlocking the 
horns and releasing its antagonist. This ran for 
a short distance, and then halting, it faced about, 
reeled to and fro for about a minute, with bloody 
foam issuing from its mouth, and rolled suddenly 
upon its side, dead. 
The 3-oz. bullet, with 16 drams of powder, had 
smashed both shoulders of the first bull, and passed 
clean through the body ; it had then entered behind 
the shoulder of the second bull, passed through 
the lungs, and was found just beneath the tough 
skin upon the opposite side, not much the worse 
for this extraordinary penetration. 
On another occasion, as a herd was crossing 
me at full speed, I fired at the shoulder of a large 
bull, and dropped it on the spot ; the herd con¬ 
tinued at a gallop, but presently a cow lagged 
behind, and stopped ; she reeled to the right and 
left, and fell dead, the bullet having passed com¬ 
pletely through her, after having perforated the 
bull. 
This large rifle was a wonderful performer, 
