the saddle and rode off in hopes of
finding something fresh for supper. The prairie where we had halted was
a "rolling" one, and as the camp had been fixed on a small stream,
between two great swells, it was not visible at any great distance. As
soon, therefore, as I had crossed one of the ridges, I was out of sight
of my companions. Trusting to the sky for my direction, I continued on.

After riding about a mile, I came upon buffalo "sign," consisting of
several circular holes in the ground, five or six feet in diameter,
known as buffalo wallows I saw at a glance that the sign was fresh.
There were several wallows; and I could tell by the tracks, in the dusk,
there had been bulls in that quarter. So I continued on in hopes of
getting a sight of the animals that had been wallowing.

Shortly after, I came to a place where the ground was ploughed up, as if
a drove of hogs had been rooting it. Here there had been a terrible
fight among the bulls--it was the rutting season, when such conflicts
occur. This augured well. Perhaps they are still in the neighbourhood,
reasoned I, as I gave the spur to my horse, and galloped forward with
more spirit.

I had ridden full five miles from camp, when my attention was attracted
by an odd noise ahead of me. There was a ridge in front that prevented
me from seeing what produced the noise; but I knew what it was--it was
the bellowing of a buffalo-bull.

At intervals, there were quick shocks, as of two hard substances coming
in violent contact with each other.

I mounted the ridge with caution, and looked over its crest. There was
a valley beyond; a cloud of dust was rising out of its bottom, and in
the midst of this I could distinguish two huge forms--dark and hirsute.

I saw at once that they were a pair of buffalo-bulls engaged in a fierce
fight. They were alone; there were no others in sight, either in the
valley or on the prairie beyond.

I did not halt longer than to see that the cap was on my rifle, and to
cock the piece. Occupied as the animals were, I did not imagine they
would heed me: or, if they should attempt flight, I knew I could easily
overtake one or other; so, without farther hesitation or precaution, I
rode towards them.

Contrary to my expectation, they both "winded" me, and started off. The
wind was blowing freshly towards them, and the sun had thrown my shadow
between them, so as to draw their attention.

They did not run, however, as if badly sc