was soon close in to the gang.

Ike and Redwood had at length got so close, that we were expecting every
moment to see the flash of their pieces. They were not so close,
however, as we in the distance fancied them to be.

Just at this moment we perceived another buffalo--a large bull--running
up behind them. He had just made his appearance over a ridge, and was
now on his way to join the herd. The decoys were directly in his way,
and these did not appear to see him until he had run almost between
them, so intent were they on watching the others. His intrusion,
however, evidently disconcerted them, spoiling their plans, while in the
very act of being carried into execution. They were, no doubt, a little
startled by the apparition of such a huge shaggy animal coming so
suddenly on them, for both started to their feet as if alarmed. Their
pieces blazed at the same time, and the intruder was seen rolling over
upon the plain.

But the _ruse_ was over. The bull that guarded the herd was witness to
this odd encounter, and bellowing a loud alarm to his companions, set
off at a lumbering gallop. All the rest followed as fast as their legs
would carry them.

Fortunately they ran, not directly from us, but in a line that inclined
to our left. By taking a diagonal course we might yet head them, and
without another word our whole party put to the spur, and sprang off
over the prairie.

It cost us a five-mile gallop before any of us came within shooting
distance; and only four of us did get so near--the naturalist, Besancon,
the Kentuckian, and myself. Our horses were well blown, but after a
good deal of encouragement we got them side by side with the flying
game.

Each one chose his own, and then delivered his shot at his best
convenience. The consequence was, that four of the cows were strewed
out along the path, and rewarded us for our hard gallop. The rest, on
account of saving our horses, were suffered to make their escape.

As we had now plenty of excellent meat, it was resolved to encamp again,
and remain for some time on that spot, until we had rested our horses
after their long journey, when we should make a fresh search for the
buffalo, and have another "run" or two out of them.

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE.

UNEXPECTED GUESTS.

We found Ike and Redwood bitterly angry at the bull they had slain.
They alleged that he had made a rush at them in coming up, and that was
why they had risen to their feet and