the buffalo farther to the east had made a
great inroad upon our time, and spoiled all our calculations. Now that
we had found them, a week was as much as we could allow for their hunt.
Already frost appeared in the night hours, and made us uncomfortable
enough, and we knew that in the prairie region the transition from
autumn to winter is often sudden and unexpected.

The oldest and wisest of the party were of the opinion that we should
not delay our return longer than a week, and the others assented to it.
The guides gave the same advice, although these cared little about
wintering on the prairie, and were willing to remain as long as we
pleased. We knew, however, that the hardships to which we should be
subjected would not be relished by several of the party, and it would be
better for all to get back to the settlements before the setting in of
severe weather.

I have said we were all in high spirits. A week's hunting, with
something to do at it every day, would satisfy us. We should do immense
slaughter on the buffalo, by approaching, running, and surrounding them.
We should collect a quantity of the best meat, jerk and dry it over the
fire, load our waggon with that, and with a large number of robes and
horns as trophies, should go back in triumph to the settlements. Such
were our pleasant anticipations.

I am sorry to say that these anticipations were never realised--not one
of them. When we reached the nearest settlement, which happened, about
six weeks after, our party presented an appearance that differed as much
from a triumphal procession as could well be imagined. One and all of
us were afoot. One and all of us--even to the fat little doctor--were
emaciated, ragged, foot-sore, frost-bitten, and little better than half
alive. We had a number of buffalo-skins with us it is true, but these
hung about our shoulders, and were for use, and not show. They had
served us for weeks for beds and blankets by night, and for great coats
under the fierce winter rains. But I anticipate. Let us return to our
camp on the little creek.

I have said that we sat around the blazing fire discussing our future
plans, and enjoying the future by anticipation. The hours passed
rapidly on, and while thus engaged night came down upon us.

At this time some one advised that we should bring up the horses, but
another said it would be as well to let them browse a while longer, as
the grass where they were was good, and th