ourselves," he observed.

I agreed. The Moor said nothing, but took the horses and sat down under
the shade of a tree. Perhaps he wanted to show us that we could not do
without him. Walking on over the uneven ground for about an eighth of a
mile, we reached a high ledge of rocks over which we scrambled, and from
its summit looked down on a wide plain, bordered on one side by the
lake, on the other by an open forest. A large herd of buffaloes--Nowell
said there were seventy or more--were lying down at about a quarter of a
mile from us in a wide marshy spot such as they delight to frequent.
Further off were other herds, scarcely discernible among the grass in
the distance. A few bulls were posted as guardians of the rest at a
little distance round the herd nearest to us. Not a breath of wind
rippled the calm surface of the lake. Scarcely had we shown our heads
above the ridge of the rock than the vigilant old scouts perceived us.
Instantly the whole herd started up, and gazed at us with astonishment,
wondering what were the intruders venturing into these solitudes. There
was no cover whatever between us and them, so that our only chance of
getting a shot was to advance boldly towards them. As we drew near, the
whole herd formed into close order, presenting a regular line like a
regiment of soldiers--most formidable-looking fellows they were--and had
not Nowell, who had often encountered them before, set me the example, I
certainly should not have ventured to face them in the way we did. The
buffalo of Ceylon and India is very different to the animal which is
called a buffalo in North America, but which is properly a bison. The
latter has an enormous head, with a long shaggy mane, and an oblong hump
on his back. The real buffalo has short legs for his great size, a
rough hard hide, and huge horns which he presses over his back when in
motion, so as to bring his eyes on a level with it, sticking out his
snout as far as possible in advance of his body. As we drew near, five
or six large bulls marched out from the main body, looking most
viciously at us as if intending to charge.

"Steady now, Marsden," sung out Nowell, "if we wish to get killed, we
shall try to run away; our safety depends on our advancing quietly. Do
not fire till I give the word. Single out the second from the right,
and aim at the middle of his head. I will take the centre one. Advance
at a trot. It will astonish them most."

On we wen