as they galloped lightly on, imbued with the same joyous feeling
that filled the hearts of their riders. The plains at this place were
more picturesque than in other parts, their uniformity being broken up
by numerous clumps of small trees and wild shrubbery, intermingled with
lakes and ponds of all sizes, which filled the hollows for miles
around--temporary sheets of water these, formed by the melting snow,
that told of winter now past and gone. Additional animation and life
was given to the scene by flocks of water-fowl, whose busy cry and
cackle in the water, or whirring motion in the air, gave such an idea of
joyousness in the brute creation as could not but strike a chord of
sympathy in the heart of man, and create a feeling of gratitude to the
Maker of man and beast. Although brilliant and warm, the sun, at least
during the first part of their ride, was by no means oppressive; so that
the equestrians stretched out at full gallop for many miles over the
prairie, round the lakes and through the bushes, ere their steeds showed
the smallest symptoms of warmth.

During the ride Kate took the lead, with Jacques on her left and Harry
on her right, while Charley brought up the rear, and conversed in a loud
key with all three. At length Kate began to think it was just possible
the horses might be growing wearied with the slapping pace, and checked
her steed; but this was not an easy matter, as the horse seemed to hold
quite a contrary opinion, and showed a desire not only to continue but
to increase its gallop--a propensity that induced Harry to lend his aid
by grasping the rein and compelling the animal to walk.

"That's a spirited horse, Kate," said Charley, as they ambled along;
"have you had him long?"

"No," replied Kate; "our father purchased him just a week before your
arrival, thinking that you would likely want a charger now and then. I
have only been on him once before.--Would he make a good buffalo-runner,
Jacques?"

"Yes, miss; he would make an uncommon good runner," answered the hunter,
as he regarded the animal with a critical glance--"at least if he don't
shy at a gunshot."

"I never tried his nerves in that way," said Kate, with a smile;
"perhaps he would shy at _that_. He has a good deal of spirit--oh, I do
dislike a lazy horse, and I do delight in a spirited one!" Kate gave
her horse a smart cut with the whip, half involuntarily, as she spoke.
In a moment it reared almost perpendicularly, and