deal with. Instead of keeping quietly up the right side of
the valley, to get above the horses, the moment he saw them move toward
the river he broke out of the covert of woods and dashed furiously across
the plain in pursuit of them. This put an end to all system. The
half-breeds, and half a score of rangers, joined in the chase.

10. A way they all went over the green bank. In a moment or two the wild
horses reappeared, and came thundering down the valley, with Frenchman,
half-breeds, and rangers galloping and bellowing behind them. It was in
vain that the line drawn across the valley attempted to check and turn
back the fugitives; they were too hotly pressed by their pursuers: in
their panic they dashed through the line, and clattered down the plain.

11. The whole troop joined in the headlong chase, some of the rangers
without hats or caps, their hair flying about their ears, and others with
handkerchiefs tied round their heads. The buffaloes, which had been calmly
ruminating among the herbage, heaved up their huge forms, gazed for a
moment at the tempest that came scouring down the meadow, then turned and
took to heavy, rolling flight. They were soon overtaken; the promiscuous
throng were pressed together by the contracting sides of the valley, and
away they went, pellmell, hurry-skurry, wild buffalo, wild horse, wild
huntsman, with clang and clatter, and whoop and halloo, that made the
forests ring.

12. At length the buffaloes turned into a green brake, on the river bank,
while the horses dashed up a narrow defile of the hills, with their
pursuers close to their heels. Beatte passed several of them, having fixed
his eye upon a fine Pawnee horse that had his ears slit and saddle marks
upon his back. He pressed him gallantly, but lost him in the woods.

13. Among the wild horses was a fine black mare, which in scrambling up
the defile tripped and fell. A young ranger sprang from his horse and
seized her by the mane and muzzle. Another ranger dismounted and came to
his assistance. The mare struggled fiercely, kicking and biting, and
striking with her fore feet, but a noose was slipped over her head, and
her struggles were in vain.

14. It was some time, however, before she gave over rearing and plunging,
and lashing out with her feet on every side. The two rangers then led her
along the valley, by two strong lariats, which enabled them to keep at a
sufficient distance on each side to be out of the reach of her h