The horsemen dashed upon the
bewildered buffaloes with the rapidity of thought almost, using their
lances and arrows with murderous effect. In the turmoil a cloud of dust
was raised which in part obscured those of the band who did not
immediately surround me. The excitement was intense, and soon all became
one immense blur, in which hunters and buffaloes were indiscriminately
mixed. I could see the Indians galloping their horses around the animals
and driving the whizzing arrows or long lances to the hearts of their
quarry.

My own pony had penetrated deep into the herd, and with a sagacity that
a long experience alone could develop, was laying his course straight
for an enormous bull that was flanking the herd. Had _my_ taste been
consulted, I should certainly have declined to try conclusions with such
an ugly customer, but there was no avoiding the encounter, and,
selecting an arrow, I drew my bow and waited a favorable opportunity to
send it through the bison.

On sped the pony, and in a few moments I was brushing the flank of the
buffalo. At a glance I saw that he had been wounded and was tearing
along, blind with rage. I let fly my arrow, which pierced his neck; its
effect was only to increase his fury, and, wheeling round, he rushed on
me with savage desperation. Never can I forget the sight as he bore down
upon us. Infuriated with the wounds already received, his shaggy mane
partly concealing his bloodshot eyes, and bellowing fiercely, he poised
his head for a final charge. My horse tried to escape the onslaught, but
we had penetrated into the main body, and our actions were impeded by
the other buffaloes.

I concluded our destruction was inevitable, but, as a last resort, I had
determined to leap to the ground and trust to luck to lead me out of
this dilemma.

As I was preparing to dismount, a lance lying upon the ground caught my
sight, and I instantly changed my resolution. If I could secure the
weapon all might yet be well. I determined to make the effort at all
hazards, and throwing my arm into the sling that depended from the neck
of my horse, I swung lightly from his back, and hanging by my arm and
foot, made ready to grasp the lance with my disengaged arm. As we swept
along I succeeded in securing it, and reseating myself, prepared to
drive it deep into the side of the enraged bull. I had scarcely time to
poise the instrument when the buffalo charged down on us like a
whirlwind. Bracing myself as be