e resumed our march.
We now found the timber islands became less frequent, and in half an
hour's ride we left them altogether behind, and rode for several miles
over an open plain. We saw timber ahead of us, and had approached within
about a mile of it when one of the runners or spies, about fifty of whom
were scouting ahead, came back and reported to the chief that they had
discovered a small herd of buffalo grazing upon a small prairie or sort
of natural clearing beyond the belt of woods.

Although we were well provided with dried meat, the prospect of fresh
buffalo steak was not unpleasing, and a hunt was at once determined
upon.

Halting the party Stonhawon directed the renegade to take his own band
and join the scouts ahead. Together the bands would constitute a hunting
party of about one hundred warriors, quite large enough for the
destruction of the small herd before us. As I had attached myself to the
band of Hissodecha, I found myself destined to take part in the
enterprise, and anticipated no little amusement and sport.

Riding forward cautiously until we reached the timber, which was a not
very dense chaparral, we rode slowly and silently through the bushes
until we encountered a number of scouts _cached_ in the thicket, and
evidently waiting for us.

"What is it Han-na-ta-mauh?" asked Hissodecha of the leader of the
scouts as they rode up.

The scout replied that they had found the fresh tracks of a small herd
of buffaloes, and on following them up had found the animals feeding
upon a small prairie beyond the chaparral in which we were concealed.
The renegade dismounted, and telling me to accompany him, walked forward
with the scout to the edge of the thicket. Peering cautiously through
the leaves, we had a full view of the open ground. The buffaloes were
upon the plain.

It was, as Hanatamauh had said, a small prairie about a mile and a half
in width, closed in on all sides by a thick chaparral. Near the center
was a _motte_ of heavy timber growing up from a dense underwood. A spur
of willows running out from the timber denoted the presence of water.

"There's a spring there," said the renegade, turning to me; "I have been
here before, and know the ground. How can we get at them?" he continued,
turning to the scout; "do you think we can approach them?"

"No," said Hanatamauh, "there is not cover enough; and besides, they are
getting further away from the bushes as they feed."

"What then?" asked