ods of buffalo-hunting, such as pursuing them in the
snow, when the hunters in their snow-shoes easily overtake and slaughter
them. Some Mexican buffalo-hunters (in the southern prairies called
"ciboleros") capture the buffalo with the lasso; but this method is not
often practised, except when they wish to catch the young calves alive
for the purpose of raising them.

Now, all these methods were familiar to our three young hunters--that
is, familiar from descriptions--as they had often heard about them from
old trappers who came down among the settlements of Louisiana, and who
sometimes spent the night under their father's roof--for the Colonel
liked very much to entertain these old trappers, and get a talk out of
them. It was from this source then, that Francois derived his ideas of
buffalo-hunting, which led him in the pride of his knowledge to exclaim,
"Run them, of course."

Basil and Lucien took a little time to consider it, all the while
keeping their eyes fixed upon the three buffaloes. There was just one
a-piece, which they could separate, and run down--they were far from any
cover, and it might therefore be difficult to "approach" them--moreover
the horses were fresh, for the day before had been Sunday, and our
adventurers had always made it a rule to lie by on that day, to rest
both themselves and their animals. This they did in accordance with a
command given to them by their father at starting. All things
considered, then, "running" was the best plan, and it was the one they
resolved to adopt.

Jeanette was tied to a tree, and left behind with her packs, that had
not yet been taken off. Marengo, of course, was taken along with them,
as he might prove useful in pulling down one of the old bulls if
wounded. Everything that might encumber the hunters was left with
Jeanette; and all three rode out upon the prairie, and made direct for
the animals. It was agreed that each should choose one of them, and
then do his best with gun and pistols. Francois had put buck-shot into
both barrels, and was full of confidence that he was about to "throw"
his first buffalo.

As they drew nearer, a lustrous appearance upon the bodies of the
strange animals attracted their attention. Were they buffaloes, after
all?

The brothers rode quietly onward, observing them with attention. No,
buffaloes they were not. The rough shaggy bodies of these would not
shine so, for they glittered in the sun as they moved about.