so close at their heels. The bull was one of those creatures that if
closely pressed would turn and charge the monster. He was not one to
continue a fruitless flight, no matter who or what was his pursuer.

The boy was not aware of this sturdy trait in the animal, nor did he
dream of anything like resistance.

So he steadily drew toward him, until within twenty yards, when he let
go of his controlling rod, and picked up the rifle beside him. A
bullet from this, he supposed, would kill any animal, however large,
no matter at what portion of his body he aimed.

So raising partly to his feet, and steadying himself as well as he
could, he aimed for the lumping haunch of the animal. The hall buried
itself in his flank, and so retarded his speed, that the next moment
the boy found himself beside him.

The instant this took place, the bull lowered his head, and without
further warning, charged full at the steam man.

The boy saw the danger, but too late to stave it off. His immense head
struck the rear of the monster with such momentum that he was lifted
fully a foot from the groundthe concussion sounding like the crack of
a pistol.

Fortunately the shock did not materially injure the machine, although
the frightened boy expected to be capsized and killed by the
infuriated buffalo.

The latter, when he had made his plunge, instantly drew back for