the rein, we dashed after them. A thick cloud of dust hung upon
their rear, which filled my mouth and eyes and nearly smothered me.
In the midst of this I could see nothing, and the buffaloes were
not distinguishable until within thirty feet. They crowded together
more densely still, as I came upon them, and rushed along in such
a compact body that I could not obtain an entrance, the horse almost
leaping upon them.

"In a few moments the mass divided to the right and left, the horns
clattering with a noise heard above everything else, and my horse
darted into the opening. Five or six bulls charged on us as we
dashed along the line, but were left far behind. Singling out a
cow, I gave her my fire but struck too high. She gave a tremendous
leap and scoured on swifter than before. I reined up my horse,
and the band swept on like a torrent, and left the place quiet and
clear. Our chase had led us into dangerous ground. A prairie dog
village, so thickly settled that there were three or four holes
in twenty yards square, occupied the whole bottom for nearly two
miles in length."

The stirring buffalo hunt ended, the company advanced over the
prairie for more than twenty miles, and encamped on the banks of
a stream, where they enjoyed a fine feast on choice bison steaks.
While they were thus employed, the wolves were attracted thither by
the smell of broiling meat and prowled around camp, licking their
chops, impatient for the time when they would be permitted to gorge
themselves upon what should be left.

For several days there was little variation in the experience of
the explorers, and no special incident took place. At the junction