The Triumphant Life of Theodore Roosevelt edited by J. Martin Miller

90 LIFE IN THE WEST
camp early in the morning, he set out with one companion
across a tract of the Bad Lands, and late in the afternoon
came across three male buffalo. After picketing their ponies,
the two men began to creep on hands and knees toward the
animals, and at length succeeded in getting within shooting
distance. This was the first time Mr. Roosevelt had ever shot
at a buffalo and, deceived by the size and shape of the ani-
mal, he made the mistake of aiming too far back, with the
result that, although he hit the beast, he only succeeded in
wounding him, and to his chagrin the three animals disap-
peared in a cloud of dust. Mounting their horses, they dashed
after the fleeing buffalo, and for several miles rode at a rapid
gait and soon had the satisfaction of seeing the three stop and
begin to graze. As the two men galloped toward them they
again dashed away. The ponies they had been riding were
completely jaded, but they finally succeeded in getting within
a few yards of the wounded buffalo. Meanwhile the moon
had risen, and, what with the uncertain light and the rough
ground over which they were riding, it was almost impossible
to get a good shot. Nevertheless, the future President of the
United States fired, and, to his disappointment, missed. He
not only missed, but, to his surprise, the infuriated animal,
with a loud bellow, charged him with lowered horns. His
pony bolted and the rifle was knocked against his forehead,
cutting a terrible gash. The buffalo then turned his attention
to Mr. Roosevelt's companion, who made off on his tired
horse, shooting at the pursuing animal as he went. None of
the shots produced any effect, however, and, wearying of the
sport, the buffalo disappeared in the darkness and they saw
him no more.
Several days later he was more successful. Shortly after