Volume 1

A BUFFALO HUNT. 65
when behold! the bull fell on his side, stretched out his
legs, neck, and tail, and instantly expired—to my own great
satisfaction, but the sad disappointment of my companion.
Having plenty of meat in the camp we took only the
tongue, leaving the animal for the wolves and crows, of
which we saw many hovering around. Just as we mounted
we perceived a large herd of cows to the southward, moving
down to the river to drink. We rode toward them, and
having got under the bank, which was scarcely high enough
to conceal us, we kept on through the woods at full speed,
in hopes of intercepting them. But in this we failed ;
we
found they had drunk and returned to the meadows. No
time was to be lost ; we rode after them at full speed
through the woods which line the river. I was so anxious
to overtake them that I did not take proper care to avoid
the trees, and suddenly my right breast struck full upon the
point of an oak limb as thick as my wrist. Fortunately for
me it broke off. I had not time to examine the wound, but
cleared the woods and sighted the buffaloes, not more than
100 paces off. We gave our horses the rein, and were soon
up with the herd. The dust they raised almost blinded us,
having the wind ahead. My horse was none of the best
hunters ;
he was fleet, but timid in closing up with buffaloes.
I could only get a long shot, which fortunately knocked
over a bull. I looked round for my companion and saw
near the river, whipping his stubborn horse, which
him still
would not pursue the buffalo. I now examined my wound,
when I found the limb had gone through my jacket, vest,
below
and shirt, and penetrated the flesh half an inch, just
the right nipple. Desmarais having joined me, we took the
tongue of the animal only, although he was tolerably fat,
left him for the wolves to devour, and started homeward.
On our way we killed two more bulls.
On our return to camp we found all the men awaiting my
arrival. A council was held, when the chief informed me
of their intention of passing the winter near this river, where
there were bears.
They apprehended the danger was too