I rode through here with some soldierslast fall, an
know the country.
Ill go back to camp, hitchup a wagon, an try to
come back across the river. Long he gazed, andfelt that he would never forget his
first sight of a buffalo herd. Plowingcorn or pitching wheat, jobs he had imagined
were hard work, paledinto insignificance. His big eyes were alight and heseemed to
look afar.
Interest reverted strongly to theproposed hunt to
begin on the morrow. Reckon we can rustle back to camp now, he said, throwing the
meaton the pile of hides in the wagon. After thismoment he thoughtfully went on
eating his breakfast.
Thats easy, an ought to be heaps of fun, said
Burn.
They appeared to be running backinto the gray
expanse.
Thenshe bade him good night, and turning away,
vanished in the gloom ofthe grove. Suddenly then he was thrilled by gun-shots. From
what I can gather therellbe a lot of hustlin an movin when we strike the herds
ofbuffalo. Were a little farthersouth than Ive hunted.
Reckon theres your buffalo, said the scout. Tom
gazedat the circle of quiet faces with more realization and kindness.
I hope the horse Ive got to buy will be like
him,replied Tom.
On clearmornings a gray heave of higher ground
appeared to the south.
Tom abruptly started off, leading the animal.
Harness and collars were hung upon the front wheels.
This bunch of buffalo is hanginalong the river.
When theyrun off, chase them, an shoot from your horses.
Forthwith he grasped his ripping knife andproceeded
to try following instructions given him.
A halt was calledin a grove of elm trees that had
long appealed to Toms eye.
After supper Hudnall called the men aside for the
purpose ofconsultation.