umbers
increased every moment, strove to drive the luckless herd of buffaloes
that had chanced to fall in their way. The task was easy. The
unsuspecting animals, of which there were hundreds, rushed in a dense
mass upon the cape referred to. On they came with irresistible
impetuosity, bellowing furiously, while their hoofs thundered on the
turf with the muffled continuous roar of a distant, but mighty
cataract--the Indians, meanwhile, urging them on by hideous yell and
frantic gesture.

The advance-guard came bounding madly to the edge of the precipice.
Here they stopped short, and gazed affrighted at the gulf below. It was
but for a moment. The irresistible momentum of the flying mass behind
pushed them over. Down they came, absolutely a living cataract, upon
the rocks below. Some struck on the projecting rocks in the descent,
and their bodies were dashed almost in pieces, while their blood spurted
out in showers. Others leaped from rock to rock with awful bounds,
until, losing their foot-hold, they fell headlong, while others
descended sheer down into the sweltering mass that lay shattered at the
base of the cliffs.

Dick Varley and his dog remained rooted to the rock, as they gazed at
the sickening sight, as if petrified. Scarce fifty of that noble herd
of buffaloes escaped the awful leap, but they escaped only to fall
before the arrows of their ruthless pursuers. Dick had often heard of
this tendency of the Indians, where buffaloes were very numerous, to
drive them over precipices in mere wanton sport and cruelty, but he had
never seen it until now, and the sight filled his soul with horror. It
was not until the din and tumult of the perishing herd and the shrill
yells of the Indians had almost died away that he turned to quit the
spot. But the instant he did so another shout was raised. The savages
had observed him, and were seen galloping along the cliffs towards the
head of the gorge, with the obvious intention of gaining the other side
and capturing him. Dick sprang on Charlie's back, and the next instant
was flying down the valley towards the camp.

He did not, however, fear being overtaken, for the gorge could not be
crossed, and the way round the head of it was long and rugged; but he
was anxious to alarm the camp as quickly as possible, so that they might
have time to call in the more distant trappers and make preparations for
defence.

"Where away now, youngster," inquired Cameron, emergi