irits rose so high that Darry proposed a race. Joe was willing, and
away they went, along the well-defined trail, before either the young
officer or the old scout could stop them.

"They are full of life," said Joe's brother. "Let them go. We'll make
the fort to-night, even if they do tire the horses a bit."

"It's all right if they don't get into trouble," answered Benson.

On and on went the two lads, down something of a slope and then along a
level stretch. The bushes grew thick upon both sides, and here and there
were numerous wild flowers. At last they reached a glade rich with green
grass.

Joe was slightly ahead when he came to a sudden halt.

"Back, Darry!" he cried. "Get back behind the bushes."

"What's up?" queried his cousin, as he brought his steed to a
standstill.

"Buffaloes!"

"Buffaloes! Where?"

"Right around the cliff on our right. See, they are coming this way!
Here's luck."

Joe was right; they had come most unexpectedly upon a herd of seven
buffaloes. The shaggy beasts were all large and powerful-looking. They
were not in the least alarmed, and came toward the boys at a slow but
steady walk.

CHAPTER XX.

SOMETHING ABOUT WHITE OX.

"What shall we do, Joe; wait until your brother and old Benson come up?"
asked Darry, as they surveyed the approaching animals.

"I suppose we ought to wait," answered Joe. "But if they take alarm,
they'll be off in double-quick order, I am afraid."

Each of the boys brought around his rifle, which had been picked up on
leaving the desperadoes' rendezvous, and saw that it was ready for use.

"If we could only signal to the others!" suggested Darry impatiently.

"One of us might go back," began Joe, when he gave a sudden start. "They
see us! See, they are turning away!" he cried.

Hardly had he spoken when Darry fired, aiming at the largest of the
buffaloes. Joe followed, with a second shot, aimed at the same beast.
Both bullets reached their mark, and the animal was hit in the breast
and in the right foreleg.

"We hit him!" ejaculated Darry. "Let us fire at him again!" And he
started to reload with all speed.

When struck the buffalo uttered a bellow of pain and went down on his
knees. But he quickly arose, and now came straight for the boys, his
head down, as if to gore them to death.

Crack! It was Darry's rifle which spoke up, and the buffalo staggered,
hit on the head, a glancing blow, however, which did little damage.

By this ti