ut they were afraid to go. The
visitor, therefore, compassionating the animal, although it had shown
itself his determined foe, went out into the yard. Here he found the
bull lying on its back; having, in its struggles to get free, almost
torn the ring through the gristle of its nose. No sooner did he appear
than the creature rose, and by its fawning actions showed how delighted
it was to obtain the companionship of a human being. Now quiet as a
lamb, it allowed the stranger to lead it into the stable; and the next
morning, when he went to visit it, it endeavoured to express its
gratitude by rubbing its nose against him.

From that day forward it always treated him as a friend, while it
remained as savage as before towards every one else.

There are times when the most savage hearts can be touched. Wait for
them, and then apply the soothing balm of gentleness.

THE FAITHFUL BUFFALO.

Ferocious in aspect as is the long hairy-skinned buffalo--or properly
the bison--of America, and savage when attacked, yet it is capable of
devoted affection towards its own kind.

A party of hunters were riding on the prairies, when two fine
buffalo-bulls were seen proceeding along the opposite side of a stream.
One of the hunters took aim at the nearest buffalo, which was crossing
with his haunches towards him. The ball broke the animal's right hip,
and he plunged away on three legs, the other hanging useless. The
hunter, leaping on his horse, put spurs to its flanks, and in three
minutes he and his companions were close on the bull. To his
astonishment, and the still greater surprise of two older hunters, the
unhurt bull stuck to his comrade's side without flinching. He fired
another shot, which took effect in the lungs of the first buffalo. The
second sheered off for a moment, but instantly returned to his friend.
The wounded buffalo became distressed, and slackened his pace. The
unwounded one not only retarded his, but coming to the rear of his
friend, stood with his head down, offering battle.

Here indeed was devotion! The sight was, to all three of the hunters, a
sublime one. They could no more have accepted the challenge of this
brave creature, than they could have smitten Damon at the side of
Pythias. The wounded buffalo ran on to the border of the next marsh,
and, in attempting to cross, fell headlong down the steep bank. Not
till that moment, when courage was useless, did his faithful companion
seek his own