her, and then meeting
head to head with such force that each time their skulls cracked as
though both had been broken by the terrible concussion. The hunter
waited until one of the largest, and apparently the whitest of them,
came very near; and then, taking aim behind the fore-shoulder, fired.
The huge animal was seen to tumble over; while the others, hearing the
shot, or scenting the presence of an enemy, immediately left off their
contest; and, breaking through the willows, scrambled up the ridge
toward the open prairie.

Without waiting to look after the one that he had fired at, Basil ran
toward his horse--which, at his call, was already galloping to meet him.
Francois and Lucien were now in pursuit of the flying herd; and Basil,
hastily mounting, followed after. In a few minutes the three were side
by side with the buffaloes; and then could be heard the cracking of guns
and pistols until the weapons of all were empty; but, although not a
shot had missed hitting the animals, the latter continued to gallop on,
as though none of them had been hurt! Before the hunters could reload,
they had the mortification to see the whole band far off upon the
prairie, and running as briskly as ever!

Seeing that there would be no chance to come up with them again, they
all turned their horses, and commenced riding back to make sure of the
one which Basil had knocked over by his first shot. He was still in the
valley they knew, and as they had all seen him lying prostrate, they
felt certain they had secured one at least, and that was all they
wanted.

On reaching the ridge that overlooked the valley, what was their
surprise to see the buffalo once more upon his feet, and surrounded by a
score of snapping, snarling wolves! These were rushing upon him from
all sides at once; while the wounded bull was turning briskly about, and
endeavouring to keep them at bay with his horns. Some of the wolves
were seen stretched out on the ground--to all appearance dead--while
their companions kept up the attack with unrelenting fury. The eyes of
the buffalo flashed fire, as, wheeling round and round, he endeavoured
to keep his assailants in front of him.

It was evident, however, that the wolves were gaining upon him; and, had
they been left to themselves, would soon have brought him down. Our
hunters at first thought of allowing them to accomplish this feat; when
all at once it occurred to them that, if they did so, the _skin might be