n of seeing them, there was a low rushing sound
in the distance as of wind--then a roar, ever increasing, until it was
like thunder; and then down came the vast herd of heavy animals,
surprising the boys at first by their number, so that they had nearly
all gone by before either of the brothers thought of firing.

Dick was the first to rouse himself from his surprise.

"Now then, Jack," he cried, as their horses stood motionless, watching
the passing drove; "fire at that slate-coloured bull. Now then, take
aim together--fire!"

The two rifle-shots pealed almost like one, and, to the delight of the
boys, they saw the young bull they had shot stagger forward on to its
knees, and then roll over upon its side.

"Hurray! First buffalo!" cried Jack; and together the boys cantered out
into the plain, when, to their intense astonishment, instead of the herd
continuing its flight, about a dozen bulls stopped short, stared at
them, pawed the ground, stuck up their tails, wheeled round, uttered a
fierce roar, and charged.

Even if the boys had felt disposed to meet their enemies with a couple
more shots, the cobs would not have stood still. They were well-broken,
and trusty; day by day they had seemed to gain confidence in their
riders, and they would stand perfectly still if their bridles were drawn
over their heads and allowed to trail upon the ground; while if Jack or
Dick liked to make a rifle-rest of their backs, they were perfectly
content, and stood as rigidly as if carved out of stone.

But there are bounds even to the confidence of a horse. When the little
steeds saw the fierce looks of the buffaloes, heard their angry
bellowings, and found that with waving tails, menacing horns, and hoofs
that seemed to thunder as they tore up the ground, the bulls were coming
nearer and nearer, and evidently with the full intent of burying those
sharp horns in their chests, Shoes and Stockings snorted violently,
turned round so suddenly that had not Jack and Dick been excellent
horsemen they would have been thrown, and tore away over the plain.

This was a reverse of circumstances; and naturally feeling startled at
such a change, their boys gave their horses their heads, sat well down,
and kept giving furtive glances behind to see if the bulls were gaining
upon them.

At the end of a few moments, though, it occurred to Dick that their
speed was greater than that of the buffaloes, and consequently that they
would have no dif