wed the
ground, and kept making feints of dashing at their approaching enemies,
who rode towards them at a good pace.

"I don't want you to listen, my lad," said Joses; "I want you to get
down and walk right up to the buffler bulls there, and try and lay hold
of their horns."

"Walk up to them?" cried Bart. "Why, I was just thinking that if we
don't turn and gallop off, they'll trample us down."

"Not they, my lad," replied Joses. "I know 'em better than that."

"Why, they rushed right over us at the camp."

"Yes, because they were on the stampede, and couldn't stop themselves.
If they had seen us sooner they'd have gone off to the right, or left.
As for those in front, if they charge, it will be away from where they
can see a man."

"But if I got down and walked towards them, the bulls would come at me,"
cried Bart.

"Not they, I tell you, my lad; and I should like to see you show your
pluck by getting down and walking up to them. It would be about the
best lesson in buffler you ever had."

"But they might charge me, Joses," said Bart, uneasily.

"Did I tell you right about 'em before," said Joses, "or did I tell you
wrong, my lad?"

"You told me right; but you might be wrong about them here."

"You let me alone for that," replied Joses, gruffly. "I know what I'm
saying. Now, then, will you get down and walk up to 'em, or must I?"

"If you'll tell me that I may do such a thing, I'll go up to them," said
Bart, slowly.

"Then I do tell you, my lad, and wouldn't send you if it wasn't safe.
You ought to know that. Now, then, will you go?"

For answer Bart slipped off his horse and cocked his rifle.

"Don't shoot till they're turning round, my lad," said Joses; "and then
give it to that big young bull in the middle there. He's a fine one,
and we must have meat for the camp."

"But it seems a pity; he looks such a brave fellow," said Bart.

"Never mind; shoot him. All the other bulls will be precious glad, for
he's the tyrant of the herd, and leads them a pretty life. Now then, on
you go."

They were now some sixty yards from the herd, and no sooner did Bart
take a step forward than Joses leaped lightly from his horse, and rested
his rifle over the saddle ready for a sure shot when he should see his
chance.

Bart tried to put on a bold front, but he felt very nervous, and walked
cautiously towards the herd, where ten or a dozen bulls faced him, and
now seemed to be furious, snorting and stam