The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-01-06
A BUFFALO HUNT.

the month of October, that my friend,
bob Morton, and myself mounted our
horses and rode up the north bank of
the South Platte on pleasant hunt af-
ter bufaioes. You will understand that
the Platte River, at st. Vrain's, makes
a great bend-the river above the fort
running almost due north, and turning
almost due east at the foot We thought
we would ride up the river few miles,
and then, striking northwest into the
broad open prairie, where we should be
most likely to find our game, return by
a short cut across the prairie to the
fort; though it made little difference to
us whether we returned tonight or to-
morrow, as we were accustomed to
camping ont.
We rode up the river until almost
noon, seeing many deer and wolves-for
one could hardly ride through this tall
grass a mile without seeing them-yet,
as we were not looking after this kind
OF game, we paid no attention to them
until nearly noon, when, feeling some
what tired and hungry, Bob, who was an
excellent shot, killed fine buck; and,
dismounting, we made a most delicious
meal on the young tender vension.
Mounting, after dinner, we struck
northwest across the broad prairie,
where, with the exception of the tall
grass, there was not tree or shrub on
all that vast expanse, except along the
river bank.
1t was about four o'clock in the after
noon, just as we were beginning to
get discouraged, and we were thinking
of turning our horses heads towards
home, when we discovered the object of
our search. There were two buffaloes
quietly feeding on little rise of the
prairie-the first rise we had discovered
since leaving the river. We were now
many miles from where we had left the
river at noon, but hoped we were not
far from the foot by a direct course
across the prairie, though we did not
know how far, neither of us having been
out there before.
ssHurrah, Fred!" exclaimed Bob, put
ting spurs to his horse, and getting ex-
cited. "Now for some sport, and buf-
faloes' tongues for SUPPER" and away
we went at a reckless, break-neclz speed.
Our game was long distance off
when first discovered, and had disap-
peared over the rise of the prairie, and
was out of sight.
we agreed to separate as soon as we
reached the top of the ridge, and each
take our own game, and charge down
upon them, and capture both If possible.
AS we came dashing up to the top of
the hill, they discovered us, and imme-
diately took to flight. Bufaloes can
run very fast, Notwithstanding their
weight; they seem TO gather momentum
as they proceed. and are not easily run
down. We made our choice immediate
ly and gave pursuit.
My horse was feet, but the tall grass
tangled his feet, and [ had a long, hard
chase before I came up with my game.
L paid no attention to Bob; his game
had taken different direction from
mine, and we were soon widely separat-
ed.
After a hard chase, [ came near
enough, thought, to venture shot
perhaps, if did not kill him, L could
cripple him, and thus stop him some
what in his mad career. I brought my
rife to my shoulder quickly; but as
fired, my horse stumbled slightly, his
feet having become tangled in the grass,
I missed my aim, but struck the beast in
the shoulder instead of the heart; and
the ball being large, made terrible
wound, from which the blood flew in q
stream.
This maddened him and turning
quickly, he charged with terrible half
snort, and half roar, down upon me.
My horse was taken by surprise, and
frightened; and, in springing partly to
one side, as if to turn suddenly and fly
away from the mad creature, his feet
caught in the tangled grass, and he
fell, throwing me many feet over his
head.
The fall did not hurt me, and was on
my feet in an instant; but before Icould
reach my horse, he was up and bound
ing over the prairie, leaving me to my
fate.
had no time to think whether fam
c:ed the situation or not, for the mad
bull was upon me almost; and with a
look of despair after my flying horse, I
ran, I knew not whittier, but with an
instinct of self-preservation; all this hap
pened in an instant. I had hoped the
nnaddened creature would pursue my
horse; but not so-the buffalo knows
well who is his worst enemy. was feet
on foot, for had run for my life many
times; but the tall grass impeded my
progress, and knew I could hold out
but few moments.
I saw not the slightest chance for my
life. Here I was, upon this broad ocean
of prairie; Bob was, knew not where,
nor had time to look; the grass tangling
my feet, and taking away my strength,
and wounded buffalo within a few
yards of me, and gaining upon me with
every bound.
I thought of my revolver, and that ]
would sell my life rs dearly as possible.
Ialways carried it in my belt; and perhaps