CHAPTER XX.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 202, 28 August 1886, Page 3

CHAPTER XX.

A BUFFALO HUNT,

" Hurbah 1 Oscar, hurrah ! This is noblo hunting ground, isn't it '! What would the deer fellows of the Adirondacks Bay to such game as this ? There's ton thousand if thore's one."

" And whero bisons are plenty, lookout for tho Comanchos, John. I do beliovo you've beon longing, all through tho journey, for tho sight of a red ekin ; just to show your prowess boforo Miss Bella, you know "

"Pshaw ! Oscar, I've got sense onough left to bb thankful that tho ladies havo oscaped, thus far, any serious dangers. Come, confess that this is magnificent."

It waa magnificent tho whole scono ; and the gay speakor, with the party to which 110 belonged made a handsomo part of it. Thoy stood in the midet of a boundless prairie; To east of thoiii roso a lino river, a broad and sparkling bolt of blue, lighted with silver ripplos ; far in tho north a lino of mountaina'roso against tho purple-bluosky ; td tho west and south illimitable prairios stretched away liko an omerald ocoan, tho fall grass of which dimplod in tho wind liko voritable wavos. Millions of gorgeous tlowera lashed in thoir risp and fall as if thoao waves were costing back iridescent reflections of the light ; tho air was full of their perfumes, whilo tho hoaven above was bluo and calm with tho intonso ropose of a Southorn summer day. Sovoral miles dis tant, but eoeming nonror from tho level character of .the ground and tho ci ystal clearness of tho air, a gigantic herd of buffaloes gallopod uncouthly by, with fiorco snorts and unearthly hollows, shaking tho earth with thoir multitudinous hoofs :

These herds of mighty buinilojß

Tiample tho yellow grasß; The tremble ot their rushing Doth like nn earthquake pubs ; Tno wind-waved i r.urio rides 'Hound Ui-rir unwieldy sldoa ; Ai their manes Moat -lid und rough. And tho air they loudly snuff, Thoy seem swlniuiiug in a aca of grata And broaiting waves ot gold."

A small party of mounted men, surrounding two ladios, and accompanied by quite a number of pack-mules, and two stoutwheoled waggons, had reinod in thoir horses to enjoy tho picturesque aspect of tho scene as the herd went thundering by. It was now to somo of them, to others no novelty; but all pausod in obedienco to their loader's command.

This party, as our readers havo already inferred, was John Harris' expedition to tho Isabella Gold Minos, which had set out nt nearly tho appointed time, having boon delayed but a day or two by tho sudden decision of Mrs Jardine to accompany it. It had left San Francisco in a small but swiftsailing and trim vossnl, in which a tasteful littlo Btato-room had beon fitted up for tbo two ladios, tho gentlemen and Anatole occupying tho cubin at night, wbero tho delicate child had tho sofa and the two mon slopt on the floor, the wholo placo boing only largo onough, as John said, to swing a cat in. Thoy had sailed down tho coast, and roturned up the Gulf of California until thoy camo to an obscure harbour—a little inlet whose shores wore totally uninhabited, in tho northorn part of Mexico—where thoy disembarked their horses, muloa, two waggons, provisions, woapons, mining implements, and themselves. Bonding tho vessel back, and striking directly, as tho lay of the land would allow, for tbe mountainous region whore lay hidden tho wonderfully rich mines which wore to make tho fortunes of all concerned.

They had now beon travelling ton dnyß sinco leaving the coast, thoir progress being necessarily slow, through a wild country, and the mules heavily ladon, whilo the comfort of tho ladies had also to bo considered.

Thus for thoy had escapod without an advonturo, 6ave such small accidents as beset rough journeying and camp-Hfo. Ono of tho stout^ltttlo army-waggons had boon provided by John oxpressly for tho use of tho ladies whon they wore weary of tho saddlo ; but Miss Jardine had not once made use of this jolting luxury, except to sloop in it at night, ond her mother had rodo in it but half of two or threo days.

If any Indians or roving band 3of yollowskinned robbers had espied our party and secretly reconnoitred it, thoy had concluded not to attack and had novor shown themselves ; for it was a plucky little troup of fifty picked men—minors who had had experience in fighting as well as digging, and each ono carrying a rifle on his shoulder besides the knifo at his belt, and many having pistols in addition. Then our doughty captain had brought along a small field-piece, mounted and drawn by four stout mules. Ho did not anticipate having to use this on tho route, but ho felt that his mining camp, should the attention of the Mexican guerillas happen to bo drawn to it, was in danger of concerted attack, and ho designed to fortify it as well as he wasablo. Captain John and Lieutenant Oscar woro both dressed in semi-military stylo, their slouched soft hats with plumes in them, and thoir leather bolts flashing with a pair, each, of handsome revolvers and long sheath-knives, making them look very gallant iv Bolla's admiring eyes. Each of them wore, also, concealod from sight, undor their flannel blouse, a breat-t-plate of thick leather, tanned and beaten until it was noarly as hard as iron. This thoy wore as a guard against tho treacherous arrows of Indians which might be aimed ai them on the sly ; for, as they intended to ride alwayß at tho head, they felt that they Bhould occupy a position of danger, and that, naturally they would bo selected, as the chief of tho party, for tho target of every lurking rascal. There was also a young doctor in the party to whom Harris had offerod a handsome salary, and a bonus in tho shape of a small quantity of mining stock, to take charge, in a lump, of the health of his company. This doctor was delighted, not only with the liberal compenratiou, but with the prospect of adventures which lay before him.

As they stood watching tho herd galloping madly across, but at considerable diaance, they did not think it safe to approach any nearer the cumbrous croatures, which might trample tho whole party to earth, in their blind pursuit of thoir leader, should it cross their track.

The three gentlemen woro mounted on superb horses, largo, sinewy, young, strong, fiery animals, safe to trust in a race for life. Bella Jardine rode a small black jennet, fleet as tho wind, and powerful as a panther. She had reined it in at Harris' side, and he turned his glance from the splendid landscape, to rost it on her bright young faco, flushed with exerciso and tho ploasure of the Bight before hor. Novor had she been so lovely as during those fow days of rough travelling. It was true that she was a little tanned by the exposure; but her lips wore scarlet, her cheeks glowing, hor eyos a blaze of light, dangerous to look into too closely ; while her expression was constantly growing more womanly. Sho was no moro a little girl; she had begun to feel and to reflect; and her beautiful countenance revealod tho bowitching change. Hor black velvet riding hat was perfectly enchanting in the lustre it gave her sparkling oycs, and the long braids of golden hair which hung down hor back. Sbo, too, wore a pearl-handled knife, and a small revolver in her bolt; highly ornamented articles, but intended for use in case of extremest necessity. John had bought and presented them toher, and had given her many a lesson in pistolfiring during the voyage, so that sho no longer trembled when she pulled the trigger, and could come within a rod or two of hitting the object aimed at. John had laughed at hor, declaring ho would sooner be her target than in any other place, because then he should be certain to escape injury, until he had vexed her a trifle, and pride had steadied her nerves and straightened her sight, He thought it

was "awfully cunning" to see the style with which sho sat her fiery litllo animal, the pi.-tol glittering at her slender waist, her bright face beaming under tho shadow of her black hat. And it was ! Oscar admired her, too, exceedingly ; but not as tho captain did ; his heart was not his to be laid at the foot of tho young beauty. Oh, if Mr Romeyn had looked at her as Captain Harris was now looking, how her pulse would havo leaped, how hor lashes would have drooped ! But she minded tho adoration of her protector about as much as sho would havo tho faithful affection of n good dog. Mrs Jardine was reclining in her armywaggon, for she had tired of so much riding ; hor horse, saddled and roady for use, was lod by ono of the men. She raided bersolf from her cushions to look, with the others, at the stampede of buff-loos.

Anatole, who had gained in vigour evory day sinco leaving San Francisco, and who had something approaching to colour in his palo chooks, rode closo by his horo and favourite, Romeyn. His largo black eyes kindled, as he looked, with the fire of his brave little soul.

■' Would you liko a buffalo steak for tho noon maal, Miss Jardine?" inquired Captain Harris as the herd passed on at a lumbering gaUop miles away. "I should not disdain such a thing, by way of variety, captain. But don't ijou go, please," laying hor little band on bis arm in her anxiety. "We never feel safe with our loaders away. Lot a few of the men go." " Do you suppose I'm going to leave all tho glory to my followers, Miss Bella? I'll wager l'll bo tho first to bring down one of theso brutes. Como, doctor, lot us vary this monotony by killing a buffalo or two. We would all relish some fresh moat. And you, and you, and you," selecting three or four of his beat marksmen, " come on. To you, nontenant, I loave the duty of seeing that a space is cleared and a fire kindled by which to broil our gamo "

Away dashed Harris far in advance, followed by the doctor a.d tho man solected, his tall plumo flying straight back with the wind-like speod of his splendid animal. On ho sped, oagor in the chase ; but tho level ground and tho pure air had deceived him much in tho distance of the herd. After ho had ridden a mile or two ho scorned no ne.'iror than at first, while tho bisons woro running in a southerly dirootion, at full spood, as if something had startled them.

What had caused their alarm he did not pause to consldor. Ho hnd pledged him self to bo tho first to kill a buffalo, and he had promised Bella Jardine a broiled steak for her dinner, and his thoughts were concentrated upon keeping his word.

With a soft, coaxing cry, which it wdll know, ho urged on his ambitious horso, which flow at its utmost Bpeed, until, after many miles of hard riding, he came upon a few stragglers of the main herd. So tall was the grass that it constantly brushod his stirrups, whilo tho flowors which woro crufthod undor foot sweotcnod the air.

Tho bisons wero Btill jogging along, at a lumbering gallop, apparently heedless of whoro thoy woro going, but urgod by th.t blind and furious fright which is so contagious among brutes.

Coming up alongsido ono of tho Btrngglers which had hardly got its growth, and therefore promised well for dining purposes, ho swung bis riflo into range with its foroshouldor and fired.

He had the pleasure of seoing it stumble, and finally fall, and was rushing up to finish it with his knife, whon a shrill whoop rang suddonly from boforo and all around him. It was so fiorco nnd triumphunt, arising bo unexpectedly that it made tho haircroep on bia bond, brave as ho was. Throwing a hasty glanco about him ho boheld, closing in upon him, and but a few rods away, a troop of mustangs, apparently riderless. "Comanchos !"

Ho comproliondod instantly that hanging from tho farthor side of each of theso tough littlo mustangs was ono of theso dreaded warriors.

His glanco as instantly assured him that tho doctor and his mon wore far bohind ; bo far as to be quite out of Bight, and that ho must rely for salvation, if a chanco for salvation romained, upon his.coolness and hie horse's spoed. Hardly had ho detected tho presence of tho mustangs when from bohind each ono roso up a Comancho, and a perfoct shower of arrows filled tho air. At least four struck his breast. Ho would havo boon a dead man that moment had it not boon for tho breast-plato of hide undor his blouse. His horso gavo a shrill cry and ho inforrod that it was wounded : if so, it only urged tho gallant croaturo to more stronuous effort. Ho bounded forward. Ho fairly flow. Takin. tho diroction of tho party thoy had left. Harris had no need to urge his animal, nor ovon to guido him ; but looking back ho shot down the foremost of the pursuing savaces.

This brought tho others to a brief halt; for their arrows woro not of as long rango as tho rifle, and thoy woro afraid to press him too clorio. Still, it was a hundrod mon nftor ono, and his chancoa wero fow. _ gambler would not havo cared to bet on them I

Now ho como in sight of tho doctor's littlo party, whom ho warned in timo for them to turn before coining up with him, which was woll for them, sinco thoir horses wero ecarcoly equal to their captain's. Back thoy flow toward cump, whilo Harris still looked back, firing oach timo that ono of tho wily redskins gavo him tho smallest cbanco In this way ho dropped three along tho route. Some of theso rascals had been in trado with tho whites, and wero armed with guns and muakots and soven rifles ; or what was moro probablo, had stolen thorn from murdered soldiers and travellers ; but none of thoir weapons could comparo with John's, which was ono of tho now riflos of long rango, and in perfect order. But now ho had fired his last shot, and must depend on his rovolvors, which woro no protection from the arrows and guns of tho enomy ; who, soon comprehending that his rifle was exhausted, and that ho had no timo to reload, presaod closor with loud yells of triumph. His horse, too, which had partially tired itEolf in its pursuit of the buffaloos, bogan to flag ; but ho patted it, coaxod it, dug its spurs into its sides at last, and it made ono final effort which brought it up beside- tho flying doctor. " Give mo your riflo, doctor," " Not I. lam going to havo a shot at thorn."

Tho gallant dootor turned and dropped tho loador of tho howling warriors

Tho captain pressed on toward tho camp, which was now in sight. " The cannon ! tho cannon I" he shouted. "Indians !'

Tho faint echo of tho cry reached tho peacoful band, taking thoir noon-day sieao- and awaiting their broiled buff.lo. In a quarter of a miuute every man was on his horse ; ay, and women too.

Mrs Jardino and Bolla sprang into thoir saddles ; they were ordored to the roar, behind tho pack mules ; inglorious, but necessary. A long lino of armed men, mounted, with guns pointed, appeared as by magic, facing the triumphant savages, bearing down boldly in thoir belief that they had but six men to exterminate.

In tho centre of this line was somothing black on two wheols ; ac tho white men ridiog up, parted to got out of its way, fire, and sraoko, and thunder, belched from its mouth, and six or seven mustangs and their riders went sprawling into eternity.

This was a littlo too much for the precious red-skins. "Tit-for-tat" might be a good motto, but thoy had not been looking for its application to their caso. When the big-thunder on wheols had spoken, fifty good rifles opened firo, and fifty fresh horsos started nfter thoir jaded ones. Tbo hundred Comanchos were surprised. Moro, they wero Beared, Yes, for once, these human tigers were worsted. They beat an ignominious rotreat, They " wont back " on their own track, leaving it Btrewn with their doad.

In less than half an hour the men came back reporting all danger over, and the Indians in full retreat, far out of sight. More, they brought in the buffalo which Harris had slain.

But the captain's noble horse was dead ; he must have run at least eight miles after he was wounded. And the captain was not dead ; but he wa» wounded, also.

He knew nothing about it until he got into camp, having leaped from his horso a 8 it staggereid and foil: and unable to join in the route, had walked forward to meet the ladios, who, with pale faces, advanced from behind the baggage to meet him.

" Oh, dear, dear! Lieutenant Romoyn has gone 1" cried Bella. " Not a man left to protect ua '"groaned Mrs Jardine.

•You are safe enough, ladies. You would have despised my lieutenant had he not gone, I am sure," " Oh no, I wouldn't !" exclaimed Bella. " But how white you aro, Captain Harris, Ah-h ! there's blood 1"

She looked as if she would faint, as she pointed" to his wrist. Turning his attention that way he discovered that a " crimson tide " waß indeed slowly flowing down his arm ; and that the white cuff under his blue flannel sleeve was

soaked. At the same timo he bocame con. scious of a dull pain just abovo tho elbow. There was a round hole in his shirt at that spot. _ _ " I do believe those rascals did hit me 1 he said ; and then, feoling somewhat weak after his mighty exertions, he Bat down on a pack of goods, and allowed Bella to run for Borne water, which she afterward applied to his lips in a cup, and to his forehead with her own cool, soft little hand, which made John almost glad that he was hurt. Mrs Jardine tied hor handkerchiei tightly over tho wound, to stanch tho bleeding ; and then all three awaited the return of the mon as patiently a3 thoy might. Aftor the captain had first Btarted for the bisons, Bella had dismounted to rest ; and bad emp'oyed hor time making a lovely, fantastic wreath of the wild flowers which sho pulled from their stalks whoro she sat, and afterwards plaoed on hor brow ; having laid aside hor warm riding-hat, she forgot all about her wreath and was still wearing it, while she was tending poor John, who thought nothing at all of his arm, but all the time of what an angel she was.

However, as we have said, the men were soon back, and with them the doctor, who cut off his captain's sleeve and dressed his wound without much ado.

"Gun shot," he said : " woll for you it wasn't one of those poisoned arrows which killod youi poor horse. Fleshy part of tho arm—no leading tondon injured—soon heal if your blood is good, and I think it is. 'Twas a mighty tender, fine young buffalo you slow ; a bit of tho meat will be good for you ; and to-night you must have some broth."

He made so light of the wound, and so did John, that Romoyn, who had beon terribly nervous about it, calmed down and ate his dinner with a good appotite, as did the two lad;*-.

When it was concluded, council was held, and it was determined not to resume travel that day, as the horses were tired, men ditto ; the captain needed rest, and this was a good placo to take it. So the doctor put some bison tea to simmer for his patient, and Lieutenant Romeyn, acting in his captain's place—who was "laying off," and being made much of by Anatole and Bella —gave ordors to the men to reload their cannon and other firearms, and ostablieh a pickot about tha camp, to have everything in order in case of a surprise. " Thoso rod dovila will not trouble us again," remarked the doctor. " Don't you beliovo it," said tho captain. " Why, they were frightened out of their five senses."

" Thoy will recover them in duo time, and they will thirst for revenge They will not att.ck us openly again. Still, they are at least eighty to our fifty, and their palms will itch after our pack-mulos. They will attempt to run them off; see if they don't. Look for a surprise to-night." '' Do you think thoso Comanches will come back to-night?" asked Mrs Jardine, absently, pulling at tho grass about her. Tho captain looked into Bella's wide-open eyes -. "I hope not," ho said, carelessly; then whispered whon she had looked away: " But 1 am almost certain of it."

His warning, given many times to bis officers and men, was :

" Look out for a night attack !" \(To be Continued.)