Part 24 (1/2)
Each of the boys brought around his rifle, which had been picked up on leaving the desperadoes' rendezvous, and saw that it was ready for use
”If we could only signal to the others!” suggested Darry ian Joe, when he gave a sudden start ”They see us! See, they are turning away!” he cried
Hardly had he spoken when Darry fired, aiest of the buffaloes Joe folloith a second shot, aimed at the same beast
Both bullets reached their ht foreleg
”We hit hiain!” And he started to reload with all speed
When struck the buffalo uttered a bellow of pain and went down on his knees But he quickly arose, and now caore them to death
Crack! It was Darry's rifle which spoke up, and the buffalo staggered, hit on the head, a glancing bloever, which did little dae
By this tiet a closer shot at the beast In the meantime the others of the herd had disappeared completely
Soon the buffalo was less than fifty yards off, and not daring to wait longer Joe took steady aim and let drive His rifle-barrel had been pointed at one of those glea the brain of the beast With a roar and a grunt the buffalo went down, tearing up a great patch of grass in his fall
”Hi! what's all the shooting about?” The cry came from Benson, as he rode down the trail at a breakneck speed, rifle ready for use
”A buffalo!” cried Darry
”A buffalo? Look out for yourselves”
”Yes, take care,” came from Captain Moore, as behind the old scout
”We've fixed hiood deal of pardonable pride
”Fixed hireat Jehosophat!” he roared ”Gone and shot a buffalo all by your lone selves! Or ot here?” he added suspiciously
”You wouldn't think he was dead, if you could have seen him come toward us,” said Darry
”But who shot him? I heard four shots”
”And every one of 'em went into the buffalo,” answered Joe ”Two for Darry and two for myself”
”But Joe finished him, with a shot in the eye,” said Darry quickly
”But Darry hit hi, and that lauess honors are even”
”Certainly re,” was Captain Moore's comment ”Old hunters couldn't do better, could they, Benson?”
”Not much better, captain I never would have dreaet a s 'e his head dubiously
”This buffalo wasn't alone,” said Darry ”The others went in that direction You ht follow theone, and that's the end of it”