Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Life in the Northwest

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

  CHAPTER IX.

  THE BUFFALO HUNT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.

  During my captivity among the Indians, as stated in the last chapter,there was considerable suffering on account of the scarcity of food.The country to the north of Nebraska is the paradise of all species ofgame in the summer months, but during the winter the large animalsproceed to the southward, and the deep snows prevent the capture ofthe smaller ones, except by means of traps. Spring, therefore, waslooked forward to with eager expectation, as the harbinger ofenjoyment and the season of the chase.

  And it came at last. First, the sun grew hotter and blazed morefiercely; the snow became damp and cloggy, and the dripping of watercould be heard through the day and night. Snow-shoe traveling was nownearly impossible, as long as the thaw continued. Huge streams ofmelted snow poured into the rivers all along the banks, and the icebecame weaker and weaker each moment, till, at last, with a terrificcrashing and thundering, the whole mass started, and, a week after,the clear, blue running water only was seen. The thaw continued, untilat last all the snow had disappeared, and with feelings ofindescribable joy, we once more saw the face of the earth. Vegetationnow commenced with surprising growth, and, in an almost incredibleshort space of time, bright, radiant, glorious spring held indisputedreign. Indians were departing and arriving every day with loads offish, wild fowl, and game, and the village was a scene of unbridledfeasting for many a day.

  One forenoon, a savage, who had been absent a day or two, announcedthat a herd of buffaloes were quietly browsing a few miles to thesouthward. This produced violent commotion throughout the village, andpreparations were at once made for the grand hunt. Some twenty orthirty splendid Indian ponies were mounted by as many warriors, and,to my inexpressible delight, Jim informed me that I should accompanythem. A small, high-spirited animal was given me as my charger. He wasof a dark color, and his dappled haunches glistened in the sun likepolished ebony.

  About noon we sallied forth from the village, and struck a southwarddirection, restraining our animals to a walk, in order to preservetheir wind for the severe test at hand. While riding along by theside of Jim, the thought of escape--which had not been absent from mefor the last six months--came with double force. I was now mountedupon a fleet, long-winded animal, who could hold his own with anyhorse bestrode by the Indians, and what was to prevent my escape? Inthe bewilderment and excitement of the chase, I might wander milesaway, and be gone many hours, without exciting suspicion. My captors,I suppose, had no thoughts of my attempting a flight, as I hadpermitted so many opportunities to pass, and I felt there would be nosuspicious eyes watching my motions. The prairie stretched hundreds ofmiles to the southward, and it seemed my animal longed to bound awayupon it. At any rate, I felt the time had come, and resolved that Ishould never return to the Indian village a captive.

  An hour or so after, we came in sight of the drove, cropping the newgrass of the prairie. So numerous were they, that, as we looked overthem, it was impossible to see their extent. Far away, until theytouched the horizon, the ocean of dark, swarming bodies could be seen.

  Our animals now partook of the excitement of their masters. Archingtheir necks, they scented the prey afar, and it was nearly impossibleto restrain their impatience. They snorted, and plunged, champedtheir bits, and shook their heads, and seemed determined to rushforward despite all restraint.

  "Setting up a wild yell, the Indians scattered andplunged after them."]

  We continued stealthily approaching in a body, preserving strictsilence, in order not to alarm the game. In this way, we came within ahundred yards, when a bull raised his alarmed gaze at us, and, givinga loud snort, heaved his huge body round, and plunged madly into theherd. All took the alarm, and went thundering away, making the earthtremble with their multitudinous tread.

  It was now wholly useless to undertake to check our animals longer,and, setting up a wild yell, the Indians scattered and plunged afterthem. The buffalo is not a runner, and, owing to the shortness of hisfore-legs, appears to roll in his gait. The Indians' horses soon bringtheir riders alongside the bisons, and as soon as the shot is given,they shy off to avoid the infuriated animal's horns. Before I wasprepared for it, my animal was abreast of a buffalo, and waiting formy shot. Here I committed a blunder common to all beginners of thehunt. I fired while holding the reins in my hands. The consequencewas, my bullet struck the animal somewhere about the head, gotentangled in his mane, where it would drop out in a day or two. Myhorse immediately veered to one side, and allowed the buffalo to rununtil I could reload. I now saw my beast knew more of the chase than Idid, and dropping the rein upon his neck, allowed him full freedom.

  Cautiously, but rapidly, he came alongside the plunging buffalo, andtaking more care, I sent a bullet through the fore part of his body.It was his death-wound; and, seemingly conscious of his fate, anddetermined on revenge, he wheeled instantly round, drove his fore-feetinto the ground, and dropped his head to rip up my charger. Thismovement was so sudden, and we were so close upon him, that my horsecould neither check his speed nor turn to one side. But he avoided himfor all that. Dropping upon his haunches with a snort, he made aterrific bound upward and went clean over the buffalo. The maddenedanimal expected this, and plunged his horns upward at him, expectingto still kill him. The instinct of the horse was too much, however;he, too, feared such a fate, and leaped high enough to avoid him. Ashe came to the earth again, he plunged swiftly away, the enragedbuffalo in full pursuit; but he easily kept clear from him, wheelingand dodging, and still remaining nigh enough for me to give my shot.My gun was unloaded, and before I could charge it, the buffalo hadfallen to the earth and was fast dying.

  I now looked about me. Buffaloes were flying in every direction, andthe forms of the savages could be seen darting to and fro among them,dealing death and destruction at every turn. The main herd was pouringsimultaneously southward, while the scores which had been cut off,were endeavoring to rejoin them, carrying us along with them. Indifferent parts of the prairie could be seen the dark, motionlessforms of the slain buffaloes, showing how successful the chase hadbeen thus far.

  The sky, which in the morning was fair and clear, was now becomingovercast with heavy clouds, and two or three warning rumbles ofthunder were heard in the distance. Still, the savages were tooexcited to notice the interruption, as long as a single buffaloremained. I saw Jim plunge his horse unhesitatingly into a crowd of adozen or so, when, as he commenced dealing destruction, his horsebecame entangled, and he was compelled to make a flying leap over thebacks of the animals around him. This he accomplished successfully,leaping from one back to the other, until he was clear of them all.

  Suddenly, it occurred to me, while holding my fiery horse, that if Imeditated escape it was high time to be about it. Turning to thesouthward, I could just descry the drove thundering away, a vast cloudof dust circling above them. The rein was dropped upon the neck of myhorse, and, stretching out his head, he bounded away like the wind. Hewas a noble animal, and was now in his element. He enjoyed the chaseas much as any of the savages; and, as mile after mile of prairie flewbeneath his feet, he was only warming into the excitement. As I lookedback, I could just discern the Indians, like specks in the distance,still at their bloody work.

  We were now at no great distance from the herd, and my horse catchingsight of an old worried bull, somewhat in the rear, instantly madetoward him. He was too jaded to hasten his pace, and I could see hisfury was roused. I prepared to shoot him, as it would go to show mypursuers, if I should have any, that the excitement of the chase hadalone carried me away. While yet some distance, he shied to one side,and turned his head warningly toward us, but without halting. Thehorse, however, finding that I still restrained my shot, continued tobring me closer. At last, the bison struck into a swifter run, andmade desperate efforts to rejoin his companions. In an instant I wasbeside him, and holding my gun to my shoulder, was just on the pointof firing, when he suddenly stood at bay, in precisely the same manneras the other. My horse, ins
tead of making a running leap this time,stopped instantaneously, planting his feet firmly in the ground. I wasnot prepared for this, and shot a dozen feet over his head, fallingupon my face within a foot of the buffalo. The shock was terrible, andI was severely injured. I endeavored to rise, fearing that I should begored and trampled to death, but was unable, and heard the buffaloscampering away. I placed my hand to my face, and found it coveredwith blood, and a strange bewilderment was coming over me. I arose tomy knees, and gazed about me. The buffalo was plunging in the rear ofhis drove, while my horse was galloping wildly around me, his mane andbridle flying in the wind. I heard the bursting of thunder overhead,and everything was growing dark and confused. I tried again to rise,but failed. There was a thick darkness about me, a heavy hand pressingme to the earth, and all become chaotic.

  When consciousness returned, all was blank darkness. The rain waspouring down in torrents, and, stunned and bleeding, I lay on thesoaked, cold, spongy earth. Gradually, the remembrance of mymisfortune came over me. I must have been lying several hours upon theprairie, exposed to the cold, dismal storm. My clothes were saturatedwith the chilling rain, and my face and hands bedabbled with mud anddirt.

  I struggled desperately to my feet, and endeavored to pierce theStygian gloom around; but it was useless; not the smallest point ofthe faintest light could be seen in any direction. Up, down, on everyhand, the same solid walls of darkness enveloped me. I was many milesfrom the Indian village, and had lost its direction. At that moment, Iwould have given worlds to have been within Jim's lodge. Flight, in mypresent condition, was not to be thought of, and I must soon receivesuccor or I should perish.

  I listened. In the dismal sweep of the rain something like a footstepwas heard. I called out, but there was no reply. Again the splash of afoot was heard, now from a different point. Soon I discovered someanimal was walking around me in a circle. Feeling round in the spongyprairie, I found my rifle, but it was useless as a means of defense,as the charge was thoroughly wetted. I clubbed it, and waited for theattack. Still around and around the same step went. At first I fondlyhoped it might be Jim, or one of his companions, but its footfallshowed it to be a quadruped, and its approach was too cautious.Suddenly it halted and walked directly toward me. I drew my rifleback, ready to brain it the minute it was within my reach. A faintneigh was heard--joy inexpressible! it was my faithful horse. As Icalled to him, he approached, and lowered his head for me to take hisbridle. With a feeling of deep thankfulness and hope, I clambered intothe saddle, and he bounded away, his unerring instinct leading himstraight toward home.

  The rain continued to beat, cold and dismal, and I felt alreadyburning within me a hot, fiery fever, from the terrible suffering Ihad undergone. I should soon be prostrated, and without some kindlyhand to nurse me, would inevitably perish. But the horse was certain;and, after an hour or two, my heart leaped, as we entered the silentIndian village. But one light was burning, and that was in the lodgeof Jim, showing that he expected my return. I rode instantly up to theentrance and dismounted, while my noble horse made off to look outfor himself. Jim arose as he heard my approach, and, lifting historch, advanced to meet me.

  "You had long hunt--"

  He started back in horror at my appearance. Then, holding his lightover his head, and peering at me, he asked:

  "What de matter? Been in fight?"

  "No; I was thrown from my horse, and lay senseless upon the prairieuntil a short time ago. I feel bad, Jim, and fear I am severelyinjured," said I, starting to seat myself.

  "Wait minute; am hurt; let me fix 'em."

  He clapped his hands, and instantly the bundle of blankets at the sideof the lodge arose to an upright position, and his squaw walked forth.My wounds were now dressed, my garments changed for dry ones, and witha hot cup of drink, I was swathed in blankets, and placed by the fire.Jim said it was not far from morning, and if at that time I was worse,he would call in the Medicine Man.

  All night the fever burned and raged, and when morning came I waspartially delirious. Jim examined my pulse, shook his head doubtingly,and departed from the lodge. In a short time he returned, and with himcame the Medicine Man, an Indian considerably advanced in years, andmuch loved and honored by his tribe. He, too, looked grave, and helda consultation in an undertone with Jim. From these signs, I knew Iwas dangerously, probably fatally injured.

  And now came days of those strange, indescribable visions that comeover one in high fever. I was in all imaginable places, and sawwonderful persons and scenes. Now and then, there were moments whenreason flitted to its throne. At such times I saw the Medicine Man orJim near me; and once, as I wonderingly opened my eyes, I saw themysterious captive bending over me. I looked straight into her dark,liquid eyes, and reached forth and touched her garment, to satisfymyself that it was no freak of mind. My fixed stare alarmed her, andshe looked inquiringly at the Medicine Man. He mumbled something, andshe departed.

  About a week after my accident, as I subsequently learned, I awokewith my full reason. As I looked wonderingly about me, the firstobject that encountered my eyes was the captive to whom I havealluded. My fixed stare at her seemed to alarm her, and she arose topass out.

  "Wait," said I; "pray do not leave me."

  "But you should not talk," she replied, much agitated; "the MedicineMan would not allow it; you will surely injure yourself."

  "You and the Medicine Man are both mistaken, if he thinks thus. I knowI have been sick and delirious, but my mind was never clearer than itis this instant, and I know a few moments' conversation cannot injureme. Let me beg you not to refuse me this, as I cannot tell whether theopportunity will ever again be offered."

  The being before me was much embarrassed, and for a moment hesitated,seemingly in doubt between duty and inclination. Seizing theopportunity, I urged my wish with greater fervor than ever. Finallyshe glanced furtively around, as though she expected to meet thetwinkling orbs of the Medicine Man, and then answered:

  "I cannot refuse your request, and yet it seems wrong that I shouldthus disobey the injunctions that were given for your good. What is itthat you wish to ask me?"

  "Am I out of danger?"

  "Not yet. You have been crazy for a long time, and more than once theMedicine Man has shaken his head in doubt when he looked upon you."

  "Have you not watched by me nearly all the time I have been thus?" Igazed full in her face as I uttered this question, and she dropped hereyes in confusion, as she replied:

  "I have assisted the Medicine Man several times as he wished me to,and I have done no more to you than I would to any one in similarcircumstances."

  "No, sweet being, I know you haven't," I exclaimed, in admiration;"your heart is open to any one. Who you are I know not, but I can seeyour race is similar to my own, and judge you to be a willing prisoneramong these Indians. Your image has long been before me, and I cannever forget your fair, angelic face. What first was merely _interest_upon my part, has grown into a stronger passion for you, though Ifear--"

  I paused as she suddenly arose to her feet, and raised her hand in awarning manner. Before I could ask the meaning of this, a shufflingstep was heard, and the next minute the Medicine Man made hisappearance. He gesticulated angrily toward her, and she passed quietlyout of the lodge. I followed her with my eyes, and as she reached thepassage way, she turned toward me with a look that told more thanwords.

  The Medicine Man evidently suspected what I had been doing; for Icould see he was excited, and mumbled continually to himself. Heforced a bitter, scalding drink into my mouth, which was soothing inits effects, and in a short time I slept.

  Now comes a long blank in my memory. After this incident, black nightshut around my mind. There is a faint recollection of again seeingJim and the Medicine Man bending over me, and the sweet pale face ofthe fair captive, and then again came utter oblivion.