Irishman."

But the captain maintained a grave and austere countenance. He mounted
his led horse, however, though very slowly; and we set out at a trot.
The game appeared about three miles distant. As we proceeded the captain
made various remarks of doubt and indecision; and at length declared he
would have nothing to do with such a breakneck business; protesting that
he had ridden plenty of steeple-chases in his day, but he never knew
what riding was till he found himself behind a band of buffalo day
before yesterday. "I am convinced," said the captain, "that, 'running'
is out of the question.* Take my advice now and don't attempt it. It's
dangerous, and of no use at all."

*The method of hunting called "running" consists in
attacking the buffalo on horseback and shooting him with
bullets or arrows when at full-speed. In "approaching," the
hunter conceals himself and crawls on the ground toward the
game, or lies in wait to kill them.

"Then why did you come out with us? What do you mean to do?"

"I shall 'approach,'" replied the captain.

"You don't mean to 'approach' with your pistols, do you? We have all of
us left our rifles in the wagons."

The captain seemed staggered at the suggestion. In his characteristic
indecision, at setting out, pistols, rifles, "running" and "approaching"
were mingled in an inextricable medley in his brain. He trotted on in
silence between us for a while; but at length he dropped behind and