The captain ran with all his might and succeeded in reaching a tree, behind which he sheltered himself.
"Shoot him, Mole!" he cried. "You've a capital chance; let the brute have it, under the foreleg."
The professor fired, but with no better luck than the others; and the bull, having his attention diverted, took a survey of his new enemy.
Snorting again, he charged at the professor, who sprung to his feet, threw away his gun, and for want of a better weapon, opened his umbrella.
Probably the buffalo had never before seen this offshoot of civilization, for he was much alarmed.
Turning tail, he fled ignominiously from the field of battle, and was soon lost to sight.
"Bravo," cried the captain.
"Victory!" shouted Mr. Twinkle.
They emerged from their shelter and warmly congratulated the professor on his exploit.
"It was a happy thought," said Mole. "I will make a note of it. 'The buffalo, though impervious to bullets, will fly at the sight of an umbrella.'"