"Not much better, captain. I never would have dreamed of it, boys. And to think I couldn't get a smell of 'em when I was out looking 'em up," Benson said, shaking his head dubiously.
"This buffalo wasn't alone," said Darry. "The others went in that direction. You might follow them up."
"It wouldn't be any use now, lad. They are gone, and that's the end of it."
"We mustn't lose too much time," put in the young captain. "I must make the fort to-night, no matter what comes."
"But, Will, we can't leave this magnificent buffalo behind," pleaded his brother. "Darry and I will want the skin, and we'll want to mount the head and horns, eh, Darry?"
"To be sure."
"How long will it take to skin the beast, Benson?"
"An hour and over, if I want to make a good job of it," was the slow reply. "It's too nice a hide to ruin by quick cutting."
"Supposing I ride ahead then, and you follow with the boys as soon as you are ready?"
This was agreed to, and in a minute the young officer was off once more, urging his horse forward at the animal's best speed.