"They've stampeded!" he cried.
"Sounds like it. And the question is, which way are they going?"
That was speedily answered.
"Gee whillikens!" exclaimed Terry. "They're coming this way!"
A swell of the prairie had concealed all save the dust; but now atop the swell had appeared black dots, succeeded instantly by a long wave of solid black, as over and down surged the whole herd, covering the back trail and pouring on with astonishing, not to say alarming rapidity. The flanks extended widely; there was no time for escaping to one side or the other. In fact, the cart seemed to be right in the middle of the broad path.
Harry acted quickly.
"Watch the animals!" he ordered. "I'll tend to this end. Don't lose your head, Terry. We can split 'em."
He limped to the rear of the wagon. Terry ran back to Duke—and saw that Harry had jerked the shot-gun from where it was stowed, and was posted out behind the wagon. The crowded ranks of the buffalo were so close that the earth trembled. Jenny trembled, also, and Duke was pawing and staring side-ways. Shep, barking wildly, took refuge underneath the wagon.
Terry seized the whip, dropped by Harry, and threatened Duke from before.
"Steady, Duke! Jenny! Whoa! Whoa, now!"