sprang like an arrow from a bow over the mighty ocean

of grass. The sun had just risen to send a flood of

golden glory over the scene, the horses were fresh, so

the elder hunters, gladdened by the beauty of all around

them, and inspired by the irresistible enthusiasm of

their young companion, gave the reins to the horses and

flew after him. It was a glorious gallop, that first

headlong dash over the boundless prairie of the "far

west."

The prairies have often been compared, most justly,