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 "Listen!" bade Cruzatte. "Dey hunt boof'lo! De boof'lo haf come out on de prairie!"

The uproar increased. Sha-ha-ka had disappeared in headquarters; but out burst York, and Chaboneau, and Jessaume, armed and running for horses. Out issued Captain Clark and Sha-ha-ka, followed by Captain Lewis. Baptiste Lepage, a new interpreter, yelled in French to Jessaume, and Jessaume excitedly answered.

"Gran' boof'lo hunt," proclaimed Baptiste, running also. "Ever'body hunt ze boof'lo."

Tools were dropped, but Captain Clark's voice rang clearly.

"Pryor!"

"Yes, sir."

"Take a dozen men who aren't otherwise engaged and join the Indians across the river in that buffalo hunt. Get all the meat you can. Use what horses you need, but don't wait for me."

"Yes, sir. I will, sir." And rejoiced, Sergeant Pryor, whose arm had healed, called off the names as he bustled hither-thither.

"Arrah!" mourned Patrick Gass. "That laves us out, fellows. 'Not otherwise engaged,' said the captain. An' here we are with our fince not finished."

Captain Clark and Chief Big White were hurrying for the river, and the village beyond.

"Don't you want your rifle, Will?" called Captain Lewis, after.