And
in those days on the Plains champagne was not a drink that could be
indulged in very often.
I took care of the hides and heads of the buffaloes the Grand Duke had
shot, as he wanted them all preserved as souvenirs of his hunt, which
he was now enjoying immensely. I also cut the choice meat from the cow
that he had killed and brought it into camp. At supper he had the
pleasure of dining on buffalo meat which he himself had provided.
Eight buffaloes were killed by Alexis during the three days we remained
in camp. He spent most of his time in the saddle, and soon became
really accomplished. After he had satisfied himself as to his own
ability as a buffalo killer he expressed a desire to see how the
Indians hunted them. He had never seen bows and arrows used in the
pursuit of game. Spotted Tail, who had joined the hunt according to his
promise, picked out some of his best hunters, and when Alexis joined
them directed them to surround a herd. They were armed with bows and
arrows and lances.
I told the Grand Duke to follow one particularly skillful brave whose
name was Two Lance, who had a reputation for being able to drive an
arrow clear through the body of a bull. The Indian proved equal to his
fame. He hauled alongside of an animal, and, bending his powerful bow,
let fly an arrow, which passed directly through the bulky carcass of a
galloping brute, who fell dead instantly.
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