"You didn't kill him," observed Mr. Twinkle. "Didn't I?" "No, indeed. I think that honor belongs to me." "Any way, you shot something and that was myself. I'll forgive you, if you will let me say, without fear of contradiction, that I slew the buffalo." "You may as well tell a good lie while you are about it," said Mr. Mole. "_I_ always do." "I have remarked that already," observed the captain. "A small falsehood is a contemptible thing, but there is some glory in a big one." "In what way can I amend mine?" "Say that in the encounter with the bull he tossed you on his horns, and you can show your wound in corroboration of the story," replied the professor. The captain did not relish this allusion to his wound, which was situated in an inglorious portion of his anatomy. Mr. Mole picked up the flask, which was empty, and having discovered this fact, his disgust found vent in words. "These Indians are the meanest wretches I ever met with," he said. "What have they done now?" inquired Mr. Twinkle. "Emptied the flask--drained it _dry_, sir, by Jove! I had intended to solace myself with a quiet drink, but human aspirations are ever destined to be dashed to the ground." He sighed deeply. "Let us go back to the house and enjoy Mr. Van Hoosen's hospitality," suggested Mr. Twinkle. "I believe that motion was seconded and carried, a few moments ago," said the captain. "It was," replied the professor. "Then I will give the word of command. By your right, march! And if I ever come out buffalo-hunting in the Jersey wilds again, may the Lord forgive me." The three men marched disconsolately toward the house, and arranged among themselves to say that they had encountered a band of Indians, who, after a severe fight, overpowered them by the sheer force of numbers. "Let me tell the story," exclaimed Mole, "and you corroborate all I say." "Good!" cried the captain and Mr. Twinkle. "I don't mind a little romancing," continued Mole. "It comes naturally to me, and I know it requires an effort on your part, gentlemen." The sportsmen smiled and quickened their pace, as they were anxious to reach the homestead, and enjoy the good things which they felt sure Mr. Van Hoosen would regale them with. When they arrived at the house, they were met at the door by Alfred, Jack and Harvey. "What sport did you meet with, sir?" asked Harkaway. "Splendid, my dear boy," replied Mr. Mole. "You missed it." "Is that so?" "We killed the buffalo bull--at least, he was hit and went away into a thicket to die. If it had not been for a tribe of Indians who attacked us, we should have had a capital day's gunning." "Did the Indians fight you?" "Yes, sir," answered Mr. Mole. "We were absolutely surrounded by fifty of the red fiends, but we showed a determined front and beat them off." "Did you kill any?" "Did we. Well, I should smile if we did not," answered Mr. Mole. "Where are the dead?"