“I think the buffalo hunter is the one you want,” remarked the colonel. “You will have two days in which to try him, and if he doesn’t suit you can bring him back and exchange him for another.” So saying he turned to the Osage, and pointing out the horse in question, told him to secure it. The Indian at once went in among the ponies, which had retreated to the furthest corner of the corral, and when he came out again, leading the buffalo hunter by his lasso, which he had twisted about the animal’s lower jaw, the rest of the herd turned and followed at his heels. The presence of the Indian seemed to quiet them at once. They stood in no fear of him; but the moment they caught sight of the white men, who were waiting in front of the gate, they wheeled in their tracks and ran back to the other end of the corral again. When Oscar came to take a good look at the animal he told himself that he was the homeliest thing in the shape of a pony he had ever seen. There were a dozen others in the corral, which, if left to himself, he would have selected in preference to this one. He was not at all pleased with the animal’s actions, either; for when he advanced to lay his hand upon him the pony snorted loudly, threw his ears close to his head, and retreated away from him as far as the length of the lariat would allow. He was vicious as well as homely. CHAPTER V. LARAMIE PLAINS. “That’s the way they all do at first,” said the colonel, smiling at the rueful look on Oscar’s face. “An Indian pony doesn’t like a white man any better than his master does, and, like his master, he must be forced into submission. You are not afraid of him, I suppose?” “Oh, no, sir. Just let me get on his back, with a good bit in his mouth, and I’ll manage him.” While on the way back to the fort the colonel, with the major’s assistance, arranged all the details of the hunting expeditions that were to come off during the next two days, and named the officers of the garrison who, being off duty, would be at liberty to take part in them. It was decided that as soon as dress parade and supper were over the party would leave the fort on horseback, taking with them a light wagon, in which to carry their tents and provisions, and bring back any game that might chance to fall to their rifles. By midnight they would reach a small stream which ran through a country much frequented by antelope in the early hours of the morning. There they would camp and sleep until daylight, when they would take to their saddles again and begin the hunt. Having reached the gate the colonel gave the Indian some instructions concerning Oscar’s pony, after which he and the major walked on to their quarters, while Oscar bent his steps toward the sutler’s store, where he purchased a saddle and bridle, a rawhide lasso and picket pin, and a pair of elk-skin moccasins and leggings.