“If we can get the herd across that brook, and headed down stream, we’ll stand a good chance of corralling them, Dig,” Chet said. “We’ll cross the stream, too, keep near enough to head them off from the water, and they’ll be likely to take the first opening in the hillside that promises escape. They can’t get through the thicket below there, and if we keep them turned south they’ll find our pocket.” “Whew! I’m just as excited as I can be,” declared Dig. “Let’s get into action. We’ve played to great luck so far; I hope it doesn’t break on us.” “Ha!” laughed Chet. “Remember that there are two things easily broken—glass and luck.” CHAPTER XXIX—PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT The best laid plans are not always successfully, or satisfactorily, carried out. There was, as both boys knew, a big doubt as to whether they could drive the buffaloes in the way they desired; but, at least, there was a good chance that they would kill another of the big animals. “Take a bull, Dig,” advised Chet, as they rode up the brook. “Don’t kill the cows or calves. If we should enclose any of the herd in our corral, besides the big fellow, I believe we’d have a mighty valuable catch.” “Say! that would be great,” agreed Dig. “Mebbe we could sell ’em for as much as a hundred dollars.” “And that’s better than selling a little old maverick for five dollars—eh?” laughed his chum. The boys trotted their eager mounts up the valley and finally came to the last screen of bushes that stood between them and the buffalo herd. The animals were feeding down the valley, but the wind was not blowing directly in their faces. It was from the southwest; therefore, the odour of the young hunters would not be carried to the beasts. Chet and Dig again saw the feeding ponies belonging to the two men who had caused them so much trouble. “And maybe we’ll put them in a hole before we get through,” muttered Dig vindictively. The boys could be sure that the men were close by, when the ponies were so plainly visible. Neither of them would start back for that island camp on the distant river, afoot. So the boys gave their full attention to the buffaloes. Their rifles were in trim and everything was ready for the charge. Chet had selected an opening in the thicket; he knew the value of a good start in attacking such nimble animals as the buffaloes had already proven themselves to be. “Ready, Dig?” Chet asked. “Let her go!” replied his friend, and at the same moment both horses dashed forward. They appeared upon the plain at full speed. They were aimed at about the centre of the scattered herd. Could they have trusted the two men, they might have helped with the chase and bunched the whole herd. Instead, it split, and a part of the buffaloes went up the valley, while the others fled directly from the two boys, toward the stream.