In the distance a thick forest of live oak bounded the prairie on the other side; and although the latter appeared only two or three miles distant, it was not less than ten--so deceptive is the pure atmosphere of these upland regions.

The country in which they now were was what is termed "timber prairie"-- that is, a prairie interspersed with groves and copses.
I say our adventurers had just dismounted, and were about to take off their saddles, when an exclamation from Francois drew the attention of his brothers.
"_Voila_!" cried he, pointing out to the open ground.

"Buffaloes-- buffaloes!" Basil and Lucien looked in the direction pointed out.

Three large dark objects were seen on the crest of a low swell in the prairie.

They were moving about; and one was evidently smaller than the others.
"Of _course_ they are buffaloes," continued Francois.