They did not show themselves suddenly, as they were in hopes they might discover deer, partridges, or some other game in--what is usually a favourite resort--the open ground along the edge of the woods.

They stole silently forward, therefore, using the large tree-trunks to screen them.
The prairie was a clear one--that is, without timber-islands, only here and there a tree, and these but small ones, mostly black-jacks and shell-barks.

They could see over its surface to a great extent, as it was quite level and covered with short spring buffalo-grass.

No deer was upon it.

Not an animal of any sort.