Only one object could be observed that gave a variety to the aspect around.

This was an eminence that rose over the sea-like surface of the prairie--called in the language of the hunters, a "butte." It appeared ten miles distant, at least; and seemed to stand alone, its steep sides rising like cliffs above the prairie level.

It lay in the course they had hitherto been travelling.
"Shall we make for it ?" asked they of one another.
"What better can we do ?" said Basil.

"We are as likely to meet the buffalo in that direction as in any other.

We have no guide now; so we must trust to our good fortune to lead us to them, or them to us--which is about the same thing, I fancy." "Oh! let us `catch up,'" advised Francois, "and ride for the butte.