diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:14:48 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:14:48 -0700 |
| commit | 1249eb4c4ba135397ca005d09203e32333f0e3bc (patch) | |
| tree | 31c31fa44c17a3fb79f8afa49beacfc7cd0e68d9 /339-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '339-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 339-h/339-h.htm | 6779 |
1 files changed, 6779 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/339-h/339-h.htm b/339-h/339-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..40abcda --- /dev/null +++ b/339-h/339-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6779 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Old Indian Days, by Charles A. Eastman + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Old Indian Days, by [AKA Ohiyesa], Charles A. Eastman + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Old Indian Days + +Author: [AKA Ohiyesa], Charles A. Eastman + +Release Date: July 5, 2008 [EBook #339] +Last Updated: October 7, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD INDIAN DAYS *** + + + + +Produced by Judith Boss, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + OLD INDIAN DAYS + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Charles A. Eastman + </h2> + <h3> + (Ohiyesa) + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h4> + To<br /> My Daughters<br /> DORA, IRENE, VIRGINIA, ELEANOR, AND FLORENCE<br /> + I Dedicate<br /> these Stories of the Old Indian Life,<br /> and especially + of<br /> the Courageous and Womanly Indian Woman + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART"> <b>PART ONE. THE WARRIOR</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> I. THE LOVE OF ANTELOPE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> II. THE MADNESS OF BALD EAGLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> III. THE SINGING SPIRIT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> IV. THE FAMINE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> V. THE CHIEF SOLDIER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> VI. THE WHITE MAN’S ERRAND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> VII. THE GRAVE OF THE DOG </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART2"> <b>PART TWO. THE WOMAN</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> I. WINONA, THE WOMAN-CHILD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> II. WINONA, THE CHILD-WOMAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> III. SNANA’S FAWN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> IV. SHE-WHO-HAS-A-SOUL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> V. THE PEACE-MAKER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> VI. BLUE SKY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> VII. THE FAITHFULNESS OF LONG EARS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> VIII. THE WAR MAIDEN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_GLOS"> GLOSSARY </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PART" id="link2H_PART"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + PART ONE. THE WARRIOR + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. THE LOVE OF ANTELOPE + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I + </h2> + <p> + Upon a hanging precipice atop of the Eagle Scout Butte there appeared a + motionless and solitary figure—almost eagle-like he perched! The + people in the camp below saw him, but none looked at him long. They turned + their heads quickly away with a nervous tingling, for the height above the + plains was great. Almost spirit-like among the upper clouds the young + warrior sat immovable. + </p> + <p> + It was Antelope. He was fasting and seeking a sign from the “Great + Mystery,” for such was the first step of the young and ambitious Sioux + [who wished to be a noted warrior among his people]. + </p> + <p> + He is a princely youth, among the wild Sioux, who hunts for his tribe and + not for himself! His voice is soft and low at the campfire of his nation, + but terror-giving in the field of battle. Such was Antelope’s reputation. + The more he sought the “Great Mystery” in solitude, the more gentle and + retiring he became, and in the same proportion his courage and manliness + grew. None could say that he was not a kind son and a good hunter, for he + had already passed the “two-arrow-to-kill,” his buffalo examination. + </p> + <p> + On a hot midsummer morning a few weeks later, while most of the inmates of + the teepees were breakfasting in the open air, the powerful voice of the + herald resounded among the pine-clad heights and green valleys. + </p> + <p> + “Hear ye, hear ye, warriors!” he chanted loudly. “The council has decreed + that four brave young men must scout the country to the sunsetward of the + camp, for the peace and protection of our people!” + </p> + <p> + All listened eagerly for the names of the chosen warriors, and in another + moment there came the sonorous call: “Antelope, Antelope! the council has + selected you!” + </p> + <p> + The camp was large—fully four hundred paces across; but in that + country, in the clear morning air, such an announcement can be heard a + great way, and in the silence that followed the hills repeated over and + over the musical name of Antelope. + </p> + <p> + In due time the four chosen youths appeared before the council fire. The + oath of the pipe was administered, and each took a few whiffs as + reverently as a Churchman would partake of the sacrament. The chief of the + council, who was old and of a striking appearance, gave the charge and + command to the youthful braves. + </p> + <p> + There was a score or more of warriors ready mounted to escort them beyond + the precincts of the camp, and the “fearless heart” song was sung + according to the custom, as the four ran lightly from the door of the + council teepee and disappeared in the woods. + </p> + <p> + It was a peculiarly trying and hazardous moment in which to perform the + duties of a scout. The Sioux were encroaching upon the territory of + hostile tribes, here in the foot-hills of the Big Horn Mountains, and now + and then one of their hunters was cut off by the enemy. If continual + vigilance could not save them, it might soon become necessary to retreat + to their own hunting-grounds. + </p> + <p> + It was a savage fetish that a warrior must be proof against the alluring + ways of pretty maidens; that he must place his honor far above the + temptations of self-indulgence and indolence. Cold, hunger, and personal + hardship did not count with Antelope when there was required of him any + special exertion for the common good. It was cause to him of secret + satisfaction that the council-men had selected him for a dangerous service + in preference to some of his rivals and comrades. + </p> + <p> + He had been running for two or three hours at a good, even gait, and had + crossed more than one of the smaller creeks, yet many deep gulches and bad + lands lay between him and the furthest peak that melted into the blue dome + above. + </p> + <p> + “I shall stand upon the Bear’s Heart,” he said to himself. “If I can do + that, and still report before the others, I shall do well!” His keen eyes + were constantly sweeping the country in his front, and suddenly he paused + and shrank back motionless in a crouching attitude, still steadily keeping + an eye upon a moving object. It was soon evident that some one was + stealthily eying him from behind cover, and he was outwitted by the enemy! + Still stooping, he glided down a little ravine, and as he reached the bed + of the creek there emerged from it a large gray wolf. + </p> + <p> + This was very opportune for Antelope. He gave the gray wolf’s danger-call + with all his might; waited an instant and gave it a second time; then he + turned and ran fleetly down the stream. At the same moment the wolf + appeared upon the top of the bank, in full view of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + “Here he comes!” they whispered, and had their arrows on the string as the + wolf trotted leisurely along, exposing only his head, for this was a + common disguise among the plains Indians. But when he came out into the + open, behold! it was only a gray wolf! + </p> + <p> + “Ugh!” the Utes grunted, as they looked at each other in much chagrin. + </p> + <p> + “Surely he was a man, and coming directly into our trap! We sang and + prayed to the gods of war when our war chief sent us ahead to scout the + Sioux people, to find their camp. This is a mystery, a magic! Either he is + a Sioux in disguise, or we don’t know their tricks!” exclaimed the leader. + </p> + <p> + Now they gave the war-whoop, and their arrows flew through the air. The + wolf gave a yelp of distress, staggered and fell dead. Instantly they ran + to examine the body, and found it to be truly that of a wolf. + </p> + <p> + “Either this is a wonderful medicine-man, or we are shamefully fooled by a + Sioux warrior,” they muttered. + </p> + <p> + They lost several minutes before they caught sight of Antelope, who had + followed the bed of the creek as far as it lay in his direction and then + came out of it at full speed. It would be safer for him to remain in + concealment until dark; but in the meantime the Ute warriors would reach + the camp, and his people were unprepared! It was necessary to expose + himself to the enemy. He knew that it would be chiefly a contest of speed + and he had an excellent start; but on the other hand, the Utes doubtless + had their horses. + </p> + <p> + “The Sioux who played this trick on us must die to-day!” exclaimed their + leader. “Come, friends, we cannot afford to let him tell this joke on us + at the camp-fires of his people!” + </p> + <p> + Antelope was headed directly for Eagle Scout Butte, for the camp was in + plain view from the top of this hill. He had run pretty much all day, but + then, that was nothing! + </p> + <p> + “I shall reach the summit first, unless the Ute horses have wings!” he + said to himself. + </p> + <p> + Looking over his shoulder, he saw five horsemen approaching, so he + examined his bow and arrows as he ran. + </p> + <p> + “All is well,” he muttered. “One of their spirits at the least must guide + mine to the spirit land!” where, it was believed by them, there was no + fighting. + </p> + <p> + Now he was within hearing of their whoops, but he was already at the foot + of the butte. Their horses could not run up the steep ascent, and they + were obliged to dismount. Like a deer the Sioux leaped from rock to rock, + and almost within arrow-shot came his pursuers, wildly whooping and + yelling. + </p> + <p> + When he had achieved the summit, he took his stand between two great + rocks, and flashed his tiny looking-glass for a distress signal into the + distant camp of his people. + </p> + <p> + For a long time no reply came, and many arrows flew over his head, as the + Utes approached gradually from rock to rock. He, too, sent down a swift + arrow now and then, to show them that he was no child or woman in fight, + but brave as a bear when it is brought to bay. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho!” he shouted to the enemy, in token of a brave man’s welcome to + danger and death. + </p> + <p> + They replied with yells of triumph, as they pressed more and more closely + upon him. One of their number had been dispatched to notify the main + war-party when they first saw Antelope, but he did not know this, and his + courage was undiminished. From time to time he continued to flash his + signal, and at last like lightning the little white flash came in reply. + </p> + <p> + The sun was low when the besieged warrior discovered a large body of + horsemen approaching from the northwest. It was the Ute warparty! He + looked earnestly once more toward the Sioux camp, shading his eyes with + his right palm. There, too, were many moving specks upon the plain, + drawing toward the foot of the hill! + </p> + <p> + At the middle of the afternoon they had caught his distress signal, and + the entire camp was thrown into confusion, for but few of the men had + returned from the daily hunt. As fast as they came in, the warriors + hurried away upon their best horses, singing and yelling. When they + reached the well-known butte, towering abruptly in the midst of the plain, + they could distinguish their enemies massed behind the hanging rocks and + scattered cedar-trees, crawling up closer and closer, for the large + warparty reached the hill just as the scouts who held Antelope at bay + discovered the approach of his kinsmen. + </p> + <p> + Antelope had long since exhausted his quiver of arrows and was gathering + up many of those that fell about him to send them back among his pursuers. + When their attention was withdrawn from him for an instant by the sudden + onset of the Sioux, he sprang to his feet. + </p> + <p> + He raised both his hands heavenward in token of gratitude for his rescue, + and his friends announced with loud shouts the daring of Antelope. + </p> + <p> + Both sides fought bravely, but the Utes at last retreated and were + fiercely pursued. Antelope stood at his full height upon the huge rock + that had sheltered him, and gave his yell of defiance and exultation. + Below him the warriors took it up, and among the gathering shadows the + rocks echoed praises of his name. + </p> + <p> + In the Sioux camp upon Lost Water there were dances and praise songs, but + there was wailing and mourning, too, for many lay dead among the crags. + The name of Antelope was indelibly recorded upon Eagle Scout Butte. + </p> + <p> + “If he wished for a war-bonnet of eagle feathers, it is his to wear,” + declared one of the young men. “But he is modest, and scarcely even joins + in the scalp dances. It is said of him that he has never yet spoken to any + young woman!” + </p> + <p> + “True, it is not announced publicly that he has addressed a maiden. Many + parents would like to have their daughters the first one he would speak + to, but I am told he desires to go upon one or two more war-paths before + seeking woman’s company,” replied another. + </p> + <p> + “Hun, hun, hay!” exclaimed a third youth ill-naturedly. He is already old + enough to be a father!” + </p> + <p> + “This is told of him,” rejoined the first speaker. “He wants to hold the + record of being the young man who made the greatest number of coups before + he spoke to a maiden. I know that there are not only mothers who would be + glad to have him for a son-in-law, but their young daughters would not + refuse to look upon the brave Antelope as a husband!” + </p> + <p> + It was true that in the dance his name was often mentioned, and at every + repetition it seemed that the young women danced with more spirit, while + even grandmothers joined in the whirl with a show of youthful abandon. + </p> + <p> + Wezee, the father of Antelope, was receiving congratulations throughout + the afternoon. Many of the old men came to his lodge to smoke with him, + and the host was more than gratified, for he was of a common family and + had never before known what it is to bask in the sunshine of popularity + and distinction. He spoke complacently as he crowded a handful of tobacco + into the bowl of the long red pipe. + </p> + <p> + “Friends, our life here is short, and the life of a brave youth is apt to + be shorter than most! We crave all the happiness that we can get, and it + is right that we should do so. One who says that he does not care for + reputation or success, is not likely to be telling the truth. So you will + forgive me if I say too much about the honorable career of my son.” This + was the old man’s philosophic apology. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho,” his guests graciously responded. “It is your moon! Every moon + has its fullness, when it lights up the night, while the little stars + dance before it. So to every man there comes his full moon!” + </p> + <p> + Somewhat later in the day all the young people of the great camp were seen + to be moving in one direction. All wore their best attire and finest + ornaments, and even the parti-colored steeds were decorated to the + satisfaction of their beauty-loving riders. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, Taluta is making a maidens’ feast! She, the prettiest of all the + Unkpapa maidens!” exclaimed one of the young braves. + </p> + <p> + “She, the handsomest of all our young women!” repeated another. + </p> + <p> + Taluta was indeed a handsome maid in the height and bloom of womanhood, + with all that wonderful freshness and magnetism which was developed and + preserved by the life of the wilderness. She had already given five + maidens’ feasts, beginning with her fifteenth year, and her shy and + diffident purity was held sacred by her people. + </p> + <p> + The maidens’ circle was now complete. Behind it the outer circle of old + women was equally picturesque and even more dignified. The grandmother, + not the mother, was regarded as the natural protector of the young maiden, + and the dowagers derived much honor from their position, especially upon + public occasions, taking to themselves no small amount of credit for the + good reputations of their charges. + </p> + <p> + Weshawee, whose protege had many suitors and was a decided coquette, + fidgeted nervously and frequently adjusted her robe or fingered her + necklace to ease her mind, for she dreaded lest, in spite of watchfulness, + some mishap might have befallen her charge. Her anxiety was apparently + shared by several other chaperons who stole occasional suspicious glances + in the direction of certain of the young braves. It had been known to + happen that a girl unworthy to join in the sacred feast was publicly + disgraced. + </p> + <p> + A special police force was appointed to keep order on this occasion, each + member of which was gorgeously painted and bedecked with eagle feathers, + and carried in his hand a long switch with which to threaten the + encroaching throng. Their horses wore head-skins of fierce animals to add + to their awe-inspiring appearance. + </p> + <p> + The wild youths formed the outer circle of the gathering, attired like the + woods in autumn, their long locks glossy with oil and perfumed with + scented grass and leaves. Many pulled their blankets over their heads as + if to avoid recognition, and loitered shyly at a distance. + </p> + <p> + Among these last were Antelope and his cousin, Red Eagle. They stood in + the angle formed by the bodies of their steeds, whose noses were together. + The young hero was completely enveloped in his handsome robe with a + rainbow of bead-work acros the middle, and his small moccasined feet + projected from beneath the lower border. Red Eagle held up an eagle-wing + fan, partially concealing his face, and both gazed intently toward the + center of the maidens’ circle. + </p> + <p> + “Woo! woo!” was the sonorous exclamation of the police, announcing the + beginning of the ceremonies. In the midst of the ring of girls stood the + traditional heart-shaped red stone, with its bristling hedge of arrows. In + this case there were five arrows, indicating that Taluta had already made + as many maidens’ feasts. Each of the maidens must lay her hand upon the + stone in token of her purity and chastity, touching also as many arrows as + she herself has attended maidens’ feasts. + </p> + <p> + Taluta advanced first to the center. As she stood for a moment beside the + sacred stone, she appeared to the gazing bystanders the embodiment of + grace and modesty. Her gown, adorned with long fringes at the seams, was + beaded in blue and white across the shoulders and half way to her waist. + Her shining black hair was arranged in two thick plaits which hung down + upon her bosom. There was a native dignity in her gestures and in her + utterance of the maidens’ oath, and as she turned to face the circle, all + the other virgins followed her. + </p> + <p> + When the feast was ended and the gay concourse had dispersed, Antelope and + his cousin were among the last to withdraw. The young man’s eyes had + followed every movement of Taluta as long as she remained in sight, and it + was only when she vanished in the gathering shadows that he was willing to + retire. + </p> + <p> + In savage courtship, it was the custom to introduce one’s self boldly to + the young lady, although sometimes it was convenient to have a sister + introduce her brother. But Antelope had no sister to perform this office + for him, and if he had had one, he would not have made the request. He did + not choose to admit any one to his secret, for he had no confidence in + himself or in the outcome of the affair. If it had been anything like + trailing the doe, or scouting the Ojibway, he would have ridiculed the + very notion of missing the object sought. But this was a new warfare—an + unknown hunting! Although he was very anxious to meet Taluta, whenever the + idea occurred to him he trembled like a leaf in the wind, and profuse + perspiration rolled down his stoic visage. It was not customary to hold + any social intercourse with the members of the opposite sex, and he had + never spoken familiarly to any woman since he became a man, except his old + grandmother. It was well known that the counsel of the aged brings luck to + the youth in warfare and love. + </p> + <p> + Antelope arose early the next morning, and without speaking to any one he + made a ceremonious toilet. He put on his finest buckskin shirt and a + handsome robe, threw a beaded quiver over his shoulder, and walked + directly away from the teepees and into the forest—he did not know + why nor whither. The sounds of the camp grew fainter and fainter, until at + last he found himself alone. + </p> + <p> + “How is it,” mused the young man, “that I have hoped to become a leader + among my people? My father is not a chief, and none of my ancestors were + distinguished in war. I know well that, if I desire to be great, I must + deny myself the pleasure of woman’s company until I have made my + reputation. I must not boast nor exhibit myself on my first success. The + spirits do not visit the common haunts of men! All these rules I have thus + far kept, and I must not now yield to temptation.... Man has much to + weaken his ambition after he is married. A young man may seek + opportunities to prove his worth, but to a married man the opportunity + must come to try him. He acts only when compelled to act.... Ah, I must + flee from the woman!... Besides, if she should like someone else better, I + should be humiliated.... I must go upon a long war-path. I shall forget + her....” + </p> + <p> + At this point his revery was interrupted by the joyous laughter of two + young women. The melodious sing-song laughter of the Sioux maiden stirred + the very soul of the young warrior. + </p> + <p> + All his philosophy deserted him, and he stood hesitating, looking about + him as if for a chance of escape. A man who had never before felt the + magnetic influence of woman in her simplicity and childlike purity, he + became for the moment incapable of speech or action. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the two girls were wholly unconscious of any disturbing presence + in the forest. They were telling each other the signals that each had + received in the dance. Taluta’s companion had stopped at the first + raspberry bushes, while she herself passed on to the next thicket. When + she emerged from the pines into an opening, she suddenly beheld Antelope, + in his full-dress suit of courtship. Instantly she dropped her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Luckily the customs of courtship among the Sioux allow the covering of + one’s head with the blanket. In this attitude, the young man made a signal + to Taluta with trembling fingers. + </p> + <p> + The wild red man’s wooing was natural and straightforward; there was no + circumspection, no maneuvering for time or advantage. Hot words of love + burst forth from the young warrior’s lips, with heavy breathing behind the + folds of the robe with which he sought to shield his embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “For once the spirits are guiding my fortunes! It may seem strange to you, + when we meet thus by accident, that I should speak immediately of my love + for you; but we live in a world where one must speak when the opportunity + offers. I have thought much of you since I saw you at the maidens’ + feast.... Is Taluta willing to become the wife of Tatoka? The moccasins of + her making will cause his feet to be swift in pursuit of the game, and on + the trail of the enemy.... I beg of you, maiden, let our meeting be known + only to the birds of the air, while you consider my proposal!” + </p> + <p> + All this while the maiden stood demurely at his side, playing with the + lariat of her pony in her brown, fine hands. Her doeskin gown with profuse + fringes hung gracefully as the drooping long leaves of the willow, and her + two heavy braids of black hair, mingled with strings of deers’ hoofs and + wampum, fell upon her bosom. There was a faint glow underneath her brown + skin, and her black eyes were calm and soft, yet full of native fire. + </p> + <p> + “You will not press for an answer now,” she gently replied, without + looking at him. “I expected to see no one here, and your words have taken + me by surprise.... I grant your last request. The birds alone can indulge + in gossip about our meeting,—unless my cousin, who is in the next + ravine, should see us together!” She sprang lightly upon the back of her + pony, and disappeared among the scattered pines. + </p> + <p> + Between the first lovers’ meeting and the second was a period of one moon. + This was wholly the fault of Antelope, who had been a prey to indecision + and painful thoughts. Half regretting his impulsive declaration, and + hoping to forget his pangs in the chances of travel and war, he had + finally enlisted in the number of those who were to go with the war-leader + Crowhead into the Ute country. As was the custom of the Sioux warriors + upon the eve of departure, the young men consulted their spiritual + advisers, and were frequently in the purifying vapor-bath, and fasting in + prayer. + </p> + <p> + The last evening had come, and Antelope was on the way to the top of the + hill behind the camp for a night of prayer. Suddenly in the half-light he + came full upon Taluta, leading her pony down the narrow trail. She had + never looked more beautiful to the youth than at that moment. + </p> + <p> + “Ho,” he greeted her. She simply smiled shyly. + </p> + <p> + “It is long since we met,” he ventured. + </p> + <p> + “I have concluded that you do not care to hear my reply,” retorted the + girl. + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to say in my defense, but I hope that you will be + generous. I have suffered much.... You will understand why I stand far + from you,” he added gently. “I have been preparing myself to go upon the + warpath. We start at daylight for the Ute country. Every day for ten days + I have been in the vapor-bath, and ten nights fasting.” + </p> + <p> + As Taluta well knew, a young warrior under these circumstances dared not + approach a woman, not even his own wife. + </p> + <p> + “I still urge you to be my wife. Are you ready to give me your answer?” + continued Antelope. + </p> + <p> + “My answer was sent to you by your grandmother this very day,” she replied + softly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, tell me, tell me,...” pressed the youth eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “All is well. Fear nothing,” murmured the maiden. + </p> + <p> + “I have given my word—I have made my prayers and undergone + purification. I must not withdraw from this war-path,” he said after a + silence. “But I know that I shall be fortunate!... My grandmother will + give you my love token.... Ah, kechuwa (dear love)! watch the big star + every night! I will watch it, too—then we shall both be watching! + Although far apart, our spirits will be together.” + </p> + <p> + The moon had risen above the hill, and the cold light discovered the two + who stood sadly apart, their hearts hot with longing. Reluctantly, yet + without a backward look or farewell gesture, the warrior went on up the + hill, and the maiden hurried homeward. Only a few moments before she had + been happy in the anticipation of making her lover happy. The truth was + she had been building air-castles in the likeness of a white teepee + pitched upon a virgin prairie all alone, surrounded by mountains. Tatoka’s + war-horse and hunting pony were picketed near by, and there she saw + herself preparing the simple meal for him! But now he has clouded her + dreams by this untimely departure. + </p> + <p> + “He is too brave.... His life will be a short one,” she said to herself + with foreboding. + </p> + <p> + For a few hours all was quiet, and just before the appearance of day the + warriors’ departure was made known by their farewell songs. Antelope was + in the line early, but he was heavy of heart, for he knew that his + sweetheart was sorely puzzled and disappointed by his abrupt departure. + His only consolation was the knowledge that he had in his bundle a pair of + moccasins made by her hands. He had not yet seen them, because it was the + custom not to open any farewell gifts until the first camp was made, and + then they must be opened before the eyes of all the young men! It brings + luck to the war-party, they said. He would have preferred to keep his + betrothal secret, but there was no escaping the custom. + </p> + <p> + All the camp-fires were burning and supper had been eaten, when the herald + approached every group and announced the programme for the evening. It + fell to Antelope to open his bundle first. Loud laughter pealed forth when + the reluctant youth brought forth a superb pair of moccasins—the + recognized lovegift! At such times the warriors’ jokes were unmerciful, + for it was considered a last indulgence in jesting, perhaps for many + moons. The recipient was well known to be a novice in love, and this token + first disclosed the fact that he had at last succumbed to the allurements + of woman. When he sang his love-song he was obliged to name the giver of + the token, and many a disappointed suitor was astonished to hear Taluta’s + name. + </p> + <p> + It was a long journey to the Ute country, and when they reached it there + was a stubbornly contested fight. Both sides claimed the victory, and both + lost several men. Here again Antelope was signally favored by the gods of + war. He counted many coups or blows, and exhibited his bravery again and + again in the charges, but he received no wound. + </p> + <p> + On the return journey Taluta’s beautiful face was constantly before him. + He was so impatient to see her that he hurried on in advance of his party, + when they were still several days’ travel from the Sioux camp. + </p> + <p> + “This time I shall join in all the dances and participate in the + rejoicings, for she will surely like to have me do so,” he thought to + himself. “She will join also, and I know that none is a better dancer than + Taluta!” + </p> + <p> + In fancy, Antelope was practicing the songs of victory as he rode alone + over the vast wild country. + </p> + <p> + He had now passed Wild Horse Creek and the Black Hills lay to the + southeast, while the Big Horn range loomed up to the north in gigantic + proportions. He felt himself at home. + </p> + <p> + “I shall now be a man indeed. I shall have a wife!” he said aloud. + </p> + <p> + At last he reached the point from which he expected to view the distant + camp. Alas, there was no camp there! Only a solitary teepee gleamed forth + upon the green plain, which was almost surrounded by a quick turn of the + River of Deep Woods. The teepee appeared very white. A peculiar tingling + sensation passed through his frame, and the pony whinnied often as he was + urged forward at a gallop. + </p> + <p> + When Antelope beheld the solitary teepee he knew instantly what it was. It + was a grave! Sometimes a new white lodge was pitched thus for the dead, + who lay in state within upon a couch of finest skins, and surrounded by + his choicest possessions. + </p> + <p> + Antelope’s excitement increased as he neared the teepee, which was + protected by a barricade of thick brush. It stood alone and silent in the + midst of the deserted camp. He kicked the sides of his tired horse to make + him go faster. At last he jumped from the saddle and ran toward the door. + There he paused for a moment, and at the thought of desecrating a grave, a + cold terror came over him. + </p> + <p> + “I must see—I must see!” he said aloud, and desperately he broke + through the thorny fence and drew aside the oval swinging door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II + </h2> + <p> + In the stately white teepee, seen from afar, both grave and monument, + there lay the fair body of Taluta! The bier was undisturbed, and the + maiden looked beautiful as if sleeping, dressed in her robes of ceremony + and surrounded by all her belongings. + </p> + <p> + Her lover looked upon her still face and cried aloud. “Hey, hey, hey! + Alas! alas! If I had known of this while in the Ute country, you would not + be lonely on the spirit path.” + </p> + <p> + He withdrew, and laid the doorflap reverently back in its place. How long + he stood without the threshold he could not tell. He stood with head bowed + down upon his breast, tearless and motionless, utterly oblivious to + everything save the bier of his beloved. His charger grazed about for a + long time where he had left him, but at last he endeavored by a low whinny + to attract his master’s attention, and Antelope awoke from his trance of + sorrow. + </p> + <p> + The sun was now hovering over the western ridges. The mourner’s throat was + parched, and perspiration rolled down his cheeks, yet he was conscious of + nothing but a strong desire to look upon her calm, sweet face once more. + </p> + <p> + He kindled a small fire a little way off, and burned some cedar berries + and sweet-smelling grass. Then he fumigated himself thoroughly to dispel + the human atmosphere, so that the spirit might not be offended by his + approach, for he greatly desired to obtain a sign from her spirit. He had + removed his garments and stood up perfectly nude save for the breechclout. + His long hair was unbraided and hung upon his shoulders, veiling the upper + half of his splendid body. Thus standing, the lover sang a dirge of his + own making. The words were something like this: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ah, spirit, thy flight is mysterious! + + While the clouds are stirred by our wailing, + + And our tears fall faster in sorrow— +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + While the cold sweat of night benumbs us, + + Thou goest alone on thy journey, + + In the midst of the shining star people! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thou goest alone on thy journey— + + Thy memory shall be our portion; + + Until death we must watch for the spirit! +</pre> + <p> + The eyes of Antelope were closed while he chanted the dirge. He sang it + over and over, pausing between the lines, and straining as it were every + sense lest he might not catch the rapt whisper of her spirit, but only the + distant howls of coyotes answered him. His body became cold and numb from + sheer exhaustion, and at last his knees bent under him and he sank down + upon the ground, still facing the teepee. Unconsciousness overtook him, + and in his sleep or trance the voice came: + </p> + <p> + “Do not mourn for me, my friend! Come into my teepee, and eat of my food.” + </p> + <p> + It seemed to Antelope that he faltered for a moment; then he entered the + teepee. There was a cheerful fire burning in the center. A basin of + broiled buffalo meat was placed opposite the couch of Taluta, on the other + side of the fire. Its odor was delicious to him, yet he hesitated to eat + of it. + </p> + <p> + “Fear not, kechuwa (my darling)! It will give you strength,” said the + voice. + </p> + <p> + The maid was natural as in life. Beautifully attired, she sat up on her + bed, and her demeanor was cheerful and kind. + </p> + <p> + The young man ate of the food in silence and without looking at the + spirit. “Ho, kechuwa!” he said to her when returning the dish, according + to the custom of his people. + </p> + <p> + Silently the two sat for some minutes, while the youth gazed into the + burning embers. + </p> + <p> + “Be of good heart,” said Taluta, at last, “for you shall meet my twin + spirit! She will love you as I do, and you will love her as you love me. + This was our covenant before we came into this world.” + </p> + <p> + The conception of a “twin spirit” was familiar to the Sioux. “Ho,” + responded the warrior, with dignity and all seriousness. He felt a great + awe for the spirit, and dared not lift his eyes to her face. + </p> + <p> + “Weep no more, kechuwa, weep no more,” she softly added; and the next + moment Antelope found himself outside the mysterious teepee. His limbs + were stiff and cold, but he did not feel faint nor hungry. Having filled + his pipe, he held it up to the spirits and then partook of the smoke; and + thus revived, he slowly and reluctantly left the sacred spot. + </p> + <p> + The main war-party also visited the old camp and saw the solitary teepee + grave, but did not linger there. They continued on the trail of the + caravan until they reached the new camping ground. They called themselves + successful, although they had left several of their number on the field. + Their triumph songs indicated this; therefore the people hurried to + receive the news and to learn who were the unfortunates. + </p> + <p> + The father of Antelope was foremost among those who ran to meet the + war-party. He learned that his son had distinguished himself in the fight, + and that his name was not mentioned among the brave dead. + </p> + <p> + “And where, then, is he?” he asked, with unconcealed anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “He left us three days ago to come in advance,” they replied. + </p> + <p> + “But he has not arrived!” exclaimed old Wezee, in much agitation. + </p> + <p> + He returned to his teepee, where he consoled himself as best he could by + smoking the pipe in solitude. He could neither sing praises nor indulge in + the death dirge, and none came in either to congratulate or mourn with + him. + </p> + <p> + The sun had disappeared behind the hills, and the old man still sat gazing + into the burning embers, when he heard a horse’s footfall at the door of + his lodge. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, atay (father)!” came the welcome call. + </p> + <p> + “Mechinkshe! mechinkshe!” (my son, my son), he replied in unrestrained + joy. Old Wezee now stood on the threshold and sang the praise song for his + son, ending with a warwhoop such as he had not indulged in since he was + quite a young man. + </p> + <p> + The camp was once more alive with the dances, and the dull thud of the + Indian drum was continually in the air. The council had agreed that + Antelope was entitled to wear a war-bonnet of eagles’ feathers. He was + accordingly summoned before the aboriginal parliament, and from the wise + men of the tribe he received his degree of war-bonnet. + </p> + <p> + It was a public ceremony. The great pipe was held up for him to take the + smoke of high honor. + </p> + <p> + The happiest person present was the father of Antelope; but he himself + remained calm and unmoved throughout the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “He is a strange person,” was the whisper among a group of youths who were + watching the proceedings with envious eyes. + </p> + <p> + The young man was strangely listless and depressed in spirit. His old + grandmother knew why, but none of the others understood. He never joined + in the village festivities, while the rest of his family were untiring in + the dances, and old Wezee was at the height of his happiness. + </p> + <p> + It was a crisp October morning, and the family were eating their breakfast + of broiled bison meat, when the large drum at the council lodge was struck + three times. The old man set down his wooden basin. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my son, the war-chiefs will make an announcement! It may be a call + for the enlistment of warriors! I am sorry,” he said, and paused. “I am + sorry, because I would rather no war-party went out at present. I am + getting old. I have enjoyed your success, my son. I love to hear the + people speak your name. If you go again upon the war-path, I shall no + longer be able to join in the celebrations. Something tells me that you + will not return!” + </p> + <p> + Young braves were already on their way to the council lodge. Tatoka + looked, and the temptation was great. + </p> + <p> + “Father, it is not becoming for me to remain at home when others go,” he + said, at last. + </p> + <p> + “Ho,” was the assent uttered by the father, with a deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + “Five hundred braves have enlisted to go with the great war prophet + against the three confederated tribes,” he afterward reported at home, + with an air of elation which he had not worn for some moons. + </p> + <p> + Since Antelope had received the degree of war-bonnet, his father had + spared neither time nor his meager means in his behalf. He had bartered + his most cherished possessions for several eagles that were brought in by + various hunters of the camp, and with his own hands had made a handsome + war-bonnet for his son. + </p> + <p> + “You will now wear a war-bonnet for the first time, and you are the first + of our family who has earned the right to wear one for many generations. I + am proud of you, my son,” he said as he presented it. + </p> + <p> + But when the youth replied: “Ho, ho, father! I ought to be a brave man in + recognition of this honor,” he again sighed heavily. + </p> + <p> + “It is that I feared, my son! Many a young man has lost his life for + vanity and love of display!” + </p> + <p> + The evening serenades began early, for the party was to leave at once. In + groups upon their favorite ponies the warriors rode around the inner + circle of the great camp, singing their war-songs. All the people came out + of the teepees, and sitting by twos and threes upon the ground, bedecked + with savage finery, they watched and listened. The pretty wild maidens had + this last opportunity given them to look upon the faces of their + sweethearts, whom they might never see again. Here and there an old man + was singing the gratitude song or thank-offering, while announcing the + first warpath of a novice, for such an announcement meant the giving of + many presents to the poor and aged. So the camp was filled with songs of + joy and pride in the departing husbands, brothers, and sons. + </p> + <p> + As soon as darkness set in the sound of the rude native flute was added to + the celebration. This is the lover’s farewell. The young braves, wrapped + from head to foot in their finest robes, each sounded the plaintive + strains near the teepee of the beloved. The playful yodeling of many + voices in chorus was heard at the close of each song. + </p> + <p> + At midnight the army of five hundred, the flower of the Sioux, marched + against their ancient enemy. Antelope was in the best of spirits. He had + his war-bonnet to display before the enemy! He was now regarded as one of + the foremost warriors of his band, and might probably be asked to perform + some specially hazardous duty, so that he was fully prepared to earn + further distinction. + </p> + <p> + In five days the Sioux were encamped within a day’s travel of the + permanent village of the confederated tribes—the Rees, Mandans, and + Gros Ventres. The war-chief selected two men, Antelope and Eaglechild, to + scout at night in advance of the main force. It was thought that most of + the hunters had already returned to their winter quarters, and in this + case the Sioux would have no mean enemy to face. On the other hand, a + battle was promised that would enlarge their important traditions. + </p> + <p> + The two made their way as rapidly as possible toward the ancestral home of + their enemies. It was a night perfectly suited to what they had to do, for + the moon was full, the fleeting clouds hiding it from time to time and + casting deceptive shadows. + </p> + <p> + When they had come within a short distance of the lodges unperceived, they + lay flat for a long time, and studied the ways of the young men in every + particular, for it was Antelope’s plan to enter the great village and + mingle boldly with its inhabitants. Even their hoots and love-calls were + carefully noted, so that they might be able to imitate them. There were + several entertainments in progress in different parts of the village, yet + it was apparent that the greatest vigilance was observed. The lodges of + poles covered with earth were partly underground, and at one end the + war-horses were stabled, as a precaution against a possible surprise. + </p> + <p> + At the moment that a large cloud floated over the moon, casting a shadow + large enough to cover the entire village, the drum in one of the principal + lodges was struck in quick time, accompanied by boisterous war-whoops and + singing. The two scouts adjusted their robes about them in the fashion of + the strangers, and walked openly in that direction. + </p> + <p> + They glanced quickly from side to side as they approached, but no one paid + any attention, so they came up with other young men and peeped through the + chinks in the earth wigwam. It was a great gambling party. Among the + guests were several distinguished warriors, and each at an opportune time + would rise and recount his great deeds in warfare against the Sioux. The + strangers could read their gestures, and Antelope was once or twice almost + on the point of stringing his bow to send an arrow through the audacious + speaker. + </p> + <p> + As they moved about the village, taking note of its numbers and situation, + and waiting an opportunity to withdraw without exciting suspicion, they + observed some of the younger braves standing near another large wigwam, + and one or two even peeped within. Moved by sudden curiosity, Antelope + followed their example. He uttered a low exclamation and at once withdrew. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked his companion, but received no answer. + </p> + <p> + It was evidently the home of a chief. The family were seated within at + their usual occupations, and the bright light of the central fire shone + full upon the face of a most lovely maiden. + </p> + <p> + Antelope stood apparently motionless, but he was trembling under his robe + like a leaf. + </p> + <p> + “Come, friend, there is another large cloud almost over the moon! We must + move away under its concealing shadow,” urged Eaglechild. + </p> + <p> + The other stood still as if undecided, but at last he approached the lodge + and looked in a second time. There sat his sweetheart in human form once + more! The maiden was attired in a doeskin gown set with elk’s teeth like + ivory. Her eyes were cast down demurely over her embroidery, but in every + feature she was the living counterpart of Taluta! + </p> + <p> + At last the two got away unobserved, and hastened toward the place where + they had concealed their horses. But here Antelope sent his companion on + in advance, making the excuse that he wished to study further the best + position from which to make the attack. + </p> + <p> + When he was left alone he stood still for a moment to decide upon a plan. + He could think of nothing but that he must meet the Ree maiden before + daylight! He realized the extreme hazard of the attempt, but he also + recalled what he had been told by the spirit of Taluta, and the + supernatural command seemed to justify him even in going thus upon the eve + of battle to meet the enemy of his people. + </p> + <p> + He skirted the heavy timber and retraced his steps to a point from which + he could see the village. The drum of the gambling party had ceased with + the shouts and laughter of the players. Apparently the village was lost in + slumber. The moon had set, and without pausing he advanced to the home of + the girl. As he came near some dogs began to bark, but he silenced them + after the manner of the Rees, and they obeyed him. + </p> + <p> + When Antelope softly raised the robe that hung over the entrance to the + chief’s lodge, he saw the fire smoldering in the center, and the members + of the household lying in their respective places, all seemingly in a deep + sleep. The girl lay opposite the entrance, where he had seen her seated in + the early part of the evening. + </p> + <p> + The heart of the Sioux beat violently, and he glanced nervously to left + and right. There was neither sound nor movement. Then he pulled his robe + completely over his head, after the fashion of a Ree lover, and softly + entered the wigwam. + </p> + <p> + The Ree maiden, having industriously worked on her embroidery until far + into the night, had retired to rest. In her dreams, the twin sister came + to her of whom she had had visions ever since she could remember, and + especially when something of importance was about to happen. + </p> + <p> + This time she came with a handsome young man of another tribe, and said: + “Sister, I bring you a Sioux, who will be your husband!” + </p> + <p> + The dreamer opened her eyes to behold a youth bending over her and gently + pulling her robe, as a suitor is permitted to do to awaken his beloved. + </p> + <p> + When he saw that she was awake, the Sioux touched his breast, saying in a + whisper, “Tatoka,” and made the sign for Antelope. This pleased the Ree + girl, for her own brother, who had died the year before, had borne that + name. She immediately sat up and stirred the embers into a light blaze. + Then she took hold of his blanket and drew it from his face; and there she + seemed to see the very features of the man of her vision! + </p> + <p> + He took her hand in his, and she felt the force of love stream through his + long, nervous fingers, and instinctively knew his thoughts. In her turn + she touched her breast and made the sign for Shield, pronouncing in her + own tongue the word, Stasu. This seemed to him also a name of good omen, + and in the sign language which was common to all the people of the plains, + he asked her to be his wife. + </p> + <p> + Vividly her dream came back to her, and she could not refuse the stranger. + Her soul already responded to his; and for a few minutes they sat silently + side by side. When he arose and beckoned, “Come with me,” she had no + question to make, and without a word she followed him from her father’s + lodge and out into the forest. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of his ascending fame, at a moment when opportunity seemed to + favor his ambition, the brave Antelope had mysteriously disappeared! His + companion scout returned with a favorable report. He said that the men of + the three confederated tribes were gambling and feasting, wholly + unconscious of danger, and that Antelope would follow him with a further + report upon the best point of attack. The red warriors impatiently awaited + his return, until it became apparent that they could wait no longer + without sacrificing their chance of success. When the attack was made it + was already rather late. The sun had fairly cleared the eastern hills, and + most of the men were outside their lodges. + </p> + <p> + It was a great battle! Again and again the Sioux were repulsed, but as + often they rallied and repeated the charge until sundown, when they + effected their retreat with considerable loss. Had Antelope returned in + due season, the charge would have been made before dawn, while the people + were yet asleep. + </p> + <p> + When the battle was over, the Rees, Mandans, and Gros Ventres gathered + their dead and wounded. The night was filled with mourning. Soon the sad + news was heralded throughout the camp that the beautiful daughter of the + Ree chief was among the missing. It was supposed that she must have been + captured while driving her ponies to water in the early morning. The grief + for her loss was mingled with horror, because of a fear that she might + suffer humiliation at the hands of the Sioux warriors, and among the young + men there were muttered threats that the Sioux would pay dearly for this. + </p> + <p> + Though partially successful, the Sioux had lost many of their bravest + warriors, and none could tell what had happened to Antelope—he who + had been believed the favorite of the gods of war. It was suggested by + some envious ones that perhaps he had recognized the strongly entrenched + position of the three tribes, and believing the battle would be a + disastrous one, had set out for home without making his report. But this + supposition was not deemed credible. On the other hand, the idea was + entertained that he had reentered the village, was detected and slain; and + therefore the enemy was on the lookout when the attack was made. + </p> + <p> + “Hay, hay, hay, mechinkshe (Alas, alas, my son)!” was the sorrowful cry + with which his old father received the news. His head fell upon his + breast, and all the others groaned in sympathy. + </p> + <p> + The sunset sky was a blanket of beautiful painting. There were camp-fires + among the clouds in orange and scarlet, while some were black as night. So + the camp fairly glowed in celebration of its heroes; yet there was deep + grief in many families. When the evening meal had been eaten and the + people were sitting outside their lodges, a tall old man, almost nude, + appeared in the circle, riding a fine horse. He had blackened his face, + his hair was cut short, and the horse also had been deprived of his + flowing mane and tail. Both were in deep mourning, after the fashion of + the Sioux. + </p> + <p> + “Ho ho!” exclaimed many warriors as he passed them, singing in a hoarse, + guttural voice. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, he sings a war-song!” remarked one. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am told that he will find his son’s bones, or leave his own in the + country of the enemy!” + </p> + <p> + The rain had fallen incessantly for two days. The fleeing lovers had + reached this lonely mountain valley of the Big Horn region on the night + that the cold fall rains set in, and Antelope had hurriedly constructed an + arbor house or rude shelter of pine and cedar boughs. + </p> + <p> + It was enough. There they sat, man and wife, in their first home of living + green! The cheerful fire was burning in the center, and the happy smoke + went straight up among the tall pines. There was no human eye to gaze upon + them to embarrass—not even a common language in which to express + their love for one another. + </p> + <p> + Their marriage, they believed, was made by a spirit, and it was holy in + their minds. Each had cast away his people and his all for the sake of + this emotion which had suddenly overtaken them both with overwhelming + force, and the warrior’s ambition had disappeared before it like a morning + mist before the sun. + </p> + <p> + To them a new life was just beginning, and they had all but forgotten the + existence of any world save this. The young bride was enshrined in a bower + of spicy fragrance, and her face shone whenever her eyes met those of her + husband. + </p> + <p> + “This is as I would have it, kechuwa (darling)!” exclaimed the Sioux in + his own language. She simply responded with a childlike smile. Although + she did not understand his words, she read in the tones of his voice only + happy and loving thoughts. + </p> + <p> + The Ree girl had prepared a broiled bison steak, and her husband was + keeping the fire well fed with dry fagots. The odor of the buming fat was + delicious, and the gentle patter of the rain made a weird music outside + their wigwam. + </p> + <p> + As soon as her husband had left her alone—for he must go to water + the ponies and conceal them at a distance—Stasu came out to collect + more wood. Instinctively she looked all about her. Huge mountains towered + skyward, clad in pines. The narrow valley in which she was wound its way + between them, and on every side there was heavy forest. + </p> + <p> + She stood silent and awed, scarcely able to realize that she had begun her + new life absolutely alone, with no other woman to advise or congratulate + her, and visited only by the birds of the air. Yet all the world to her + just now was Antelope! No other woman could smile on him. He could not + talk to any one but her. The evening drum at the council lodge could not + summon him away from her, and she was well content. + </p> + <p> + When the young wife had done everything she could think of in preparation + for her husband’s return, including the making of several birch-bark + basins and pails for water, the rain had quite ceased, so she spread her + robe just outside the lodge and took up her work-bag, in which she had + several pairs of moccasin-tops already beaded. + </p> + <p> + While she bent over her work, getting up from time to time to turn the + roast which she had impaled upon a sharp stick above the glowing coals, + the bride had a stream of shy callers, of the little people of the woods. + She sat very still, so as not to startle them, and there is much curiosity + among these people concerning a stranger. + </p> + <p> + Presently she was startled by a footfall not unlike that of a man. She had + not been married long enough to know the sound of her husband’s step, and + she felt a thrill of joy and fear alternately. It might be he, and it + might be a stranger! She was loath to look up, but at last gave a furtive + glance, and met squarely the eyes of a large grizzly bear, who was seated + upon his haunches not far away. + </p> + <p> + Stasu was surprised, but she showed no fear; and fearlessness is the best + shield against wild animals. In a moment she got up unconcernedly, and + threw a large piece of meat to the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Take of my wedding feast, O great Bear!” she addressed him, “and be good + to me to bless my first teepee! O be kind and recognize my brave act in + taking for my husband one of the warriors of the Sioux, the ancient enemy + of my people! I have accepted a husband of a language other than mine, and + am come to live among you as your neighbor. I offer you my friendship!” + </p> + <p> + The bear’s only answer to her prayer was a low growl, but having eaten the + meat, he turned and clumsily departed. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Antelope had set himself to master the geography of that + region, to study the outlook for game, and ascertain the best approaches + to their secret home. It was already settled in his mind that he could + never return either to his wife’s people or to his own. His + fellow-warriors would not forgive his desertion, and the Rees could not be + expected to welcome as a kinsman one of the foremost of their ancient + foes. There was nothing to be done but to remain in seclusion, and let + them say what they would of him! + </p> + <p> + He had loved the Ree maiden from the first moment he beheld her by the + light of the blazing embers, and that love must satisfy him. It was well + that he had never cared much for company, but had spent many of his young + days in solitude and fasting. It did not seem at all strange to him that + he had been forced to retreat into an unknown and wild country with a + woman whom he saw in the evening for the first time, and fled with as his + own wife before sunrise! + </p> + <p> + By the afternoon he had thoroughly informed himself upon the nature of the + surrounding country. Everything on the face of the map was surveyed and + charted in his mind, in accordance with his habits and training. This + done, he turned toward his secret dwelling. As he walked rapidly and + noiselessly through the hidden valleys and along the singing streams, he + noticed fresh signs of the deer, elk, and other wild tribes among whom he + had chosen to abide. “They shall be my people,” he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + Behind a group of cedars he paused to reconnoiter, and saw the pine-bough + wigwam like a giant plant, each row of boughs overlapping the preceding + circular row like the scales of a fish. Stasu was sitting before it upon a + buffalorobe, attired in her best doeskin gown. Her delicate oval face was + touched with red paint, and her slender brown hands were occupied with a + moccasin meant for him to wear. He could scarcely believe that it was a + mortal woman that he saw before him in broad day—the pride of No + Man’s Trail, for that is what the Crow Indians call that valley! + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho, kechuwa!” he exclaimed as he approached her, and her heart leaped + in recognition of the magnetic words of love. + </p> + <p> + “It is good that we are alone! I shall never want to go back to my people + so long as I have you. I can dwell here with you forever, unless you + should think otherwise!” she exclaimed in her own tongue, accompanied by + graphic signs. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, I think of nothing else! I can see in every creature only friendly + ways and good feeling. We can live alone here, happily, unless you should + feel differently,” he replied in his own language with the signs, so that + his bride understood him. + </p> + <p> + The environment was just what it should be when two people are united in + marriage. The wedding music was played by Nature, and trees, brooks, and + the birds of the air contributed their peculiar strains to a great + harmony. All of the people on No Man’s Trail were polite, and understood + the reserves of love. These two had yielded to a simple and natural + impulse; but its only justification to their minds was the mysterious + leading of the twin spirit! That was the sum total of their excuse, and it + was enough. + </p> + <p> + Before the rigor of winter had set in, Tatoka brought to his bride many + buffalo skins. She was thoroughly schooled in the arts of savage + womanhood; in fact, every Indian maid was trained with this thought in + view—that she should become a beautiful, strong, skillful wife and + mother—the mother of a noble race of warriors! + </p> + <p> + In a short time within that green and pine-scented enclosure there smiled + a little wild paradise. Hard by the pine-bough wigwam there stood a new + white buffalo-skin teepee, tanned, cut, sewed, and pitched by the hands of + Stasu. Away in the woods, down by the rushing brook, was her tannery, and + not far away, in a sunny, open spot, she prepared her sun-cured meats for + winter use. Her kitchen was a stone fireplace in a shady spot, and her + parlor was the lodge of evergreen, overhung on two sides by inaccessible + ledges, and bounded on the other two by the sparkling stream. It was a + secret place, and yet a citadel; a silent place, and yet not lonely! + </p> + <p> + The winter was cold and long, but the pair were happy in one another’s + company, and accepted their strange lot as one that was chosen for them by + the spirits. Stasu had insisted upon her husband speaking to her in his + own language, that she might learn it quickly. In a little while she was + able to converse with him, and when she had acquired his language she + taught him hers. + </p> + <p> + While Antelope was occupied with hunting and exploring the country, always + keeping in mind the danger of discovery by some wandering scout or hunter, + his wife grew well acquainted with the wild inhabitants of No Man’s Trail. + These people are as full of curiosity as man, and as the Sioux never + hunted near his home, they were entirely fearless. Many came to the door + of Stasu’s lodge, and she was not afraid, but offered them food and spoke + to them kindly. All animals judge by signs and are quick in reading tones + and gestures; so that the Ree girl soon had grandfathers and grandmothers, + after the Indian fashion, among the wolves and bears that came oftenest + for food. + </p> + <p> + Her husband in the field had also his fellow-hunters and friends. When he + killed the buffalo he always left enough meat for the wolves, the eagles, + and the ravens to feast upon, and these watched for the coming of the + lonely wild man. More than once they told him by their actions of the + presence of a distant campfire, but in each instance it proved to be a + small war-party which had passed below them on the trail. + </p> + <p> + Again it was summer. Never had the mountains looked grander or more + mysterious to the eyes of the two. The valley was full of the music and + happiness of the winged summer people; the trees wore their summer attire, + and the meadow its green blanket. There were many homes made happy by the + coming of little people everywhere, but no pair was happier than Stasu and + her husband when one morning they saw their little brave lying wrapped in + soft deerskins, and heard for the first time his plaintive voice! + </p> + <p> + That morning, when Antelope set out on the hunt, he stopped at the stream + and looked at himself seriously to see whether he had changed since the + day before. He must now appear much graver, he said to himself, because he + is the father of a new man! + </p> + <p> + In spite of himself, his thoughts were with his own people, and he + wondered what his old grandmother would have said to his child! He looked + away off toward the Black Hills, to the Sioux country, and in his heart he + said, “I am a coward!” + </p> + <p> + The boy grew naturally, and never felt the lack of playmates and + companions, for his mother was ingenious in devising plays for him, and in + winning for him the confidence and kindness of the animal friends. He was + the young chief and the hero of No Man’s Trail! The bears and wolves were + his warriors; the buffalo and elk the hostile tribes upon whom he went to + war. Small as he was, he soon preferred to roam alone in the woods. His + parents were often anxious, but, on the other hand, they entertained the + hope that he would some day be “wakan,” a mysterious or supernatural man, + for he was getting power from his wild companions and from the silent + forces of nature. + </p> + <p> + One day, when he was about five years old, he gave a dance for his wild + pets upon the little plateau which was still their home. He had clothed + Mato, the bear, in one of his father’s suits as a great medicine-man. + Waho, the wolf, was painted up as a brave; and the young buffalo calf was + attired in one of his mother’s gowns. The boy acted as chief and master of + ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + The savage mother watched him with undisguised pride, mingled with sorrow. + Tears coursed down her dusky cheeks, although at the same time she could + not help laughing heartily at the strange performance. When the play was + ended, and she had served the feast at its close, Stasu seemed lost in + thought. + </p> + <p> + “He should not live in this way,” she was saying to herself. “He should + know the traditions and great deeds of my people! Surely his grandfather + would be proud of the boy!” + </p> + <p> + That evening, while the boy slept, and Mato lay outside the lodge eagerly + listening and sniffing the night air, the parents sat silent and ill at + ease. After a long time Stasu spoke her mind. + </p> + <p> + “My husband, you ask me why I am sad. It is because I think that the Great + Mystery will be displeased if we keep this little boy forever in the + wilderness. It is wrong to allow him to grow up among wild animals; and if + sickness or accident should deprive him of his father and mother, our + spirits would never rest, because we had left him alone! I have decided to + ask you to take us back, either to your people or to my people. We must + sacrifice our pride, or, if needs be, our lives, for his life and + happiness!” + </p> + <p> + This speech of Stasu’s was a surprise to her husband. His eyes rested upon + the ground as he listened, and his face assumed the proverbial stoical + aspect, yet in it there was not lacking a certain nobleness. At last he + lifted his eyes to hers, and said: + </p> + <p> + “You have spoken wise words, and it shall be as you have said. We shall + return to your people. If I am to die at the hands of the ancient enemy of + the Sioux, I shall die because of my love for you, and for our child. But + I cannot go back to my own people to be ridiculed by unworthy young men + for yielding to love of a Ree maiden!” + </p> + <p> + There was much feeling behind these words of Antelope. The rigid customs + of his people are almost a religion, and there is one thing above all else + which a Sioux cannot bear—that is the ridicule of his + fellow-warriors. Yes, he can endure severe punishment or even death at the + hands of the enemy rather than a single laugh of derision from a Sioux! + </p> + <p> + In a few days the household articles were packed, and the three sadly + turned their backs upon their home. Stasu and her husband were very silent + as they traveled slowly along. When they reached the hill called + “Born-of-Day,” and she saw from its summit the country of her people lying + below her, she cried aloud, weeping happy tears. Antelope sat near by with + bowed head, silently smoking. + </p> + <p> + Finally on the fifth day they arrived within sight of the great permanent + village of the three tribes. They saw the earth lodges as of old, thickly + clustered along the flats of the Missouri, among their rustling + maize-fields. Antelope stopped. “I think you had better give me something + to eat, woman,” he said, smiling. It was the Sioux way of saying, “Let me + have my last meal!” + </p> + <p> + After they had eaten, Stasu opened her buckskin bags and gave her husband + his finest suit. He dressed himself carefully in the fashion of his tribe, + putting on all the feathers to which he was entitled as a warrior. The boy + also was decked out in gala attire, and Stasu, the matron, had never + looked more beautiful in her gown of ceremony with the decoration of elks’ + teeth, the same that she had worn on the evening of her disappearance. + </p> + <p> + As she dressed herself, the unwelcome thought forced itself upon her,—“What + if my love is killed by my own countrymen in their frenzy? This beautiful + gown must then give place to a poor one, and this hair will be cut short!” + for such is the mourning of the widow among her people. + </p> + <p> + The three rode openly down the long slope, and were instantly discovered + by the people of the village. Soon the plain was black with the + approaching riders. Stasu had begged her husband to remain behind, while + she went on alone with the boy to obtain forgiveness, but he sternly + refused, and continued in advance. When the foremost Ree warriors came + within arrow-shot they began to shoot, to which he paid no attention. + </p> + <p> + But the child screamed with terror, and Stasu cried out in her own tongue: + </p> + <p> + “Do not shoot! I am the daughter of your chief!” + </p> + <p> + One of them returned the reply: “She is killed by the Sioux!” But when the + leaders saw her plainly they were astounded. + </p> + <p> + For a time there was great confusion. Some held that they should all die, + for the woman had been guilty of treason to her people, and even now she + might be playing a trick upon them. Who could say that behind that hill + there was not a Sioux war-party? + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” replied others. “They are in our power. Let them tell their + story!” + </p> + <p> + Stasu told it simply, and said in conclusion: + </p> + <p> + “This man, one of the bravest and most honorable men of his tribe, + deserted on the night of the attack, and all because he loved a Ree + maiden! He now comes to be your brother-in-law, who will fight henceforth + for you and with you, even if it be against his own people. + </p> + <p> + “He does not beg for mercy—he can dare anything! But I am a woman—my + heart is soft—I ask for the lives of my husband and my son, who is + the grandson of your chief!” + </p> + <p> + “He is a coward who touches this man!” exclaimed the leader, and a thunder + of warwhoops went up in approval of his words. + </p> + <p> + The warriors formed themselves in two great columns, riding twenty + abreast, behind and in front of the strangers. The old chief came out to + meet them, and took his son-inlaw’s hand. Thus they entered the village in + battle array, but with hearts touched with wonder and great gladness, + discharging their arrows upward in clouds and singing peace-songs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. THE MADNESS OF BALD EAGLE + </h2> + <p> + “It was many years ago, when I was only a child,” began White Ghost, the + patriarchal old chief of the Yanktonnais Sioux, “that our band was engaged + in a desperate battle with the Rees and Mandans. The cause of the fight + was a peculiar one. I will tell you about it.” And he laid aside his + longstemmed pipe and settled himself to the recital. + </p> + <p> + “At that time the Yanktonnais numbered a little over forty families. We + were nicknamed by the other bands Shunkikcheka, or Domestic Dogs, because + of our owning large numbers of these animals. My father was the head + chief. + </p> + <p> + “Our favorite wintering place was a timbered tract near the mouth of the + Grand River, and it was here that we met the Blackfoot Sioux in the fall + hunt. On the opposite side of the river from our camp was the permanent + village of the Rees and Mandans, whose houses were of dirt and partly + underground. For a hundred years before this time they had planted large + gardens, and we were accustomed to buy of them corn, beans, and pumpkins. + From time to time our people had made treaties of peace with them. Each + family of the Rees had one or two buffalo boats—not round, as the + Sioux made them, but two or three skins long. In these boats they brought + quantities of dried beans and other vegetables to trade with us for jerked + buffalo meat. + </p> + <p> + “It was a great gathering and a time of general festivity and hospitality. + The Sioux young men were courting the Ree girls, and the Ree braves were + courting our girls, while the old people bartered their produce. All day + the river was alive with canoes and its banks rang with the laughter of + the youths and maidens. + </p> + <p> + “My father’s younger brother, whose name was Big Whip, had a close friend, + a young man who ever after the event of which I am about to tell you was + known as Bald Eagle. They were both daring young men and very ambitious + for distinction. They had been following the Ree girls to their canoes as + they returned to their homes in the evening. + </p> + <p> + “Big Whip and his friend stood upon the river bank at sunset, one with a + quiver full of arrows upon his back while the other carried a gun under + his blanket. Nearly all the people of the other village had crossed the + river, and the chief of the Rees, whose name was Bald Eagle, went home + with his wife last of all. It was about dusk as they entered their + bullhide boat, and the two Sioux stood there looking at them. + </p> + <p> + “Suddenly Big Whip exclaimed: ‘Friend, let us kill the chief. I dare you + to kill and scalp him!’ His friend replied: + </p> + <p> + “‘It shall be as you say. I will stand by you in all things. I am willing + to die with you.’ + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly Bald Eagle pulled out his gun and shot the Ree dead. From + that day he took his name. The old man fell backward into his boat, and + the old woman screamed and wept as she rowed him across the river. The + other young man shot an arrow or two at the wife, but she continued to row + until she reached the other bank. + </p> + <p> + “There was great excitement on both sides of the river as soon as the + people saw what had happened. There were two camps of Sioux, the Blackfoot + Sioux and the Yanktonnais, or our people. Of course the Mandans and Rees + greatly outnumbered us; their camp must have numbered two or three + thousand, which was more than we had in our combined camps. + </p> + <p> + “There was a Sioux whose name was Black Shield, who had intermarried among + the Rees. He came down to the opposite bank of the Missouri and shouted to + us: + </p> + <p> + “‘Of which one of your bands is the man who killed Bald Eagle?’ + </p> + <p> + “One of the Blackfoot Sioux replied: + </p> + <p> + “‘It is a man of the Yanktonnais Sioux who killed Bald Eagle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then he said: ‘The Rees wish to do battle with them; you had better + withdraw from their camp.’ + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly the Blackfeet retired about a mile from us upon the bluffs + and pitched their tents, while the Yanktonnais remained on the flats. The + two bands had been great rivals in courage and the art of war, so we did + not ask for help from our kinsfolk, but during the night we dug trenches + about the camp, the inner one for the women and children, and the outer + one for the men to stay in and do battle. + </p> + <p> + “The next morning at daybreak the enemy landed and approached our camp in + great numbers. Some of their women and old men came also, and sat upon the + bluffs to watch the fight and to carry off their dead and wounded. The + Blackfeet likewise were watching the battle from the bluffs, and just + before the fight began one Blackfoot came in with his wife and joined us. + His name was Red Dog’s Track, but from that day he was called + He-Came-Back. His wife was a Yanktonnais, and he had said to her: ‘If I + don’t join your tribe to-day, my brothers-in-law will call me a coward.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Sioux were well entrenched and well armed with guns and arrows, and + their aim was deadly, so that the Rees crawled up gradually and took every + opportunity to pick off any Sioux who ventured to show his head above the + trenches. In like manner every Ree who exposed himself was sure to die. + </p> + <p> + “Up to this time no one had seen the two men who made all the trouble. + There was a natural hollow in the bank, concealed by buffalo berry bushes, + very near where they stood when Bald Eagle shot the Ree. + </p> + <p> + “‘Friend,’ said Big Whip, ‘it is likely that our own people will punish us + for this deed. They will pursue and kill us wherever they find us. They + have the right to do this. The best thing is to drop into this washout and + remain there until they cease to look for us.’ + </p> + <p> + “They did so, and remained hidden during the night. But, after the fight + began, Big Whip said again: ‘Friend, we are the cause of the deaths of + many brave men this day. We committed the act to show our bravery. We + dared each other to do it. It will now become us as warriors to join our + band.’ + </p> + <p> + “They both stripped, and taking their weapons in hand, ran toward the + camp. They had to pass directly through the enemy’s lines, but they were + not recognized till they had fairly passed them. Then they were between + two fires. When they had almost reached the entrenchment they faced about + and fired at the Rees, jumping about incessantly to avoid being hit, as is + the Indian fashion. Bullets and arrows were flying all about them like + hail, but at last they dropped back unhurt into the Sioux trenches. Thus + the two men saved their reputation for bravery, and their people never + openly reproached them for the events of that day. Young men are often + rash, but it is not well to reprove one for a brave deed lest he become a + coward. + </p> + <p> + “Many were killed, but more of the Rees than of our band. About the middle + of the afternoon there came a cold rain. It was in the fall of the year. + The bow-strings were wet, and the guns were only flint-locks. You know + when the flint becomes wet it is useless, and it looked as if the fight + must be with knives. + </p> + <p> + “But the Rees were much disheartened. They had lost many. The women were + all the time carrying off the wounded, and there were the Blackfoot Sioux + watching them from the hills. They turned and fled toward the river. The + Sioux followed like crazy wolves, tomahawking the tired and slow ones. + Many were killed at the boats, and some of the boats were punctured with + shot and sank. Some carried a load of Sioux arrows back across the river. + That was the greatest battle ever fought by our band,” the old man + concluded, with a deep sigh of mingled satisfaction and regret. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. THE SINGING SPIRIT + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I + </h2> + <p> + “Ho my steed, we must climb one more hill! My reputation depends upon my + report!” + </p> + <p> + Anookasan addressed his pony as if he were a human companion, urged on + like himself by human need and human ambition. And yet in his heart he had + very little hope of sighting any buffalo in that region at just that time + of the year. + </p> + <p> + The Yankton Sioux were ordinarily the most far-sighted of their people in + selecting a winter camp, but this year the late fall had caught them + rather far east of the Missouri bottoms, their favorite camping-ground. + The upper Jim River, called by the Sioux the River of Gray Woods, was + usually bare of large game at that season. Their store of jerked buffalo + meat did not hold out as they had hoped, and by March it became an urgent + necessity to send out scouts for buffalo. + </p> + <p> + The old men at the tiyo teepee (council lodge) held a long council. It was + decided to select ten of their bravest and hardiest young men to explore + the country within three days’ journey of their camp. + </p> + <p> + “Anookasan, uyeyo-o-o, woo, woo!” Thus the ten men were summoned to the + council lodge early in the evening to receive their commission. Anookasan + was the first called and first to cross the circle of the teepees. A young + man of some thirty years, of the original native type, his massive form + was wrapped in a fine buffalo robe with the hair inside. He wore a stately + eagle feather in his scalp-lock, but no paint about his face. + </p> + <p> + As he entered the lodge all the inmates greeted him with marked respect, + and he was given the place of honor. When all were seated the great drum + was struck and a song sung by four deep-chested men. This was the prelude + to a peculiar ceremony. + </p> + <p> + A large red pipe, which had been filled and laid carefully upon the + central hearth, was now taken up by an old man, whose face was painted + red. First he held it to the ground with the words: “Great Mother, partake + of this!” Then he held it toward the sky, saying: “Great Father, smoke + this!” Finally he lighted it, took four puffs, pointing it to the four + corners of the earth in turn, and lastly presented it to Anookasan. This + was the oath of office, administered by the chief of the council lodge. + The other nine were similarly commissioned, and all accepted the + appointment. + </p> + <p> + It was no light task that was thus religiously enjoined upon these ten + men. It meant at the least several days and nights of wandering in search + of signs of the wily buffalo. It was a public duty, and a personal one as + well; one that must involve untold hardship; and if overtaken by storm the + messengers were in peril of death! + </p> + <p> + Anookasan returned to his teepee with some misgiving. His old charger, + which had so often carried him to victory, was not so strong as he had + been in his prime. As his master approached the lodge the old horse + welcomed him with a gentle whinny. He was always tethered near by, ready + for any emergency. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Wakan! we are once more called upon to do duty! We shall set out + before daybreak.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he pushed nearer a few strips of the poplar bark, which was + oats to the Indian pony of the olden time. + </p> + <p> + Anookasan had his extra pair of buffaloskin moccasins with the hair + inside, and his scanty provision of dried meat neatly done up in a small + packet and fastened to his saddle. With his companions he started + northward, up the River of the Gray Woods, five on the east side and a + like number on the west. + </p> + <p> + The party had separated each morning, so as to cover as much ground as + possible, having agreed to return at night to the river. It was now the + third day; their food was all but gone, their steeds much worn, and the + signs seemed to indicate a storm. Yet the hunger of their friends and + their own pride impelled them to persist, for out of many young men they + had been chosen, therefore they must prove themselves equal to the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + The sun, now well toward the western horizon, cast over snow-covered + plains a purplish light. No living creature was in sight and the quest + seemed hopeless, but Anookasan was not one to accept defeat. + </p> + <p> + “There may be an outlook from yonder hill which will turn failure into + success,” he thought, as he dug his heels into the sides of his faithful + nag. At the same time he started a “Strong Heart” song to keep his courage + up! + </p> + <p> + At the summit of the ascent he paused and gazed steadily before him. At + the foot of the next coteau he beheld a strip of black. He strained his + eyes to look, for the sun had already set behind the hilltops. It was a + great herd of buffaloes, he thought, which was grazing on the foot-hills. + </p> + <p> + “Hi hi, uncheedah! Hi, hi, tunkasheedah!” he was about to exclaim in + gratitude, when, looking more closely, he discovered his mistake. The dark + patch was only timber. + </p> + <p> + His horse could not carry him any further, so he got off and ran behind + him toward the river. At dusk he hailed his companions. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, what success?” one cried. + </p> + <p> + “Not a sign of even a lone bull,” replied another. + </p> + <p> + “Yet I saw a gray wolf going north this evening. His direction is + propitious,” remarked Anookasan, as he led the others down the slope and + into the heavy timber. The river just here made a sharp turn, forming a + densely wooded semicircle, in the shelter of a high bluff. + </p> + <p> + The braves were all downhearted because of their ill-luck, and only the + sanguine spirit of Anookasan kept them from utter discouragement. Their + slight repast had been taken and each man had provided himself with + abundance of dry grass and twigs for a bed. They had built a temporary + wigwam of the same material, in the center of which there was a generous + fire. Each man stretched himself out upon his robe in the glow of it. + Anookasan filled the red pipe, and, having lighted it, he took one or two + hasty puffs and held it up to the moon, which was scarcely visible behind + the cold clouds. + </p> + <p> + “Great Mother, partake of this smoke! May I eat meat to-morrow!” he + exclaimed with solemnity. Having uttered this prayer, he handed the pipe + to the man nearest him. + </p> + <p> + For a time they all smoked in silence; then came a distant call. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, it is Shunkmanito, the wolf! There is something cheering in his voice + to-night,” declared Anookasan. “Yes, I am sure he is telling us not to be + discouraged. You know that the wolf is one of our best friends in trouble. + Many a one has been guided back to his home by him in a blizzard, or led + to game when in desperate need. My friends, let us not turn back in the + morning; let us go north one more day!” + </p> + <p> + No one answered immediately, and again silence reigned, while one by one + they pulled the reluctant whiffs of smoke through the long stem of the + calumet. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” said one of the men, and all listened intently to catch + the delicate sound. They were familiar with all the noises of the night + and voices of the forest, but this was not like any of them. + </p> + <p> + “It sounds like the song of a mosquito, and one might forget while he + listens that this is not midsummer,” said one. + </p> + <p> + “I hear also the medicine-man’s single drumbeat,” suggested another. + </p> + <p> + “There is a tradition,” remarked Anookasan, that many years ago a party of + hunters went up the river on a scout like this of ours. They never + returned. Afterward, in the summer, their bones were found near the home + of a strange creature, said to be a little man, but he had hair all over + him. The Isantees call him Chanotedah. Our old men give him the name + Oglugechana. This singular being is said to be no larger than a new-born + babe. He speaks an unknown tongue. + </p> + <p> + “The home of Oglugechana is usually a hollow stump, around which all of + the nearest trees are felled by lightning. There is an open spot in the + deep woods wherever he dwells. His weapons are the plumes of various + birds. Great numbers of these variegated feathers are to be found in the + deserted lodge of the little man. + </p> + <p> + “It is told by the old men that Oglugechana has a weird music by which he + sometimes bewitches lone travelers. He leads them hither and thither about + his place until they have lost their senses. Then he speaks to them. He + may make of them great war-prophets or medicinemen, but his commands are + hard to fulfill. If any one sees him and comes away before he is + bewildered, the man dies as soon as he smells the camp-fire, or when he + enters his home his nearest relative dies suddenly.” + </p> + <p> + The warrior who related this legend assumed the air of one who narrates + authentic history, and his listeners appeared to be seriously impressed. + What we call the supernatural was as real to them as any part of their + lives. + </p> + <p> + “This thing does not stop to breathe at all. His music seems to go on + endlessly,” said one, with considerable uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “It comes from the heavy timber north of us, under the high cliff,” + reported a warrior who had stepped outside of the rude temporary structure + to inform himself more clearly of the direction of the sound. + </p> + <p> + “Anookasan, you are our leader—tell us what we should do! We will + follow you. I believe we ought to leave this spot immediately. This is + perhaps the spirit of some dead enemy,” suggested another. Meanwhile, the + red pipe was refilled and sent around the circle to calm their disturbed + spirits. + </p> + <p> + When the calumet returned at last to the one addressed, he took it in a + preoccupied manner, and spoke between labored pulls on the stem. + </p> + <p> + “I am just like yourselves—nothing more than flesh—with a + spirit that is as ready to leave me as water to run from a punctured + water-bag! When we think thus, we are weak. Let us rather think upon the + brave deeds of our ancestors! This singing spirit has a gentle voice; I am + ready to follow and learn if it be an enemy or no. Let us all be found + together next summer if need be!” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho, ho!” was the full-throated response. + </p> + <p> + “All put on your war-paint,” suggested Anookasan. “Have your knives and + arrows ready!” + </p> + <p> + They did so, and all stole silently through the black forest in the + direction of the mysterious sound. Clearer and clearer it came through the + frosty air; but it was a foreign sound to the savage ear. Now it seemed to + them almost like a distant water-fall; then it recalled the low hum of + summer insects and the drowsy drone of the bumblebee. Thump, thump, thump! + was the regular accompaniment. + </p> + <p> + Nearer and nearer to the cliff they came, deeper into the wild heart of + the woods. At last out of the gray, formless night a dark shape appeared! + It looked to them like a huge buffalo bull standing motionless in the + forest, and from his throat there apparently proceeded the thump of the + medicine drum, and the song of the beguiling spirit! + </p> + <p> + All of a sudden a spark went up into the air. As they continued to + approach, there became visible a deep glow about the middle of the dark + object. Whatever it was, they had never heard of anything like it in all + their lives! + </p> + <p> + Anookasan was a little in advance of his companions, and it was he who + finally discovered a wall of logs laid one upon another. Half way up there + seemed to be stretched a par-fleche (raw-hide), from which a dim light + emanated. He still thought of Oglugechana, who dwells within a hollow + tree, and determined to surprise and if possible to overpower this + wonderworking old man. + </p> + <p> + All now took their knives in their hands and advanced with their leader to + the attack upon the log hut. “Wa-wa-wa-wa, woo, woo!” they cried. Zip, + zip! went the par-fleche door and window, and they all rushed in! + </p> + <p> + There sat a man upon a roughly hewn stool. He was attired in wolfskins and + wore a foxskin cap upon his head. The larger portion of his face was + clothed with natural fur. A rudely made cedar fiddle was tucked under his + furred chin. Supporting it with his left hand, he sawed it vigorously with + a bow that was not unlike an Indian boy’s miniature weapon, while his + moccasined left foot came down upon the sod floor in time with the music. + When the shrill war-whoop came, and the door and window were cut in strips + by the knives of the Indians, he did not even cease playing, but + instinctively he closed his eyes, so as not to behold the horror of his + own end. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II + </h2> + <p> + It was long ago, upon the rolling prairie south of the Devil’s Lake, that + a motley body of hunters gathered near a mighty herd of the bison, in the + Moon of Falling Leaves. These were the first generation of the Canadian + mixed-bloods, who sprang up in such numbers as to form almost a new + people. These semi-wild Americans soon became a necessity to the Hudson + Bay Company, as they were the greatest hunters of the bison, and made more + use of this wonderful animal than even their aboriginal ancestors. + </p> + <p> + A curious race of people this, in their make-up and their customs! Their + shaggy black hair was allowed to grow long, reaching to their broad + shoulders, then cut off abruptly, making their heads look like a thatched + house. Their dark faces were in most cases well covered with hair, their + teeth large and white, and their eyes usually liquid black, although + occasionally one had a tiger-brown or cold-gray eye. Their costume was a + buckskin shirt with abundance of fringes, buckskin pantaloons with short + leggins, a gay sash, and a cap of fox-fur. Their arms consisted of + flint-lock guns, hatchets, and butcher-knives. Their ponies were small, + but as hardy as themselves. + </p> + <p> + As these men gathered in the neighborhood of an immense herd of buffaloes, + they busied themselves in adjusting the girths of their beautifully beaded + pillow-like saddles. Among them there were exceptional riders and hunters. + It was said that few could equal Antoine Michaud in feats of riding into + and through the herd. There he stood, all alone, the observed of many + others. It was his habit to give several Indian yells when the onset + began, so as to insure a successful hunt. + </p> + <p> + In this instance, Antoine gave his usual whoops, and when they had almost + reached the herd, he lifted his flint-lock over his head and plunged into + the black moving mass. With a sound like the distant rumbling of thunder, + those tens of thousands of buffalo hoofs were pounding the earth in + retreat. Thus Antoine disappeared! + </p> + <p> + His wild steed dashed into the midst of the vast herd. Fortunately for + him, the animals kept clear of him; but alas! the gap through which he had + entered instantly closed again. + </p> + <p> + He yelled frantically to secure an outlet, but without effect. He had tied + a red bandanna around his head to keep the hair off his face, and he now + took this off and swung it crazily about him to scatter the buffalo, but + it availed him nothing. + </p> + <p> + With such a mighty herd in flight, the speed could not be great; therefore + the “Bois Brule” settled himself to the situation, allowing his pony to + canter along slowly to save his strength. It required much tact and + presence of mind to keep an open space, for the few paces of obstruction + behind had gradually grown into a mile. + </p> + <p> + The mighty host moved continually southward, walking and running + alternately. As the sun neared the western horizon, it fired the sky above + them, and all the distant hills and prairies were in the glow of it, but + immediately about them was a thick cloud of dust, and the ground appeared + like a fire-swept plain. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Antoine was aware of a tremendous push from behind. The animals + smelled the cool water of a spring which formed a large bog in the midst + of the plain. This solitary pond or marsh was a watering-place for the + wild animals. All pushed and edged toward it; it was impossible for any + one to withstand the combined strength of so many. + </p> + <p> + Antoine and his steed were in imminent danger of being pushed into the + mire and trampled upon, but a mere chance brought them upon solid ground. + As they were crowded across the marsh, his pony drank heartily, and he, + for the first time, let go his bridle, put his two palms together for a + dipper, and drank greedily of the bitter water. He had not eaten since + early morning, so he now pulled up some bulrushes and ate of the tender + bulbs, while the pony grazed as best he could on the tops of the tall + grass. + </p> + <p> + It was now dark. The night was wellnigh intolerable for Antoine. The + buffalo were about him in countless numbers, regarding him with vicious + glances. It was only by reason of the natural offensiveness of man that + they gave him any space. The bellowing of the bulls became general, and + there was a marked uneasiness on the part of the herd. This was a sign of + approaching storm, therefore the unfortunate hunter had this additional + cause for anxiety. Upon the western horizon were seen some flashes of + lightning. + </p> + <p> + The cloud which had been a mere speck upon the horizon had now increased + to large proportions. Suddenly the wind came, and lightning flashes became + more frequent, showing the ungainly forms of the animals like strange + monsters in the white light. The colossal herd was again in violent + motion. It was a blind rush for shelter, and no heed was paid to buffalo + wallows or even deep gulches. All was in the deepest of darkness. There + seemed to be groaning in heaven and earth—millions of hoofs and + throats roaring in unison! + </p> + <p> + As a shipwrecked man clings to a mere fragment of wood, so Antoine, + although almost exhausted with fatigue, still stuck to the back of his + equally plucky pony. Death was imminent for them both. As the mad rush + continued, every flash displayed heaps of bison in death struggle under + the hoofs of their companions. + </p> + <p> + From time to time Antoine crossed himself and whispered a prayer to the + Virgin; and again he spoke to his horse after the fashion of an Indian: + </p> + <p> + “Be brave, be strong, my horse! If we survive this trial, you shall have + great honor!” + </p> + <p> + The stampede continued until they reached the bottom lands, and, like a + rushing stream, their course was turned aside by the steep bank of a creek + or small river. Then they moved more slowly in wide sweeps or circles, + until the storm ceased, and the exhausted hunter, still in his saddle, + took some snatches of sleep. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke and looked about him again it was morning. The herd had + entered the strip of timber which lay on both sides of the river, and it + was here that Antoine conceived his first distinct hope of saving himself. + </p> + <p> + “Waw, waw, waw!” was the hoarse cry that came to his ears, apparently from + a human being in distress. Antoine strained his eyes and craned his neck + to see who it could be. Through an opening in the branches ahead he + perceived a large grizzly bear, lying along an inclined limb and hugging + it desperately to maintain his position. The herd had now thoroughly + pervaded the timber, and the bear was likewise hemmed in. He had taken to + his unaccustomed refuge after making a brave stand against several bulls, + one of which lay dead near by, while he himself was bleeding from many + wounds. + </p> + <p> + Antoine had been assiduously looking for a friendly tree, by means of + which he hoped to effect his escape from captivity by the army of bison. + His horse, by chance, made his way directly under the very box-elder that + was sustaining the bear and there was a convenient branch just within his + reach. The Bois Brule was not then in an aggressive mood, and he saw at a + glance that the occupant of the tree would not interfere with him. They + were, in fact, companions in distress. Antoine tried to give a war-whoop + as he sprang desperately from the pony’s back and seized the cross limb + with both his hands. + </p> + <p> + The hunter dangled in the air for a minute that to him seemed a year. Then + he gathered up all the strength that was in him, and with one grand effort + he pulled himself up on the limb. + </p> + <p> + If he had failed in this, he would have fallen to the ground under the + hoofs of the buffaloes, and at their mercy. + </p> + <p> + After he had adjusted his seat as comfortably as he could, Antoine + surveyed the situation. He had at least escaped from sudden and certain + death. It grieved him that he had been forced to abandon his horse, and he + had no idea how far he had come nor any means of returning to his friends, + who had, no doubt, given him up for lost. His immediate needs were rest + and food. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly he selected a fat cow and emptied into her sides one barrel of + his gun, which had been slung across his chest. He went on shooting until + he had killed many fat cows, greatly to the discomfiture of his neighbor, + the bear, while the bison vainly struggled among themselves to keep the + fatal spot clear. + </p> + <p> + By the middle of the afternoon the main body of the herd had passed, and + Antoine was sure that his captivity had at last come to an end. Then he + swung himself from his limb to the ground, and walked stiffly to the + carcass of the nearest cow, which he dressed and prepared himself a meal. + But first he took a piece of liver on a long pole to the bear! + </p> + <p> + Antoine finally decided to settle in the recesses of the heavy timber for + the winter, as he was on foot and alone, and not able to travel any great + distance. He jerked the meat of all the animals he had killed, and + prepared their skins for bedding and clothing. The Bois Brule and Ami, as + he called the bear, soon became necessary to one another. The former + considered the bear very good company, and the latter had learned that + man’s business, after all, is not to kill every animal he meets. He had + been fed and kindly treated, when helpless from his wounds, and this he + could not forget. + </p> + <p> + Antoine was soon busy erecting a small log hut, while the other partner + kept a sharp lookout, and, after his hurts were healed, often brought in + some small game. The two had a perfect understanding without many words; + at least, the speech was all upon one side! In his leisure moments Antoine + had occupied himself with whittling out a rude fiddle of cedar-wood, + strung with the guts of a wild cat that he had killed. Every evening that + winter he would sit down after supper and play all the old familiar + pieces, varied with improvisations of his own. At first, the music and the + incessant pounding time with his foot annoyed the bear. At times, too, the + Canadian would call out the figures for the dance. All this Ami became + accustomed to in time, and even showed no small interest in the buzzing of + the little cedar box. Not infrequently, he was out in the evening, and the + human partner was left alone. It chanced, quite fortunately, that the bear + was absent on the night that the red folk rudely invaded the lonely hut. + </p> + <p> + The calmness of the strange being had stayed their hands. They had never + before seen a man of other race than their own! + </p> + <p> + “Is this Chanotedah? Is he man, or beast?” the warriors asked one another. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, wake up, koda!” exclaimed Anookasan. “Maybe he is of the porcupine + tribe, ashamed to look at us!” + </p> + <p> + At this moment they spied the haunch of venison which swung from a + cross-stick over a fine bed of coals, in front of the rude mud chimney. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, koda has something to eat! Sit down, sit down!” they shouted to one + another. + </p> + <p> + Now Antoine opened his eyes for the first time upon his unlooked-for + guests. They were a haggard and hungry-looking set. Anookasan extended his + hand, and Antoine gave it a hearty shake. He set his fiddle against the + wall and began to cut up the smoking venison into generous pieces and + place it before them. All ate like famished men, while the firelight + intensified the red paint upon their wild and warlike faces. + </p> + <p> + When he had satisfied his first hunger, Anookasan spoke in signs. “Friend, + we have never before heard a song like that of your little cedar box! We + had supposed it to be a spirit, or some harmful thing, hence our attack + upon it. We never saw any people of your sort. What is your tribe?” + </p> + <p> + Antoine explained his plight in the same manner, and the two soon came to + an understanding. The Canadian told the starving hunters of a buffalo herd + a little way to the north, and one of their number was dispatched homeward + with the news. In two days the entire band reached Antoine’s place. The + Bois Brule was treated with kindness and honor, and the tribe gave him a + wife. Suffice it to say that Antoine lived and died among the Yanktons at + a good old age; but Ami could not brook the invasion upon their hermit + life. He was never seen after that first evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. THE FAMINE + </h2> + <p> + On the Assiniboine River in western Manitoba there stands an old, historic + trading-post, whose crumbling walls crown a high promontory in the angle + formed by its junction with a tributary stream. This is Fort Ellis, a + mistress of the wilderness and lodestone of savage tribes between the + years 1830 and 1870. + </p> + <p> + Hither at that early day the Indians brought their buffalo robes and + beaver skins to exchange for merchandise, ammunition, and the “spirit + water.” Among the others there presently appeared a band of renegade Sioux—the + exiles, as they called themselves—under White Lodge, whose father, + Little Crow, had been a leader in the outbreak of 1862. Now the great + warchief was dead, and his people were prisoners or fugitives. The shrewd + Scotch trader, McLeod, soon discovered that the Sioux were skilled + hunters, and therefore he exerted himself to befriend them, as well as to + encourage a feeling of good will between them and the Canadian tribes who + were accustomed to make the old fort their summer rendezvous. + </p> + <p> + Now the autumn had come, after a long summer of feasts and dances, and the + three tribes broke up and dispersed as usual in various directions. White + Lodge had twin daughters, very handsome, whose ears had been kept burning + with the proposals of many suitors, but none had received any definite + encouragement. There were one or two who would have been quite willing to + forsake their own tribes and follow the exiles had they not feared too + much the ridicule of the braves. Even Angus McLeod, the trader’s eldest + son, had need of all his patience and caution, for he had never seen any + woman he admired so much as the piquant Magaskawee, called The Swan, one + of these belles of the forest. + </p> + <p> + The Sioux journeyed northward, toward the Mouse River. They had wintered + on that stream before, and it was then the feeding ground of large herds + of buffalo. When it was discovered that the herds were moving westward, + across the Missouri, there was no little apprehension. The shrewd + medicine-man became aware of the situation, and hastened to announce his + prophecy: + </p> + <p> + “The Great Mystery has appeared to me in a dream! He showed me men with + haggard and thin faces. I interpret this to mean a scarcity of food during + the winter.” + </p> + <p> + The chief called his counselors together and set before them the dream of + the priest, whose prophecy, he said, was already being fulfilled in part + by the westward movement of the buffalo. It was agreed that they should + lay up all the dried meat they could obtain; but even for this they were + too late. The storms were already at hand, and that winter was more severe + than any that the old men could recall in their traditions. The braves + killed all the small game for a wide circuit around the camp, but the + buffalo had now crossed the river, and that country was not favorable for + deer. The more enterprising young men organized hunting expeditions to + various parts of the open prairie, but each time they returned with empty + hands. + </p> + <p> + The “Moon of Sore Eyes,” or March, had come at last, and Wazeah, the God + of Storm, was still angry. Their scant provision of dried meat had held + out wonderfully, but it was now all but consumed. The Sioux had but little + ammunition, and the snow was still so deep that it was impossible for them + to move away to any other region in search of game. The worst was feared; + indeed, some of the children and feeble old people had already succumbed. + </p> + <p> + White Lodge again called his men together in council, and it was + determined to send a messenger to Fort Ellis to ask for relief. A young + man called Face-the-Wind was chosen for his exceptional qualities of speed + and endurance upon long journeys. The old medicine-man, whose shrewd + prophecy had gained for him the confidence of the people, now came + forward. He had closely observed the appearance of the messenger selected, + and had taken note of the storm and distance. Accordingly he said: + </p> + <p> + “My children, the Great Mystery is offended, and this is the cause of all + our suffering! I see a shadow hanging over our messenger, but I will pray + to the Great Spirit—perhaps he may yet save him!—Great + Mystery, be thou merciful! Strengthen this young man for his journey, that + he may be able to finish it and to send us aid! If we see the sun of + summer again, we will offer the choicest of our meats to thee, and do thee + great honor!” + </p> + <p> + During this invocation, as occasionally happens in March, a loud peal of + thunder was heard. This coincidence threw the prophet almost into a + frenzy, and the poor people were all of a tremble. Face-the-Wind believed + that the prayer was directly answered, and though weakened by fasting and + unfit for the task before him, he was encouraged to make the attempt. + </p> + <p> + He set out on the following day at dawn, and on the third day staggered + into the fort, looking like a specter and almost frightening the people. + He was taken to McLeod’s house and given good care. The poor fellow, + delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, + the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he + goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole + nations! + </p> + <p> + The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal: so + finally the dying man looked up into McLeod’s face and cried: “Ring your + bell in his face, Wahadah!” + </p> + <p> + The kind-hearted factor could not refuse, and as the great bell used to + mark the hours of work and of meals pealed out untimely upon the frosty + air, the Indian started up and in that moment breathed his last. He had + given no news, and McLeod and his sons could only guess at the state of + affairs upon the Mouse River. + </p> + <p> + While the men were in council with her father, Magaskawee had turned over + the contents of her work-bag. She had found a small roll of birch-bark in + which she kept her porcupine quills for embroidery, and pulled the + delicate layers apart. The White Swan was not altogether the untutored + Indian maiden, for she had lived in the family of a missionary in the + States, and had learned both to speak and write some English. There was no + ink, no pen or pencil, but with her bone awl she pressed upon the white + side of the bark the following words: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MR. ANGUS McLEOD:— + + We are near the hollow rock on the Mouse River. The + buffalo went away across the Missouri, and our powder and + shot are gone. We are starving. Good-bye, if I don’t see + you again. + + MAGASKAWEE. +</pre> + <p> + The girl entrusted this little note to her grandmother, and she in turn + gave it to the messenger. But he, as we know, was unable to deliver it. + </p> + <p> + “Angus, tell the boys to bury the poor fellow to-morrow. I dare say he + brought us some news from White Lodge, but we have got to go to the happy + hunting-grounds to get it, or wait till the exile band returns in the + spring. Evidently,” continued McLeod, “he fell sick on the way: or else he + was starving!” + </p> + <p> + This last suggestion horrified Angus. “I believe, father,” he exclaimed, + “that we ought to examine his bundle.” + </p> + <p> + A small oblong packet was brought forth from the dead man’s belt and + carefully unrolled. + </p> + <p> + There were several pairs of moccasins, and within one of these Angus found + something wrapped up nicely. He proceeded to unwind the long strings of + deerskin with which it was securely tied, and brought forth a thin sheet + of birch-bark. At first, there seemed to be nothing more, but a closer + scrutiny revealed the impression of the awl, and the bit of nature’s + parchment was brought nearer to his face, and scanned with a zeal equal to + that of any student of ancient hieroglyphics. + </p> + <p> + “This tells the whole story, father!” exclaimed the young man at last. + “Magaskawee’s note—just listen!” and he read it aloud. “I shall + start to-morrow. We can take enough provision and ammunition on two sleds, + with six dogs to each. I shall want three good men to go with me.” Angus + spoke with decision. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we can’t afford to lose our best hunters; and you might also bring + home with you what furs and robes they have on hand,” was his father’s + prudent reply. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t care particularly for the skins,” Angus declared; but he at once + began hurried preparations for departure. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime affairs grew daily more desperate in the exile village on + the far-away Mouse River, and a sort of Indian hopelessness and + resignation settled down upon the little community. There were few who + really expected their messenger to reach the fort, or believed that even + if he did so, relief would be sent in time to save them. White Lodge, the + father of his people, was determined to share with them the last mouthful + of food, and every morning Winona and Magaskawee went with scanty portions + in their hands to those whose supply had entirely failed. + </p> + <p> + On the outskirts of the camp there dwelt an old woman with an orphan + grandchild, who had been denying herself for some time in order that the + child might live longer. This poor teepee the girls visited often, and one + on each side they raised the exhausted woman and poured into her mouth the + warm broth they had brought with them. + </p> + <p> + It was on the very day Face-the-Wind reached Fort Ellis that a young + hunter who had ventured further from the camp than any one else had the + luck to bring down a solitary deer with his bow and arrow. In his weakness + he had reached camp very late, bearing the deer with the utmost difficulty + upon his shoulders. It was instantly separated into as many pieces as + there were lodges of the famishing Sioux. These delicious morsels were + hastily cooked and eagerly devoured, but among so many there was scarcely + more than a mouthful to the share of each, and the brave youth himself did + not receive enough to appease in the least his craving! + </p> + <p> + On the eve of Angus’ departure for the exile village, Three Stars, a + devoted suitor of Winona’s, accompanied by another Assiniboine brave, + appeared unexpectedly at the fort. He at once asked permission to join the + relief party, and they set out at daybreak. + </p> + <p> + The lead-dog was the old reliable Mack, who had been in service for + several seasons on winter trips. All of the white men were clad in + buckskin shirts and pantaloons, with long fringes down the sides, fur caps + and fur-lined moccasins. Their guns were fastened to the long, + toboggan-like sleds. + </p> + <p> + The snow had thawed a little and formed an icy crust, and over this fresh + snow had fallen, which a northwest wind swept over the surface like ashes + after a prairie fire. The sun appeared for a little time in the morning, + but it seemed as if he were cutting short his course on account of the + bleak day, and had protected himself with pale rings of fire. + </p> + <p> + The dogs laid back their ears, drew in their tails, and struck into their + customary trot, but even old Mack looked back frequently, as if reluctant + to face such a pricking and scarifying wind. The men felt the cold still + more keenly, although they had taken care to cover every bit of the face + except one eye, and that was completely blinded at times by the granulated + snow. + </p> + <p> + The sun early retreated behind a wall of cloud, and the wind moaned and + wailed like a living creature in anguish. At last they approached the + creek where they had planned to camp for the night. There was nothing to + be seen but a few stunted willows half buried in the drifts, but the banks + of the little stream afforded some protection from the wind. + </p> + <p> + “Whoa!” shouted the leader, and the dogs all stopped, sitting down on + their haunches. “Come, Mack!” (with a wave of the hand), “lead your + fellows down to the creek!” + </p> + <p> + The old dog started down at the word, and all the rest followed. A space + was quickly cleared of snow, while one man scoured the thickets in search + of brush for fuel. In a few minutes the tent was up and a fire kindled in + the center, while the floor was thickly strewn with twigs of willow, over + which buffalo robes were spread. Three Stars attended to supper, and soon + in the midst of the snapping willow fire a kettle was boiling. All partook + of strong tea, dried meat of buffalo, and pemmican, a mixture of pounded + dried meat with wild cherries and melted fat. The dogs, to whom one-half + the tent was assigned, enjoyed a hearty meal and fell into a deep sleep, + lying one against another. + </p> + <p> + After supper Jerry drove two sticks into the ground, one on each side of + the fire, and connected the two by a third one over the blaze. Upon this + all hung their socks to dry—most of them merely square pieces of + blanket cut to serve that purpose. Soon each man rolled himself in his own + buffalo robe and fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + All night the wind raged. The lonely teepee now and then shuddered + violently, as a stronger blast than usual almost lifted it from the + ground. No one stirred except from time to time one of the dogs, who got + up snarling and sniffing the cold air, turned himself round several times + as if on a pivot, and finally lay down for another nap. + </p> + <p> + In the morning the travelers one by one raised their heads and looked + through the smoke-hole, then fell back again with a grunt. All the world + appeared without form and void. Presently, however, the light of the sun + was seen as if through a painted window, and by afternoon they were able + to go on, the wind having partially subsided. This was only a taste of the + weather encountered by the party on their unseasonable trip; but had it + been ten times harder, it would never have occurred to Angus to turn back. + </p> + <p> + On the third day the rescuers approached the camp of the exiles. There was + an ominous quiet; no creature was to be seen; but the smoke which ascended + into the air in perpendicular columns assured them that some, at least, + were still alive. The party happened to reach first the teepee of the poor + old woman who had been so faithfully ministered to by the twin sisters. + They had no longer any food to give, but they had come to build her fire, + if she should have survived the night. At the very door of the lodge they + heard the jingle of dog-bells, but they had not time to announce the + joyful news before the men were in sight. + </p> + <p> + In another minute Angus and Three Stars were beside them, holding their + wasted hands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. THE CHIEF SOLDIER + </h2> + <p> + Just outside of a fine large wigwam of smoke-tanned buffalo-skins stood + Tawasuota, very early upon an August morning of the year 1862. Behind the + wigwam there might have been seen a thrifty patch of growing maize, whose + tall, graceful stalks resembled as many warriors in dancing-dresses and + tasseled head-gear. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks be to the ‘Great Mystery,’ I have been successful in the fortunes + of war! None can say that Tawasuota is a coward. I have done well; so well + that our chief, Little Crow, has offered me the honored position of his + chief soldier, ta akich-itah!” he said to himself with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + The sun was just over the eastem bank of the Minnesota River, and he could + distinctly see upon the level prairie the dwellings of logs which had + sprung up there during the year, since Little Crow’s last treaty with the + whites. “Ugh! they are taking from us our beautiful and game-teeming + country!” was his thought as he gazed upon them. + </p> + <p> + At that moment, out of the conical white teepee, in shape like a new-born + mushroom, there burst two little frisky boys, leaping and whooping. They + were clad gracefully in garments of fine deerskin, and each wore a + miniature feather upon his head, marking them as children of a + distinguished warrior. + </p> + <p> + They danced nimbly around their father, while he stood with all the + dignity of a buck elk, viewing the landscape reddened by sunrise and the + dwellers therein, the old and the new, the red and the white. He noticed + that they were still unmingled; the river divided them. + </p> + <p> + At last he took the dancing little embryo warriors one in either hand, and + lifted them to his majestic shoulders. There he placed them in perfect + poise. His haughty spirit found a moment’s happiness in fatherhood. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Tawasuota set the two boys on the ground again, and signed to + them to enter the teepee. Apparently all was quiet. The camps and villages + of the Minnesota reservation were undisturbed, so far as he could see, + save by the awakening of nature; and the early risers among his people + moved about in seeming security, while the smoke of their morning fires + arose one by one into the blue. Still the warrior gazed steadily westward, + up the river, whence his quick ear had caught the faint but ominous sound + of a distant war-whoop. + </p> + <p> + The ridge beyond the Wahpeton village bounded the view, and between this + point and his own village were the agency buildings and the traders’ + stores. The Indian’s keen eye swept the horizon, and finally alighted once + more upon the home of his new neighbor across the river, the flaxen-haired + white man with many children, who with his white squaw and his little ones + worked from sunrise to sunset, much like the beaver family. + </p> + <p> + Ah! the distant war-whoop once more saluted his ear, but this time nearer + and more distinct. + </p> + <p> + “What! the Rice Creek band is coming in full war-paint! Can it be another + Ojibway attack? Ugh, ugh! I will show their warriors again this day what + it is to fight!” he exclaimed aloud. + </p> + <p> + The white traders and Government employees, those of them who were up and + about, heard and saw the advancing column of warriors. Yet they showed no + sign of anxiety or fear. Most of them thought that there might be some + report of Ojibways coming to attack the Sioux,—a not uncommon + incident,—and that those warriors were on their way to the post to + replenish their powder-horns. A few of the younger men were delighted with + the prospect of witnessing an Indian fight. + </p> + <p> + On swept the armed band, in numbers increasing at every village. + </p> + <p> + It was true that there had been a growing feeling of distrust among the + Indians, because their annuities had been withheld for a long time, and + the money payments had been delayed again and again. There were many in + great need. The traders had given them credit to some extent (charging + them four times the value of the article purchased), and had likewise + induced Little Crow to sign over to them ninety-eight thousand dollars, + the purchase-price of that part of their reservation lying north of the + Minnesota, and already occupied by the whites. + </p> + <p> + This act had made the chief very unpopular, and he was ready for a + desperate venture to regain his influence. Certain warriors among the + upper bands of Sioux had even threatened his life, but no one spoke openly + of a break with the whites. + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, the news came to Little Crow that some roving hunters of + the Rice Creek band had killed in a brawl two families of white settlers, + he saw his opportunity to show once for all to the disaffected that he had + no love for the white man. Immediately he sprang upon his white horse, and + prepared to make their cause a general one among his people. + </p> + <p> + Tawasuota had scarcely finished his hasty preparations for war, by + painting his face and seeing to the loading of his gun, when he heard the + voice of Little Crow outside his lodge. + </p> + <p> + “You are now my head soldier,” said the chief, “and this is your first + duty. Little Six and his band have inaugurated the war against the whites. + They have already wiped out two families, and are now on their way to the + agency. Let my chief soldier fire the first shot. + </p> + <p> + “Those Indians who have cut their hair and donned the white man’s clothing + may give the warning; so make haste! If you fall to-day, there is no + better day on which to die, and the women of our tribe will weep proud + tears for Tawasuota. I leave it with you to lead my warriors.” With these + words the wily chief galloped away to meet the war-party. + </p> + <p> + “Here comes Little Crow, the friend of the white man!” exclaimed a + warrior, as he approached. + </p> + <p> + “Friends and warriors, you will learn to-day who are the friends of the + white man, and none will dare again to insinuate that I have been against + the interests of my own people,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + After a brief consultation with the chiefs he advised the traders: + </p> + <p> + “Do not hesitate to fill the powder-horns of my warriors; they may be + compelled to fight all day.” + </p> + <p> + Soon loud yells were heard along the road to the Indian village. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho! Tawasuota u ye do!” (“He is coming; he is coming!”) shouted the + warriors in chorus. + </p> + <p> + The famous war-chief dismounted in silence, gun in hand, and walked + directly toward the larger store. + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” he exclaimed, “we may both meet the ‘Great Mystery’ to-day, but + you must go first.” + </p> + <p> + There was a loud report, and the unsuspecting white man lay dead. It was + James Lynd, one of the early traders, and a good friend to the Indians. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Tawasuota fired the fatal shot than every other Indian + discharged his piece. Hither and thither ran the frantic people, seeking + safety, but seeking it in vain. They were wholly unprepared and at the + mercy of the foe. + </p> + <p> + The friendly Indians, too, were taken entirely by surprise. They had often + heard wild talk of revolt, but it had never had the indorsement of + intelligent chiefs, or of such a number as to carry any weight to their + minds. Christian Indians rushed in every direction to save, if possible, + at least the wives and children of the Government employees. Meanwhile, + the new white settlements along the Minnesota River were utterly + unconscious of any danger. Not a soul dreamed of the terrible calamity + that each passing moment was bringing nearer and nearer. + </p> + <p> + Tawasuota stepped aside, and took up his pipe. He seemed almost oblivious + of what he had done. While the massacre still raged about him in all its + awful cruelty, he sat smoking and trying to think collectedly, but his + mind was confused, and in his secret thoughts he rebelled against Little + Crow. It was a cowardly deed that he had been ordered to commit, he + thought; for he had won his reputation solely by brave deeds in battle, + and this was more like murdering one of his own tribesmen—this + killing of an unarmed white man. Up to this time the killing of a white + man was not counted the deed of a warrior; it was murder. + </p> + <p> + The lesser braves might now satisfy their spite against the traders to + their hearts’ content, but Tawasuota had been upon the best of terms with + all of them. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a ringing shout was heard. The chief soldier looked up, and + beheld a white man, nearly nude, leap from the roof of the larger store + and alight upon the ground hard by him. + </p> + <p> + He had emptied one barrel of his gun, and, if he chose to do so, could + have killed Myrick then and there; but he made no move, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho! Nina iyaye!” (“Run, run!”) + </p> + <p> + Away sped the white man in the direction of the woods and the river. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, he is swift; he will save himself,” thought Tawasuota. + </p> + <p> + All the Indians had now spied the fugitive; they yelled and fired at him + again and again, as if they were shooting at a running deer; but he only + ran faster. Just as he had reached the very edge of the sheltering timber + a single shot rang out, and he fell headlong. + </p> + <p> + A loud war-whoop went up, for many believed that this was one of the men + who had stolen their trust funds. + </p> + <p> + Tawasuota continued to sit and smoke in the shade while the carnage and + plunder that he had set on foot proceeded on all sides of him. Presently + men began to form small parties to cross the river on their mission of + death, but he refused to join any of them. At last, several of the older + warriors came up to smoke with him. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, nephew,” said one of them with much gravity, “you have precipitated a + dreadful calamity. This means the loss of our country, the destruction of + our nation. What were you thinking of?” + </p> + <p> + It was the Wahpeton chief who spoke, a blood-relation to Tawasuota. He did + not at once reply, but filled his pipe in silence, and handed it to the + man who thus reproached him. It was a just rebuke; for he was a brave man, + and he could have refused the request of his chief to open the massacre. + </p> + <p> + At this moment it was announced that a body of white soldiers were on the + march from Fort Ridgeley. A large body of warriors set out to meet them. + </p> + <p> + “Nephew, you have spilled the first blood of the white man; go, join in + battle with the soldiers. They are armed; they can defend themselves,” + remarked the old chief, and Tawasuota replied: + </p> + <p> + “Uncle, you speak truth; I have committed the act of a coward. It was not + of my own will I did it; nevertheless, I have raised my weapon, and I will + fight the whites as long as I live. If I am ever taken, they will first + have to kill me.” He arose, took up his gun, and joined the war-party. + </p> + <p> + The dreadful day of massacre was almost ended. The terrified Sioux women + and children had fled up the river before the approaching troops. Long + shafts of light from the setting sun painted every hill; one side red as + with blood, the other dark as the shadow of death. A cloud of smoke from + burning homes hung over the beautiful river. Even the permanent dwellings + of the Indians were empty, and all the teepees which had dotted with their + white cones the west bank of the Minnesota had disappeared. Here and there + were small groups of warriors returning from their bloody work, and among + them was Tawasuota. + </p> + <p> + He looked long at the spot where his home had stood; but it was gone, and + with it his family. Ah, the beautiful country of his ancestors! he must + depart from it forever, for he knew now that the white man would occupy + that land. Sadly he sang the spirit-song, and made his appeal to the + “Great Mystery,” excusing himself by the plea that what he had done had + been in the path of duty. There was no glory in it for him; he could wear + no eagle feather, nor could he ever recount the deed. It was dreadful to + him—the thought that he had fired upon an unarmed and helpless man. + </p> + <p> + The chief soldier followed the broad trail of the fleeing host, and after + some hours he came upon a camp. There were no war-songs nor dances there, + as was their wont after a battle, but a strange stillness reigned. Even + the dogs scarcely barked at his approach; everything seemed conscious of + the awful carnage of the day. + </p> + <p> + He stopped at a tent and inquired after his beautiful wife and two little + sons, whom he had already trained to uphold their father’s reputation, but + was directed to his mother’s teepee. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my son, my son, what have you done?” cried his old mother when she + saw him. “Come in, come in; let us eat together once more; for I have a + foreboding that it is for the last time. Alas, what have you done?” + </p> + <p> + Tawasuota silently entered the tent of his widowed mother, and his three + sisters gave him the place of honor. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, it is not right to blame our brother,” said the eldest. “He was + the chief’s head soldier; and if he had disobeyed his orders, he would + have been called a coward. That he could not bear.” + </p> + <p> + Food was handed him, and he swallowed a few mouthfuls, and gave back the + dish. + </p> + <p> + “You have not yet told me where she is, and the children,” he said with a + deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + “My son, my son, I have not, because it will give you pain. I wanted you + to eat first! She has been taken away by her own mother to Faribault, + among the white people. I could not persuade them to wait until you came. + Her people are lovers of the whites. They have even accepted their + religion,” grieved the good old mother. + </p> + <p> + Tawasuota’s head dropped upon his chest, and he sat silent for a long + time. The mother and three sisters were also silent, for they knew how + heavy his grief must be. At last he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, I am too proud to desert the tribe now and join my wife among the + white people. My brother-in-law may lie in my behalf, and say that my + hands are not stained with blood; but the spirits of those who died to-day + would rebuke me, and the rebuke would be just. No, I must fight the whites + until I die; and neither have I fought without cause; but I must see my + sons once more before I go.” + </p> + <p> + When Tawasuota left his mother’s teepee he walked fast across the circle + toward the council lodge to see Little Crow. He drew his blanket closely + about him, with his gun underneath. The keen eye of the wily chief + detected the severe expression upon the face of his guest, and he hastened + to speak first. + </p> + <p> + “There are times in the life of every great man when he must face hardship + and put self aside for the good of his people. You have done well to-day!” + </p> + <p> + “I care little for myself,” replied Tawasuota, “but my heart is heavy + to-night. My wife and two boys have been taken away among the whites by my + mother-in-law. I fear for their safety, when it is known what we have + done.” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, that old woman is too hasty in accepting the ways of the stranger + people!” exclaimed the chief. + </p> + <p> + “I am now on my way to see them,” declared Tawasuota. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, ugh, I shall need you to-morrow! My plan is to attack the soldiers + at Fort Ridgeley with a strong force. There are not many. Then we shall + attack New Ulm and other towns. We will drive them all back into Saint + Paul and Fort Snelling.” Little Crow spoke with energy. + </p> + <p> + “You must stay,” he added, “and lead the attack either at the fort or at + New Ulm.” + </p> + <p> + For some minutes the chief soldier sat in silence. + </p> + <p> + At last he said simply, “I will do it.” + </p> + <p> + On the following day the attack was made, but it was unsuccessful. The + whole State was now alarmed, and all the frontier settlers left alive had + flocked to the larger and more protected towns. It had also developed + during the day that there was a large party of Sioux who were ready to + surrender, thereby showing that they had not been party to the massacre + nor indorsed the hasty action of the tribe. + </p> + <p> + At evening Tawasuota saw that there would be a long war with the whites, + and that the Indians must remove their families out of danger. The feeling + against all Indians was great. Night had brought him no relief of mind, + but it promised to shield him in a hazardous undertaking. He consulted no + one, but set out for the distant village of Faribault. + </p> + <p> + He kept to the flats back of the Minnesota, away from the well-traveled + roads, and moved on at a good gait, for he realized that he had to cover a + hundred miles in as few hours as possible. Every day that passed would + make it more difficult for him to rejoin his family. + </p> + <p> + Although he kept as far as he could from the settlements, he would come + now and then upon a solitary frame house, razed to the ground by the + war-parties of the day before. The members of the ill-fated family were to + be seen scattered in and about the place; and their white, upturned faces + told him that his race must pay for the deed. + </p> + <p> + The dog that howled pitifully over the dead was often the only survivor of + the farmer’s household. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally Tawasuota heard at a distance the wagons of the fugitives, + loaded with women and children, while armed men walked before and behind. + These caravans were usually drawn by oxen and moved slowly toward some + large town. + </p> + <p> + When the dawn appeared in the east, the chief soldier was compelled to + conceal himself in a secluded place. He rolled up in his blanket, lay down + in a dry creek-bed among the red willows and immediately fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + With the next evening he resumed his journey, and reached Faribault toward + midnight. Even here every approach was guarded against the possibility of + an Indian attack. But there was much forest, and he knew the country well. + He reconnoitred, and soon found the Indian community, but dared not + approach and enter, for these Indians had allied themselves with the + whites; they would be charged with treachery if it were known that they + had received a hostile Sioux, and none were so hated by the white people + as Little Crow and his war-chief. + </p> + <p> + He chose a concealed position from which he might watch the movements of + his wife, if she were indeed there, and had not been waylaid and slain on + the journey hither. + </p> + <p> + That night was the hardest one that the warrior had ever known. If he + slept, it was only to dream of the war-whoop and attack; but at last he + found himself broad awake, the sun well up, and yes! there were his two + little sons, playing outside their teepee as of old. The next moment he + heard the voice of his wife from the deep woods wailing for her husband! + </p> + <p> + “Oh, take us, husband, take us with you! let us all die together!” she + pleaded as she clung to him whom she had regarded as already dead; for she + knew of the price that had been put upon his head, and that some of the + halfbreeds loved money better than the blood of their Indian mothers. + </p> + <p> + Tawasuota stood for a minute without speaking, while his huge frame + trembled like a mighty pine beneath the thunderbolt. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said at last. “I shall go, but you must remain. You are a woman, + and the white people need not know that your little boys are mine. Bring + them here to me this evening that I may kiss them farewell.” + </p> + <p> + The sun was hovering among the treetops when they met again. + </p> + <p> + “Atay! atay!” (“Papa, papa!”) the little fellows cried out in spite of her + cautions; but the mother put her finger to her lips, and they became + silent. Tawasuota took each boy in his arms, and held him close for a few + moments; he smiled to them, but large tears rolled down his cheeks. Then + he disappeared in the shadows, and they never saw him again. + </p> + <p> + The chief soldier lived and died a warrior and an enemy to the white man; + but one of his two sons became in after-years a minister of the Christian + gospel, under the “Long-Haired Praying Man,” Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI. THE WHITE MAN’S ERRAND + </h2> + <p> + Upon the wide tableland that lies at the back of a certain Indian agency, + a camp of a thousand teepees was pitched in a circle, according to the + ancient usage. In the center of the circle stood the council lodge, where + there were gathered together of an afternoon all the men of years and + distinction, some in blankets, some in uniform, and still others clad in + beggarly white man’s clothing. But the minds of all were alike upon the + days of their youth and freedom. + </p> + <p> + Around the council fire they passed and repassed the pipe of peace, and + when the big drum was struck they sang the accompaniment with sad yet + pleasant thoughts of the life that is past. Between the songs stories of + brave deeds and dangerous exploits were related by the actors in turn, + with as much spirit and zest as if they were still living in those days. + </p> + <p> + “Tum, tum, tum,” the drum was sounded. + </p> + <p> + “Oow, oow!” they hooted in a joyous chorus at the close of each refrain. + </p> + <p> + “Ho!” exclaimed finally the master of ceremonies for the evening. “It is + Zuyamani’s story of his great ride that we should now hear! It was not far + from this place, upon the Missouri River, and within the recollection of + many of us that this occurred. Ye young men must hear!” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho!” was the ready response of all present, and the drum was struck + once according to custom. The pipe was filled and handed to Zuyamani, who + gravely smoked for a few moments in silence. Then he related his + contribution to the unwritten history of our frontier in these words: + </p> + <p> + “It was during the winter following that summer in which General Sibley + pursued many of our people across the Muddy River (1863), that we + Hunkpatees, friendly Sioux, were camping at a place called + ‘Hunt-the-Deer,’ about two miles from Fort Rice, Dakota Territory. + </p> + <p> + “The Chief Soldier of the garrison called one day upon the leading chiefs + of our band. To each one he said: ‘Lend me your bravest warrior!’ Each + chief called his principal warriors together and laid the matter before + them. + </p> + <p> + “‘The Chief Soldier at this place,’ they explained, ‘wants to send a + message to Fort Berthold, where the Rees and Mandans live, to another + Chief Soldier there. The soldiers of the Great Father do not know the way, + neither could any of them get through the lines. He asks for a brave man + to carry his message.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Mandans and the Rees were our hereditary enemies, but this was not + the principal reason for our hesitation. We had declared allegiance to the + Great Father at Washington; we had taken our stand against the fighting + men of our own nation, and the hostile Sioux were worse than enemies to us + at this time! + </p> + <p> + “Each chief had only called on his leading warriors, and each in turn + reported his failure to secure a volunteer. + </p> + <p> + “Then the Chief Soldier sent again and said: ‘Is there not a young man + among you who dares to face death? If he reaches the fort with my message, + he will need to be quick-witted as well as brave, and the Great Father + will not forget him!’ + </p> + <p> + “Now all the chiefs together called all the young men in a great council, + and submitted to them the demand of the Great Father’s servant. We knew + well that the country between us and Fort Berthold, about one hundred and + fifty miles distant, was alive with hostile Sioux, and that if any of us + should be caught and recognized by them, he would surely be put to death. + It would not be easy to deceive them by professing hostility to the + Government, for the record of each individual Indian is well known. The + warriors were still unwilling to go, for they argued thus: ‘This is a + white man’s errand, and will not be recorded as a brave deed upon the + honor roll of our people.’ I think many would have volunteered but for + that belief. At that time we had not a high opinion of the white man. + </p> + <p> + “Since all the rest were silent, it came into my mind to offer my + services. The warriors looked at me in astonishment, for I was a very + young man and had no experience. + </p> + <p> + “Our chief, Two Bears, who was my own uncle, finally presented my name to + the commanding officer. He praised my courage and begged me to be + vigilant. The interpreter told him that I had never been upon the war-path + and would be knocked over like a rabbit, but as no one else would go, he + was obliged to accept me as his messenger. He gave me a fine horse and + saddle; also a rifle and soldier’s uniform. I would not take the gun nor + wear the blue coat. I accepted only a revolver, and I took my bow and + quiver full of arrows, and wore my usual dress. I hid the letter in my + moccasin. + </p> + <p> + “I set out before daybreak the next morning. The snow was deep. I rode up + the river, on the west bank, keeping a very close watch all the way, but + seeing nothing. I had been provided with a pair of field glasses, and I + surveyed the country on all sides from the top of every hill. Having + traveled all day and part of the night, I rested my horse and I took a + little sleep. + </p> + <p> + “After eating a small quantity of pemmican, I made a very early start in + the morning. It was scarcely light when I headed for a near-by ridge from + which to survey the country beyond. Just as I ascended the rise I found + myself almost surrounded by loose ponies, evidently belonging to a winter + camp of the hostile Sioux. + </p> + <p> + “I readjusted my saddle, tightened the girths, and prepared to ride + swiftly around the camp. I saw some men already out after ponies. No one + appeared to have seen me as yet, but I felt that as soon as it became + lighter they could not help observing me. I turned to make the circuit of + the camp, which was a very large one, and as soon as I reached the + timbered bottom lands I began to congratulate myself that I had not been + seen. + </p> + <p> + “As I entered the woods at the crossing of a dry creek, I noticed that my + horse was nervous. I knew that horses are quick to discover animals or men + by scent, and I became nervous, too. + </p> + <p> + “The animal put his four feet together and almost slid down the steep + bank. As he came out on the opposite side he swerved suddenly and started + to run. Then I saw a man watching me from behind a tree. Fortunately for + me, he carried no weapon. He was out after ponies, and had only a lariat + wound upon one shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “He beckoned and made signs for me to stop, but I spurred my horse and + took flight at once. I could hear him yelling far behind me, no doubt to + arouse the camp and set them on my trail. + </p> + <p> + “As I fled westward, I came upon another man, mounted, and driving his + ponies before him. He yelled and hooted in vain; then turned and rode + after me. Two others had started in pursuit, but my horse was a good one, + and I easily outdistanced them at the start. + </p> + <p> + “After I had fairly circled the camp, I turned again toward the river, + hoping to regain the bottom lands. The traveling was bad. Sometimes we + came to deep gulches filled with snow, where my horse would sink in up to + his body and seem unable to move. When I jumped off his back and struck + him once or twice, he would make several desperate leaps and recover his + footing. My pursuers were equally hindered, but by this time the pursuit + was general, and in order to terrify me they yelled continually and fired + their guns into the air. Now and then I came to a gulch which I had to + follow up in search of a place to cross, and at such times they gained on + me. I began to despair, for I knew that the white man’s horses have not + the endurance of our Indian ponies, and I expected to be chased most of + the day. + </p> + <p> + “Finally I came to a ravine that seemed impossible to cross. As I followed + it up, it became evident that some of them had known of this trap, and had + cut in ahead of me. I felt that I must soon abandon my horse and slide + down the steep sides of the gulch to save myself. + </p> + <p> + “However, I made one last effort to pass my enemies. They came within + gunshot and several fired at me, although all our horses were going at + full speed. They missed me, and being at last clear of them, I came to a + place where I could cross, and the pursuit stopped.” + </p> + <p> + When Zuyamani reached this point in his recital, the great drum was struck + several times, and all the men cheered him. + </p> + <p> + “The days are short in winter,” he went on after a short pause, “and just + now the sun sank behind the hills. I did not linger. I continued my + journey by night, and reached Fort Berthold before midnight. I had been so + thoroughly frightened and was so much exhausted that I did not want to + talk, and as soon as I had delivered my letters to the post commander, I + went to the interpreter’s quarters to sleep. + </p> + <p> + “The interpreter, however, announced my arrival, and that same night many + Ree, Gros Ventre, and Mandan warriors came to call upon me. Among them was + a great chief of the Rees, called Poor Dog. + </p> + <p> + “‘You must be,’ said he to me, ‘either a very young man, or a fool! You + have not told us about your close escape, but a runner came in at dusk and + told us of the pursuit. He reported that you had been killed by the + hostiles, for he heard many guns fired about the middle of the afternoon. + These white men will never give you any credit for your wonderful ride, + nor will they compensate you for the risks you have taken in their + service. They will not give you so much as one eagle feather for what you + have done!’ + </p> + <p> + “The next day I was sent for to go to headquarters, and there I related my + all-day pursuit by the hostile Sioux. The commanding officer advised me to + remain at the fort fifteen days before making the return trip, thinking + that by that time my enemies might cease to look for me. + </p> + <p> + “At the end of the fortnight he wrote his letters, and I told him that I + was ready to start. ‘I will give you,’ he said, ‘twenty Rees and Gros + Ventres to escort you past the hostile camp.’ We set out very early and + rode all day, so that night overtook us just before we reached the camp. + </p> + <p> + “At nightfall we sent two scouts ahead, but before they left us they took + the oath of the pipe in token of their loyalty. You all know the ancient + war custom. A lighted pipe was held toward them and each one solemnly + touched it, after which it was passed as usual. + </p> + <p> + “We followed more slowly, and at about midnight we came to the place where + our scouts had agreed to meet us. They were to return from a + reconnaissance of the camp and report on what they had seen. It was a + lonely spot, and the night was very cold and still. We sat there in the + snowy woods near a little creek and smoked in silence while we waited. I + had plenty of time to reflect upon my position. These Gros Ventres and + Rees have been our enemies for generations. I was one man to twenty! They + had their orders from the commander of the fort, and that was my only + safeguard. + </p> + <p> + “Soon we heard the howl of a wolf a little to the westward. Immediately + one of the party answered in the same manner. I could not have told it + from the howl of a real wolf. Then we heard a hooting owl down the creek. + Another of our party hooted like an owl. + </p> + <p> + “Presently the wolf’s voice sounded nearer, while the owl’s hoot came + nearer in the opposite direction. Then we heard the footsteps of ponies on + the crisp, frosty air. The scout who had been imitating the wolf came in + first, and the owl soon followed. The warriors made a ring and again + filled the pipe, and the scouts took the oath for the second time. + </p> + <p> + “After smoking, they reported a trail going up a stream tributary to the + Missouri, but whether going out or coming in it was impossible to tell in + the dark. It was several days old. This was discussed for some time. The + question was whether some had gone out in search of meat, or whether some + additional men had come into camp. + </p> + <p> + “The Bunch of Stars was already a little west of the middle sky when we + set out again. They agreed to take me a short distance beyond this creek + and there leave me, as they were afraid to go any further. On the bank of + the creek we took a farewell smoke. There was a faint glow in the east, + showing that it was almost morning. The warriors sang a ‘Strong Heart’ + song for me in an undertone as I went on alone. + </p> + <p> + “I tried to make a wide circuit of the camp, but I passed their ponies + grazing all over the side hills at a considerable distance, and I went as + quietly as possible, so as not to frighten them. When I had fairly passed + the camp I came down to the road again, and I let my horse fly! + </p> + <p> + “I had been cautioned at the post that the crossings of the creeks on + either side of the camp were the most dangerous places, since they would + be likely to watch for me there. I had left the second crossing far + behind, and I felt quite safe; but I was tired and chilled by the long + ride. My horse, too, began to show signs of fatigue. In a deep ravine + where there was plenty of dry wood and shelter, I cleared the ground of + snow and kindled a small fire. Then I gave the horse his last ration of + oats, and I ate the last of the pemmican that the Ree scouts had given me. + </p> + <p> + “Suddenly he pricked up his ears in the direction of home. He ate a + mouthful and listened again. I began to grow nervous, and I listened, too. + Soon I heard the footsteps of horses in the snow at a considerable + distance. + </p> + <p> + “Hastily I mounted and took flight along the ravine until I had to come + out upon the open plain, in full view of a party of about thirty Sioux in + war-paint, coming back from the direction of Fort Rice. They immediately + gave chase, yelling and flourishing their guns and tomahawks over their + heads. I urged my horse to his best speed, for I felt that if they should + overtake me, nothing could save me! My friend, White Elk, here, was one of + that warparty. + </p> + <p> + “I saw that I had a fair lead and the best horse, and was gaining upon + them, when about two miles out I met some more of the party who had + lingered behind the rest. I was surrounded! + </p> + <p> + “I turned toward the north, to a deep gulch that I knew I should find + there, and I led my horse along a narrow and slippery ridge to a deep + hole. Here I took up my position. I guarded the pass with my bow and + arrows, and they could not reach me unless they should follow the ridge in + single file. I knew that they would not storm my position, for that is not + the Indian way of fighting, but I supposed that they would try to tire me + out. They yelled and hooted, and shot many bullets and arrows over my head + to terrify me into surrender, but I remained motionless and silent. + </p> + <p> + “Night came, with a full round moon. All was light as day except the place + where I stood, half frozen and not daring to move. The bottom of the gulch + was as black as a well and almost as cold. The wolves howled all around me + in the stillness. At last I heard the footsteps of horses retreating, and + then no other sound. Still I dared not come out. I must have slept, for it + was dawn when I seemed to hear faintly the yelling of warriors, and then I + heard my own name. + </p> + <p> + “‘Zuyamani, tokiya nunka huwo?’ (Where are you, Zuyamani?) they shouted. A + party of my friends had come out to meet me and had followed our trail. I + was scarcely able to walk when I came out, but they filled the pipe and + held it up to me, as is done in recognition of distinguished service. They + escorted me into the post, singing war songs and songs of brave deeds, and + there I delivered up his letters to the Chief Soldier.” + </p> + <p> + Again the drum was struck and the old men cheered Zuyamani, who added: + </p> + <p> + “I think that Poor Dog was right, for the Great Father never gave me any + credit, nor did he ever reward me for what I had done. Yet I have not been + without honor, for my own people have not forgotten me, even though I went + upon the white man’s errand.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII. THE GRAVE OF THE DOG + </h2> + <p> + The full moon was just clear of the high mountain ranges. Surrounded by a + ring of bluish haze, it looked almost as if it were frozen against the + impalpable blueblack of the reckless midwinter sky. + </p> + <p> + The game scout moved slowly homeward, well wrapped in his long buffalo + robe, which was securely belted to his strong loins; his quiver tightly + tied to his shoulders so as not to impede his progress. It was enough to + carry upon his feet two strong snow-shoes; for the snow was deep and its + crust too thin to bear his weight. + </p> + <p> + As he emerged from the lowlands into the upper regions, he loomed up a + gigantic figure against the clear, moonlit horizon. His picturesque + foxskin cap with all its trimmings was incrusted with frost from the + breath of his nostrils, and his lagging footfall sounded crisply. The + distance he had that day covered was enough for any human endurance; yet + he was neither faint nor hungry; but his feet were frozen into the psay, + the snow-shoes, so that he could not run faster than an easy slip and + slide. + </p> + <p> + At last he reached the much-coveted point—the crown of the last + ascent; and when he smelled fire and the savory odor of the jerked buffalo + meat, it well-nigh caused him to waver! But he must not fail to follow the + custom of untold ages, and give the game scout’s wolf call before entering + camp. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly he paused upon the highest point of the ridge and uttered a + cry to which the hungry cry of a real wolf would have seemed but a + coyote’s yelp in comparison! Then it was that the rest of the buffalo + hunters knew that their game scout was returning with welcome news; for + the unsuccessful scout enters the camp silently. + </p> + <p> + A second time he gave the call to assure his hearers that their ears did + not deceive them. The gray wolves received the news with perfect + understanding. It meant food! “Woo-o-o-o! woo-o-o-o!” came from all + directions, especially from the opposite ridge. Thus the ghostly, cold, + weird night was enlivened with the music from many wild throats. + </p> + <p> + Down the gradual slope the scout hastened; his footfall was the only sound + that broke the stillness after the answers to his call had ceased. As he + crossed a little ridge an immense wolf suddenly confronted him, and + instead of retreating, calmly sat up and gazed steadfastly into his face. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, welcome, friend!” the hunter spoke as he passed. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the hunters at the temporary camp were aroused to a high + pitch of excitement. Some turned their buffalo robes and put them on in + such a way as to convert themselves into make-believe bison, and began to + tread the snow, while others were singing the buffalo song, that their + spirits might be charmed and allured within the circle of the camp-fires. + The scout, too, was singing his buffalo bull song in a guttural, lowing + chant as he neared the hunting camp. Within arrow-shot he paused again, + while the usual ceremonies were enacted for his reception. This done, he + was seated with the leaders in a chosen place. + </p> + <p> + “It was a long run,” he said, “but there were no difficulties. I found the + first herd directly north of here. The second herd, a great one, is + northeast, near Shell Lake. The snow is deep. The buffalo can only follow + their leader in their retreat.” + </p> + <p> + “Hi, hi, hi!” the hunters exclaimed solemnly in token of gratitude, + raising their hands heavenward and then pointing them toward the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, kola! one more round of the buffalo-pipe, then we shall retire, to + rise before daybreak for the hunt,” advised one of the leaders. Silently + they partook in turn of the long-stemmed pipe, and one by one, with a + dignified “Ho!” departed to their teepees. + </p> + <p> + The scout betook himself to his little old buffalo teepee, which he used + for winter hunting expeditions. His faithful Shunka, who had been all this + time its only occupant, met him at the entrance as dogs alone know how to + welcome a lifelong friend. As his master entered he stretched himself in + his old-time way, from the tip of his tail to that of his tongue, and + finished by curling both ends upward. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, mita shunka, eat this; for you must be hungry!” So saying, the scout + laid before his canine friend the last piece of his dried buffalo meat. It + was the sweetest meal ever eaten by a dog, judging by his long smacking of + his lips after he had swallowed it! + </p> + <p> + The hunting party was soon lost in heavy slumber. Not a sound could be + heard save the gnawing of the ponies upon the cottonwood bark, which was + provided for them instead of hay in the winter time. + </p> + <p> + All about Shell Lake the bison were gathered in great herds. The + unmistakable signs of the sky had warned them of approaching bad weather. + The moon’s robe was girdled with the rainbow wampum of heaven. The very + music of the snow under their feet had given them warning. On the north + side of Shell Lake there were several deep gulches, which were the homes + of every wanderer of the plains at such a time at this. When there was a + change toward severe weather, all the four-footed people headed for this + lake. Here was a heavy growth of reeds, rushes, and coarse grass, making + good shelters, and also springs, which afforded water after the lake was + frozen solid. Hence great numbers of the bison had gathered here. + </p> + <p> + When Wapashaw, the game scout, had rolled himself in his warm buffalo robe + and was sound asleep, his faithful companion hunter, the great Esquimaux + wolf dog, silently rose and again stretched himself, then stood quiet for + a moment as if meditating. It was clear that he knew well what he had + planned to do, but was considering how he should do it without arousing + any suspicion of his movements. This is a dog’s art, and the night tricks + and marauding must always be the joy and secret of his life! + </p> + <p> + Softly he emerged from the lodge and gave a sweeping glance around to + assure him that there were none to spy upon him. Suspiciously he sniffed + the air, as if to ascertain whether there could be any danger to his + sleeping master while he should be away. + </p> + <p> + His purpose was still a secret. It may be that it was not entirely a + selfish one, or merely the satisfying of his inherited traits. Having + fully convinced himself of the safety of the unguarded camp, he went forth + into the biting cold. The moon was now well up on the prairies of the sky. + There were no cloud hills in the blue field above to conceal her from + view. Her brilliant light set on fire every snow gem upon the plains and + hillsides about the hunters’ camp. + </p> + <p> + Up the long ascent he trotted in a northerly direction, yet not following + his master’s trail. He was large and formidable in strength, combining the + features of his wild brothers of the plains with those of the dogs who + keep company with the red men. His jet-black hair and sharp ears and nose + appeared to immense advantage against the spotless and jeweled snow, until + presently his own warm breath had coated him with heavy frost. + </p> + <p> + After a time Shunka struck into his master’s trail and followed it all the + way, only taking a short cut here and there when by dog instinct he knew + that a man must go around such a point to get to his destination. He met + many travelers during the night, but none had dared to approach him, + though some few followed at a distance, as if to discover his purpose. + </p> + <p> + At last he reached Shell Lake, and there beheld a great gathering of the + herds! They stood in groups, like enormous rocks, no longer black, but + white with frost. Every one of them emitted a white steam, quickly frozen + into a fine snow in the air. + </p> + <p> + Shunka sat upon his haunches and gazed. + </p> + <p> + “Wough, this is it!” he said to himself. He had kept still when the game + scout gave the wolf call, though the camp was in an uproar, and from the + adjacent hills the wild hunters were equally joyous, because they + understood the meaning of the unwonted noise. Yet his curiosity was not + fully satisfied, and he had set out to discover the truth, and it may be + to protect or serve his master in case of danger. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak the great dog meekly entered his master’s rude teepee, and + found him already preparing for the prospective hunt. He was filling his + inside moccasins full of buffalo hair to serve as stockings, over which he + put on his large buffalo moccasins with the hair inside, and adjusted his + warm leggings. He then adjusted his snowshoes and filled his quiver full + of good arrows. The dog quietly lay down in a warm place, making himself + as small as possible, as if to escape observation, and calmly watched his + master. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho, ho, kola! Enakanee, enakanee!” shouted the game herald. “It is + always best to get the game early; then their spirits can take flight with + the coming of a new day!” + </p> + <p> + All had now donned their snow-shoes. There was no food left; therefore no + delay to prepare breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “It is very propitious for our hunt,” one exclaimed; “everything is in our + favor. There is a good crust on the snow, and the promise of a good clear + day!” + </p> + <p> + Soon all the hunters were running in single file upon the trail of the + scout, each Indian closely followed by his trusty hunting dog. In less + than two hours they stood just back of the low ridge which rounded the + south side of Shell Lake. The narrow strip of land between its twin + divisions was literally filled with the bison. In the gulches beyond, + between the dark lines of timber, there were also scattered groups; but + the hunters at once saw their advantage over the herd upon the peninsula. + </p> + <p> + “Hechetu, kola! This is well, friends!” exclaimed the first to speak. + “These can be forced to cross the slippery ice and the mire around the + springs. This will help us to get more meat. Our people are hungry, and we + must kill many in order to feed them!” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho, ho!” agreed all the hunters. + </p> + <p> + “And it is here that we can use our companion hunters best, for the + shunkas will intimidate and bewilder the buffalo women,” said an old man. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, he is always right! Our dogs must help us here. The meat will be + theirs as well as ours,” another added. + </p> + <p> + “Tosh, kola! The game scout’s dog is the greatest shunka of them all! He + has a mind near like that of a man. Let him lead the attack of his + fellows, while we crawl up on the opposite side and surround the buffalo + upon the slippery ice and in the deceitful mire,” spoke up a third. So it + was agreed that the game scout and his Shunka should lead the attack of + the dogs. + </p> + <p> + “Woo, woo, woo!” was the hoarse signal from the throat of the game scout; + but his voice was drowned by the howling and barking of the savage dogs as + they made their charge. In a moment all was confusion among the buffalo. + Some started this way, others that, and the great mass swayed to and fro + uncertainly. A few were ready to fight, but the snow was too deep for a + countercharge upon the dogs, save on the ice just in front of them, where + the wind had always full sweep. There all was slippery and shining! In + their excitement and confusion the bison rushed upon this uncertain plain. + </p> + <p> + Their weight and the momentum of their rush carried them hopelessly far + out, where they were again confused as to which way to go, and many were + stuck in the mire which was concealed by the snow, except here and there + an opening above a spring from which there issued a steaming vapor. The + game scout and his valiant dog led on the force of canines with deafening + war-cries, and one could see black heads here and there popping from + behind the embankments. As the herd finally swept toward the opposite + shore, many dead were left behind. Pierced by the arrows of the hunters, + they lay like black mounds upon the glassy plain. + </p> + <p> + It was a great hunt! “Once more the camp will be fed,” they thought, “and + this good fortune will help us to reach the spring alive!” + </p> + <p> + A chant of rejoicing rang out from the opposite shore, while the game + scout unsheathed his big knife and began the work which is ever the sequel + of the hunt—to dress the game; although the survivors of the + slaughter had scarcely disappeared behind the hills. The dogs had all run + back to their respective masters, and this left the scout and his + companion Shunka alone. Some were appointed to start a camp in a + neighboring gulch among the trees, so that the hunters might bring their + meat there and eat before setting out for the great camp on the Big River. + </p> + <p> + All were busily skinning and cutting up the meat into pieces convenient + for carrying, when suddenly a hunter called the attention of those near + him to an ominous change in the atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + “There are signs of a blizzard! We must hurry into the near woods before + it reaches us!” he shouted. + </p> + <p> + Some heard him; others did not. Those who saw or heard passed on the + signal and hurried toward the wood, where others had already arranged rude + shelters and gathered piles of dry wood for fuel. + </p> + <p> + Around the several camp-fires the hunters sat or stood, while slices of + savory meat were broiled and eaten with a relish by the half-starved men. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, kola! Eat this, friend!” said they to one another as one finished + broiling a steak of the bison and offered it to his neighbor. + </p> + <p> + But the storm had now fairly enveloped them in whirling whiteness. “Woo, + woo!” they called to those who had not yet reached camp. One after another + answered and emerged from the blinding pall of snow. At last none were + missing save the game scout and his Shunka! + </p> + <p> + The hunters passed the time in eating and telling stories until a late + hour, occasionally giving a united shout to guide the lost one should he + chance to pass near their camp. + </p> + <p> + “Fear not for our scout, friends!” finally exclaimed a leader among them. + “He is a brave and experienced man. He will find a safe resting-place, and + join us when the wind ceases to rage.” So they all wrapped themselves in + their robes and lay down to sleep. + </p> + <p> + All that night and the following day it was impossible to give succor, and + the hunters felt much concern for the absent. Late in the second night the + great storm subsided. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho! Iyotanka! Rise up!” So the first hunter to awaken aroused all the + others. + </p> + <p> + As after every other storm, it was wonderfully still; so still that one + could hear distinctly the pounding feet of the jack-rabbits coming down + over the slopes to the willows for food. All dry vegetation was buried + beneath the deep snow, and everywhere they saw this white-robed creature + of the prairie coming down to the woods. + </p> + <p> + Now the air was full of the wolf and coyote game call, and they were seen + in great numbers upon the ice. + </p> + <p> + “See, see! the hungry wolves are dragging the carcasses away! Harken to + the war cries of the scout’s Shunka! Hurry, hurry!” they urged one another + in chorus. + </p> + <p> + Away they ran and out upon the lake; now upon the wind-swept ice, now upon + the crusted snow; running when they could, sliding when they must. There + was certainly a great concourse of the wolves, whirling in frantic + circles, but continually moving toward the farther end of the lake. They + could hear distinctly the hoarse bark of the scout’s Shunka, and + occasionally the muffled war-whoop of a man, as if it came from under the + ice! + </p> + <p> + As they approached nearer the scene they could hear more distinctly the + voice of their friend, but still as it were from underground. When they + reached the spot to which the wolves had dragged two of the carcasses of + the buffalo, Shunka was seen to stand by one of them, but at that moment + he staggered and fell. The hunters took out their knives and ripped up the + frozen hide covering the abdominal cavity. It revealed a warm nest of hay + and buffalo hair in which the scout lay, wrapped in his own robe! + </p> + <p> + He had placed his dog in one of the carcasses and himself in another for + protection from the storm; but the dog was wiser than the man, for he kept + his entrance open. The man lapped the hide over and it froze solidly, + shutting him securely in. When the hungry wolves came Shunka promptly + extricated himself and held them off as long as he could; meanwhile, + sliding and pulling, the wolves continued to drag over the slippery ice + the body of the buffalo in which his master had taken refuge. The poor, + faithful dog, with no care for his own safety, stood by his imprisoned + master until the hunters came up. But it was too late, for he had received + more than one mortal wound. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the scout got out, with a face more anxious for another than + for himself, he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Where is Shunka, the bravest of his tribe?” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, kola, it is so, indeed; and here he lies,” replied one sadly. + </p> + <p> + His master knelt by his side, gently stroking the face of the dog. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my friend; you go where all spirits live! The Great Mystery has a + home for every living creature. May he permit our meeting there!” + </p> + <p> + At daybreak the scout carried him up to one of the pretty round hills + overlooking the lake, and built up around him walls of loose stone. Red + paints were scattered over the snow, in accordance with Indian custom, and + the farewell song was sung. + </p> + <p> + Since that day the place has been known to the Sioux as Shunkahanakapi—the + Grave of the Dog. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART2" id="link2H_PART2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART TWO. THE WOMAN + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. WINONA, THE WOMAN-CHILD + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hush, hushaby, little woman! + Be brave and weep not! + The spirits sleep not; + ‘Tis they who ordain + To woman, pain. + + Hush, hushaby, little woman! + Now, all things bearing, + A new gift sharing + From those above— + + To woman, love. + —Sioux Lullaby. +</pre> + <p> + “Chinto, weyanna! Yes, indeed; she is a real little woman,” declares the + old grandmother, as she receives and critically examines the tiny bit of + humanity. + </p> + <p> + There is no remark as to the color of its hair or eyes, both so black as + almost to be blue, but the old woman scans sharply the delicate profile of + the baby face. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, she has the nose of her ancestors! Lips thin as a leaf, and eyes + bright as stars in midwinter!” she exclaims, as she passes on the furry + bundle to the other grandmother for her inspection. + </p> + <p> + “Tokee! she is pretty enough to win a twinkle rom the evening star,” + remarks that smiling personage. + </p> + <p> + “And what shall her name be? + </p> + <p> + “Winona, the First-born, of course. That is hers by right of birth.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, it may not fit her. One must prove herself worthy in order to + retain that honorable name.” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh,” retorts the first grandmother, “she can at least bear it on + probation!” + </p> + <p> + “Tosh, tosh,” the other assents. + </p> + <p> + Thus the unconscious little Winona has passed the first stage of the + Indian’s christening. + </p> + <p> + Presently she is folded into a soft white doeskin, well lined with the + loose down of cattails, and snugly laced into an upright oaken cradle, the + front of which is a richly embroidered buckskin bag, with porcupine quills + and deers’ hoofs suspended from its profuse fringes. This gay cradle is + strapped upon the second grandmother’s back, and that dignitary walks off + with the newcomer. + </p> + <p> + “You must come with me,” she says. “We shall go among the father and + mother trees, and hear them speak with their thousand tongues, that you + may know their language forever. I will hang the cradle of the woman-child + upon Utuhu, the oak; and she shall hear the love-sighs of the pine + maiden!” + </p> + <p> + In this fashion Winona is introduced to nature and becomes at once + “nature-born,” in accord with the beliefs and practices of the wild red + man. + </p> + <p> + “Here she is! Take her,” says the old woman on her return from the woods. + She presents the child to its mother, who is sitting in the shade of an + elm-tree as quietly as if she had not just passed through woman’s severest + ordeal in giving a daughter to the brave Chetonska! + </p> + <p> + “She has a winsome face, as meek and innocent as the face of an ermine,” + graciously adds the grandmother. + </p> + <p> + The mother does not speak. Silently and almost reverently she takes her + new and first-born daughter into her arms. She gazes into its velvety + little face of a dusky red tint, and unconsciously presses the closely + swaddled form to her breast. She feels the mother-instinct seize upon her + strongly for the first time. Here is a new life, a new hope, a possible + link between herself and a new race! + </p> + <p> + Ah, a smile plays upon her lips, as she realizes that she has kissed her + child! In its eyes and mouth she discerns clearly the features she has + loved in the strong countenance of another, though in the little woman’s + face they are softened and retouched by the hand of the “Great Mystery.” + </p> + <p> + The baby girl is called Winona for some months, when the medicine-man is + summoned and requested to name publicly the first-born daughter of + Chetonska, the White Hawk; but not until he has received a present of a + good pony with a finely painted buffalo-robe. It is usual to confer + another name besides that of the “First-born,” which may be resumed later + if the maiden proves worthy. The name Winona implies much of honor. It + means charitable, kind, helpful; all that an eldest sister should be! + </p> + <p> + The herald goes around the ring of lodges announcing in singsong fashion + the christening, and inviting everybody to a feast in honor of the event. + A real American christening is always a gala occasion, when much savage + wealth is distributed among the poor and old people. Winona has only just + walked, and this fact is also announced with additional gifts. A wellborn + child is ever before the tribal eye and in the tribal ear, as every little + step in its progress toward manhood or womanhood—the first time of + walking or swimming, first shot with bow and arrow (if a boy), first pair + of moccasins made (if a girl)—is announced publicly with feasting + and the giving of presents. + </p> + <p> + So Winona receives her individual name of Tatiyopa, or Her Door. It is + symbolic, like most Indian names, and implies that the door of the bearer + is hospitable and her home attractive. + </p> + <p> + The two grandmothers, who have carried the little maiden upon their backs, + now tell and sing to her by turns all the legends of their most noted + female ancestors, from the twin sisters of the old story, the maidens who + married among the star people of the sky, down to their own mothers. All + her lullabies are feminine, and designed to impress upon her tender mind + the life and duties of her sex. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she is old enough to play with dolls she plays mother in all + seriousness and gravity. She is dressed like a miniature woman (and her + dolls are clad likewise), in garments of doeskin to her ankles, adorned + with long fringes, embroidered with porcupine quills, and dyed with root + dyes in various colors. Her little blanket or robe, with which she shyly + drapes or screens her head and shoulders, is the skin of a buffalo calf or + a deer, soft, white, embroidered on the smooth side, and often with the + head and hoofs left on. + </p> + <p> + “You must never forget, my little daughter, that you are a woman like + myself. Do always those things that you see me do,” her mother often + admonishes her. + </p> + <p> + Even the language of the Sioux has its feminine dialect, and the tiny girl + would be greatly abashed were it ever needful to correct her for using a + masculine termination. + </p> + <p> + This mother makes for her little daughter a miniature copy of every rude + tool that she uses in her daily tasks. There is a little scraper of + elk-horn to scrape rawhides preparatory to tanning them, another scraper + of a different shape for tanning, bone knives, and stone mallets for + pounding choke-cherries and jerked meat. + </p> + <p> + While her mother is bending over a large buffalo-hide stretched and pinned + upon the ground, standing upon it and scraping off the fleshy portion as + nimbly as a carpenter shaves a board with his plane, Winona, at five years + of age, stands upon a corner of the great hide and industriously scrapes + away with her tiny instrument! When the mother stops to sharpen her tool, + the little woman always sharpens hers also. Perhaps there is water to be + fetched in bags made from the dried pericardium of an animal; the girl + brings some in a smaller water-bag. When her mother goes for wood she + carries one or two sticks on her back. She pitches her play teepee to form + an exact copy of her mother’s. Her little belongings are nearly all + practical, and her very play is real! + </p> + <p> + Thus, before she is ten years old, Winona begins to see life honestly and + in earnest; to consider herself a factor in the life of her people—a + link in the genealogy of her race. Yet her effort is not forced, her work + not done from necessity; it is normal and a development of the + play-instinct of the young creature. This sort of training leads very + early to a genuine desire to serve and to do for others. The little Winona + loves to give and to please; to be generous and gracious. There is no + thought of trafficking or economizing in labor and in love. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, I want to be like the beavers, the ants, and the spiders, because + my grandmother says those are the people most worthy of imitation for + their industry. She also tells me that I should watch the bee, the one + that has so many daughters, and allows no young men to come around her + daughters while they are at work making sweets,” exclaims the little + maiden. + </p> + <p> + “Truly their industry helps us much, for we often take from their hoard,” + remarks the mother. + </p> + <p> + “That is not right, is it mother, if they do not wish to share with us?” + asks Winona. “But I think the bee is stingy if she has so much and will + not share with any one else! When I grow up, I shall help the poor! I + shall have a big teepee and invite old people often, for when people get + old they seem to be always hungry, and I think we ought to feed them.” + </p> + <p> + “My little daughter will please me and her father if she proves to be + industrious and skillful with her needle and in all woman’s work. Then she + can have a fine teepee and make it all cheerful within. The indolent woman + has a small teepee, and it is very smoky. All her children will have sore + eyes, and her husband will soon become ill-tempered,” declares the mother, + in all seriousness. + </p> + <p> + “And, daughter, there is something more than this needed to make a + cheerful home. You must have a good heart, be patient, and speak but + little. Every creature that talks too much is sure to make trouble,” she + concludes, wisely. + </p> + <p> + One day this careful mother has completed a beautiful little teepee of the + skin of a buffalo calf, worked with red porcupine quills in a row of rings + just below the smoke-flaps and on each side of the front opening. In the + center of each ring is a tassel of red and white horse-hair. The tip of + each smoke-flap is decorated with the same material, and the doorflap + also. + </p> + <p> + Within there are neatly arranged raw-hide boxes for housekeeping, and + square bags of soft buckskin adorned with blue and white beads. On either + side of the fireplace are spread the tanned skins of a buffalo calf and a + deer; but there is no bear, wolf, or wildcat skin, for on these the foot + of a woman must never tread! They are for men, and symbolical of manly + virtues. There are dolls of all sizes, and a play travois leans against + the white wall of the miniature lodge. Even the pet pup is called in to + complete the fanciful home of the little woman. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my daughter,” says the mother, “you must keep your lodge in order!” + </p> + <p> + Here the little woman is allowed to invite other little women, her + playmates. This is where the grandmothers hold sway, chaperoning their + young charges, who must never be long out of their sight. The little + visitors bring their work-bags of various skins, artistically made and + trimmed. These contain moccasins and other garments for their dolls, on + which they love to occupy themselves. + </p> + <p> + The brightly-painted rawhide boxes are reserved for food, and in these the + girls bring various prepared meats and other delicacies. This is perhaps + the most agreeable part of the play to the chaperon, who is treated as an + honored guest at the feast! + </p> + <p> + Winona seldom plays with boys, even her own brothers and cousins, and + after she reaches twelve or fourteen years of age she scarcely speaks to + them. Modesty is a virtue which is deeply impressed upon her from early + childhood, and the bashfully drooping head, the averted look, the voice + low and seldom heard, these are graces much esteemed in a maiden. + </p> + <p> + She is taught to pay great attention to the care of her long, glossy + locks, combing, plaiting, and perfuming them with sweet-scented leaves + steeped in oil. Her personal appearance is well understood to be a matter + of real moment, and rich dress and ornaments are highly prized. + Fortunately they never go out of fashion, and once owned are permanent + possessions, unless parted with as ceremonial gifts on some great occasion + of mourning or festivity. + </p> + <p> + When she reaches a marriageable age her father allows her to give a feast + to all the other girls of her immediate clan, and this “Feast of Virgins” + may only be attended by those of spotless reputation. To have given or + attended a number of them is regarded as a choice honor. + </p> + <p> + Tatiyopa, by the time she is fifteen, has already a name for skill in + needlework, and generosity in distributing the articles of her own making. + She is now generally called Winona—the charitable and kind! She + believes that it is woman’s work to make and keep a home that will be + worthy of the bravest, and hospitable to all, and in this simple faith she + enters upon the realities of her womanhood. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. WINONA, THE CHILD-WOMAN + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Braver than the bravest, + You sought honors at death’s door; + Could you not remember + One who weeps at home— + Could you not remember me? + + Braver than the bravest, + You sought honors more than love; + Dear, I weep, yet I am not a coward; + My heart weeps for thee— + My heart weeps when I remember thee! + —Sioux Love Song. +</pre> + <p> + The sky is blue overhead, peeping through window-like openings in a roof + of green leaves. Right between a great pine and a birch tree their soft + doeskin shawls are spread, and there sit two Sioux maidens amid their + fineries—variously colored porcupine quills for embroidery laid upon + sheets of thin birch-bark, and moccasin tops worked in colors like autumn + leaves. It is Winona and her friend Miniyata. + </p> + <p> + They have arrived at the period during which the young girl is carefully + secluded from her brothers and cousins and future lovers, and retires, as + it were, into the nunnery of the woods, behind a veil of thick foliage. + Thus she is expected to develop fully her womanly qualities. In meditation + and solitude, entirely alone or with a chosen companion of her own sex and + age, she gains a secret strength, as she studies the art of womanhood from + nature herself. + </p> + <p> + Winona has the robust beauty of the wild lily of the prairie, pure and + strong in her deep colors of yellow and scarlet against the savage plain + and horizon, basking in the open sun like a child, yet soft and + woman-like, with drooping head when observed. Both girls are beautifully + robed in loose gowns of soft doeskin, girded about the waist with the + usual very wide leather belt. + </p> + <p> + “Come, let us practice our sacred dance,” says one to the other. Each + crowns her glossy head with a wreath of wild flowers, and they dance with + slow steps around the white birch, singing meanwhile the sacred songs. + </p> + <p> + Now upon the lake that stretches blue to the eastward there appears a + distant canoe, a mere speck, no bigger than a bird far off against the + shining sky. + </p> + <p> + “See the lifting of the paddles!” exclaims Winona. + </p> + <p> + “Like the leaping of a trout upon the water!” suggests Miniyata. + </p> + <p> + “I hope they will not discover us, yet I would like to know who they are,” + remarks the other, innocently. + </p> + <p> + The birch canoe approaches swiftly, with two young men plying the light + cedar paddles. + </p> + <p> + The girls now settle down to their needlework, quite as if they had never + laughed or danced or woven garlands, bending over their embroidery in + perfect silence. Surely they would not wish to attract attention, for the + two sturdy young warriors have already landed. + </p> + <p> + They pick up the canoe and lay it well up on the bank, out of sight. Then + one procures a strong pole. They lift a buck deer from the canoe—not + a mark upon it, save for the bullet wound; the deer looks as if it were + sleeping! They tie the hind legs together and the fore legs also and carry + it between them on the pole. + </p> + <p> + Quickly and cleverly they do all this; and now they start forward and come + unexpectedly upon the maidens’ retreat! They pause for an instant in mute + apology, but the girls smile their forgiveness, and the youths hurry on + toward the village. + </p> + <p> + Winona has now attended her first maidens’ feast and is considered + eligible to marriage. She may receive young men, but not in public or in a + social way, for such was not the custom of the Sioux. When he speaks, she + need not answer him unless she chooses. + </p> + <p> + The Indian woman in her quiet way preserves the dignity of the home. From + our standpoint the white man is a law-breaker! The “Great Mystery,” we + say, does not adorn the woman above the man. His law is spreading horns, + or flowing mane, or gorgeous plumage for the male; the female he made + plain, but comely, modest and gentle. She is the foundation of man’s + dignity and honor. Upon her rests the life of the home and of the family. + I have often thought that there is much in this philosophy of an untutored + people. Had her husband remained long enough in one place, the Indian + woman, I believe, would have developed no mean civilization and culture of + her own. + </p> + <p> + It was no disgrace to the chief’s daughter in the old days to work with + her hands. Indeed, their standard of worth was the willingness to work, + but not for the sake of accumulation, only in order to give. Winona has + learned to prepare skins, to remove the hair and tan the skin of a deer so + that it may be made into moccasins within three days. She has a bone tool + for each stage of the conversion of the stiff raw-hide into velvety + leather. She has been taught the art of painting tents and raw-hide cases, + and the manufacture of garments of all kinds. + </p> + <p> + Generosity is a trait that is highly developed in the Sioux woman. She + makes many moccasins and other articles of clothing for her male + relatives, or for any who are not well provided. She loves to see her + brother the best dressed among the young men, and the moccasins especially + of a young brave are the pride of his woman-kind. + </p> + <p> + Her own person is neatly attired, but ordinarily with great simplicity. + Her doeskin gown has wide, flowing sleeves; the neck is low, but not so + low as is the evening dress of society. + </p> + <p> + Her moccasins are plain; her leggins close-fitting and not as high as her + brother’s. She parts her smooth, jet-black hair in the middle and plaits + it in two. In the old days she used to do it in one plait wound around + with wampum. Her ornaments, sparingly worn, are beads, elks’ teeth, and a + touch of red paint. No feathers are worn by the woman, unless in a sacred + dance. + </p> + <p> + She is supposed to be always occupied with some feminine pursuit or + engaged in some social affair, which also is strictly feminine as a rule. + Even her language is peculiar to her sex, some words being used by women + only, while others have a feminine termination. + </p> + <p> + There is an etiquette of sitting and standing, which is strictly observed. + The woman must never raise her knees or cross her feet when seated. She + seats herself on the ground sidewise, with both feet under her. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding her modesty and undemonstrative ways, there is no lack of + mirth and relaxation for Winona among her girl companions. + </p> + <p> + In summer, swimming and playing in the water is a favorite amusement. She + even imitates with the soles of her feet the peculiar, resonant sound that + the beaver makes with her large, flat tail upon the surface of the water. + She is a graceful swimmer, keeping the feet together and waving them + backward and forward like the tail of a fish. + </p> + <p> + Nearly all her games are different from those of the men. She has a sport + of wand-throwing which develops fine muscles of the shoulder and back. The + wands are about eight feet long, and taper gradually from an inch and a + half to half an inch in diameter. Some of them are artistically made, with + heads of bone and horn, so that it is remarkable to what a distance they + may be made to slide over the ground. In the feminine game of ball, which + is something like “shinny,” the ball is driven with curved sticks between + two goals. It is played with from two or three to a hundred on a side, and + a game between two bands or villages is a picturesque event. + </p> + <p> + A common indoor diversion is the “deer’s foot” game, played with six deer + hoofs on a string, ending in a bone or steel awl. The object is to throw + it in such a way as to catch one or more hoofs on the point of the awl, a + feat which requires no little dexterity. Another is played with marked + plum-stones in a bowl, which are thrown like dice and count according to + the side that is turned uppermost. + </p> + <p> + Winona’s wooing is a typical one. As with any other people, love-making is + more or less in vogue at all times of the year, but more especially at + midsummer, during the characteristic reunions and festivities of that + season. The young men go about usually in pairs, and the maidens do + likewise. They may meet by chance at any time of day, in the woods or at + the spring, but oftenest seek to do so after dark, just outside the + teepee. The girl has her companion, and he has his, for the sake of + propriety or protection. The conversation is carried on in a whisper, so + that even these chaperons do not hear. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of the drum on summer evenings, dances are begun within the + circular rows of teepees, but without the circle the young men promenade + in pairs. Each provides himself with the plaintive flute and plays the + simple cadences of his people, while his person is completely covered with + his fine robe, so that he cannot be recognized by the passerby. At every + pause in the melody he gives his yodel-like love-call, to which the girls + respond with their musical, sing-song laughter. + </p> + <p> + Matosapa has loved Winona since the time he saw her at the lakeside in her + parlor among the pines. But he has not had much opportunity to speak until + on such a night, after the dances are over. There is no outside fire; but + a dim light from within the skin teepees sheds a mellow glow over the + camp, mingling with the light of a young moon. Thus these lovers go about + like ghosts. Matosapa has already circled the teepees with his inseparable + brother-friend, Brave Elk. + </p> + <p> + “Friend, do me an honor to-night!” he exclaims, at last. “Open this first + door for me, since this will be the first time I shall speak to a woman!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” suggests Brave Elk, “I hope you have selected a girl whose + grandmother has no cross dogs!” + </p> + <p> + “The prize that is won at great risk is usually valued most,” replies + Matosapa. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, kola! I shall touch the door-flap as softly as the swallow alights + upon her nest. But I warn you, do not let your heart beat too loudly, for + the old woman’s ears are still good!” + </p> + <p> + So, joking and laughing, they proceed toward a large buffalo tent with a + horse’s tail suspended from the highest pole to indicate the rank of the + owner. They have ceased to blow the flute some paces back, and walk + noiselessly as a panther in quest of a doe. + </p> + <p> + Brave Elk opens the door. Matosapa enters the tent. As was the wont of the + Sioux, the well-born maid has a little teepee within a teepee—a + private apartment of her own. He passes the sleeping family to this inner + shrine. There he gently wakens Winona with proper apologies. This is not + unusual or strange to her innocence, for it was the custom of the people. + He sits at the door, while his friend waits outside, and tells his love in + a whisper. To this she does not reply at once; even if she loves him, it + is proper that she should be silent. The lover does not know whether he is + favorably received or not, upon this his first visit. He must now seek her + outside upon every favorable occasion. No gifts are offered at this stage + of the affair; the trafficking in ponies and “buying” a wife is entirely a + modern custom. + </p> + <p> + Matosapa has improved every opportunity, until Winona has at last shyly + admitted her willingness to listen. For a whole year he has been compelled + at intervals to repeat the story of his love. Through the autumn hunting + of the buffalo and the long, cold winter he often presents her kinsfolk + with his game. + </p> + <p> + At the next midsummer the parents on both sides are made acquainted with + the betrothal, and they at once begin preparations for the coming wedding. + Provisions and delicacies of all kinds are laid aside for a feast. + Matosapa’s sisters and his girl cousins are told of the approaching event, + and they too prepare for it, since it is their duty to dress or adorn the + bride with garments made by their own hands. + </p> + <p> + With the Sioux of the old days, the great natural crises of human life, + marriage and birth, were considered sacred and hedged about with great + privacy. Therefore the union is publicly celebrated after and not before + its consummation. Suddenly the young couple disappear. They go out into + the wilderness together, and spend some days or weeks away from the camp. + This is their honeymoon, away from all curious or prying eyes. In due time + they quietly return, he to his home and she to hers, and now at last the + marriage is announced and invitations are given to the feast. + </p> + <p> + The bride is ceremoniously delivered to her husband’s people, together + with presents of rich clothing collected from all her clan, which she + afterward distributes among her new relations. Winona is carried in a + travois handsomely decorated, and is received with equal ceremony. For + several days following she is dressed and painted by the female relatives + of the groom, each in her turn, while in both clans the wedding feast is + celebrated. + </p> + <p> + To illustrate womanly nobility of nature, let me tell the story of + Dowanhotaninwin, Her-Singing-Heard. The maiden was deprived of both father + and mother when scarcely ten years old, by an attack of the Sacs and Foxes + while they were on a hunting expedition. Left alone with her grandmother, + she was carefully reared and trained by this sage of the wild life. + </p> + <p> + Nature had given her more than her share of attractiveness, and she was + womanly and winning as she was handsome. Yet she remained unmarried for + nearly thirty years—a most unusual thing among us; and although she + had worthy suitors in every branch of the Sioux nation, she quietly + refused every offer. + </p> + <p> + Certain warriors who had distinguished themselves against the particular + tribe who had made her an orphan, persistently sought her hand in + marriage, but failed utterly. + </p> + <p> + One summer the Sioux and the Sacs and Foxes were brought together under a + flag of truce by the Commissioners of the Great White Father, for the + purpose of making a treaty with them. During the short period of friendly + intercourse and social dance and feast, a noble warrior of the enemy’s + tribe courted Dowanhotaninwin. + </p> + <p> + Several of her old lovers were vying with one another to win her at the + same time, that she might have inter-tribal celebration of her wedding. + </p> + <p> + Behold! the maiden accepted the foe of her childhood—one of those + who had cruelly deprived her of her parents! + </p> + <p> + By night she fled to the Sac and Fox camp with her lover. It seemed at + first an insult to the Sioux, and there was almost an outbreak among the + young men of the tribe, who were barely restrained by their respect for + the Commissioners of the Great Father. + </p> + <p> + But her aged grandfather explained the matter publicly in this fashion: + </p> + <p> + “Young men, hear ye! Your hearts are strong; let them not be troubled by + the act of a young woman of your tribe! This has been her secret wish + since she became a woman. She deprecates all tribal warfare. Her young + heart never forgot its early sorrow; yet she has never blamed the Sacs and + Foxes or held them responsible for the deed. She blames rather the customs + of war among us. She believes in the formation of a blood brotherhood + strong enough to prevent all this cruel and useless enmity. This was her + high purpose, and to this end she reserved her hand. Forgive her, forgive + her, I pray!” + </p> + <p> + In the morning there was a great commotion. The herald of the Sacs and + Foxes entered the Sioux camp, attired in ceremonial garb and bearing in + one hand an American flag and in the other a peace-pipe. He made the + rounds singing a peace song, and delivering to all an invitation to attend + the wedding feast of Dowanhotaninwin and their chief’s son. Thus all was + well. The simplicity, high purpose, and bravery of the girl won the hearts + of the two tribes, and as long as she lived she was able to keep the peace + between them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. SNANA’S FAWN + </h2> + <p> + The Little Missouri was in her spring fullness, and the hills among which + she found her way to the Great Muddy were profusely adorned with colors, + much like those worn by the wild red man upon a holiday! Looking toward + the sunrise, one saw mysterious, deep shadows and bright prominences, + while on the opposite side there was really an extravagant array of + variegated hues. Between the gorgeous buttes and rainbow-tinted ridges + there were narrow plains, broken here and there by dry creeks or gulches, + and these again were clothed scantily with poplars and sad-colored + bull-berry bushes, while the bare spots were purple with the wild Dakota + crocuses. + </p> + <p> + Upon the lowest of a series of natural terraces there stood on this May + morning a young Sioux girl, whose graceful movements were not unlike those + of a doe which chanced to be lurking in a neighboring gulch. On the upper + plains, not far away, were her young companions, all busily employed with + the wewoptay, as it was called—the sharp-pointed stick with which + the Sioux women dig wild turnips. They were gayly gossiping together, or + each humming a love-song as she worked, only Snana stood somewhat apart + from the rest; in fact, concealed by the crest of the ridge. + </p> + <p> + She had paused in her digging and stood facing the sun-kissed buttes. + Above them in the clear blue sky the father sun was traveling upward as in + haste, while to her receptive spirit there appealed an awful, unknown + force, the silent speech of the Great Mystery, to which it seemed to her + the whole world must be listening! + </p> + <p> + “O Great Mystery! the father of earthly things is coming to quicken us + into life. Have pity on me, I pray thee! May I some day become the mother + of a great and brave race of warriors!” So the maiden prayed silently. + </p> + <p> + It was now full-born day. The sun shone hot upon the bare ground, and the + drops stood upon Snana’s forehead as she plied her long pole. There was a + cool spring in the dry creek bed near by, well hidden by a clump of + chokecherry bushes, and she turned thither to cool her thirsty throat. In + the depths of the ravine her eye caught a familiar footprint—the + track of a doe with the young fawn beside it. The hunting instinct arose + within. + </p> + <p> + “It will be a great feat if I can find and take from her the babe. The + little tawny skin shall be beautifully dressed by my mother. The legs and + the nose shall be embossed with porcupine quills. It will be my work-bag,” + she said to herself. + </p> + <p> + As she stole forward on the fresh trail she scanned every nook, every + clump of bushes. There was a sudden rustle from within a grove of wild + plum trees, thickly festooned with grape and clematis, and the doe mother + bounded away as carelessly as if she were never to return. + </p> + <p> + Ah, a mother’s ruse! Snana entered the thorny enclosure, which was almost + a rude teepee, and, tucked away in the furthermost corner, lay something + with a trout-like, speckled, tawny coat. She bent over it. The fawn was + apparently sleeping. Presently its eyes moved a bit, and a shiver passed + through its subtle body. + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt not die; thy skin shall not become my work-bag!” unconsciously + the maiden spoke. The mother sympathy had taken hold on her mind. She + picked the fawn up tenderly, bound its legs, and put it on her back to + carry like an Indian babe in the folds of her robe. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot leave you alone, Tachinchala. Your mother is not here. Our + hunters will soon return by this road, and your mother has left behind her + two plain tracks leading to this thicket,” she murmured. + </p> + <p> + The wild creature struggled vigorously for a minute, and then became + quiet. Its graceful head protruded from the elkskin robe just over Snana’s + shoulder. She was slowly climbing the slope with her burden, when suddenly + like an apparition the doe-mother stood before her. The fawn called loudly + when it was first seized, and the mother was not too far away to hear. Now + she called frantically for her child, at the same time stamping with her + delicate fore-feet. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sister, you are right; she is yours; but you cannot save her to-day! + The hunters will soon be here. Let me keep her for you; I will return her + to you safely. And hear me, O sister of the woods, that some day I may + become the mother of a noble race of warriors and of fine women, as + handsome as you are!” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the quick eyes of the Indian girl detected something + strange in the doe’s actions. She glanced in every direction and behold! a + grizzly bear was cautiously approaching the group from a considerable + distance. + </p> + <p> + “Run, run, sister! I shall save your child if I can,” she cried, and flew + for the nearest scrub oak on the edge of the bank. Up the tree she + scrambled, with the fawn still securely bound to her back. The grizzly + came on with teeth exposed, and the doe-mother in her flight came between + him and the tree, giving a series of indignant snorts as she ran, and so + distracted Mato from his object of attack; but only for a few seconds—then + on he came! + </p> + <p> + “Desist, O brave Mato! It does not become a great medicine-man to attack a + helpless woman with a burden upon her back!” + </p> + <p> + Snana spoke as if the huge brute could understand her, and indeed the + Indians hold that wild animals understand intuitively when appealed to by + human beings in distress. Yet he replied only with a hoarse growl, as + rising upon his hind legs he shook the little tree vigorously. + </p> + <p> + “Ye, ye, heyupi ye!” Snana called loudly to her companion turnip-diggers. + Her cry soon brought all the women into sight upon a near-by ridge, and + they immediately gave a general alarm. Mato saw them, but appeared not at + all concerned and was still intent upon dislodging the girl, who clung + frantically to her perch. + </p> + <p> + Presently there appeared upon the little knoll several warriors, mounted + and uttering the usual war-whoop, as if they were about to swoop down upon + a human enemy. This touched the dignity of Mato, and he immediately + prepared to accept the challenge. Every Indian was alive to the + possibilities of the occasion, for it is well known that Mato, or grizzly + bear, alone among animals is given the rank of a warrior, so that whoever + conquers him may wear an eagle feather. + </p> + <p> + “Woo! woo!” the warriors shouted, as they maneuvered to draw him into the + open plain. + </p> + <p> + He answered with hoarse growls, threatening a rider who had ventured too + near. But arrows were many and well-aimed, and in a few minutes the great + and warlike Mato lay dead at the foot of the tree. + </p> + <p> + The men ran forward and counted their coups on him, just as when an enemy + is fallen. Then they looked at one another and placed their hands over + their mouths as the young girl descended the tree with a fawn bound upon + her back. + </p> + <p> + “So that was the bait!” they cried. “And will you not make a feast with + that fawn for us who came to your rescue?” + </p> + <p> + “The fawn is young and tender, and we have not eaten meat for two days. It + will be a generous thing to do,” added her father, who was among them. + </p> + <p> + “Ye-e-e!” she cried out in distress. “Do not ask it! I have seen this + fawn’s mother. I have promised to keep her child safe. See! I have saved + its life, even when my own was in danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho, wakan ye lo! (Yes, yes, ‘tis holy or mysterious),” they exclaimed + approvingly. + </p> + <p> + It was no small trouble for Snana to keep her trust. As may well be + supposed, all the dogs of the teepee village must be watched and kept at a + distance. Neither was it easy to feed the little captive; but in gaining + its confidence the girl was an adept. The fawn soon followed her + everywhere, and called to her when hungry exactly as she had called to her + own mother. + </p> + <p> + After several days, when her fright at the encounter with the bear had + somewhat worn off, Snana took her pet into the woods and back to the very + spot in which she had found it. In the furthest corner of the wild plum + grove she laid it down, gently stroked its soft forehead, and smoothed the + leaflike ears. The little thing closed its eyes. Once more the Sioux girl + bent over and laid her cheek against the fawn’s head; then reluctantly she + moved away, hoping and yet dreading that the mother would return. She + crouched under a clump of bushes near by, and gave the doe call. It was a + reckless thing for her to do, for such a call might bring upon her a + mountain lion or ever-watchful silvertip; but Snana did not think of that. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes she heard the light patter of hoofs, and caught a glimpse + of a doe running straight toward the fawn’s hiding-place. When she stole + near enough to see, the doe and the fawn were examining one another + carefully, as if fearing some treachery. At last both were apparently + satisfied. The doe caressed her natural child, and the little one accepted + the milk she offered. + </p> + <p> + In the Sioux maiden’s mind there was turmoil. A close attachment to the + little wild creature had already taken root there, contending with the + sense of justice that was strong within her. Now womanly sympathy for the + mother was in control, and now a desire to possess and protect her + helpless pet. + </p> + <p> + “I can take care of her against all hunters, both animal and human. They + are ever ready to seize the helpless fawn for food. Her life will be often + exposed. You cannot save her from disaster. O, Takcha, my sister, let me + still keep her for you!” she finally appealed to the poor doe, who was + nervously watching the intruder, and apparently thinking how she might + best escape with the fawn. + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment there came a low call from the wood. It was a doe + call; but the wild mother and her new friend both knew that it was not the + call of a real doe. + </p> + <p> + “It is a Sioux hunter!” whispered the girl. “You must go, my sister! Be + off; I will take your child to safety!” + </p> + <p> + While she was yet speaking, the doe seemed to realize the danger. She + stopped only an instant to lick fondly the tawny coat of the little one, + who had just finished her dinner; then she bounded away. + </p> + <p> + As Snana emerged from the bushes with her charge, a young hunter met her + face to face, and stared at her curiously. He was not of her father’s + camp, but a stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, you have my game.” + </p> + <p> + “Tosh!” she replied coquettishly. + </p> + <p> + It was so often said among the Indians that the doe was wont to put on + human form to mislead the hunter, that it looked strange to see a woman + with a fawn, and the young man could not forbear to gaze upon Snana. + </p> + <p> + “You are not the real mother in maiden’s guise? Tell me truly if you are + of human blood,” he demanded rudely. + </p> + <p> + “I am a Sioux maiden! Do you not know my father?” she replied. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but who is your father? What is his name?” he insisted, nervously + fingering his arrows. + </p> + <p> + “Do not be a coward! Surely you should know a maid of your own race,” she + replied reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you know the tricks of the doe! What is thy name?” + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou forgotten the etiquette of thy people, and wouldst compel me to + pronounce my own name? I refuse; thou art jesting!” she retorted with a + smile. + </p> + <p> + “Thou dost give the tricky answers of a doe. I cannot wait; I must act + before I lose my natural mind. But already I am yours. Whatever purpose + you may have in thus charming a poor hunter, be merciful,” and, throwing + aside his quiver, he sat down. + </p> + <p> + The maiden stole a glance at his face, and then another. He was handsome. + Softly she reentered the thicket and laid down the little fawn. + </p> + <p> + “Promise me never to hunt here again!” she said earnestly, as she came + forth without her pretty burden, and he exacted another promise in return. + Thus Snana lost her fawn, and found a lover. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. SHE-WHO-HAS-A-SOUL + </h2> + <p> + It was a long time ago, nearly two hundred years ago, that some of our + people were living upon the shores of the Great Lake, Lake Superior. The + chief of this band was called Tatankaota, Many Buffaloes. + </p> + <p> + One day the young son of Tatankaota led a war-party against the Ojibways, + who occupied the country east of us, toward the rising sun. + </p> + <p> + When they had gone a day’s journey in the direction of Sault Ste. Marie, + in our language Skesketatanka, the warriors took up their position on the + lake shore, at a point which the Ojibways were accustomed to pass in their + canoes. + </p> + <p> + Long they gazed, and scanned the surface of the water, watching for the + coming of the foe. The sun had risen above the dark pines, over the great + ridge of woodland across the bay. It was the awakening of all living + things. The birds were singing, and shining fishes leaped out of the water + as if at play. At last, far off, there came the warning cry of the loon to + stir their expectant ears. + </p> + <p> + “Warriors, look close to the horizon! This brother of ours does not lie. + The enemy comes!” exclaimed their leader. + </p> + <p> + Presently upon the sparkling face of the water there appeared a moving + canoe. There was but one, and it was coming directly toward them. + </p> + <p> + “Hahatonwan! Hahatonwan! (The Ojibways! the Ojibways!)” they exclaimed + with one voice, and, grasping their weapons, they hastily concealed + themselves in the bushes. + </p> + <p> + “Spare none—take no captives!” ordered the chief’s son. + </p> + <p> + Nearer and nearer approached the strange canoe. The glistening blades of + its paddles flashed as it were the signal of good news, or a welcome + challenge. All impatiently waited until it should come within arrow-shot. + </p> + <p> + “Surely it is an Ojibway canoe,” one murmured. “Yet look! the stroke is + ungainly!” Now, among all the tribes only the Ojibway’s art is perfect in + paddling a birch canoe. This was a powerful stroke, but harsh and + unsteady. + </p> + <p> + “See! there are no feathers on this man’s head!” exclaimed the son of the + chief. “Hold, warriors, he wears a woman’s dress, and I see no weapon. No + courage is needed to take his life, therefore let it be spared! I command + that only coups (or blows) be counted on him, and he shall tell us whence + he comes, and on what errand.” + </p> + <p> + The signal was given; the warriors sprang to their feet, and like wolves + they sped from the forest, out upon the white, sandy beach and straight + into the sparkling waters of the lake, giving the shrill war-cry, the + warning of death! + </p> + <p> + The solitary oarsman made no outcry—he offered no defense! Kneeling + calmly in the prow of the little vessel, he merely ceased paddling and + seemed to await with patience the deadly blow of the tomahawk. + </p> + <p> + The son of Tatankaota was foremost in the charge, but suddenly an impulse + seized him to stop his warriors, lest one in the heat of excitement should + do a mischief to the stranger. The canoe with its occupant was now very + near, and it could be seen that the expression of his face was very gentle + and even benignant. None could doubt his utter harmlessness; and the + chief’s son afterward declared that at this moment he felt a premonition + of some event, but whether good or evil he could not tell. + </p> + <p> + No blows were struck—no coups counted. The young man bade his warriors + take up the canoe and carry it to the shore; and although they murmured + somewhat among themselves, they did as he commanded them. They seized the + light bark and bore it dripping to a hill covered with tall pines, and + overlooking the waters of the Great Lake. + </p> + <p> + Then the warriors lifted their war-clubs over their heads and sang, + standing around the canoe in which the black-robed stranger was still + kneeling. Looking at him closely, they perceived that he was of a peculiar + complexion, pale and inclined to red. He wore a necklace of beads, from + which hung a cross bearing the form of a man. His garments were strange, + and most like the robes of woman. All of these things perplexed them + greatly. + </p> + <p> + Presently the Black Robe told them by signs, in response to their + inquiries, that he came from the rising sun, even beyond the Great Salt + Water, and he seemed to say that he formerly came from the sky. Upon this + the warriors believed that he must be a prophet or mysterious man. + </p> + <p> + Their leader directed them to take up again the canoe with the man in it, + and appointed the warriors to carry it by turns until they should reach + his father’s village. This was done according to the ancient custom, as a + mark of respect and honor. They took it up forthwith, and traveled with + all convenient speed along the lake shore, through forests and across + streams to a place called the Maiden’s Retreat, a short distance from the + village. + </p> + <p> + Thence the chief’s son sent a messenger to announce to his father that he + was bringing home a stranger, and to ask whether or not he should be + allowed to enter the village. “His appearance,” declared the scout, “is + unlike that of any man we have ever seen, and his ways are mysterious!” + </p> + <p> + When the chief heard these words, he immediately called his council-men + together to decide what was to be done, for he feared by admitting the + mysterious stranger to bring some disaster upon his people. Finally he + went out with his wisest men to meet his son’s war-party. They looked with + astonishment upon the Black Robe. + </p> + <p> + “Dispatch him! Dispatch him! Show him no mercy!” cried some of the + council-men. + </p> + <p> + “Let him go on his way unharmed. Trouble him not,” advised others. + </p> + <p> + “It is well known that the evil spirits sometimes take the form of a man + or animal. From his strange appearance I judge this to be such a one. He + should be put to death, lest some harm befall our people,” an old man + urged. + </p> + <p> + By this time several of the women of the village had reached the spot. + Among them was She-who-has-a-Soul, the chief’s youngest daughter, who + tradition says was a maiden of much beauty, and of a generous heart. The + stranger was evidently footsore from much travel and + </p> + <p> + weakened by fasting. When she saw that the poor man clasped his hands and + looked skyward as he uttered words in an unknown tongue, she pleaded with + her father that a stranger who has entered their midst unchallenged may + claim the hospitality of the people, according to the ancient custom. + </p> + <p> + “Father, he is weary and in want of food. Hold him no longer! Delay your + council until he is refreshed!” These were the words of + She-who-has-a-Soul, and her father could not refuse her prayer. The Black + Robe was released, and the Sioux maiden led him to her father’s teepee. + </p> + <p> + Now the warriors had been surprised and indeed displeased to find him + dressed after the fashion of a woman, and they looked upon him with + suspicion. But from the moment that she first beheld him, the heart of the + maiden had turned toward this strange and seemingly unfortunate man. It + appeared to her that great reverence and meekness were in his face, and + with it all she was struck by his utter fearlessness, his apparent + unconsciousness of danger. + </p> + <p> + The chief’s daughter, having gained her father’s permission, invited the + Black Robe to his great buffalo-skin tent, and spreading a fine robe, she + gently asked him to be seated. With the aid of her mother, she prepared + wild rice sweetened with maple sugar and some broiled venison for his + repast. The youthful warriors were astonished to observe these attentions, + but the maiden heeded them not. She anointed the blistered feet of the + holy man with perfumed otter oil, and put upon him a pair of moccasins + beautifully worked by her own hands. + </p> + <p> + It was only an act of charity on her part, but the young men were + displeased, and again urged that the stranger should at once be turned + away. Some even suggested harsher measures; but they were overruled by the + chief, softened by the persuasions of a well-beloved daughter. + </p> + <p> + During the few days that the Black Robe remained in the Sioux village he + preached earnestly to the maiden, for she had been permitted to converse + with him by signs, that she might try to ascertain what manner of man he + was. He told her of the coming of a “Great Prophet” from the sky, and of + his words that he had left with the people. The cross with the figure of a + man he explained as his totem which he had told them to carry. He also + said that those who love him are commanded to go among strange peoples to + tell the news, and that all who believe must be marked with holy water and + accept the totem. + </p> + <p> + He asked by signs if She-who-has-a-Soul believed the story. To this she + replied: + </p> + <p> + “It is a sweet story—a likely legend! I do believe!” + </p> + <p> + Then the good father took out a small cross, and having pressed it to his + heart and crossed his forehead and breast, he gave it to her. Finally he + dipped his finger in water and touched the forehead of the maiden, + repeating meanwhile some words in an unknown tongue. + </p> + <p> + The mother was troubled, for she feared that the stranger was trying to + bewitch her daughter, but the chief decided thus: + </p> + <p> + “This is a praying-man, and he is not of our people; his customs are + different, but they are not evil. Warriors, take him back to the spot + where you saw him first! It is my desire, and the good custom of our tribe + requires that you free him without injury!” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they formed a large party, and carried the Black Robe in his + canoe back to the shore of the Great Lake, to the place where they had met + him, and he was allowed to depart thence whithersoever he would. He took + his leave with signs of gratitude for their hospitality, and especially + for the kindness of the beautiful Sioux maiden. She seemed to have + understood his mission better than any one else, and as long as she lived + she kept his queer trinket—as it seemed to the others—and + performed the strange acts that he had taught her. + </p> + <p> + Furthermore, it was through the pleadings of She-who-has-a-Soul that the + chief Tatankaota advised his people in after days to befriend the white + strangers, and though many of the other chiefs opposed him in this, his + counsels prevailed. Hence it was that both the French and English received + much kindness from our people, mainly through the influence of this one + woman! + </p> + <p> + Such was the first coming of the white man among us, as it is told in our + traditions. Other praying-men came later, and many of the Sioux allowed + themselves to be baptized. True, there have been Indian wars, but not + without reason; and it is pleasant to remember that the Sioux were + hospitable to the first white “prayingman,” and that it was a + tender-hearted maiden of my people who first took in her hands the cross + of the new religion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. THE PEACE-MAKER + </h2> + <p> + One of the most remarkable women of her day and nation was Eyatonkawee, + She-whose-Voice-is-heard-afar. It is matter of history among the + Wakpaykootay band of Sioux, the Dwellers among the Leaves, that when + Eyatonkawee was a very young woman she was once victorious in a + hand-to-hand combat with the enemy in the woods of Minnesota, where her + people were hunting the deer. At such times they often met with stray + parties of Sacs and Foxes from the prairies of Iowa and Illinois. + </p> + <p> + Now, the custom was among our people that the doer of a notable warlike + deed was held in highest honor, and these deeds were kept constantly in + memory by being recited in public, before many witnesses. The greatest + exploit was that one involving most personal courage and physical address, + and he whose record was adjudged best might claim certain privileges, not + the least of which was the right to interfere in any quarrel and separate + the combatants. The peace-maker might resort to force, if need be, and no + one dared to utter a protest who could not say that he had himself + achieved an equal fame. + </p> + <p> + There was a man called Tamahay, known to Minnesota history as the + “One-eyed Sioux,” who was a notable character on the frontier in the early + part of the nineteenth century. He was very reckless, and could boast of + many a perilous adventure. He was the only Sioux who, in the War of 1812, + fought for the Americans, while all the rest of his people sided with the + British, mainly through the influence of the English traders among them at + that time. This same “One-eyed Sioux” became a warm friend of Lieutenant + Pike, who discovered the sources of the Mississippi, and for whom Pike’s + Peak is named. Some say that the Indian took his friend’s name, for + Tamahay in English means Pike or Pickerel. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, in later life this brave man became a drunkard, and after + the Americans took possession of his country almost any one of them would + supply him with liquor in recognition of his notable services as a scout + and soldier. Thus he was at times no less dangerous in camp than in + battle. + </p> + <p> + Now, Eyatonkawee, being a young widow, had married the son of a lesser + chief in Tamahay’s band, and was living among strangers. Moreover, she was + yet young and modest. + </p> + <p> + One day this bashful matron heard loud warwhoops and the screams of women. + Looking forth, she saw the people fleeing hither and thither, while + Tamahay, half intoxicated, rushed from his teepee painted for war, armed + with tomahawk and scalping-knife, and approached another warrior as if to + slay him. At this sight her heart became strong, and she quickly sprang + between them with her woman’s knife in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “It was a Sac warrior of like proportions and bravery with your own, who, + having slain several of the Sioux, thus approached me with uplifted + tomahawk!” she exclaimed in a clear voice, and went on to recite her + victory on that famous day so that the terrified people paused to hear. + </p> + <p> + Tamahay was greatly astonished, but he was not too drunk to realize that + he must give way at once, or be subject to the humiliation of a blow from + the woman-warrior who challenged him thus. The whole camp was listening; + and being unable, in spite of his giant frame and well-known record, to + cite a greater deed than hers, he retreated with as good a grace as + possible. Thus Eyatonkawee recounted her brave deed for the first time, in + order to save a man’s life. From that day her name was great as a + peace-maker—greater even than when she had first defended so + gallantly her babe and home! + </p> + <p> + Many years afterward, when she had attained middle age, this woman averted + a serious danger from her people. + </p> + <p> + Chief Little Crow the elder was dead, and as he had two wives of two + different bands, the succession was disputed among the half-brothers and + their adherents. Finally the two sons of the wife belonging to the + Wabashaw band plotted against the son of the woman of the Kaposia band, + His-Red-Nation by name, afterward called Little Crow—the man who led + the Minnesota massacre. + </p> + <p> + They obtained a quantity of whisky and made a great feast to which many + were invited, intending when all were more or less intoxicated to + precipitate a fight in which he should be killed. It would be easy + afterward to excuse themselves by saying that it was an accident. + </p> + <p> + Mendota, near what is now the thriving city of Saint Paul, then a queen of + trading-posts in the Northwest, was the rendezvous of the Sioux. The event + brought many together, for all warriors of note were bidden from far and + near, and even the great traders of the day were present, for the + succession to the chieftainship was one which vitally affected their + interests. During the early part of the day all went well, with speeches + and eulogies of the dead chief, flowing and eloquent, such as only a + native orator can utter. Presently two goodly kegs of whisky were rolled + into the council teepee. + </p> + <p> + Eyatonkawee was among the women, and heard their expressions of anxiety as + the voices of the men rose louder and more threatening. Some carried their + children away into the woods for safety, while others sought speech with + their husbands outside the council lodge and besought them to come away in + time. But more than this was needed to cope with the emergency. Suddenly a + familiar form appeared in the door of the council lodge. + </p> + <p> + “Is it becoming in a warrior to spill the blood of his tribesmen? Are + there no longer any Ojibways?” + </p> + <p> + It was the voice of Eyatonkawee, that stronghearted woman! Advancing at + the critical moment to the middle of the ring of warriors, she once more + recited her “brave deed” with all the accompaniment of action and gesture, + and to such effect that the disorderly feast broke up in confusion, and + there was peace between the rival bands of Sioux. + </p> + <p> + There was seldom a dangerous quarrel among the Indians in those days that + was not precipitated by the use of strong liquor, and this simple Indian + woman, whose good judgment was equal to her courage, fully recognized this + fact. All her life, and especially after her favorite brother had been + killed in a drunken brawl in the early days of the American Fur Company, + she was a determined enemy to strong drink, and it is said did more to + prevent its use among her immediate band than any other person. Being a + woman, her sole means of recognition was the “brave deed” which she so + wonderfully described and enacted before the people. + </p> + <p> + During the lifetime of She-whose-Voice-is-heard-afar—and she died + only a few years ago—it behooved the Sioux men, if they drank at + all, to drink secretly and in moderation. There are many who remember her + brave entrance upon the scene of carousal, and her dramatic recital of the + immortal deed of her youth. + </p> + <p> + “Hanta! hanta wo! (Out of the way!)” exclaim the dismayed warriors, + scrambling in every direction to avoid the upraised arm of the terrible + old woman, who bursts suddenly upon them with disheveled hair, her gown + torn and streaked here and there with what looks like fresh blood, her + leather leggins loose and ungartered, as if newly come from the famous + struggle. One of the men has a keg of whisky for which he has given a + pony, and the others have been invited in for a night of pleasure. But + scarcely has the first round been drunk to the toast of “great deeds,” + when Eyatonkawee is upon them, her great knife held high in her wrinkled + left hand, her tomahawk in the right. Her black eyes gleam as she declaims + in a voice strong, unterrified: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Look! look! brothers and husbands—the Sacs and Foxes are upon us! + + Behold, our braves are surprised—they are unprepared! + + Hear the mothers, the wives and the children screaming in affright! + + “Your brave sister, Eyatonkawee, she, the newly made mother, + is serving the smoking venison to her husband, just returned + from the chase! + + Ah, he plunges into the thickest of the enemy! + He falls, he falls, in full view of his young wife! + + “She desperately presses her babe to her breast, + while on they come yelling and triumphant! + + The foremost of them all enters her white buffalo-skin teepee: + Tossing her babe at the warrior’s feet, she stands before him, defiant; + But he straightway levels his spear at her bosom. + + Quickly she springs aside, and as quickly deals a deadly blow with + her ax: + + Falls at her feet the mighty warrior! + + “Closely following on comes another, + unknowing what fate has met his fellow! + + He too enters her teepee, and upon his feather-decked head her ax falls + —Only his death-groan replies! + + “Another of heroic size and great prowess, + as witnessed by his war-bonnet of eagle-feathers, + + Rushes on, yelling and whooping—for they believe + that victory is with them! + + The third great warrior who has dared to enter Eyatonkawee’s + teepee uninvited, he has already dispatched her husband! + + He it is whose terrible war-cry has scattered her sisters + among the trees of the forest! + + “On he comes with confidence and a brave heart, + seeking one more bloody deed- + One more feather to win for his head! + Behold, he lifts above her woman’s head his battle-ax! + No hope, no chance for her life!... + Ah! he strikes beyond her—only the handle of the ax falls + heavily upon her tired shoulder! + + Her ready knife finds his wicked heart,— + Down he falls at her feet! + + “Now the din of war grows fainter and further. + The Sioux recover heart, and drive the enemy headlong from their lodges: + Your sister stands victorious over three! + “She takes her baby boy, and makes him count with his tiny + hands the first ‘coup’ on each dead hero; + + Hence he wears the ‘first feathers’ while yet in his oaken cradle. + + “The bravest of the whole Sioux nation have given the war-whoop + in your sister’s honor, and have said: + + ‘Tis Eyatonkawee who is not satisfied with downing + the mighty oaks with her ax— + She took the mighty Sacs and Foxes for trees, + and she felled them with a will!’” + </pre> + <p> + In such fashion the old woman was wont to chant her story, and not a + warrior there could tell one to surpass it! The custom was strong, and + there was not one to prevent her when she struck open with a single blow + of her ax the keg of whisky, and the precious liquor trickled upon the + ground. + </p> + <p> + “So trickles under the ax of Eyatonkawee the blood of an enemy to the + Sioux!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI. BLUE SKY + </h2> + <p> + Many years ago a large body of the Sioux were encamped at midsummer in the + valley of the Cheyenne. It was customary at that period for the Indians to + tie up their ponies over night within the circle of the teepees, whenever + they were in disputed territory, for they considered it no wrong to steal + the horses of the enemy. Hence this long procession of young men and + maidens, returning at sunset to the camp with great bundles of green grass + hanging gracefully from their saddles! + </p> + <p> + The “green grass parade” became a regular custom, and in fact a full-dress + affair, since it was found to afford unusual opportunities for courtship. + </p> + <p> + Blue Sky, the pretty daughter of the Sioux chief, put on her best doeskin + gown trimmed with elks’ teeth, and investing her favorite spotted pony + with his beaded saddle-blanket, she went forth in company with one of her + maiden friends. Soon two young warriors overtook the pair; and as they + approached they covered their heads with their robes, exposing only the + upper part of the face disguised with paint and the single eagle feather + standing upright. One carried a bow and quiver full of arrows; the other, + a war-club suspended from his right arm. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, hay, hun, hay!” saluted one of them; but the modest maidens said + never a word! It was not their way to speak; only the gay calico ponies + pranced about and sportively threw back their ears to snap at the horses + of the two young men. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis a brave welcome your horses are giving us!” he continued, while the + two girls merely looked at one another with perfect understanding. + </p> + <p> + Presently Matoska urged his pony close to the Blue Sky’s side. + </p> + <p> + “It may be that I am overbold,” he murmured in her ear, “to repeat so soon + my tale of love! I know well that I risk a reprimand, if not in words, + then by a look or action!” + </p> + <p> + He paused to note the effect of his speech; but alas! it is the hard rule + of savage courtship that the maiden may with propriety and dignity keep + silence as long as she wishes, and it is often exasperatingly long. + </p> + <p> + “I have spoken to no maiden,” he resumed, “because I wished to win the + war-bonnet before doing so. But to you I was forced to yield!” Again he + paused, as if fearing to appear unduly hasty; but deliberate as were + speech and manner, his eyes betrayed him. They were full of intense + eagerness mingled with anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes I have imagined that I am in the world with you alone, + traveling over the prairie of life, or sitting in our lonely white teepee, + as the oriole sits with his mate before their swaying home. Yet I seemed + to be never lonely, because you were there!” He finished his plea, and + with outward calmness awaited her reply. + </p> + <p> + The maiden had not lost a word, but she was still thinking. She thought + that a man is much like the wind of the north, only pleasant and + comfortable in midsummer! She feared that she might some time have to + furnish all the fuel for their love’s fires; therefore she held her peace. + Matoska waited for several minutes and then silently withdrew, bearing his + disappointment with dignity. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the camp was astir with the returning youths and maidens, their + horses’ sides fringed with the long meadow grass, singing plaintive + serenades around the circular rows of teepees before they broke up for the + night. + </p> + <p> + It was a clear and quiet night; the evening fires were kindled and every + teepee transformed into an immense Chinese lantern. There was a glowing + ring two miles in circumference, with the wooded river bottom on one side + and the vast prairie on the other. The Black Hills loomed up in the + distance, and the rapids of the wild Cheyenne sent forth a varying peal of + music on the wind. The people enjoyed their evening meal, and in the + pauses of their talk and laughter the ponies could be heard munching at + the bundles of green grass just outside the teepees. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a chorus of yells broke cruelly the peace of the camp, followed + by the dashing charge of the Crow Indian horsemen! It was met as bravely + and quickly by the Sioux; and in the clear, pale moonlight the dusky + warriors fought, with the occasional flash of a firearm, while silent + weapons flew thick in the air like dragon-flies at sunset. + </p> + <p> + The brave mothers, wives, and sisters gave their shrill war-cry to inspire + their men, and show the enemy that even the Sioux women cannot be daunted + by such a fearful surprise! + </p> + <p> + When the morning sun sent its golden shafts among the teepees, they saw it + through glistening tears—happy tears, they said, because the brave + dead had met their end in gallant fight—the very end they craved! + And among those who fell that night was Brave Hawk, the handsome brother + of the Blue Sky. + </p> + <p> + In a few days the camp was moved to a point further up the Cheyenne and + deeper into the bosom of the hills, leaving behind the decorated grave + lodges belonging to the honored dead. A great council teepee was pitched, + and here the people met to credit those who had earned them with the + honors of the fight, that they might thereafter wear the eagle feathers + which they had won. + </p> + <p> + “The first honor,” declared the master of ceremonies, “belongs to Brave + Hawk, who fell in the battle! He it was who compelled the Crows to + retreat, when he bravely charged upon them and knocked from his horse the + Crow chief, their war leader.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, it is true!” exclaimed the warriors in chorus. + </p> + <p> + “The second honor,” he resumed, “belongs to Matoska, the White Bear!” + </p> + <p> + “Hun, hun, hay!” interposed another, “it is I, Red Owl, who touched the + body of the Crow chief second to Brave Hawk!” + </p> + <p> + It was a definite challenge. + </p> + <p> + “The warriors who witnessed the act give the coup to Matoska, friend!” + persisted the spokesman. + </p> + <p> + Red Owl was a brave youth and a close rival of Matoska, both for war + honors and for the hand of the prettiest maiden in the tribe. He had hoped + to be recognized as one who fought in defense of their homes by the side + of Brave Hawk; that would please the Blue Sky, he thought; but the honor + was conferred upon his rival! + </p> + <p> + There was a cloud of suppressed irritation on his dusky face as he + sullenly departed to his own tent—an action which displeased the + council-men. Matoska had not spoken, and this caused him to appear to the + better advantage. The worst of it was that Blue Sky herself had entered + the ring with the “orphan steed,” as it was called—the war-horse of + her dead brother, and had therefore seen and heard everything! Tanagila, + or Hummingbird, the beautiful charger, decorated according to custom with + the honors won by his master, was led away by the girl amidst resounding + war-whoops. + </p> + <p> + Unable to remain quiet, Red Owl went out into the hills to fast and pray. + It was sunset of the next day when he again approached the village, and + behind a little ridge came suddenly upon Matoska and the girl standing + together. It was the first time that they had met since the “green grass + parade,” and now only by accident, as the sister of Brave Hawk was in deep + mourning. However, the lover had embraced his opportunity, and the maiden + had said that she was willing to think of the matter. No more words were + spoken. + </p> + <p> + That very night the council drum was struck three times, followed by the + warriors’ cheer. Everybody knew what that meant. It was an invitation to + the young men to go upon the war-path against the Crows! + </p> + <p> + Blue Sky was unconsciously startled by this sudden announcement. For the + first time in her life she felt a fear that she could not explain. The + truth was that she loved, and was not yet fully aware of it. In spite of + her fresh grief, she had been inexplicably happy since her last meeting + with Matoska, for she had seen in him that which is so beautiful, so + compelling in man to the eyes of the woman who loves. He, too, now + cherished a real hope, and felt as if he could rush into the thickest of + the battle to avenge the brother of his beloved! + </p> + <p> + In a few days the war-party had reached the Big Horn and sent out advance + scouts, who reported a large Crow encampment. Their hundreds of horses + covered the flats like a great herd of buffalo, they said. It was + immediately decided to attack at daybreak, and on a given signal they + dashed impetuously upon the formidable camp. Some stampeded and drove off + a number of horses, while the main body plunged into the midst of the + Crows. + </p> + <p> + But the enemy were not easily surprised. They knew well the Sioux tactics, + and there was a desperate struggle for supremacy. War-club was raised + against war-club, and the death-song of the arrow filled the air! + Presently the Sioux were forced to retreat, with the Crows in hot pursuit, + like wolves after their prey. + </p> + <p> + Red Owl and Matoska had been among the foremost in the charge, and now + they acted as a rear-guard, bravely defending the retreat of their little + army, to the admiration of the enemy. At last a Crow raised his spear + against Matoska, who in a flash dismounted him with a stroke of his oaken + bow; but alas! the blow snapped the bow-string and left him defenseless. + At the same instant his horse uttered a scream and fell, throwing its + rider headlong! + </p> + <p> + There was no one near except Red Owl, who clapped his heels to his pony + and joined in the retreat, leaving Matoska behind. He arose, threw down + his quiver, and advanced alone to meet the oncoming rush of the Crows! + </p> + <p> + The Sioux had seen him fall. In a few moments he was surrounded by the + enemy, and they saw him no more. + </p> + <p> + The pursuit was stopped, and they paused upon a hilltop to collect the + remnant of their force. Red Owl was the last to come up, and it was + observed that he did not look like himself. + </p> + <p> + “Tell us, what were Matoska’s last words?” they asked him. + </p> + <p> + But he silently dismounted and sent an arrow through his faithful steed, + to the astonishment of the warriors. Immediately afterward he took out his + knife and stabbed himself to the heart. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” they exclaimed, “he could not live to share our humiliation!” + </p> + <p> + The war-party returned defeated and cast down by this unexpected ending to + their adventure, having lost some of their bravest and best men. The camp + was instantly thrown into mourning. Many were in heavy grief, but none was + more deeply stricken than the maiden called the Blue Sky, the daughter of + their chief. + </p> + <p> + She remained within her teepee and wept in secret, for none knew that she + had the right to mourn. Yet she believed that her lover had met with + misfortune, but not death. Although his name was announced among those + warriors who fell in the field, her own heart assured her that it was not + so. “I must go to him,” she said to herself. “I must know certainly + whether he is still among the living!” + </p> + <p> + The next evening, while the village was yet in the confusion of great + trouble and sorrow, Blue Sky rode out upon her favorite pony as if to take + him to water as usual, but none saw her return! She hastened to the spot + where she had concealed two sacks of provisions and her extra moccasins + and materials for sewing. She had no weapon, save her knife and a small + hatchet. She knew the country between the Black Hills and the Big Horn, + and knew that it was full of perils for man and much more for woman. Yet + by traveling only at night and concealing herself in the daytime she hoped + to avoid these dangers, and she rode bravely forth on the trail of the + returning warriors. + </p> + <p> + Her dog, Wapayna, had followed the maiden, and she was not sorry to have + so faithful a companion. She cautioned him not to bark at or attack + strange animals unless they attacked first, and he seemed to understand + the propriety of remaining on guard whenever his mistress was asleep. + </p> + <p> + She reached the Powder River country in safety, and here she had more than + once to pick her way among the buffaloes. These wily animals seemed to + realize that she was only a woman and unarmed, so that they scarcely kept + out of her path. She also crossed the trails of riders, some of them quite + fresh, but was fortunate enough not to meet any of them. + </p> + <p> + At last the maiden attained the divide between the Tongue and the Big Horn + rivers. Her heart beat fast, and the sudden sense of her strange mission + almost overwhelmed her. She remembered the only time in her life that the + Sioux were upon that river, and so had that bit of friendly welcome from + the valley—a recollection of childhood! + </p> + <p> + It was near morning; the moon had set and for a short time darkness + prevailed, but the girl’s eyes had by this time become accustomed to the + dark. She knew the day was at hand, and with its first beams she was + safely tucked into one of those round turns left by the river long ago in + changing its bed, now become a little grassy hollow sheltered by steep + banks, and hidden by a fringe of trees. Here she picketed her pony, and + took her own rest. Not until the afternoon shadows were long did she awake + and go forth with determination to seek for the battlefield and for the + Crow encampment. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before she came upon the bodies of fallen horses and men. + There was Matoska’s white charger, with a Sioux arrow in his side, and she + divined the treachery of Red Owl! But he was dead, and his death had + atoned for the crime. The body of her lover was nowhere to be found; yet + how should they have taken the bravest of the Sioux a captive? + </p> + <p> + “If he had but one arrow left, he would stand and fight! If his bow-string + were broken, he would still welcome death with a strong heart,” she + thought. + </p> + <p> + The evening was approaching and the Crow village in plain sight. Blue Sky + arranged her hair and dress as well as she could like that of a Crow + woman, and with an extra robe she made for herself a bundle that looked as + if it held a baby in its many wrappings. The community was still + celebrating its recent victory over the Sioux, and the camp was alive with + songs and dances. In the darkness she approached unnoticed, and singing in + an undertone a Crow lullaby, walked back and forth among the lodges, + watching eagerly for any signs of him she sought. + </p> + <p> + At last she came near to the council lodge. There she beheld his face like + an apparition through the dusk and the fire-light! He was sitting within, + dressed in the gala costume of a Crow. + </p> + <p> + “O, he is living! he is living!” thought the brave maiden. “O, what shall + I do?” Unconsciously she crept nearer and nearer, until the sharp eyes of + an Indian detected the slight difference in her manner and dress, and he + at once gave the alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Wah, wah! Epsaraka! Epsaraka! A Sioux! A Sioux!” + </p> + <p> + In an instant the whole camp had surrounded the girl, who stood in their + midst a prisoner, yet undaunted, for she had seen her lover, and the + spirit of her ancestors rose within her. + </p> + <p> + An interpreter was brought, a man who was half Crow and half Sioux. + </p> + <p> + “Young and pretty daughter of the Sioux!” exclaimed the chief, “tell us + how you came here in our midst undetected, and why!” + </p> + <p> + “Because,” replied the Blue Sky, “your brave warriors have slain my only + brother, and captured my lover, whom you now hold a prisoner. It is for + his sake that I have thus risked my life and honor!” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho! You are the bravest woman I have ever seen. Your lover was + betrayed into our hands by the treachery of one of his own tribe, who shot + his horse from behind. He faced us without fear, but it was not his + courage that saved his life. He resembles my own son, who lately fell in + battle, and according to the custom I have adopted him as my son!” + </p> + <p> + Thus the brave maiden captured the heart of the wily Crow, and was finally + allowed to return home with her lover, bearing many and rich presents. Her + name is remembered among the two tribes, for this act of hers resulted in + a treaty of peace between them which was kept for a generation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII. THE FAITHFULNESS OF LONG EARS + </h2> + <p> + Away beyond the Thin Hills, above the Big Lone Tree upon the Powder River, + the Uncpapa Sioux had celebrated their Sun Dance, some forty years ago. It + was midsummer and the red folk were happy. They lacked for nothing. The + yellowish green flat on either side of the Powder was studded with wild + flowers, and the cottonwood trees were in full leaf. One large circle of + buffalo skin teepees formed the movable village. The Big Horn Mountains + loomed up against the deep blue sky to the westward, and the Black Hills + appeared in the far southeast. + </p> + <p> + The tribal rites had all been observed, and the usual summer festivities + enjoyed to the full. The camp as it broke up divided itself in three + parts, each of which had determined to seek a favorite hunting-ground. + </p> + <p> + One band journeyed west, toward the Tongue River. One followed a tributary + of the Powder to the south. The third merely changed camp, on account of + the grazing for ponies, and for four days remained near the old place. + </p> + <p> + The party that went west did not fail to realize the perilous nature of + their wanderings, for they were trespassing upon the country of the + warlike Crows. + </p> + <p> + On the third day at sunrise, the Sioux crier’s voice resounded in the + valley of the Powder, announcing that the lodges must be razed and the + villagers must take up their march. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast of jerked buffalo meat had been served and the women were + adjusting their packs, not without much chatter and apparent confusion. + Weeko (Beautiful Woman), the young wife of the war-chief Shunkaska, who + had made many presents at the dances in honor of her twin boys, now gave + one of her remaining ponies to a poor old woman whose only beast of + burden, a large dog, had died during the night. + </p> + <p> + This made it necessary to shift the packs of the others. Nakpa, or Long + Ears, her kittenlike gray mule, which had heretofore been honored with the + precious burden of the twin babies, was to be given a heavier and more + cumbersome load. Weeko’s two-year-old spotted pony was selected to carry + the babies. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the two children, in their gorgeously beaded buckskin hoods, + were suspended upon either side of the pony’s saddle. As Weeko’s + first-born, they were beautifully dressed; even the saddle and bridle were + daintily worked by her own hands. + </p> + <p> + The caravan was now in motion, and Weeko started all her ponies after the + leader, while she adjusted the mule’s clumsy burden of kettles and other + household gear. In a moment: + </p> + <p> + “Go on, let us see how you move with your new load! Go on!” she exclaimed + again, with a light blow of the horse-hair lariat, as the animal stood + perfectly still. + </p> + <p> + Nakpa simply gave an angry side glance at her load and shifted her + position once or twice. Then she threw herself headlong into the air and + landed stiff-legged, uttering at the same time her unearthly protest. + First she dove straight through the crowd, then proceeded in a circle, her + heels describing wonderful curves and sweeps in the air. Her pack, too, + began to come to pieces and to take forced flights from her undignified + body and heels, in the midst of the screams of women and children, the + barking of dogs, and the war-whoops of the amused young braves. + </p> + <p> + The cowskin tent became detached from her saddle, and a moment later Nakpa + stood free. Her sides worked like a bellows as she stood there meekly + indignant, apparently considering herself to be the victim of an + uncalled-for misunderstanding. + </p> + <p> + “I should put an arrow through her at once, only she is not worth a good + arrow,” said Shunkaska, or White Dog, the husband of Weeko. At his wife’s + answer, he opened his eyes in surprised displeasure. + </p> + <p> + “No, she shall have her own pack again. She wants her twins. I ought never + to have taken them from her!” + </p> + <p> + Weeko approached Nakpa as she stood alone and unfriended in the face of + her little world, all of whom considered that she had committed the + unpardonable sin. As for her, she evidently felt that her misfortunes had + not been of her own making. She gave a hesitating, sidelong look at her + mistress. + </p> + <p> + “Nakpa, you should not have acted so. I knew you were stronger than the + others, therefore I gave you that load,” said Weeko in a conciliatory + tone, and patted her on the nose. “Come, now, you shall have your own pet + pack,” and she led her back to where the young pony stood silently with + the babies. + </p> + <p> + Nakpa threw back her ears and cast savage looks at him, while Shunkaska, + with no small annoyance, gathered together as much as he could of their + scattered household effects. The sleeping brown-skinned babies in their + chrysalis-like hoods were gently lowered from the pony’s back and attached + securely to Nakpa’s padded wooden saddle. The family pots and kettles were + divided among the pack ponies. Order was restored and the village once + more in motion. + </p> + <p> + “Come now, Nakpa; you have your wish. You must take good care of my + babies. Be good, because I have trusted you,” murmured the young mother in + her softest tones. + </p> + <p> + “Really, Weeko, you have some common ground with Nakpa, for you both + always want to have your own way, and stick to it, too! I tell you, I fear + this Long Ears. She is not to be trusted with babies,” remarked Shunkaska, + with a good deal of severity. But his wife made no reply, for she well + knew that though he might criticise, he would not actually interfere with + her domestic arrangements. + </p> + <p> + He now started ahead to join the men in advance of the slow-moving + procession, thus leaving her in undivided charge of her household. One or + two of the pack ponies were not well-trained and required all her + attention. Nakpa had been a faithful servant until her escapade of the + morning, and she was now obviously satisfied with her mistress’ + arrangements. She walked alongside with her lariat dragging, and perfectly + free to do as she pleased. + </p> + <p> + Some hours later, the party ascended a slope from the river bottom to + cross over the divide which lay between the Powder River and a tributary + stream. They had hitherto followed that river in a westerly direction, but + here it took its course southward, winding in a blue streak until lost to + view among the foot-hills of the Big Horn Mountains. The ford was deep, + with a swift current. Here and there a bald butte stood out in full relief + against the brilliant blue sky. The Sioux followed a deep ravine until + they came almost up to the second row of terraces. + </p> + <p> + “Whoo! whoo!” came the blood-curdling signal of danger from the front. It + was no unfamiliar sound—the rovers knew it only too well. It meant + sudden death—or at best a cruel struggle and frantic flight. + </p> + <p> + Terrified, yet self-possessed, the women turned to fly while yet there was + time. Instantly the mother looked to Nakpa, who carried on either side of + the saddle her precious boys. She hurriedly examined the fastenings to see + that all was secure, and then caught her swiftest pony, for, like all + Indian women, she knew just what was happening, and that while her husband + was engaged in front with the enemy, she must seek safety with her babies. + </p> + <p> + Hardly was she in the saddle when a heartrending war-whoop sounded on + their flank, and she knew that they were surrounded! Instinctively she + reached for her husband’s second quiver of arrows, which was carried by + one of the pack ponies. Alas! the Crow warriors were already upon them! + The ponies became unmanageable, and the wild screams of women and children + pierced the awful confusion. + </p> + <p> + Quick as a flash, Weeko turned again to her babies, but Nakpa had already + disappeared! + </p> + <p> + Then, maddened by fright and the loss of her children, Weeko became + forgetful of her sex and tenderness, for she sternly grasped her husband’s + bow in her left hand to do battle. + </p> + <p> + That charge of the Crows was a disastrous one, but the Sioux were equally + brave and desperate. Charges and counter-charges were made, and the slain + were many on both sides. The fight lasted until darkness came. Then the + Crows departed and the Sioux buried their dead. + </p> + <p> + When the Crows made their flank charge, Nakpa apparently appreciated the + situation. To save herself and the babies, she took a desperate chance. + She fled straight through the attacking force. + </p> + <p> + When the warriors came howling upon her in great numbers, she at once + started back the way she had come, to the camp left behind. They had + traveled nearly three days. To be sure, they did not travel more than + fifteen miles a day, but it was full forty miles to cover before dark. + </p> + <p> + “Look! look!” exclaimed a warrior, “two babies hung from the saddle of a + mule!” + </p> + <p> + No one heeded this man’s call, and his arrow did not touch Nakpa or either + of the boys, but it struck the thick part of the saddle over the mule’s + back. + </p> + <p> + “Lasso her! lasso her!” he yelled once more; but Nakpa was too cunning for + them. She dodged in and out with active heels, and they could not afford + to waste many arrows on a mule at that stage of the fight. Down the + ravine, then over the expanse of prairie dotted with gray-green + sage-brush, she sped with her unconscious burden. + </p> + <p> + “Whoo! whoo!” yelled another Crow to his comrades, “the Sioux have + dispatched a runner to get reinforcements! There he goes, down on the + flat! Now he has almost reached the river bottom!” + </p> + <p> + It was only Nakpa. She laid back her cars and stretched out more and more + to gain the river, for she realized that when she had crossed the ford the + Crows would not pursue her farther. + </p> + <p> + Now she had reached the bank. With the intense heat from her exertions, + she was extremely nervous, and she imagined a warrior behind every bush. + Yet she had enough sense left to realize that she must not satisfy her + thirst. She tried the bottom with her fore-foot, then waded carefully into + the deep stream. + </p> + <p> + She kept her big ears well to the front as she swam to catch the slightest + sound. As she stepped on the opposite shore, she shook herself and the + boys vigorously, then pulled a few mouthfuls of grass and started on. + </p> + <p> + Soon one of the babies began to cry, and the other was not long in joining + him. Nakpa did not know what to do. She gave a gentle whinny and both + babies apparently stopped to listen; then she took up an easy gait as if + to put them to sleep. + </p> + <p> + These tactics answered only for a time. As she fairly flew over the + lowlands, the babies’ hunger increased and they screamed so loud that a + passing coyote had to sit upon his haunches and wonder what in the world + the fleeing longeared horse was carrying on his saddle. Even magpies and + crows flew near as if to ascertain the meaning of this curious sound. + </p> + <p> + Nakpa now came to the Little Trail Creek, a tributary of the Powder, not + far from the old camp. No need of wasting any time here, she thought. Then + she swerved aside so suddenly as almost to jerk her babies out of their + cradles. Two gray wolves, one on each side, approached her, growling low—their + white teeth showing. + </p> + <p> + Never in her humble life had Nakpa been in more desperate straits. The + larger of the wolves came fiercely forward to engage her attention, while + his mate was to attack her behind and cut her hamstrings. But for once the + pair had made a miscalculation. The mule used her front hoofs vigorously + on the foremost wolf, while her hind ones were doing even more effective + work. The larger wolf soon went limping away with a broken hip, and the + one in the rear received a deep cut on the jaw which proved an effectual + discouragement. + </p> + <p> + A little further on, an Indian hunter drew near on horseback, but Nakpa + did not pause or slacken her pace. On she fled through the long dry grass + of the river bottoms, while her babies slept again from sheer exhaustion. + Toward sunset, she entered the Sioux camp amid great excitement, for some + one had spied her afar off, and the boys and the dogs announced her + coming. + </p> + <p> + “Whoo, whoo! Weeko’s Nakpa has come back with the twins! Whoo, whoo!” + exclaimed the men. “Tokee! tokee!” cried the women. + </p> + <p> + A sister to Weeko who was in the village came forward and released the + children, as Nakpa gave a low whinny and stopped. Tenderly Zeezeewin + nursed them at her own motherly bosom, assisted by another young mother of + the band. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, there is a Crow arrow sticking in the saddle! A fight! a fight!” + exclaimed the warriors. + </p> + <p> + “Sing a Brave-Heart song for the Long-Eared one! She has escaped alone + with her charge. She is entitled to wear an eagle’s feather! Look at the + arrow in her saddle! and more, she has a knife wound in her jaw and an + arrow cut on her hind leg.—No, those are the marks of a wolf’s + teeth! She has passed through many dangers and saved two chief’s sons, who + will some day make the Crows sorry for this day’s work!” + </p> + <p> + The speaker was an old man who thus addressed the fast gathering throng. + </p> + <p> + Zeezeewin now came forward again with an eagle feather and some white + paint in her hands. The young men rubbed Nakpa down, and the feather, + marked with red to indicate her wounds, was fastened to her mane. + Shoulders and hips were touched with red paint to show her endurance in + running. Then the crier, praising her brave deed in heroic verse, led her + around the camp, inside of the circle of teepees. All the people stood + outside their lodges and listened respectfully, for the Dakota loves well + to honor the faithful and the brave. + </p> + <p> + During the next day, riders came in from the ill-fated party, bringing the + sad news of the fight and heavy loss. Late in the afternoon came Weeko, + her face swollen with crying, her beautiful hair cut short in mourning, + her garments torn and covered with dust and blood. Her husband had fallen + in the fight, and her twin boys she supposed to have been taken captive by + the Crows. Singing in a hoarse voice the praises of her departed warrior, + she entered the camp. As she approached her sister’s teepee, there stood + Nakpa, still wearing her honorable decorations. At the same moment, + Zeezeewin came out to meet her with both babies in her arms. + </p> + <p> + “Mechinkshee! meechinkshee! (my sons, my sons!)” was all that the poor + mother could say, as she all but fell from her saddle to the ground. The + despised Long Ears had not betrayed her trust. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII. THE WAR MAIDEN + </h2> + <p> + The old man, Smoky Day, was for many years the best-known story-teller and + historian of his tribe. He it was who told me the story of the War Maiden. + In the old days it was unusual but not unheard of for a woman to go upon + the war-path—perhaps a young girl, the last of her line, or a widow + whose well-loved husband had fallen on the field—and there could be + no greater incentive to feats of desperate daring on the part of the + warriors. “A long time ago,” said old Smoky Day, “the Unkpapa and the + Cut-Head bands of Sioux united their camps upon a vast prairie east of the + Minne Wakan (now called Devil’s Lake). It was midsummer, and the people + shared in the happiness of every living thing. We had food in abundance, + for bison in countless numbers overspread the plain. + </p> + <p> + “The teepee village was laid out in two great rings, and all was in + readiness for the midsummer entertainments. There were ball games, feasts + and dances every day, and late into the night. You have heard of the + festivities of those days; there are none like them now,” said the old + man, and he sighed heavily as he laid down the red pipe which was to be + passed from hand to hand during the recital. + </p> + <p> + “The head chief of the Unkpapas then was Tamakoche (His Country). He was + in his time a notable warrior, a hunter and a feastmaker, much beloved by + his people. He was the father of three sons, but he was so anxious to make + them warriors of great reputation that they had all, despising danger, + been killed in battle. + </p> + <p> + “The chief had also a very pretty daughter, whose name was Makatah. Since + all his sons were slain he had placed his affections solely upon the girl, + and she grew up listening to the praises of the brave deeds of her + brothers, which her father never tired of chanting when they were together + in the lodge. At times Makatah was called upon to dance to the + ‘Strong-Heart’ songs. Thus even as a child she loved the thought of war, + although she was the prettiest and most modest maiden in the two tribes. + As she grew into womanhood she became the belle of her father’s village, + and her beauty and spirit were talked of even among the neighboring bands + of Sioux. But it appeared that Makatah did not care to marry. She had only + two ambitions. One was to prove to her father that, though only a maid, + she had the heart of a warrior. The other was to visit the graves of her + brothers—that is, the country of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + “At this pleasant reunion of two kindred peoples one of the principal + events was the Feast of Virgins, given by Makatah. All young maidens of + virtue and good repute were invited to be present; but woe to her who + should dare to pollute the sacred feast! If her right to be there were + challenged by any it meant a public disgrace. The two arrows and the red + stone upon which the virgins took their oath of chastity were especially + prepared for the occasion. Every girl was beautifully dressed, for at that + time the white doeskin gowns, with a profusion of fringes and colored + embroidery, were the gala attire of the Sioux maidens. Red paint was + added, and ornaments of furs and wampum. Many youths eagerly surveyed the + maiden gathering, at which the daughter of Tamakoche outshone all the + rest. + </p> + <p> + “Several eligible warriors now pressed their suits at the chieftain’s + lodge, and among them were one or two whom he would have gladly called + son-in-law; but no! Makatah would not listen to words of courtship. She + had vowed, she said, to the spirits of her three brothers—each of + whom fell in the country of the Crows—that she would see that + country before she became a wife. + </p> + <p> + “Red Horn, who was something of a leader among the young men, was a + persistent and determined suitor. He had urged every influential friend of + his and hers to persuade her to listen to him. His presents were more + valuable than those of any one else. He even made use of his father’s + position as a leading chief of the Cut-Head band to force a decision in + his favor; and while the maiden remained indifferent her father seemed + inclined to countenance this young man’s pretensions. + </p> + <p> + “She had many other lovers, as I have said,” the old man added, “and among + them was one Little Eagle, an orphan and a poor young man, unknown and + unproved as a warrior. He was so insignificant that nobody thought much + about him, and if Makatah regarded him with any favor the matter was her + secret, for it is certain that she did not openly encourage him. + </p> + <p> + “One day it was reported in the village that their neighbors, the Cut-Head + Sioux, would organize a great attack upon the Crows at the mouth of the + Redwater, a tributary of the Missouri. Makatah immediately inquired of her + male cousins whether any of them expected to join the war-party. + </p> + <p> + “‘Three of us will go,’ they replied. + </p> + <p> + “‘Then,’ said the girl, ‘I beg that you will allow me to go with you! I + have a good horse, and I shall not handicap you in battle. I only ask your + protection in camp as your kinswoman and a maid of the war-party.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘If our uncle Tamakoche sanctions your going,’ they replied, ‘we shall be + proud to have our cousin with us, to inspire us to brave deeds!’ + </p> + <p> + “The maiden now sought her father and asked his permission to accompany + the warparty. + </p> + <p> + “‘I wish,’ said she, ‘to visit the graves of my brothers! I shall carry + with me their war-bonnets and their weapons, to give to certain young men + on the eve of battle, according to the ancient custom. Long ago I resolved + to do this, and the time is now come.’ + </p> + <p> + “The chief was at this time well advanced in years, and had been sitting + quite alone in his lodge, thinking upon the days of his youth, when he was + noted for daring and success in battle. In silence he listened as he + filled his pipe, and seemed to meditate while he smoked the fragrant + tobacco. At last he spoke with tears in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “‘Daughter, I am an old man! My heart beats in my throat, and my old eyes + cannot keep back the tears. My three sons, on whom I had placed all my + hopes, are gone to a far country! You are the only child left to my old + age, and you, too, are brave—as brave as any of your brothers. If + you go I fear that you may not return to me; yet I cannot refuse you my + permission!” + </p> + <p> + “The old man began to chant a war-song, and some of his people, hearing + him, came in to learn what was in his mind. He told them all, and + immediately many young men volunteered for the war-party, in order to have + the honor of going with the daughter of their chief. + </p> + <p> + “Several of Makatah’s suitors were among them, and each watched eagerly + for an opportunity to ride at her side. At night she pitched her little + teepee within the circle of her cousins’ campfires, and there she slept + without fear. Courteous youths brought to her every morning and evening + fresh venison for her repast. Yet there was no courting, for all + attentions paid to a maiden when on the war-path must be those of a + brother to a sister, and all must be equally received by her. + </p> + <p> + “Two days later, when the two parties of Sioux met on the plains, the + maiden’s presence was heralded throughout the camp, as an inspiration to + the young and untried warriors of both bands to distinguish themselves in + the field. It is true that some of the older men considered it unwise to + allow Makatah to accompany the war-party. + </p> + <p> + “‘The girl,’ said they to one another, ‘is very ambitious as well as + brave. She will surely risk her own life in battle, which will make the + young men desperate, and we shall lose many of them!’ + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless they loved her and her father; therefore they did not + protest openly. + </p> + <p> + “On the third day the Sioux scouts returned with the word that the Crows + were camping, as had been supposed, at the confluence of the Redwater and + the Missouri Rivers. It was a great camp. All the Crow tribe were there, + they said, with their thousands of fine horses. + </p> + <p> + “There was excitement in the Sioux camp, and all of the head men + immediately met in council. It was determined to make the attack early on + the following morning, just as the sun came over the hills. The councilors + agreed that in honor of the great chief, her father, as well as in + recognition of her own courage, Makatah should be permitted to lead the + charge at the outset, but that she must drop behind as they neared the + enemy. The maiden, who had one of the fleetest ponies in that part of the + country, had no intention of falling back, but she did not tell any one + what was in her mind. + </p> + <p> + “That evening every warrior sang his warsong, and announced the particular + war-charm or ‘medicine’ of his clan, according to the custom. The youths + were vying with one another in brave tales of what they would do on the + morrow. The voice of Red Horn was loud among the boasters, for he was + known to be a vain youth, although truly not without reputation. Little + Eagle, who was also of the company, remained modestly silent, as indeed + became one without experience in the field. In the midst of the clamor + there fell a silence. + </p> + <p> + “‘Hush! hush!’ they whispered. ‘Look, look! The War Maiden comes!’ + </p> + <p> + “All eyes were turned upon Makatah, who rode her fine buckskin steed with + a single lariat. He held his head proudly, and his saddle was heavy with + fringes and gay with colored embroidery. The maiden was attired in her + best and wore her own father’s war-bonnet, while she carried in her hands + two which had belonged to two of her dead brothers. Singing in a clear + voice the songs of her clan, she completed the circle, according to + custom, before she singled out one of the young braves for special honor + by giving him the bonnet which she held in her right hand. She then + crossed over to the Cut-Heads, and presented the other bonnet to one of + their young men. She was very handsome; even the old men’s blood was + stirred by her brave appearance! + </p> + <p> + “At daybreak the two war-parties of the Sioux, mounted on their best + horses, stood side by side, ready for the word to charge. All of the + warriors were painted for the battle—prepared for death—their + nearly nude bodies decorated with their individual war-totems. Their + well-filled quivers were fastened to their sides, and each tightly grasped + his oaken bow. + </p> + <p> + “The young man with the finest voice had been chosen to give the signal—a + single highpitched yell. This was an imitation of the one long howl of the + gray wolf before he makes the attack. It was an ancient custom of our + people. + </p> + <p> + “‘Woo-o-o-o!’—at last it came! As the sound ceased a shrill + war-whoop from five hundred throats burst forth in chorus, and at the same + instant Makatah, upon her splendid buckskin pony, shot far out upon the + plain, like an arrow as it leaves the bow. It was a glorious sight! No man + has ever looked upon the like again!” + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the old man sparkled as he spoke, and his bent shoulders + straightened. + </p> + <p> + “The white doeskin gown of the War Maiden,” he continued, “was trimmed + with elk’s teeth and tails of ermine. Her long black hair hung loose, + bound only with a strip of otter-skin, and with her eagle-feather + war-bonnet floated far behind. In her hand she held a long coup-staff + decorated with eagle-feathers. Thus she went forth in advance of them all! + </p> + <p> + “War cries of men and screams of terrified women and children were borne + upon the clear morning air as our warriors neared the Crow camp. The + charge was made over a wide plain, and the Crows came yelling from their + lodges, fully armed, to meet the attacking party. In spite of the surprise + they easily held their own, and even began to press us hard, as their + number was much greater than that of the Sioux. + </p> + <p> + “The fight was a long and hard one. Toward the end of the day the enemy + made a counter-charge. By that time many of our ponies had fallen or were + exhausted. The Sioux retreated, and the slaughter was great. The Cut-Heads + fled womanlike; but the people of Tamakoche fought gallantly to the very + last. + </p> + <p> + “Makatah remained with her father’s people. Many cried out to her, ‘Go + back! Go back!’ but she paid no attention. She carried no weapon + throughout the day—nothing but her coup-staff—but by her + presence and her cries of encouragement or praise she urged on the men to + deeds of desperate valor. + </p> + <p> + “Finally, however, the Sioux braves were hotly pursued and the retreat + became general. Now at last Makatah tried to follow; but her pony was + tired, and the maiden fell farther and farther behind. Many of her lovers + passed her silently, intent upon saving their own lives. Only a few still + remained behind, fighting desperately to cover the retreat, when Red Horn + came up with the girl. His pony was still fresh. He might have put her up + behind him and carried her to safety, but he did not even look at her as + he galloped by. + </p> + <p> + “Makatah did not call out, but she could not help looking after him. He + had declared his love for her more loudly than any of the others, and she + now gave herself up to die. + </p> + <p> + “Presently another overtook the maiden. It was Little Eagle, unhurt and + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “‘Take my horse!’ he said to her. ‘I shall remain here and fight!’ + </p> + <p> + “The maiden looked at him and shook her head, but he sprang off and lifted + her upon his horse. He struck him a smart blow upon the flank that sent + him at full speed in the direction of the Sioux encampment. Then he seized + the exhausted buckskin by the lariat, and turned back to join the + rear-guard. + </p> + <p> + “That little group still withstood in some fashion the all but + irresistible onset of the Crows. When their comrade came back to them, + leading the War Maiden’s pony, they were inspired to fresh endeavor, and + though few in number they made a counter-charge with such fury that the + Crows in their turn were forced to retreat! + </p> + <p> + “The Sioux got fresh mounts and returned to the field, and by sunset the + day was won! Little Eagle was among the first who rode straight through + the Crow camp, causing terror and consternation. It was afterward + remembered that he looked unlike his former self and was scarcely + recognized by the warriors for the modest youth they had so little + regarded. + </p> + <p> + “It was this famous battle which drove that warlike nation, the Crows, to + go away from the Missouri and to make their home up the Yellowstone River + and in the Bighorn country. But many of our men fell, and among them the + brave Little Eagle! + </p> + <p> + “The sun was almost over the hills when the Sioux gathered about their + campfires, recounting the honors won in battle, and naming the brave dead. + Then came the singing of dirges and weeping for the slain! The sadness of + loss was mingled with exultation. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! listen! the singing and wailing have ceased suddenly at both camps. + There is one voice coming around the circle of campfires. It is the voice + of a woman! Stripped of all her ornaments, her dress shorn of its fringes, + her ankles bare, her hair cropped close to her neck, leading a pony with + mane and tail cut short, she is mourning as widows mourn. It is Makatah! + </p> + <p> + “Publicly, with many tears, she declared herself the widow of the brave + Little Eagle, although she had never been his wife! He it was, she said + with truth, who had saved her people’s honor and her life at the cost of + his own. He was a true man! + </p> + <p> + “‘Ho, ho!’ was the response from many of the older warriors; but the young + men, the lovers of Makatah, were surprised and sat in silence. + </p> + <p> + “The War Maiden lived to be a very old woman, but she remained true to her + vow. She never accepted a husband; and all her lifetime she was known as + the widow of the brave Little Eagle.” + </p> + <p> + THE END <a name="link2H_GLOS" id="link2H_GLOS"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + GLOSSARY + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +A-no-ka-san, white on both sides (Bald Eagle). +A-tay, father. +Cha-ton’-ska, White Hawk. +Chin-o-te-dah, Lives-in-the-Wood. +Chin-to, yes, indeed. +E-na-ka-nee, hurry. +E-ya-tonk-a-wee, She-whose-Voice-is-heard-afar. +E-yo-tank-a, rise up, or sit down. +Ha-ha-ton-wan, Ojibway. +Ha-na-ka-pe, a grave. +Han-ta-wo, Out of the way! +He-che-tu, it is well. +He-yu-pe-ya, come here! +Hi! an exclamation of thanks. +Hunk-pa-tees, a band of Sioux. +Ka-po-sia, Light Lodges, a band of Sioux. +Ke-chu-wa, darling. +Ko-da, friend. +Ma-ga-ska-wee, Swan Maiden. +Ma-ka-tah, Earth Woman. +Ma-to, bear. +Ma-to-ska, White Bear. +Ma-to-sa-pa, Black Bear. +Me-chink-she, my son or sons. +Me-ta, my. +Min-ne-wa-kan, Sacred Water (Devil’s Lake.) +Min-ne-ya-ta, By-the-Water. +Nak-pa, Ears or Long Ears. +Ne-na e-ya-ya! run fast! +O-glu-ge-chan-a, Mysterious Wood-Dweller. +Psay, snow-shoes. +Shunk-a, dog. +Shunk-a-ska, White Dog. +Shunk-ik-chek-a, domestic dog. +Ske-ske-ta-tonk-a, Sault Sainte Marie. +Sna-na, Rattle. +Sta-su, Shield (Arickaree). +Ta-ake-che-ta, his soldier. +Ta-chin-cha-la, fawn. +Tak-cha, doe. +Ta-lu-ta, Scarlet. +Ta-ma-hay, Pike. +Ta-ma-ko-che, His Country. +Ta-na-ge-la, Humming-Bird. +Ta-tank-a-o-ta, Many Buffaloes. +Ta-te-yo-pa, Her Door. +Ta-to-ka, Antelope. +Ta-wa-su-o-ta, Many Hailstones. +Tee-pee, tent. +Te-yo-tee-pee, Council lodge. +To-ke-ya nun-ka hu-wo? where are you? +Tunk-a-she-dah, grandfather. +Un-chee-dah, grandmother. +Unk-pa-pa, a band of Sioux. +U-ya-yo! come here! +Wa-ba-shaw, Red Hat (name of a Sioux chief). +Wa-ha-dah, Buyer of Furs. +Wah-pay-ton, a band of Sioux. +Wa-ho, Howler. +Wa-kan, sacred, mysterious. +Wak-pay-ku-tay, a band of Sioux. +Wa-pay-na, Little Barker. +Wee-ko, Beautiful Woman. +We-no-na, Firstborn Daughter. +We-sha-wee, Red Girl. +We-wop-tay, a sharpened pole. +We-yan-na, little woman. +We-zee, Smoky Lodge. +Yank-ton-nais, a band of Sioux. +Zee-zee-win, Yellow Woman. +Zu-ya-ma-ni, Walks-to-War. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Indian Days, by +[AKA Ohiyesa], Charles A. Eastman + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD INDIAN DAYS *** + +***** This file should be named 339-h.htm or 339-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/339/ + +Produced by Judith Boss, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’ WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. + +The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + </body> +</html> |