AN UNUSUAL ADVENTURE
Upon reaching the ravine the Sioux turned toward the west and rode until
daylight. Then they found themselves almost within the shadows of the
great massive peaks which towered against the sky. The low timbered
ridges of the foothills were still nearer at hand, and the air was
scented with fragrance from the dense stand of pines.
"It is good," declared Sun Bird. "Pretty soon we will come to those
great mountains. Then we can hide from our enemies until we find the
Blackfeet camp."
Having failed to find any further evidence of their foes, they began to
feel more secure. They gave little thought to the horseman who had
blundered upon them at the pool, for it appeared certain that both the
Crows and the Blackfeet had withdrawn from the vicinity. Encouraged by
the thought, the Sioux determined to continue toward the mountains.
When they reached the first ridge of foothills, Sitting Eagle, who was
familiar with the region, led the way along a game trail. It wound
upward from the plain, and brought them to a grassy meadow with a cold
bubbling spring in one corner of it. As it offered an attractive camp
site, the Sioux determined to stop.
After the ponies had been picketed and the camp established, several
young warriors went into the woods with their bows to look for game. It
was not long before they returned with a fat, young, white-tail deer.
As the camp site was a considerable height above the plain and well
hidden by the heavy stand of timber, the Sioux determined to risk making
a small fire. Then they broiled the deer meat and ate with keen
enjoyment. They had suddenly relaxed. For the moment the hardships and
perils of the war trail were forgotten. They talked and laughed and told
stories, and became as carefree and happy as boys. The merry feast
continued well into the night. When it finally ended, the sentinels took
their positions about the camp while their companions wrapped themselves
in their robes and lay down to sleep.
Shortly after daylight the Sioux descended to the plain and rode
northward along the base of the ridge. They kept within bowshot of the
timber so that they might conceal themselves if they found signs of
their foes. Dancing Rabbit declared that the Blackfeet camp was a number
of days' travel farther to the northward, and for the present at least
the Sioux had little fear of blundering into those foes. However, they
believed that the Crows might be somewhere in the vicinity and they
determined to keep a sharp watch.
"We will keep going ahead until we get near the Blackfeet camp," said
Sun Bird. "Then we will stop. Then some of us will climb those great
mountains and look for the Blackfeet lodges."
For two days they traveled cautiously along the edge of the foothills
without seeing anything to arouse their suspicions. Game, however, was
abundant. They saw countless numbers of buffaloes, great herds of elk,
and many deer and antelope.
"This is a good place to live in," declared White Otter.
"Yes, there is plenty of game here," replied Sun Bird.
Then they again saw Huya, the war bird. The eagle was soaring high up
near the snowclad peaks. The Sioux watched it with superstitious
premonitions. They believed it was an omen--a warning that foes were
near at hand.
"See, Huya has come back to tell us about our enemies," said Sun Bird.
"I believe we are near the Blackfeet. We must watch out."
Disturbed by the appearance of Huya, the war bird, and determined to run
no risk of betraying themselves to their foes, the Sioux decided to seek
shelter in the foothills while scouts climbed the ridges to look for the
Blackfeet camp. While the war party moved cautiously along the edge of
the plain, Sun Bird sent scouts into the timber to look for a suitable
camp site. At the end of the day they found a sheltered grassy park high
up near the summit of the ridge, and the Sioux determined to make it
their rendezvous until they were ready to advance upon the Blackfeet.
The following day, at dawn, Sun Bird and White Otter left the war party
and set out along the summit of the ridge to look for traces of the
Blackfeet camp. Other scouts rode cautiously along the edge of the plain
to watch for signs of the Crows or scouting parties of Blackfeet.
Although Sun Bird and White Otter had a splendid view of the plain they
failed to discover any evidence of the Blackfeet camp. When they finally
saw a large herd of buffaloes grazing contentedly a considerable
distance to the northward, they became convinced that the hostile camp
was far beyond their view.
"It is useless to look any more," declared White Otter. "The Blackfeet
camp is a long ways off."
"Yes, it must be so," said Sun Bird. "We will go back and tell our
friends about it."
"Wait," White Otter cried, eagerly. "Here is the trail of great
Matohota."
Sun Bird hastened to his side and saw the fresh tracks of a grizzly
bear. The trail led down into the timber. The footprints were of unusual
size, and the Sioux studied them with flashing eyes. The Dacotahs
considered killing great Matohota an exploit worthy of the bravest
warrior, and only second in importance to killing an enemy. A necklace
of bear claws was accepted as positive proof of the hunting ability and
courage of the wearer. Although both Sun Bird and White Otter had killed
several of those fierce beasts, they became enthusiastic at the idea of
securing the great claws of the bear which had recently passed.
"If we kill Matohota we will have something to show our friends," said
White Otter.
"He cannot be far away," Sun Bird declared, hopefully. "Come, we will
follow him."
They followed the trail down through the timber, and about half way
down the ridge it brought them within sight of another open grassy park.
Aware that those places were favorite feeding places for elk and deer,
the expert young hunters realized that the grizzly might have gone there
to feast upon the carcass of one of those animals.
"We must be careful," White Otter warned, softly.
They approached the spot with great caution, peering anxiously between
the trees to discover the grizzly. As the wind favored them, they hoped
to get within bow range without alarming their game. However, when they
finally came in full view of the park the bear was nowhere in sight.
They were keenly disappointed.
"Matohota has gone on," said Sun Bird.
"We will see," replied White Otter.
They stole to the edge of the timber and looked anxiously across the
grassy meadow. The trail of the bear was plainly visible through the
high grass. As they followed it with their eyes they suddenly discovered
something lying in the far corner of the park. One glance told them that
it was dead, but it was some time before they could make sure what it
was. Then they looked at each other in astonishment. They had suddenly
identified the object as a dead pony. The discovery made them cautious,
and they sank noiselessly into the bushes to watch.
"It is mysterious," whispered Sun Bird. "How did that pony come here?"
"We will try to find out about it, but first we must watch," replied
White Otter.
They watched a long time, searching the borders of the meadow with great
care. It was difficult to learn much about the dead pony from where they
were, but they saw that the carcass had been partly eaten, and they
believed it had been there for some time.
"It is good," said White Otter. "Matohota comes here to eat that pony.
If we wait here we will see him."
"Perhaps he is sleeping over there in those bushes," suggested Sun Bird.
They knew that after gorging itself with meat, a bear often would lie
down to sleep near the carcass, so that it would find a meal close at
hand when it again became hungry. It seemed probable, therefore, that
the great creature which they sought might be concealed somewhere within
bow range of them. They looked carefully along the edge of the woods,
hoping to discover a sign which would tell them where the bear had
entered the timber. The undergrowth appeared undisturbed, and, as the
trail faded out at the spot where the grass had been trampled down about
the carcass, there seemed little chance of learning what they wished to
know unless they made their way to the dead pony.
"We must go over there and find out about it," Sun Bird proposed,
finally.
"Come," said White Otter.
They moved through the timber as stealthily as wolves, and when they
drew near the carcass they again stopped to watch and listen. Then they
circled to find the trail of the bear. They came upon a wide game trail
leading down from the park, and as they stooped to study it they
discovered many tracks. Among them were the footprints of the great gray
timber wolves, and the clumsy round paw-marks of a mountain lion. The
latter track was fresh, and it was evident that the great cat had passed
over the trail since daylight. The tracks of the bear, however, were
missing.
"Matohota did not come this way," said Sun Bird.
"Perhaps he is close by," White Otter said, cautiously. "We will try to
find out where he is. Then we will go and look at that pony. It came
along this trail. See, here is a track."
He showed Sun Bird a faint and indistinct impression of a hoof at one
side of the trail. It was some days old, and offered them little
information.
"Come, we will find out what has become of Matohota, and then we will
come back here and find out about this thing," said White Otter.
They soon came upon the trail of the bear. As White Otter had guessed,
it circled around the edge of the park, and led back toward the top of
the ridge. It was plain, therefore, that the bear had its den somewhere
up there among the ledges, and came to the park to feed during the night
or at daylight.
"Now we know what to do," declared White Otter. "First we will go and
look at that pony. Then we will go down that trail and try to find some
more tracks. Then we will come back to this place and wait for
Matohota."
"It is good," said Sun Bird.
When they reached the dead pony they were surprised to see the shaft of
an arrow protruding from behind its shoulder. For a moment or so they
studied it in silence. Then White Otter knelt, and drew his knife.
"Perhaps we will find out what we want to know," he said.
He extracted the arrow and examined it with great care, and then he
passed it to Sun Bird. The latter studied it a long time. He noted that
the shaft was of willow and feathered along the sides for almost a
hand-width. The arrow was considerably longer than those used by the
Dacotahs, and the point was made of an unusual red flint. It was the
deeply notched model of the war arrows.
"Well, what do you make of it?" White Otter inquired, as Sun Bird
finished examining it.
"It is not a Dacotah arrow," replied Sun Bird. "It is not a Crow arrow.
It was not made by the Blackfeet. I do not know who made it."
"I cannot tell you about it," said White Otter, as Sun Bird returned the
mysterious arrow. "I do not know about the people who live in this
country. I know the Crow arrows. I have seen the Blackfeet arrows. I do
not know the others."
"I will show it to Sitting Eagle and Lean Wolf," said Sun Bird. "Perhaps
they will know about it."
As there seemed to be no other way of learning its identity, they
dismissed the arrow from their minds and turned their attention upon the
dead pony. It was a pinto, and appeared to have been dead a number of
days. They had little doubt that, having been wounded on the plain, it
had followed the game trail to the spot where it died.
"Perhaps the man who owned that pony rode up here to get away from his
enemies," suggested Sun Bird.
"Perhaps," said White Otter.
Then, as the day had almost ended, they realized that if they intended
to remain and watch for Matohota it was time to find a hiding place. As
there was not sufficient breeze to stir the leaves, White Otter held a
moistened finger above his head to learn the direction of the air
current. What there was seemed to come from the north side of the park.
As the bear was expected to approach from the west, and the bait was on
the east side of the park, the Sioux decided to hide themselves to the
southward of the dead pony. Then if the uncertain breeze should suddenly
shift to another quarter they would still be to the leeward of the bear.
"Matohota is strong," cautioned White Otter. "We must drive our arrows
deep into his body. We must not go too far away."
They concealed themselves in the undergrowth within easy bowshot of the
bait and determined to watch until the bear appeared. The light was
already fading from the park, and the heavy evening shadows were forming
at the edge of the woods. Then, as darkness settled down, the moon
flooded the little park with its silvery light.
"It is good," whispered Sun Bird. "Wakantunka has sent Hanyetuwi, the
night sun, to give us light."
"It is good," replied White Otter.
They had little hope that Matohota would appear before daylight, and
still they realized that he might come to feed under cover of the night.
It was not long, however, before they heard other prowlers approaching
the bait. The crackling of brush, and soft, stealthy footfalls caused
them to watch expectantly. A lithe, shadowy form moved swiftly into the
moonlight. It stopped a moment and raised a long pointed snout into the
air. Then it trotted gracefully to the bait. The Sioux recognized it as
Huhasapedan, the fox. They watched with great interest as the suspicious
creature circled warily about the carcass, stopping in alarm at the
slightest sound, and peering nervously into the shadows. It had barely
begun to eat, when a second woods prowler entered the park and moved
slowly toward the bait. The fox crouched behind the pony and watched
uneasily.
"Wolf," whispered White Otter.
The wolf had discovered the fox and was bristling and growling, as it
walked stiffly toward the pony. Awed by the threats of its formidable
rival, the fox slunk to the edge of the timber and sat upon its
haunches to watch until the wolf left the carcass. The wolf feasted
ravenously, tearing large pieces of flesh from the bait and growling
savagely as it ate. It was one of the great gaunt timber wolves, and the
Sioux longed to pierce it with their arrows. They resisted the
temptation, however, for they knew that Matohota might become suspicious
at the scent of fresh blood.
"It would be foolish," said White Otter.
The wolf refused to leave until it had gorged itself with meat, and then
it moved threateningly toward the fox. The latter immediately retreated
across the park and failed to show itself until the wolf had slunk into
the shadows.
The fox had barely returned to the bait when it was again interrupted by
another nocturnal prowler. A short, catlike snarl sounded from the
direction of the game trail, and as the fox paused to listen, a long,
crouching form appeared at the edge of the moonlight. Two glowing eyes
blazed defiance, and the fox bounded into the woods.
"It is fierce Imutanka," breathed Sun Bird.
They had instantly recognized the stealthy prowler as a mountain lion.
They watched with bated breath as the great cat moved cautiously toward
the carcass. In spite of its size and strength it seemed as wary and
fearful as Huhasapedan, the fox. It would slink forward a few paces and
then stop and look furtively about the park. Once it sniffed
suspiciously, and parted its lips in a silent snarl. Had it caught the
wolf scent? Was great Matohota approaching? The Sioux grew tense at the
thought. As the lion drew nearer the pony it crouched close to the
ground, growling and nervously lashing its tail. It appeared to be
preparing to spring upon the carcass. It was an unusually large
specimen, and the Sioux were eager to secure so noble a trophy.
"Come, we will kill Imutanka," suggested Sun Bird.
"Wait," cautioned White Otter.
A moment afterward a great bulky form appeared at the opposite side of
the park. The Sioux recognized it at once. It was great Matohota, the
grizzly. His sudden appearance caused their hearts to beat wildly
against their ribs, while their eyes flashed with the light of battle.
He was a foe worthy of the bravest warrior, and the young Dacotahs
longed for the chance to engage him in battle.
A slight breeze was stirring from the eastward, and Matohota had
evidently caught the scent of the mountain lion. He had raised his head
and was staring across the park. The Sioux looked toward the lion. It,
too, had discovered the bear, and was crouching behind the pony, and
grumbling threateningly.
"Imutanka will run away," whispered Sun Bird.
"Watch!" cautioned White Otter.
The bear had ambled clumsily into the open, and was following its trail
across the park. The Sioux turned their eyes upon the lion. They
expected to see it slinking away. Imutanka, however, showed no such
intention. His blazing eyes and ugly snarls made it plain that he had no
idea of running away. Still, the Sioux could not believe he would dare
to oppose the mighty Matohota.
"Imutanka looks brave, but he will run away," insisted Sun Bird.
"We will see," said White Otter.
As the bear came closer the Sioux saw that it was even larger than they
had guessed it to be. Matohota looked more than a match for sinewy
Imutanka, but the latter still held his ground. It was apparent that
having secured possession of the carcass he had no thought of
surrendering it without a fight. The Sioux thrilled at the possibility.
"If Imutanka stays there we will see something to talk about," Sun Bird
whispered, eagerly.
"Yes, yes, it will be a great fight," replied White Otter.
The bold defiance of the lion seemed to have made Matohota realize the
need of caution. He had stopped and was shaking his great head from side
to side and growling fiercely. Imutanka replied to his challenge with
short, throaty snarls. Then for some moments each gazed into the blazing
eyes of the other and appeared to be estimating the strength and courage
of its adversary. The Sioux were fascinated by the unusual spectacle.
For the moment their desire to kill was overcome by their curiosity to
learn the outcome of the fight.
It was some time, however, before the huge Matohota made up his mind to
attack his rival. Then, having determined to gain possession of the
bait, he rushed furiously upon the lion. The great sinewy cat had little
difficulty in avoiding him. Then, as Matohota whirled about with amazing
agility, the lion made its spring. Matohota reared upon his hind legs
and struck the lion to earth with his huge paw. Imutanka uttered a sharp
whine of pain and sprang aside. It was evident that Matohota had drawn
first blood. He dropped to all fours and turned quickly about as the
lion circled him. The Sioux saw that Imutanka was bleeding freely from a
deep gash in the neck. However, the wound only seemed to rouse the lion
to greater fury. Spitting, snarling, and growling, it glided stealthily
about its adversary, watching for an opening. Matohota, however, was
equally alert, and in spite of his great bulk he was sufficiently quick
to baffle his foe. Each time Imutanka crouched to spring, Matohota rose
upon his hind legs and held his great forepaws ready to deal another
deadly blow. Then the lion would immediately relax and attempt to glide
behind him, and Matohota would drop down and whirl about in time to
prevent the attack.
"Matohota is a great fighter," Sun Bird told White Otter.
"Imutanka is quick, he will fool Matohota," replied White Otter.
A moment later his prophecy was fulfilled. The lion had crouched to
spring, and Matohota reared to protect himself. Then Imutanka sprang far
to one side, and as Matohota dropped Imutanka was directly behind him.
Before Matohota could turn the lion was upon his back. Its great claws
tore down through the thick, shaggy coat, and ripped great gashes in his
flesh and its flashing fangs sank deep into the back of his neck. Quick
to understand his peril, Matohota threw himself and attempted to roll
over upon his back. Failing in his efforts to dislodge the lion,
Matohota rose upon his hind legs and fell over backward to crush the
lion beneath his great bulk. Imutanka was too cunning to be caught.
Releasing his hold he sprang away, and as Matohota crashed to the ground
the lion jumped for his throat. Matohota caught him in a crushing
embrace, and the fight became deadly. Rolling wildly over the ground the
ferocious beasts bit and tore each other until it seemed that neither
could survive the encounter.
The Sioux looked on with glistening eyes. The savage duel had roused
their own hot fighting blood and they were eager to enter the fray.
"Come, we will kill both of them," cried Sun Bird, as he fitted an arrow
to his bow.
"Wait, wait," urged White Otter. "We will see who is the greatest
warrior."
They watched, therefore, while the fight raged with unabated fury. At
last the superior strength of the great Matohota gave him the victory.
The lion broke free and sprang from the range of his deadly paws. It
crouched and faced him for a moment, and then as he reared to defend
himself, Imutanka weakened and turned to slink away into the night.
"Come!" cried Sun Bird, as he rose to his feet.
Two arrows pierced the heart of fierce Imutanka and he fell dead in his
tracks. Matohota whirled about at the sharp twang of the bowstrings, and
roared defiance at the two figures on the edge of the moonlight. Then as
he rushed forward to destroy them in his wrath, he, too, collapsed from
the shock of two burning arrows in his great hairy chest. The next
moment he rose to his feet and reared unsteadily to repeat the tactics
which had proved successful against fierce Imutanka. This time, however,
it was a fatal error, for the Sioux drove their arrows through his heart
and great Matohota crashed headlong into the grass and followed Imutanka
on the Long Trail.
"Hi, we have done a big thing," Sun Bird cried, excitedly, as he rushed
into the park to examine the trophies.
"We will have something to tell about," laughed White Otter.