Falling Water came galloping into the Dakota-Sioux camp on his brand-new
pony. The pony had been a present from his uncle, Walking Bear, one of
the leaders of the tribe. Proudly Falling Water rode it up and down
through the camp so all the other young braves could see what a
beautiful pony he had. When he felt that everyone had seen the pony he
rode swiftly back to the tepee of his father and dismounting ran to show
his father the fine gift.
One Horn, so named because he had lost an ear in a battle with a band of
Shoshone braves a few years ago, stepped from the tepee and admired this
fine gift.
“It is a strong pony and a young one, my son. Treat it well, for a horse
can be your best friend.”
“Yes, father, I will take good care of the pony and I will ride him on
the hunt. I am now a man and with my own weapons and my own horse, I can
now go on the hunt.”
“Yes, my son. In fact tomorrow your uncle is leading a hunting party in
search of the buffalo, for it is almost time for the big buffalo hunt.
So see to your weapons and be sure you are ready for the great hunt.”
Falling Water rushed into the tepee and the rest of the day he spent
working on his weapons in preparation for the hunt. He was sixteen now
and considered a man but until now he had not been on any of the big
hunts, for he had been sick the season of the hunt last year and now he
was well and strong and prepared to ride with the best of them.
The following morning, Walking Bear gathered the warriors about him and
made sure that all were prepared for the trip ahead.
“We will divide into three groups and go in different directions. When
the sun has crossed the great sky twice we will meet where the
Whispering River flows. There we will compare what each group has found,
and the largest herd shall become our target. Let me warn you each and
every one that though we are hunting buffalo, we must be ever aware that
our enemies the Shoshones are all about us and we must be on guard that
these jackals do not add our scalps to their belts. Calling Hawk, you
will lead one party, Speaks Like Thunder, you will lead the second
party, and I will lead the third. Good hunting, and may we all meet with
our hair still upon our heads, come the end of the second day.”
So it was that Falling Water, in Calling Hawk’s party, was off on an
adventure that was to earn him his first feathers for bravery.
Calling Hawk led his party to the west, for scouts had reported a fine
herd of buffalo moving in that direction. The party moved steadily along
keeping their eyes alert for signs of dust clouds that would signify a
moving herd or horsemen. One or two braves were sent ahead to sweep wide
of the main party to see what they could possibly find. From time to
time these scouts would ride back to the main party and two more would
take their place.
The first day ended with no sight of buffalo or of marauding Shoshones,
and the group made camp in a small clump of trees.
The following morning after a breakfast of pemmican they were on their
way once again.
It was late in the morning when a scout riding hard brought his pony to
a halt in front of Calling Hawk. He reported that he had spotted a herd
of buffalo about a quarter of a mile ahead of the group. And so the
party quickened its pace and soon came to the top of a rise. There below
it on the prairie was a fine large herd of buffalo. They were not moving
and therefore no dust cloud had been seen.
Calling Hawk asked two of the braves to remain and keep watch on the
herd while the others continued to the Whispering River which was but a
short distance ahead, there to join with Walking Bear and make their
report.
Unknown to Calling Hawk and his party, the herd had also been seen by a
hunting party of Shoshones, slightly larger than the Dakota-Sioux party,
and also at the same time they had seen the party of Calling Hawk. As
the Sioux moved toward the river, the Shoshones moved parallel awaiting
the best place to attack.
And now it was Falling Water’s turn to ride scout and he moved out from
the party. He rode hard to get a long lead on the party and then began
to move steadily to the side of the group and ever toward the river.
Soon he felt it was time to return to the group.
It was getting late in the afternoon, and as he turned to return he saw
to the north a small cloud of dust. Urging his horse to the top of a
near-by rise he slid from his back and, crawling to the very edge,
peered over into the valley below. There he saw a sight which made his
blood run hot.
A band of perhaps twenty Shoshones were riding hard toward the
unsuspecting Sioux party which was about twelve in number. Quickly
mounting his horse, Falling Water rode like the wind back toward his
brothers. Finally coming over a slight hill he saw the party moving
slowly forward. Then he began to shout his warning of Shoshones and
Calling Hawk called his party to a halt.
Falling Water galloped up and reported what he had seen. Quickly the
Sioux formed a line and drawing their weapons they moved forward to meet
the Shoshones.
Soon the Sioux saw the oncoming enemy and urged their horses to even
greater speed.
The two groups clashed, and there was a mixture of rearing horses and
screaming men. Knives flashed and arrows swished through the air, some
flying harmlessly or some thudding into flesh.
Falling Water, right in the middle, rode toward a large Shoshone buck.
As he did, a knife thrust slashed his arm and he dropped his weapons,
but now he was too close to the Shoshone to stop the forward move of his
horse. Ducking under the slashing knife of the Shoshone warrior, he
placed his hand upon the brave’s shoulder and pushed. The brave was
thrown off balance and almost lost his seat and, while he was trying to
regain his seat, Falling Water dashed to the outer circle.
Soon the fight was over and twelve Shoshones and three Sioux lay dead
upon the ground while a badly beaten group of Shoshones beat a hasty
retreat into the distance. The felled warriors were placed across their
horses’ backs, and the group continued to their meeting place.
When Calling Hawk reported to Walking Bear their fight with the
Shoshone, Walking Bear ordered a return to the village.
When the party entered the village the people were immediately aware of
what had happened because of the bodies and the Shoshone scalps hanging
from the belts of several warriors.
That evening a council was held, and Falling Water rose to report to the
council of his great deed of courage. He had rushed in and touched an
enemy while still alive. When he had finished, Walking Bear said,
“Are there any here that were witnesses to this event?”
Calling Hawk stepped forward and in very descriptive words retold the
event. The others told their stories of bravery and then Falling Water
was called before the chief, his uncle.
“I am very proud of you, my brother’s son. You have proven yourself a
great warrior this day and for that you shall be privileged to wear two
eagle feathers.”
There were many shouts of praise and approval, and Falling Water felt a
warm glow as his father placed his hands across his shoulders and said,
“I am proud of you, my son.”
Today Falling Water had earned his first feathers.