Timid Hare | Page 9

that she was going to leave him. Sad as she had been, she had brought a
little sunshine into the dreary home.
"Good-bye, Black Bull," she whispered. "I will not forget you." Then,
without a last glance at The Stone, she hurried on after the messenger
who had come for her.
When she reached the chief's lodge, there was Sweet Grass waiting for
her with a kind smile. The maiden's mother, whom she had never seen
before, was also in the lodge. The squaw was busily cooking the
evening meal like any other red woman, though her husband was the
chief of the whole band.
Sweet Grass had just motioned to the little girl to take her place beside
her, when Young Antelope burst into the tepee. The day before he had
gone hunting, and when night came had not appeared. His mother and
sister had worried at his absence, but the chief had said, "We will not
fear. The lad has no doubt lost his way. But he knows how to care for
himself."
And now Young Antelope stood once more in the home, safe and
happy! He had had an exciting adventure, and was eager to tell of it.
Yes, he had lost his way out on the prairies. He was ashamed of this,
for he had been taught that an Indian should always watch the winds
and the heavens, and carefully mark every change in the appearance of
the country over which he travels; then it is an easy matter to find his
way back without trouble.
But his pony was fleet of foot, and the birds he was seeking flew fast.

After many, many miles had been covered and his game bag had been
filled, he decided to return. But he was hungry; he thought of the tender
birds he had killed and of the feast they would make.
"I will rest for awhile and cook some of the game," he decided.
All this he now told his mother on his return home. So eager was he to
describe his adventure that he did not notice the little stranger squatting
beside Sweet Grass, and looking at him with admiring eyes.
"I soon had a fire started," he continued, "and then began to roast my
game. Ugh! the feast was a fine one. But after it was over, I began the
search for home. Then darkness fell suddenly and fast gathering clouds
covered the setting sun. I was alone and far from you all. I could hear
wolves howling in the distance. They were hungry as I had been."
[Illustration: "I soon had a fire started."]
The youth shivered. Then he went on: "But I remembered how to keep
wolves from drawing too near. They do not love fire. I piled the brush
high, and flames leaped up in the air. All night long I did this, and now,
my mother and my sister, I am with you once more. No harm befell
me."
"You did well, my son," replied his mother. That was all, but her eyes
shone with pride and gladness. So did those of Sweet Grass who
exclaimed, "Those fearful wolves! How I hate them! But you are safe.
They did not devour you; that is enough."

THE DOG FEAST
Soon after Timid Hare went to live in Bent Horn's lodge to serve his
beautiful daughter, there was a good deal of excitement in the village.
Messengers had come from other bands of the Dahcotas saying that
their chiefs were about to make a visit to Bent Horn. They wished to
talk over important matters in regard to the good of the whole tribe.

Both braves and squaws were busy preparing for the great time. There
would be dances and feasts, games and wrestling matches. The warriors
must make ready their best garments and noblest head-dresses. They
must use much grease and paint to look as grand as possible when
receiving their guests.
Sweet Grass and her mother had much to do getting ready for the
celebration, and Timid Hare tried her best to help. She ran errands,
pounded rice, brought wild sweet potatoes and dried berries from the
pit in which the stores of food were buried, and tended the fire in which
buffalo and bear meat were roasting, for much would be eaten during
the visit which would last several days at least.
Sweet Grass smiled upon her little helper. So did her mother. Both of
them were pleased with the child, and came near forgetting that she was
not one of their own people.
Then came the day when word was sent through the village that the
coming visit was to be celebrated by the Feast of the Dog. Different
families would be asked to sacrifice the dog dearest to their hearts.