Young Sioux Warrior

FRANCIS LYNDE KROLL
ILLUSTRATED BY CHARLES H. GEER
GROSSET & DUNLAP NEW YORK
Copyright 1952 by Lantern Press, Inc. MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
To L.L.C. whose firm, kind guidance of another young warrior long ago is gratefully remembered. F.L.K.
Little Bear sat far back in the great wigwam. The warriors formed a circle around the council fire in front of him. Little Bear had listened to the long debate wishing he dared speak. Plainly two of the older warriors wanted this small hunting party to return to the main Sioux camp. He bent forward to listen as Big Buffalo, one of those two warriors, stood up to speak.
“It is foolish to stay longer.” Big Buffalo spoke slowly. “The Pawnees have driven the buffalo from our hunting grounds. Next they will attack this small party.”
The moment Big Buffalo sat down, Flying Arrow leaped to his feet.
“Let’s drive the Pawnees out,” he roared.
Little Bear had to clap his hands over his mouth to keep from shouting his approval. With deep disappointment he saw the heads around the circle shake in disagreement. Even the young warriors, whom he would have expected to approve Flying Arrow’s words, shook their heads. Little Bear’s eyes lighted with hope when he saw his grandfather, Great Bear, get to his feet.
“The Pawnees on the other side of the river are many,” Great Bear pointed out. “We are too few to attack them. We could send to the main camp for more warriors, but that would take long. Yet, if we are alert, we can get meat to take back to the main camp.”
When Great Bear sat down, Rain-Maker got to his feet.