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.
“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.”
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.
“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!”
“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.”
“Ugh, that old woman is too hasty in accepting the ways of the stranger people!” exclaimed the chief.
“I am now on my way to see them,” declared Tawasuota.
“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.
“You must stay,” he added, “and lead the attack either at the fort or at New Ulm.”
For some minutes the chief soldier sat in silence.