The War Trail

by Elmer Russell Gregor

"There is only one thing to do," said White Otter. "We will wait here until the dogs quiet down. Then we will wait until they lie down to sleep. Then we will creep up to the camp. If we go ahead now, those dogs will find out about us."

"Yes, I see that it is the only thing to do," agreed Sun Bird.

It seemed a very long time to the impatient Sioux before the dogs finally became silent. However, as they had heard nothing to indicate alarm in the Blackfeet camp, they decided that the uproar had been caused by the dogs fighting over the scraps of buffalo meat which the Blackfeet had thrown them from their feast. In spite of the stillness, however, the Sioux feared to approach the camp until they had allowed the dogs time to gorge themselves and settle down to sleep. They waited, therefore, watching the twinkle of the camp fires, and listening for sounds from their foes.

"Come," Sun Bird said, suddenly. "Everything is still. I believe the dogs have gone to sleep. We will creep up to the camp."

"I am ready," White Otter assured him.

Again they moved cautiously through the night until they were actually within bowshot of the lodges. Then they suddenly heard the solemn booming of the war drums, and the sound of singing. For a moment they turned to one another in alarm. Were the Blackfeet preparing for war? Then they guessed the truth.

"It is the hunters," whispered White Otter, "They are dancing the Buffalo Dance."

"It is good," Sun Bird told him. "All the people will be around the dancers. We can get close to the lodges."

"Watch out for the dogs," cautioned White Otter.

They advanced within half a bowshot of the camp, and then they dropped to the plain to watch. The camp was brightly illuminated by the light from the fires, and the Blackfeet were clearly visible as they passed between the lodges. The booming of the war drums and the singing continued, and the Sioux could hear even the short, sharp exclamations of the dancers as they kept time with the music. Still they were unable to see into the camp, and they determined to advance still closer.