Slowly, a bow length at a time, they crept toward the nearest lodges. They moved with great caution, and stopped many times to make sure that the way was clear. They were in constant fear of the dogs. Although they had seen nothing of them, they realized that at any moment they might encounter them prowling about the borders of the camp.
The Sioux had almost reached the lodges when they suddenly heard something moving directly behind them. They turned in alarm. Had a dog circled about them, and caught their scent? Their hearts beat wildly at the thought. Each moment they expected to hear the first savage yelp which would announce their approach to the Blackfeet. Then, as they listened, they heard footsteps. Some one was walking directly toward them. They were seized with panic. Discovery seemed certain. There was not a moment to spare. Pressing themselves close against the ground, they prepared to drive their arrows through their foe before he could utter an outcry. At that moment he turned from his course and passed without seeing them. His bent form, and slow, faltering gait convinced the Sioux that he was an old man. As he emerged into the firelight at the edge of the camp they saw that their guess was correct. A moment afterward he disappeared behind a lodge.
"I believe he is a Medicine Man," whispered Sun Bird. "Perhaps he was out there making Medicine."
"Perhaps," replied White Otter.
Having recovered from their alarm, they crawled to the edge of the camp, and hid in the shadow of a lodge. Then they looked upon their enemies. The Blackfeet were gathered in the center of the camp. They were watching the wild antics of a company of dancers who were circling about the fire. The Sioux studied the assemblage with great care. White Otter was particularly curious, as it was the first time he had seen those people.
The Blackfeet presented an interesting spectacle, as they celebrated the success of their hunters. The latter were especially picturesque. They had painted their faces and bodies and decorated themselves in a most weird and grotesque manner. Many wore the entire skin of a buffalo bull, including the head and horns. Others had fastened buffalo feet to their ankles so that they rattled and clacked at each stride of the dancer. Thus arrayed, they cavorted wildly about the fire, imitating the antics of the buffaloes. They pranced, and reared, and kicked, and roared. Some pawed the ground, and then lay down and wallowed as the buffaloes would do to rid themselves of flies. Others imitated the fierce encounter between two great rival bulls, pushing and jostling each other, and butting their heads together until the spectators shrieked with delight. It was a clever exhibition of mimicry, and more than once the Sioux were forced to smile.
Then they turned their attention upon the spectators. Men, women and children had assembled in a great circle about the dancers. The Sioux made special note of the men. They were dark and tall, and powerful, with deep, broad chests, and wide sloping shoulders. They compared favorably in physique and bearing with the gallant Dacotah fighting men, and the two young scouts realized that they had come upon worthy foes. Closer to the dancers were the musicians, six old men, who thumped the war drums and sang the Buffalo Song in high, cracked tones. The Sioux gave little attention to them. Their eyes were focused on a small group of men who stood together some distance to the right of the singers. Their dress and manner proclaimed them men of importance, and the Sioux knew that they were the chiefs and counselors of the tribe.
"That warrior who wears the bear robe is Many Buffaloes," Sun Bird whispered, excitedly.
White Otter nodded understandingly, as he concentrated his attention upon the man whom Sun Bird had designated. The great Blackfeet war chief was a man slightly past the prime of life, whose massive frame, and bold, fearless features well confirmed the stories of his marvelous exploits on the war trail. He wore a great trailing war bonnet of eagle plumes, and carried a long coupstick decorated with the trophies which he had taken from his enemies. He carried himself with the dignity and hauteur of a great leader, and the Ogalala looked upon him with respect.
"He looks like a warrior," White Otter told Sun Bird.