“We must bring our friends some presents,” Little Bear agreed. “Do—do you think we should give the horses back to the men they were stolen from?”
“By Sioux law the horses are ours.” Great Bear spoke gravely. “This has been your first raid. You have played a warrior’s part. Now you must make a warrior’s decision. Whatever you decide we should do with the horses, we will do.”
While they were still some distance from the camp, Little Bear decided about the horses. The gift of half of the meat to the widow and her children was far more generous than anyone would expect. He and Grandfather could make presents for their friends. Flying Arrow might demand two horses for the roan colt or even three. Little Bear was determined the only horses with which he would part were the ones Flying Arrow would demand for the roan colt.
Long before Grandfather and Little Bear came within sight of the main Sioux camp, they could hear the dogs barking. Little Bear knew scouts would see Grandfather and him. There would be a delegation of warriors riding out to meet them. Great Bear wanted his grandson to ride ahead, but Little Bear refused.
“You are the leader,” Little Bear insisted. “You must lead into camp.”
As they rode around a high cliff and came in sight of the Sioux camp spread over a great valley, they saw a party of horsemen riding to meet them. Great Bear raised his voice in the victory chant, and Little Bear joined him.
The warriors circled the string of horses, gazing admiringly at them. Flying Arrow’s face lighted up when he saw the two horses he had lost. Little Bear heard the warriors praise Great Bear for his victory. It was strange that Grandfather didn’t tell the warriors Little Bear had helped win the victory. After the warriors had circled the captured horses several times, they formed a line on each side. Little Bear thrilled with pride as he and Grandfather were escorted into camp.
Before the party reached the first tepee, every boy in camp was following. Great Bear rode directly to the lodge of Lone Eagle’s widow. He stayed on his horse and waited. Little Bear ran forward and started unloading meat. There were exclamations of approval when he left half of the meat at the widow’s lodge. The procession moved on to Great Bear’s lodge. Here the rest of the meat was unloaded.
“I’ll take the horses to the corral, Grandfather,” Little Bear offered.
Grandfather hesitated. He seemed about to say something, but changed his mind. He nodded and turned away.