"'I am not afraid to die,' said the warrior. 'Let me go to the Ouisconsin (Wisconsin) and see my family once more, and whisper my last wish in the ear of my boy, and I will return to you and die. I will return at the sunrise.'
"'You would never return,' said the commander of the stockade.
"The warrior strode before him.
"'Can a true man lie?'
"The commander looked into his face, and saw his soul.
"'Well, go,' said he. 'I would like to see an Indian who would come back to die.'
"The warrior went home, under the stars. He told his squaw all. He had six little children, and he hugged them all. Waubeno was the oldest boy. He told him all, and pressed him to his heart. He whispered in his ear.—What was it he said, Waubeno?"
The shadowy form of the boy swayed in the dim light, as he answered. He said:
"'Avenge my death! Honor my memory. The Great Spirit will teach you how.' That is what my father said to me, and I felt the beating of his heart."
There was a deep silence. Then Black Hawk said: