His clear ringing voice reached every ear, and there were those now among the band of pursuers who recognized him, and calling him by the name he was known in their tribe, Chief Crow Dog answered the question like a Yankee, by asking another:
"Why did the White War Eagle fly from his red friends?"
"The one with me was not a soldier, but a woman, and the war-cries of the braves against their friends alarmed her. If they were friends, why did they fire upon me? Did I kill the great Chief Crow Dog, and his braves, as I could have done, when they came over the hill?"
"White War Eagle speaks well; but the great medicine chief, Tatanka Yotanke, is near, and must hear his words. If Tatanka Yotanke[1] says it is war, then war it will be; but if he says it is peace, the White War Eagle can go his way."
"I am content, so let the great medicine chief, Sitting Bull, say which it shall be," was the fearless reply of the young soldier.
Chief Crow Dog then turned to one of his braves, and said something in a low tone.
Instantly the warrior rode away at a gallop, and Crow Dog stepped toward Kit Carey, who called out quickly: "Hold! is the Crow Dog a fool that he comes near me when it may be war, not peace between us?"
The chief sprang back to cover with an alacrity that was ludicrous, for he had been anxious to get near the young soldier with some of his braves, so as to spring upon him should Sitting Bull decide that the officer was to be attacked.
Seeing his advantage gained, by his bold front shown, Lieutenant Carey said: