Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1888-09-03

Sometimes they would pass over in such
q deuse and continuous column ss to
temporarily form dam across portion
of the stream, causing the water to rise
and rush over their backs as they went
fioundering and believing across the
mighty wilderness of waters. Strike
the-Ree was on experienced hunter. He
knew that this great herd of countless
thousands would not cross the river
during the high stage of water, SO early
in the spring, unless closely pressed by
large band of hunters.
Scarcely had the van of this great
herd OF migratory animals passed down
through an opposite cauYca to the
margin of the stream when the cloud of
dust that hung like pail over the moy-
ing mass, swept on as il hurried along
by blast, revealing band of wild
horsemen that came dashing past in the
direction OF the river. They rode rapid
ly down through the bluffs IN the rear
of the herd to the bottom lands below,
and commenced an indiscriminate
slaughter Of the frightened and infuriated
animals as they pressed down to the
waters edge. Strike-the- Rec watched
this band OF hostile foes as they careened
over the plain below with deep interest.
They were painted and decked out with
all kinds OF wild trappings and fantastic
embellishments. These bright colors
Haunting and glittering III the sunshine
ss they moved along on horseback with
many wild and dexterous evolutions
gave them an imposing and striking ap-
pearance. Their mode of riding, dress
and accoutrements, all went to prove
chat they were war party OF Arlckaree
braves.
The work OF slaughtering the buffaloes
continued for more than On hour. Then
the hunters commenced the work of
skinning snG cutting up the dead
animals and placing the hides and meas
on their horses and travois-s vehicle
made from poles attached to horse,
with one end dragging on the ground
and forming5in line they moved uL the
valley in the direction OF the maSa
Arickaree village, which was situated
about ten or twelve miles farther up the
river.
| The young Yankton brave cautiously
followed them and the interval between
sundown and dark was spent by him in
} a thickes within visw of their wigwams
How vivid were the scenes in their camp
from his lonely post when twilight thick.
ened into darkness. Osmpfires were
seen blazing and smonlderinR here end
, there with groups of warslors, some
standing in the ruddy glare, while otheft
J were sitting and lying on the ground il
shedowy relief.
J The hunters had returned, and prep
ertions were being made for grand
feast. Ovetfowing kettles steamed from
many wigwam. The young Yanktor
rose and walked straight towards the
village. 1t was the hour the hunters re-
turned from the chase preparatory tc
eating their evening meal Young
Strise-the Rec, knowing the habit
, and customs OF his enemies
> was aware that on occasions OF this kind
: all of those that were hungry-and in a,
Indian village, at that season OF tn
! year, that meant many-were entitled t,
. come TO the lucky hunters wigwam ant
3 partake OF the refreshments.
. tok kap kba k;o,, - .&ns,
! and disguise himself like an Arickare,
, as much as possible, with steady miel
J and nnfalter,ng steps Strike.the. Re-
, mingled on the outskirts with tn
4 throng OF his mortal enemies end enter
9 led the village in their compaag> IL
q learn the position of Four-BeastS s@ig.
9 wan snd to calmly demean hinsel
while in this periious crisis became tn
8 task OF the cunning Yenkton. Whe,
: darkness completely shrouded ell b,
\, steslthily concealed himself in narro,
8 gap between two tents, screened fro1
9 sight by some hides OF newly .kille
= buffalo thrown scross poles, to b
4 cleaned in the morning. With his knit
r the crafty Yankton brave cautiously Gu
p o hole in the buffalo hide large enoug
: tc enable him to see all what passe
D within the wigwan of Four-Bears, an
b with teeth set, eyes fixed attentivel
|. upon the narrow aperture and ear
= sensitlvely alive to every sound. ne So
y awaiting the eagerly desired opportu
: nifty for glutting his vengeance. With
d the wigwam sat two children, while
k squaw, still young and comely, stood b
s the fire preparing the evening mea
y Presently the covering at the entranc
d OF the wigwam was raised and the eye
>. OF Strike-the-Ree glistened and he al
: most ceased to breathe as he recognize
II the form of the slayer of his brother
q Four Bears.
4 The famous warrior advanced TO tt
o fire, laid his blanket and implements {
j. war aside and seating himself without
/, word intimated by motion OF his han
d his readiness to partake ofthe evenin
g meal. The squaw Immediately brougl
n forth various huge slices of the cooke
meat from the kettle and placing the
20 before him the humble creature retrea
IT cd to respectable distance from b
4, side and awaited his further pleasure
q 1t was evident that for some cause ii
1 -sat L. -