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Updated: May 20, 2025
Many miles were before her, but the men often took hold of her hands to give her fresh courage. Besides, she was greatly excited. What was coming? Were these strangers bringing her back to the village of the Dahcotas, or guiding her to something far different?
Timid Hare looked on from afar. She felt pride in her dear mistress's brother who had given up his own pet dog, in place of Black Bull. She was also filled with wonder at the greatness of the Dahcotas. "They are a mighty tribe," thought the little girl. She drew a long breath of sadness, feeling that she could never hope to go from among them.
At least so thought Timid Hare as she looked up now and then from her work to get acquainted with her new home. "Besides, it is so small," she said to herself, "and only two people in the whole household before I came. How strange it is!" It was quite true that the ways of the Dahcotas were unlike those of the Mandans. Each family lived by itself and thus the home did not need to be so large.
Why, the chief of chiefs, the chief of all the Dahcotas, had been one of the visitors and had slept in Bent Horn's tepee. Timid Hare herself had helped to serve him. And when he had gone forth to the council and to the feasts he was the grandest looking person she had ever beheld in her life. He wore a head-dress of war-eagle feathers.
She came to herself to hear The Stone saying, "Leave her to me and I will train her in the good ways of the Dahcotas." The man smiled grimly and went his way, and the woman turning to her charge said: "Come, don't stand there cowering and useless. Busy yourself. Pile wood upon the fire and put water in that kettle. My son and I are hungry and would eat, and the meat must yet be cooked."
But to the little girl holding in mind the capture of the day before, they seemed cruel and fearful even now while they were dancing. "The Dahcotas dance much always," explained Black Bull, pointing to the men. "We have many, many dances. For everything there is a dance. When we feast, and before we hunt, when councils are held, when guests come among us, we dance. It is a noble thing to dance.
Then, as her eyes turned towards Black Bull, they filled with pity. Here was one of the Dahcotas, at least, who was not strong and tall and well-shaped. Nor would he do her harm, she felt sure. Black Bull had turned to his lute which lay on the floor behind him and begun to play a low, sweet tune when The Stone entered the lodge.
Then, as in a dream, he said in a low tone: "It is my baby's sock the pattern is one planned by my dear wife Alice who died out on this lonely prairie. And then the sudden attack of the Dahcotas and I made prisoner, while my baby Alice was left behind to perish. Afterwards I was rescued, though I cared little to live."
Many a tale had Swift Fawn heard of the fierce Dahcotas, lovers of war and greatly to be feared. It was a terrible thought that she was alone and in their power, with the night coming on. "Ugh! What shall we do with her?" the brave who had discovered her said to the others. "She is fair to look upon," replied one. "But she is a Mandan," was the quick answer of another.
It seemed good to be outdoors, even in a village of the Dahcotas. In the doorway of the next lodge stood a young woman with pleasant eyes and beautiful glossy hair. She looked curiously at the little girl, for she had just heard of her capture. She must have pitied the child, for she smiled kindly at her. Black Bull, catching the smile, said, "The Fountain, this is Timid Hare.
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