"So trickles under the ax of Eyatonkawee the
blood of an enemy to the Sioux!"
VI
BLUE SKY
Many years ago a large body of the
Sioux were encamped at midsummer
in the valley of the Cheyenne. It
was customary at that period for the Indians
to tie up their ponies over night within the
circle of the teepees, whenever they were in
disputed territory, for they considered it no
wrong to steal the horses of the enemy. Hence
this long procession of young men and maidens,
returning at sunset to the camp with great bun-
dles of green grass hanging gracefully from their
saddles!
The "green grass parade" became a regular
custom, and in fact a full-dress affair, since it
was found to afford unusual opportunities for
courtship.
Blue Sky, the pretty daughter of the Sioux
chief, put on her best doeskin gown trimmed
with elks' teeth, and investing her favorite
spotted pony with his beaded saddle-blanket,
she went forth in company with one of her
maiden friends. Soon two young warriors over-
took the pair; and as they approached they
covered their heads with their robes, exposing
only the upper part of the face disguised with
paint and the single eagle feather standing
upright.
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