In a few days the camp was moved to a point
further up the Cheyenne and deeper into the
bosom of the hills, leaving behind the deco-
rated grave lodges belonging to the honored
dead. A great council teepee was pitched, and
here the people met to credit those who had
earned them with the honors of the fight, that
they might thereafter wear the eagle feathers
which they had won.
"The first honor," declared the master of
ceremonies, "belongs to Brave Hawk, who fell
in the battle! He it was who compelled the
Crows to retreat, when he bravely charged upon
them and knocked from his horse the Crow
chief, their war leader."
"Ho, it is true!" exclaimed the warriors in
chorus.
"The second honor," he resumed, "belongs
to Matoska, the White Bear!"
"Hun, hun, hay!" interposed another, "it
is I, Red Owl, who touched the body of the
Crow chief second to Brave Hawk!"
It was a definite challenge.
"The warriors who witnessed the act give
the coup to Matoska, friend!" persisted the
spokesman.
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