"She had many other lovers, as I have said,"
the old man added, "and among them was one
Little Eagle, an orphan and a poor young man,
unknown and unproved as a warrior. He was so
insignificant that nobody thought much about
him, and if Makatah regarded him with any
favor the matter was her secret, for it is certain
that she did not openly encourage him.
"One day it was reported in the village that
their neighbors, the Cut-Head Sioux, would or-
ganize a great attack upon the Crows at the
mouth of the Redwater, a tributary of the Mis-
souri. Makatah immediately inquired of her
male cousins whether any of them expected to
join the war-party.
"'Three of us will go,' they replied.
"'Then,' said the girl, 'I beg that you will
allow me to go with you! I have a good horse,
and I shall not handicap you in battle. I only
ask your protection in camp as your kinswoman
and a maid of the war-party.'
"'If our uncle Tamakoche sanctions your
going,' they replied, 'we shall be proud to have
our cousin with us, to inspire us to brave
deeds!'
"The maiden now sought her father and
asked his permission to accompany the war-
party.
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