H. Bedford-Jones

“ Make what answer you like to the Stone Men."
Standing Bull had no need to ask the temper of the warriors around. Teton and Issanti and Mohegan, all fastened upon him a fiercely exultant regard. Le Talon alone was quite indifferent; seated against his tree, he was calmly streaking his features with vermilion as though quite certain of the outcome. Standing Bull took from his belt the grisly trophy which he had fetched in the previous evening, and handed it to the Assiniboine.
"The scalps of the Stone Men are like the feathers of crows," he said. "A chief of The Men does not care to keep them. ”

“ Crawford knew better than to oppose, and changed his tactics instantly.
"Very well," he said. "But we cannot hold this barricade now—the next rush will end it. Back to the trees, all of us! We must make ready to hold the point of the cliff. That will be our last defence."
She comprehended, and turned back to the grove. Crawford sent Standing Bull and the Dacotah after her, then turned to Frontin and Black Kettle, who were unhurt.
"Load all the muskets and hold this barricade," he said quietly. ”

“ Not at all, I assure you."
"I will go out and see this man Maclish——"
"Then, understand what will happen!" Crawford spoke sternly, gravely, his tone startling her anew. "He will seize you, and will then have everything. Do you imagine that he has any respect or reverence for you? He is an animal, an animal! If you do not believe me, ask Frontin, who knows him."
She believed him and said no more; only a perceptible pallor crept over her face as she waited, and deepened there.
There was no long delay. Presently the chief of the Stone Men was led forward by two of the Dacotah scouts. ”

“ Take this to your chiefs as a belt from the Star Woman. To the Red Bull take this message." And unstopping his powder horn, he sprinkled on the scalp a few grains of powder."
"We have kettles for you all," returned the Assiniboine. "To-night we shall feast upon the hearts of the Dacotah." Then, stalking away, he leaped the barricade and was gone with a shrill yelp.
"Quick, now!" Crawford was at the side of the Dacotah chief with swift orders. "Put ten of your men at the breastwork with all the muskets. ”

“ Frontin, take a gun! Black Kettle has his own. Send out the other warriors to oppose their advance; tell them to fall back on the position here and to save themselves so far as possible."
While these directions went into effect, Crawford, who knew himself still unable to endure the heavy recoil of a musket, provided himself with several tomahawks and took post at the center of the barricade, where Frontin and Black Kettle joined him. Standing Bull himself was gone into the trees beyond with his scouts. Now Crawford heard the voice of Le Talon, and saw the crippled chief limping to him. ”

“ If you assent to this, return yourself with my messenger.' Thus says the first belt.
"Here is the second belt," and the envoy held out one composed of black beads. "This is what it says. 'If you do not return with my messenger; if you do not come to me at once, then I will come and take you. ”