"I believe he is a Medicine Man," whispered Sun Bird. "Perhaps he was out there making Medicine."
Having recovered from their alarm, they crawled to the edge of the camp, and hid in the shadow of a lodge. Then they looked upon their enemies. The Blackfeet were gathered in the center of the camp. They were watching the wild antics of a company of dancers who were circling about the fire. The Sioux studied the assemblage with great care. White Otter was particularly curious, as it was the first time he had seen those people.
The Blackfeet presented an interesting spectacle, as they celebrated the success of their hunters. The latter were especially picturesque. They had painted their faces and bodies and decorated themselves in a most weird and grotesque manner. Many wore the entire skin of a buffalo bull, including the head and horns. Others had fastened buffalo feet to their ankles so that they rattled and clacked at each stride of the dancer. Thus arrayed, they cavorted wildly about the fire, imitating the antics of the buffaloes. They pranced, and reared, and kicked, and roared. Some pawed the ground, and then lay down and wallowed as the buffaloes would do to rid themselves of flies. Others imitated the fierce encounter between two great rival bulls, pushing and jostling each other, and butting their heads together until the spectators shrieked with delight. It was a clever exhibition of mimicry, and more than once the Sioux were forced to smile.
Then they turned their attention upon the spectators. Men, women and children had assembled in a great circle about the dancers. The Sioux made special note of the men. They were dark and tall, and powerful, with deep, broad chests, and wide sloping shoulders. They compared favorably in physique and bearing with the gallant Dacotah fighting men, and the two young scouts realized that they had come upon worthy foes. Closer to the dancers were the musicians, six old men, who thumped the war drums and sang the Buffalo Song in high, cracked tones. The Sioux gave little attention to them. Their eyes were focused on a small group of men who stood together some distance to the right of the singers. Their dress and manner proclaimed them men of importance, and the Sioux knew that they were the chiefs and counselors of the tribe.