ash between the soldiers and
the Indians. Every summer there were storm-clouds blowing between these
two--clouds usually taking their rise in some affair of the travelers
along the trail.

In 1854 an event occurred which has already been described and which
snapped the last link of friendship between the races.

By this time Spotted Tail had proved his courage both abroad and at
home. He had fought a duel with one of the lesser chiefs, by whom he
was attacked. He killed his opponent with an arrow, but himself received
upon his head a blow from a battle-axe which brought him senseless to
the ground. He was left for dead, but fortunately revived just as the
men were preparing his body for burial.

The Brules sustained him in this quarrel, as he had acted in
self-defense; and for a few years he led them in bloody raids against
the whites along the historic trail. He ambushed many stagecoaches and
emigrant trains, and was responsible for waylaying the Kincaid coach
with twenty thousand dollars. This relentless harrying of travelers soon
brought General Harney to the Brule Sioux to demand explanations and
reparation.

The old chiefs of the Brules now appealed to Spotted Tail and his
young warriors not to bring any general calamity upon the tribe. To the
surprise of all, Spotted Tail declared that he would give himself up.
He said that he had defended the rights of his people to the best of his
ability, that he had avenged the blood of their chief, Conquering Bear,
and that he was not afraid to accept the consequences. He therefore
voluntarily surrendered to General Harney, and two of his lieutenants,
Red Leaf and Old Woman, followed his example.

Thus Spotted Tail played an important part at the very outset of those
events which were soon to overthrow the free life of his people. I do
not know how far he foresaw what was to follow; but whether so conceived
or not, his surrender was a master stroke, winning for him not only
the admiration of his own people but the confidence and respect of the
military.

Thus suddenly he found himself in prison, a hostage for the good
behavior of his followers. There were many rumors as to the punishment
reserved for him; but luckily for Spotted Tail, the promises of General
Harney to the Brule chiefs in respect to him were faithfully kept.
One of his fellow-prisoners committed suicide, but the other held out
bravely for the two-year term of his imprisonment. During the second
year, i