ws to victory, he did."

CHAPTER XIX

KIDDIE'S ANSWER

It was late in the evening when the surviving Crows arrived in their
village. Rejoicings over their victory were mingled with lamentations
over the death of their chief--ceremonies in which neither Kiddie nor
Rube took any personal interest.

They were both lying very weary and silent on a pile of soft buffalo
robes within their teepee, when Simon Sprott entered, accompanied by
several of the warriors and counsellors.

"We've been having a big talk," began Simon Sprott. "We've lost our
chief, and the Crows have elected a successor. Their choice of Little
Cayuse was quickly made." He saluted Kiddie. "And we're hoping you
won't refuse."

Kiddie looked puzzled. He glanced round at Rube.

"Well?" said Rube. "Chief of the Crow nation. That's what they're
offerin' you. Why don't you answer?"

Kiddie stood irresolute.

"Why don't you answer?" Rube repeated, impressed by the importance of
the occasion. He was very much interested in the deputation of Indians
waiting so patiently for Kiddie's decision.

Kiddie still looked puzzled, as if he had difficulty in making up his
mind concerning the offer that had been made to him to become the head
chief and lawman of the Crow nation.

"There's no need for you to hurry, Little Cayuse," said Simon Sprott.
"Take your own time to consider the proposition. Think about it
deeply, all round, from all sides. The Crows will wait. They will
leave you alone with your own thoughts. They do not ask for your
answer right now. They would wish you to sleep upon it. When the sun
has risen over Washakee Peak they will come again into the wigwam of
Little Cayuse. He will then give them his answer. If it is Yes, they
will rejoice; all the Crow nation will be glad. If it is No, their
hearts will be heavy. For Little Cayuse alone is the leader they would
follow and obey. I have spoken. What I have said is said by all the
Crows."

He turned to his companion medicine men and warriors, and told them
what he had said. Then he took from one of them a magnificent war
bonnet of white eagles' plumes, and from another a robe of soft doeskin
adorned with beautiful designs in coloured beads and porcupine quills
and needlework in brilliant silk. From a third he took a chief's staff
of office, and from a fourth a pair of richly-decorated moccasins. All
these he spread with great ceremony at Kiddie's feet, evidently
ex