The next morning, before day broke, my uncle roused me, and we went to the top of a high hill not far off.  We reached it before the sun rose, and lay on top of it, looking off over the prairie.  From here we could see a long way.  Many animals were in view, buffalo and antelope, and down in the river bottom a herd of elk.  For a long time we lay there watching, but everywhere it was quiet.  The animals were not moving; no smokes were seen in the air; birds were not flying to and fro, as if waiting for the hunter to kill a buffalo, or for people to fight and kill each other, when they might feed on the flesh.

After we had watched a long time, my uncle said:  “I see no signs of people.  Let us creep down this ravine, and get among the bushes, and perhaps we can kill one of these elk.”  We did as he had said; and before very long had come near to the elk.  Then he told me to wait there.  I stopped and for a few moments I could see him creeping up nearer and nearer to the elk.  Presently they started and ran; and one cow turned off to cross the river, and as she was crossing it she fell in the water.

My uncle stood up and motioned to me to go down to where the elk lay.  We met there and cut up the elk, and my uncle took a big load of meat on his back, and I a smaller load, and we started back toward the village.

As we were returning, he spoke to me again, saying:  “I want you to remember that of all the advice I give you the chief thing is to be brave.  If you start out with a war party, to attack enemies, do not be afraid.  If your friends are about to make a charge on the enemy, still do not be afraid.  Watch your friends, and see how they act, and try to do as the others do.  Try always to have a good horse, and to be in the front of the fighting.  To be brave is what makes a man.  If you are lucky, and count a coup, or kill an enemy, people will look on you as a man.  Do not fear anything.  To be killed in battle is no disgrace.  When you fight, try to kill.  Ride up close to your enemy.  Do not think that he is going to kill you; think that you are going to kill him.  As you charge, you must be saying to yourself all the time, ‘I will be brave; I will not fear anything.’

“In your life in the camp remember this too; you must always be truthful and honest with all your people.  Never say anything that is not true; never tell a lie, even for a joke—­to make people laugh.  When you are in the company of older people, listen to what they say, and try to remember; thus you will learn.  Do not say very much; it is just as well to let other people talk while you listen.  If you have a friend, cling close to him; and if need be, give your life for him.  Think always of your friend before you think of yourself.”

That night we reached the camp again.  My uncle left the meat that he had killed at my mother’s lodge.

On a Buffalo Horse.

I had lived twelve winters when I did something which made my mother and all my relations glad; for which they all praised me, and which first caused my name to be called aloud through the camp.