was gone, their homes broken up, and only slavery and gradual
extinction in sight. At last Dull Knife listened. He said: "I have lived
my life. I am ready." The others agreed. "If our women are willing to
die with us, who is there to say no? If we are to do the deeds of men,
it rests with you women to bring us our weapons."

As they had been allowed to carry moccasins and other things to the men,
so they contrived to take in some guns and knives under this disguise.
The plan was to kill the sentinels and run to the nearest natural
trench, there to make their last stand. The women and children were to
join them. This arrangement was carried out. Not every brave had a gun,
but all had agreed to die together. They fought till their small store
of ammunition was exhausted, then exposed their broad chests for a
target, and the mothers even held up their little ones to be shot. Thus
died the fighting Cheyennes and their dauntless leader.

ROMAN NOSE

This Cheyenne war chief was a contemporary of Dull Knife. He was not
so strong a character as the other, and was inclined to be pompous and
boastful; but with all this he was a true type of native American in
spirit and bravery.

While Dull Knife was noted in warfare among Indians, Roman Nose made
his record against the whites, in defense of territory embracing the
Republican and Arickaree rivers. He was killed on the latter river in
1868, in the celebrated battle with General Forsythe.

Save Chief Gall and Washakie in the prime of their manhood, this chief
had no peer in bodily perfection and masterful personality. No Greek or
Roman gymnast was ever a finer model of physical beauty and power. He
thrilled his men to frenzied action when he came upon the field. It was
said of him that he sacrificed more youths by his personal influence in
battle than any other leader, being very reckless himself in grand-stand
charges. He was killed needlessly in this manner.

Roman Nose always rode an uncommonly fine, spirited horse, and with
his war bonnet and other paraphernalia gave a wonderful exhibition. The
Indians used to say that the soldiers must gaze at him rather than aim
at him, as they so seldom hit him even when running the gantlet before a
firing line.

He did a remarkable thing once when on a one-arrow-to-kill buffalo hunt
with his brother-in-law. His companion had selected his animal and
drew so powerfully on his sinew bowstring that it broke. Roman Nose
had kille