enemy. The Dakota braves quickly signified their
willingness in the same manner, and it having been agreed to meet upon
the St. Croix river, preparations were immediately begun to despatch a
large war-party.

"Among our people there were many tried warriors whose names were known,
and every youth of a suitable age was desirous of emulating them. As
these young novices issued from every camp and almost every teepee,
their mothers, sisters, grandfathers and grandmothers were singing
for them the 'strong-heart' songs. An old woman, living with her only
grandchild, the remnant of a once large band who had all been killed
at three different times by different parties of the Ojibways, was
conspicuous among the singers.

"Everyone who heard, cast toward her a sympathetic glance, for it was
well known that she and her grandson constituted the remnant of a
band of Sioux, and that her song indicated that her precious child had
attained the age of a warrior, and was now about to join the war-party,
and to seek a just revenge for the annihilation of his family. This was
Jingling Thunder, also familiarly known as 'The Little Last.' He was
seen to carry with him some family relics in the shape of war-clubs and
lances.

"The aged woman's song was something like this:

"Go, my brave Jingling Thunder!
Upon the silvery path
Behold that glittering track--

"And yet, my child, remember
How pitiful to live
Survivor of the young!
'Stablish our name and kin!"

"The Sacs and Foxes were very daring and confident upon this occasion.
They proposed to the Sioux that they should engage alone with the enemy
at first, and let us see how their braves can fight! To this our people
assented, and they assembled upon the hills to watch the struggle
between their allies and the Ojibways. It seemed to be an equal fight,
and for a time no one could tell how the contest would end. Young
Jingling Thunder was an impatient spectator, and it was The Milky
Way--believed by the Dakotas to be the road travelled by the spirits of
departed braves hard to keep him from rushing forward to meet his foes.

"At last a great shout went up, and the Sacs and Foxes were seen to be
retreating with heavy loss. Then the Sioux took the field, and were fast
winning the day, when fresh reinforcements came from the north for the
Ojibways. Up to this time Jingling Thunder had been among the foremost
in the battle, and had engaged in several clo