Page 232
THE RED MEN OF IOWA.
excused by the Sacs and Foxes. While a mere youth, in the first battle in which he engaged, he killed a Sioux warrior with his spear. He and his antagonist were both on horseback, and from the fact that the Sioux were distinguished for equestrian superiority, this achievement of the young Sac warrior was deemed worthy to entitle him to the honors of his nation. It was celebrated by a feast, and the youthful hero was promoted to the rank of a brave.
On another occasion on which the military skill and bravery of Keokuk were put to the test was when, with a party of his braves on horseback, he was on a hunting expedition in a locality bordering on the country of the Sioux. A well mounted party of the latter came suddenly upon them, and being fully equipped for war, had every advantage. The Sacs and Foxes were thus confronted by their ancient and deadly enemy, but Keokuk instantly formed his men in
readiness for defense. He ordered his warriors to form a circle, dismount, and from behind the shelter of their horses pour forth their fire upon the advancing foe. The Sioux attempted to charge upon the entrenched forces of Keokuk, but were compelled to fall back, and finally retreat, having lost a number of their men.
Subsequent to the affair just related, when, by mutual consent, hostilities had for a time ceased between the Sioux and the Sacs and Foxes, Keokuk, with a party of his braves, who had gone to the northern prairies to hunt buffalo, leaving their village unprotected, unexpectedly came upon an encampment of Sioux, all painted for war. He suspected that they were on their way to attack his village.
It was on this occasion that he formed the bold resolve of
