White Feather Page #2

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It'll mean we're afraid.

That's what he wants.

It looks better on him.

How are you called?

Josh Tanner.

- How is she called?

- Her name is Ann.

I am Little Dog.

This one is my friend...

American Horse.

We are Cheyennes.

I know this.

You know then what this means?

It means you have killed enemies.

And I have killed white men too.

She is your squaw?

No. She is my friend.

We'll go back to the fort now.

It'll be all right.

A Cheyenne is a warrior.

He's too proud to attack us

with our backs turned.

Stay where you are.

Ah.

It makes the young chief s hair shine

like the wing of the raven.

He is welcome to it.

Two times I have held

your life here.

Two times you have won the game.

I will remember both days

with laughter.

I'm glad he thought it was funny.

- I didn't.

- I'm still scared.

You know something?

So am I.

You were a big hero this afternoon,

the daughter tells me.

Not at all.

I was scared to death.

- You followed her up there.

- Did she tell you that?

I'm telling you that.

You're the first one she's liked

since she was 13 years old.

You're the first one.

- But she don't have nothing to do with men, see?

- I know, I know.

- How do you know? Did you try somethin'?

- No, I didn't try anything.

Well, before you do,

you'd better know how it is with her.

She ain't fit merchandise for marriage.

It happened back a long time ago,

and it wasn't pretty.

- I killed the man.

- You didn't have to tell me that.

Well, it's true, and there's lots more

around here knows it too.

You make sure of that, don't you?

I tell everybody

that starts gettin' ideas.

She don't have nothin'

to do with men.

If she sees many more like you,

I don't blame her.

Oh. Ann.

A message just came from the gate.

There's a Cheyenne warrior

waiting to see you.

- Will you walk down to the gate with me, Ann?

- Thank you. I'd like to.

Josh Tanner.

Have no fear.

It is only my sister.

She is called Appearing Day.

We have brought something for you.

- This is a very rich present.

- It is a small thing.

I have come really

to welcome you to our village.

Little Dog says welcome, but would

Chief Broken Hand say the same?

- Is not my invitation good enough?

- I didn't mean that.

Chief Broken Hand is my father.

What I wish, he will wish.

Do not come if you do not want...

or if you are afraid.

Look at this.

Looks like you've found a friend.

Or should I say two?

- You can say three if you want.

- Thank you.

You call him a friend-

maybe so-

but I'd hate to have

an enemy that dangerous.

My brother and American Horse

are waiting for you.

- I will take you to them.

- I will walk with you.

They are on the battleground.

They want you to see it.

- Battleground?

- It is only practice.

They say the white soldiers practice.

It is so?

I'm afraid it is.

Then that is why they must practice,

Little Dog says.

There. You will see.

Each arrow has a meaning.

Now is the signal to attack.

Now the arrow tells

the braves to retreat.

American Horse.

Little Dog.

- I see Tanner was not afraid.

- I'm here.

Our practice does not please you?

I was hoping to see someone practicing

the signing of a peace treaty.

- Peace treaty?

- We are Cheyennes.

The treaty pen does not

fit our hand as well as the arrow.

I've brought you something that...

I'm sure you'll find will fit your hand

even better than the arrow.

For my friend Little Dog...

and for my friend American Horse.

Ah. It has the sting of the arrow.

- How is it called?

- A bowie knife. It is for hunting.

It could be...

for many things.

Appearing Day will take the horses.

I have things to show my friend.

Your sister has much beauty.

It is for that reason

she is very expensive.

When a brave takes a bride,

he gives four...

sometimes six ponies.

But for Appearing Day,

my father asks 200.

Well, even at that price,

I'm sure there are many offers.

Come. Now you will see the things

I have to show you.

Did I scare you?

I just came down

to wash up for dinner.

- There will be a war dance in your honor.

- Oh?

These berries are for the feast.

Oh, here, smell.

- It is like the forest.

- They call it pine tree soap.

You may have it.

Keep it. It's yours.

- May I kiss you thank you?

- What was that?

- May I kiss you thank you?

- I'm not sure I understand.

When I was little, there were sometimes

white boys in the camp...

and they would have a birthday

and we would make presents.

They told me I must always

kiss for each present.

Did they tell you that was

the custom of the white man?

Yes. Is it not true?

Well, yes, it is true.

Many people kiss when they receive presents.

Then, please, I will like it.

Indian boys do not kiss Indian girls.

I do not know why not.

It is very nice in feeling.

I would like it again,

please, but longer.

- Josh wishes more?

- Thank you.

It's a feast I won't forget.

But I'd hoped to meet Broken Hand.

My father returns tomorrow.

May I come back?

Do you come as a friend...

or do you come to speak

the cause of the white soldier?

I come in friendship.

Then you are welcome.

I will be here. But now

I must say good night.

- We will ride with you to the river.

- I can find my way.

- No. You must let them.

- To ride alone is dangerous.

We must protect you

from the Cheyennes.

I will say good night now.

And thank you.

And to you, for these.

- How are they called?

- Bowie knives.

We have given you nothing.

You've given me your friendship.

That is not enough.

Tanner will hear from us.

I am thinking of horses,

Little Dog...

and the fine ones

in the Crow village.

Come. Tanner will have his present. Hyah!

Here's why I sent for you, Mr. Tanner.

He's yours.

Two young Cheyennes brought him in.

They said you'd know what it was about.

- Are they still here?

- No, they didn't stay but hardly a second.

Almost seemed like

they was in a hurry.

Boy, he sure is a beauty, isn't he?

He sure is.

Do not be afraid.

They are only Crows.

Why were they after me?

I was on my side of the river.

It is simple.

This horse we gave you,

it is theirs.

Thanks. You almost got me killed.

You do not understand.

It is American Horse

and me they wish to kill.

- We stole the pony.

- Uh-huh.

What are we supposed to do now?

Wait here while they kill you, or do we fight?

Fight? Ha!

Fight Crows?

It is beneath Cheyennes to fight Crows.

I will send them a challenge.

We'll see if their horses match ours.

Crows!

Little Dog!

Up here!

- You ride a fine new horse.

- Thanks to your brother and American Horse.

We played a game with them.

It was good sport.

- Did you win the game?

- Who could lose to Crows?

I almost did.

- Broken Hand.

- My father.

What's the matter?

Everyone else in the village is happy

and excited tonight. Why aren't you?

Tonight my father

will tell his decision.

If it is war, I will be sad.

If it is peace, we must move,

and I will not like that.

Well, if you- if you do move,

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