When the battle was finally almost over, All of the Cheyenne brothers lay dead. But Mouse has fought with such
skill and courage the his Crow enemies sent a word bringer to his
to his rifle pit.
« We will not kill you, » they said, « for you are
a brave and honorable man, a worthy enemy. In you we see the same
traits we admire in our men. We will draw off now while you ride
away in peace. Go, brave one. »
« I will not thank you for you praise » Mouse replied,
« for your words are only truth and I have earned them. I also
trust your words. But, there around me lie my comrades, dead as
stones. I trained for war with them, learned the secrets of the
hunt with them and bounced their children on my knee. How will I
return to my village without them? »
« Why would I want to? Come and finish this sport. I am for you. »
And three more mouse enemies were sent under that day before the
last Cheyenne brave was slain.