The shock was too much for the fortitude of the Tetons. Several of
their bravest chiefs had already fallen, and those that remained were
instantly abandoned by the whole of the inferior herd. A few of the
most desperate braves still lingered nigh the fatal symbol of their
honour, and there nobly met their deaths, under the blows of the
re-encouraged Pawnees. A second discharge from the rifles of the
squatter and his party completed the victory.
The Siouxes were now to be seen flying to more distant covers, with
the same eagerness and desperation as, a few moments before, they had
been plunging into the fight. The triumphant Pawnees bounded forward
in chase, like so many high-blooded and well-trained hounds. On every
side were heard the cries of victory, or the yell of revenge. A few of
the fugitives endeavoured to bear away the bodies of their fallen
warriors, but the hot pursuit quickly compelled them to abandon the
slain, in order to preserve the living. Among all the struggles, which
were made on that occasion, to guard the honour of the Siouxes from
the stain which their peculiar opinions attached to the possession of
the scalp of a fallen brave, but one solitary instance of success
occurred.
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