“Shoots Good in the Dark,” said Rotten Belly, “we are to go to war against the Sioux. It is decided. They must be punished. Big Bowl has put forth your name to carry the pipe as we go against them. Your maxpe is strong, and you have never lost a warrior in battle. Tell us, do you wish to lead?”
maxpeBeckwourth scanned the faces of the River Crow chiefs. “Oh, Great Chief,” he said, “It would be an honor above all others to lead the valiant Crow against their enemy the Sioux. As you say, my maxpe is strong, and I have never lost a man in battle. I have proven my bravery many times. Others are as brave, but none as cunning. When I was with the white man, I studied war. I read the stories of one named Alexander, a chief of deeds so great that men speak of them more than twenty times one hundr
