The warriors
must make ready their best garments and noblest head-dresses. They
must use much grease and paint to look as grand as possible when
receiving their guests.
Sweet Grass and her mother had much to do getting ready for the
celebration, and Timid Hare tried her best to help. She ran errands,
pounded rice, brought wild sweet potatoes and dried berries from the
pit in which the stores of food were buried, and tended the fire in
which buffalo and bear meat were roasting, for much would be eaten
during the visit which would last several days at least.
Sweet Grass smiled upon her little helper. So did her mother. Both of
them were pleased with the child, and came near forgetting that she was
not one of their own people.
Then came the day when word was sent through the village that the
coming visit was to be celebrated by the Feast of the Dog. Different
families would be asked to sacrifice the dog dearest to their hearts.
Every one believed it would be a fit offering to the Great Spirit and
would fill his heart with tenderness for his red children.
It would also bind the hearts of the chiefs more closely together.
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