When the Lakota were camping round the Mussel shell River Country, they were still at war with all other Tribes except the Cheyennes, Utes, and Arapahoes were their Allies, hence they pere prepared to meet them at any time.
One day, the standing scouts reported that a war party of some unknown Tribe had been seen sneaking round behind the high places near the camp. Several young warriors volunteered to look up this party. Sitting Bull was then fifteen years of age (1845) -- just a year after he was decorated as a hero in a battle with the Crows. He did not ask any one to join these volunteers, simply saddled up his pony, took what he really needed and started off without any fuss of any kind.
Then the war party, consisting of about fifteen warriors, was out some distance they were suddenly attacked from a deep ravine. They were Flathead-- about twenty of them. The leader of the Lakota, Strikes the Kettle immediately commanded their defense.
They met the enemy. A bitterfight was on. The Flatheads, dismounted and behind their horses were shooting away at the Lakota. Young Sitting Bull told the leader he was going to make a dash on horse back along the enemy's line. They rather applauded him for his daring offer. He galloped up, then made his horse run on a full speed and dashed along the enemy's line in the thickest of bullets fixed on him. He succeeded getting through. He was wounded on the right foot. Both sides lost about half their number though the Lakota were mostly wounded.
The Flatheads were driven off toward North. When the Lakota warriors got back to the Camp a big victory celebration was given and Sitting Bull was decorated again, but this time, with a redfeather indicating wounded on battle field. He was again declared a young hero. This entitled Sitting Bull the honor of wearing a red feather as a head ornament."
Story was compiled and translated by Paul High Bull in the mid 1920's. He was commisioned to interview several members of the Lakota to preserve story and songs. 25 songs were written also.
