The war chief strikes it with his rattle and kills it; this ensures to the Dahcotahs success in battle.

And most solemnly did the Owl assert to his soldiers, the fact that he had thus dealt with the bear spirit, while they as earnestly believed it.
The next morning, four of the warriors went in advance as spies; one of them carried a pipe, presented as an offering to deceive the spirits of their enemies.

About noon they sat down to rest, and waited until the remainder of the party came up.

When they were all together again, they rested and smoked; and other spies were appointed, who took the pipe and went forward again.
They had not proceeded far when they perceived signs of their enemies.
In the sand near the borders of a prairie were the footprints of Chippeways, and fresh too.

They, congratulated each other by looks, too cautious even to whisper.