and many a disappointed suitor was astonished
to hear Taluta's name.

It was a long journey to the Ute country, and
when they reached it there was a stubbornly
contested fight. Both sides claimed the vic-
tory, and both lost several men. Here again
Antelope was signally favored by the gods of
war. He counted many coups or blows, and
exhibited his bravery again and again in the
charges, but he received no wound.


On the return journey Taluta's beautiful
face was constantly before him. He was so
impatient to see her that he hurried on in ad-
vance of his party, when they were still several
days' travel from the Sioux camp.

"This time I shall join in all the dances and
participate in the rejoicings, for she will surely
like to have me do so," he thought to himself.
"She will join also, and I know that none is
a better dancer than Taluta!"

In fancy, Antelope was practicing the songs
of victory as he rode alone over the vast wild
country.

He had now passed Wild Horse Creek and