Comata, the Sioux

The story of *The Black Hills* centers on the unrequited love of a Sioux brave for the daughter of his chief and his foreboding about the consequences of her ill-fated marriage to a white cowboy. Clear Eyes, the daughter of Chief Thunder Cloud, is loved by Comata, a Sioux warrior, but after meeting and being swayed by Bud Watkins, a cowboy, she leaves her mountain home to live with him as his wife. Clear Eyes, full of trust and affection for Bud, is devoted to him, and he appears to be equally devoted at first. However, after two years—during which they have a child—Bud grows tired of her and begins courting Miss Nellie Howe, a white woman who believes he is unmarried. Comata, who has been watching Bud's actions without ceasing, vows to avenge the woman he once loved. Tracking Bud to the home of the white girl, Comata sees enough to confirm his suspicions of Bud's deceit, and he then reveals the truth to Clear Eyes.