For the benefit of those who will wonder, four clarifications are in order.
The account of Nathaniel King’s experience (and you’ll know which one when you get there) is derived from contemporary records of a man who survived a similar ordeal.
Yes, the names of the various warriors are based on historical sources. The particular name that will either make you blink, laugh, or brand me as vulgar (you’ll know which one when you get there) was in fact the name of a prominent Minneconjou.
The Pawnees did indeed practice the rite mentioned (you’ll know it when … ) until the early nineteenth century.
And, finally, please forgive the liberties I have taken with sign language in the interests of dramatic license.