The Son-In-Law

Charles Alexander Eastman (born Hakadah and later named Ohíye S’a; 1858 – 1939) was a Santee Dakota physician educated at Boston University, writer, national lecturer, and reformer. In the early 20th century, he was "one of the most prolific authors and speakers on Sioux ethnohistory and American Indian affairs." He is also considered the first Native American author to write American history from the Native American point of view. As they were struggling financially, his wife, Elaine Goodale Eastman , encouraged him to write some of the stories of his childhood. At her suggestion and with her editing help, he published the first two in 1893 and 1894 in ''St. Nicholas Magazine''. Some of Eastman's books were translated into French, German and other European languages, and the books have enjoyed regular reprints. A selection of his writings was published recently as ''The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa)'' (2007). 

Originally published in 1909 as a part of Eastman's collection of Sioux folktales  ''Wigwam Evenings'', ''The Son-In-Law'' is an Indian legend, telling the story of a young man, who goes upon a journey to see something of the world. The traveller meets with no adventures until the third day, when he sees several boys playing outside the entrance to their dwelling. "Here comes our brother-in-law!" they cry and run back into the cave. Being curious to know what this means, the young man goes boldly in...