reading notes: the indian who wrestled with a ghost

For my first reading, I am using, "The Indian Who Wrestled with a Ghost."

From the get-go, I noticed that the story takes place in some time of war as the main character is heading along the warpath. The woman that firsts approaches him in the night has specific clothing details such as her buffalo robe. The second night, he awakes to burial scaffold that is a specific burial ritual. Next, the ghost asks for his wasna and smokes some of his tobacco. It was then that the man saw that the ghost is all bones and no flesh. In order to defeat the ghost, he must burn him in the fire. Once this happens, he is no longer haunted and can steal horses. 

I did not like the beginning of the "wrestle" when the man was allowed the time to build his fire. I would like to add more suspense and drama to that part. I also thought that the horses were random and would like to have the ghost ride in on the horse instead. 

(Photo by Wikimedia Commons)