On a rise of ground overlooking the river stood two squaws.
"Six moons have waned since our boys left for the trading post," said Light Between Clouds.
"You have counted each moon as I have," sighed Bending Willow. "And since the day Slow Dog disappeared so strangely from our village, my heart has been filled with dread. He has been no friend to me."
"He is jealous of Black Eagle," added Light Between Clouds.
As she finished speaking, Bending Willow started to run down to the river's edge. "I see two canoes rounding the bend," she called back. Light Between Clouds ran swiftly after her.
LIGHT BETWEEN CLOUDS RAN SWIFTLY AFTER HER.
Black Eagle, just returning with a young deer which he had killed upon his back, let it fall upon the ground on seeing Bending Willow running toward the river. He, too, had been worried over the long absence of his stepson. As he passed Smoky Wolf's tepee, the aged chief, who was smoking beside it, looked up.
"I think Raven Wing and Hawk Eye are coming up the river," cried Black Eagle as he ran on.
Old Smoky Wolf slowly rose to his feet. "I, too, must welcome the young braves," he murmured. In a short time all the men, women and children were standing upon the bank to await the boys' arrival.