"Keep away," or "No." Hold up the blanket, grasping the two upper corners. Cross the arms, still with hands grasping the corners. Bring right arm back to front and right, almost opening the blanket again. Repeat.
"Go back" or "Hide." Hold up blanket by two corners opposite right shoulder, and swing it to right and down, several times.
"Alarm!" Toss the blanket several times, as high as possible.
"Something (or somebody) in sight." Hold up blanket by the two corners opposite right shoulder. Then swing the right corner around to left and to right. Repeat.
"Come on" or "Approach." Hold blanket up by two upper corners in front of the body. Swing the right arm and corner to the left. Repeat.
Pony-running signals are usually in a circle, or forward and backward, on the side of a hill or the crest. If the movements are fast, then the news is exciting and important. If they are made in full view of the surrounding country, then the danger is not close. If they are made under cover, then the danger is near. If they are made under cover and the rider suddenly stops and hides, then everybody must hide, or retreat, for the enemy is too strong. The bigger the movements, the more the enemy or the more the game. A dodging zigzag course shows that the scout is pursued or apt to be pursued. A furious riding back and forth along a crest means that a war party is returning successful. Boy Scouts can make the motions on foot, and by a code of circles and figure eights, etc., can signal many things.
Signals by the hand and arm alone are convenient to know.
"Who are you?" is made by waving the right hand to right and to left in quick succession.
"We are friends" is made by raising both hands and grasping the left with the right, as if shaking hands.
"We are enemies" is made by placing the right fist against the forehead, and turning it from side to side.