"Our brothers are brave," Painted Hawk declared, hopefully. "I believe they will fool the Shawnees. Yes, I believe we will see them again."
Running Fox made no attempt to find the trail of which Yellow Wolf had spoken, but turned directly down the side of the ridge. The way was steep and perilous, and they proceeded with great caution. The night was black and starless and great Mauwallauwin hid behind the clouds. Running Fox was thankful for the darkness. He knew that it would make it easier to approach the Shawnee camp.
"Mauwallauwin is helping us," he said. "He has put away his light so that the Shawnees cannot see us."
When they finally reached the base of the ridge they stopped at the edge of the timber to watch and listen for their foes. They found a wide stretch of barren ground between them and the Shawnee village.
"That is a bad place," declared Dancing Owl. "If the Shawnees catch us out there, it will be hard to get away."
"We must be cautious," Running Fox told him.
Then as they heard nothing to alarm them, they left the shelter of the woods, and moved slowly across the open ground. As they approached the village they suddenly thought of the dogs. There was little doubt that some of them were prowling about outside the camp.
"If they smell us they will make a great noise," said Yellow Wolf.
Running Fox moistened his finger and held it above his head to test the wind. It came from the direction of the village. The discovery somewhat relieved their anxiety. There was less probability of the dogs catching their scent. Then they suddenly heard something which brought them to a standstill. It was the call of Gokhotit, the little red owl. It sounded over near the edge of the timber. It was a favorite signal between Spotted Deer and Running Fox. The latter thrilled as he heard it. A great hope rose in his heart. Twice it sounded softly through the night and then it ceased.
"Listen!" Running Fox whispered, excitedly. "That is a signal. I have heard Spotted Deer use it many times. Perhaps he is hiding over there. Come, we will go over there and find out who it is."