"It is the signal of the Shawnees," Spotted Deer said, softly. "I heard it when I was coming down the river."
"It means something bad," declared Running Fox. "Come, we will get into the woods."
"Perhaps some Shawnees are hiding over there," suggested Spotted Deer.
"Yes," said Running Fox. "We must be cautious."
They reached the timber in safety, and moved cautiously along the bottom of the ridge. The night was far gone and there was little time to spare. Running Fox knew that unless he reached his friends before sunrise, they would surely kill Big Dog and his companion. Having given his word to the old Mystery Woman, Running Fox was determined to save them. He decided, therefore, that the Shawnee trail would offer the quickest and easiest way to reach the top of the ridge.
"Did you come along here?" he asked Spotted Deer, as they began to climb.
"Yes," said Spotted Deer. "My hands were tied and I had a hard time of it."
"We found your marks," Running Fox told him. "Did the old Mystery Woman tell you about us?"
"Yes," said Spotted Deer. "She told me you came here to help me. Running Fox, it was a great thing to do. You are a brave warrior and a good friend. You risked your life to help me. It makes me feel big. I will think about it when I am an old man. When the Mystery Woman told me about you I felt very strong. I said, 'Running Fox will get me out of this.' Now you have done it."
"Spotted Deer, you are my brother—it is enough," said Running Fox.