"My brother, I will tell you something different," said Sitting Eagle. "Perhaps the Blackfeet expected us to follow them. Perhaps they were holding Many Buffaloes on that horse to fool us. Perhaps he was dead."
"Yes, that may be true," declared the Minneconjoux.
Still, as they could not be sure, they were unable to reach a definite conclusion regarding the fate of the Blackfeet chief. While they were discussing it the scouts from the southward returned. They declared that the plain was free from foes.
"It is good," said Sun Bird. "Now we will go ahead."
The cautious young war leader planned his advance with the care and skill of a veteran. He realized that one blunder might undo all that had been accomplished, and turn the splendid victory into a staggering defeat. The Minneconjoux were fatigued, and their ponies were jaded, and Sun Bird knew that it might be difficult to overcome a strong force of foes if they were fresh and eager for battle. He determined, therefore, to use every safeguard against encountering his enemies.
When the Sioux were ready to leave the ravine, scouts moved across the plain in advance and on both sides of them, and a small detail of warriors were left behind to make certain that the Blackfeet did not return. Then the war party was divided. White Otter and half of the force rode ahead. Behind them followed Sitting Eagle and the warriors in charge of the ponies. Sun Bird and the balance of the company brought up the rear.
The day was far spent, and the Sioux hoped to reach water by the time night came upon them. Sun Bird planned to stop when it grew dark, and allow the ponies to rest until daylight. Then he decided to travel in the early morning and after nightfall, and to stop in some suitable shelter during the heated hours of the day.
"We must keep the ponies fresh," he told his companions.
Shortly before dark they came upon a large shallow pool on the open plain. As there was a heavy stand of grass for the ponies, Sun Bird determined to stop there for the night. The ponies were immediately turned loose to feed, and guards were appointed to watch them until daylight.
It was not long, however, before the Sioux heard something which caused them considerable uneasiness. Low, rumbling peals of thunder sounded from the west. The Sioux looked anxiously into the heavens. The stars shone brightly overhead, but the distant sky appeared black and threatening. As they watched, a quick, darting flash of light zigzagged across the western sky. A dull, thudding crash of thunder boomed in the distance.