"They were going the same way we are going, but they were far away toward the place where the sun comes up," replied the scout.
"My brothers, you have heard the words of Feather Dog," said Sun Bird. "Our enemies are on two sides of us. We must be very cautious. We will wait here until it gets light. Perhaps Lean Wolf will come and tell us something."
In the meantime the wily Sioux prepared themselves against the possibility of a sudden attack. The camp was surrounded by sharp-eared scouts who stationed themselves some distance out on the plain to listen for the approach of foes. The ponies were picketed inside the circle of warriors, who lay upon the plain with their weapons beside them.
Sun Bird and White Otter, however, remained awake. The young Minneconjoux war leader was anxious to consult his friend concerning the perilous advance across the Blackfeet hunting grounds. The young warriors moved beyond earshot of their companions, therefore, and seated themselves to talk.
"White Otter, I believe we are in danger," said Sun Bird.
"It is true," White Otter replied, soberly. "There are many enemies in this country. I believe we will have some big fights before we get to the Blackfeet camp."
Sun Bird was about to reply when they were startled by a strange rumbling noise toward the north. They listened a moment in anxious suspense, and then they leaped to their feet in alarm. It sounded like the hoofbeats of many ponies bearing down upon the camp site.
"Call our people! Call our people!" cried Sun Bird, as he rushed to arouse the sleeping Minneconjoux.
At that moment they heard the guards, who had been stationed on the plain, racing toward the camp. The picketed ponies were plunging and snorting, and the alarmed Minneconjoux were frantically untying the picket ropes.
"The Blackfeet! The Blackfeet!" they shouted, excitedly.