"Yes, my brother, I am here," replied White Otter, as he suddenly appeared at the top of the ravine.
The Ogalala was alone and on foot, and Sun Bird feared that he had met with disaster. He was about to ask for Little Raven, and Lean Wolf, when White Otter turned toward the plain and called softly. A moment afterward his companions came forward with the ponies. Their appearance filled Sun Bird with joy. He found it difficult to conceal the emotion which welled up in his heart at the safe arrival of his beloved companions.
"My brothers, you have come—I feel good again," he said feelingly.
CHAPTER X
REBELLIOUS PONIES
The Minneconjoux were eager to learn how White Otter had been able to get so near them without being heard. They were equally curious to know how he had located them.
"I will tell you about it," said White Otter. "We were over there on that ridge watching the fight. Then the Crows ran away. They came right toward us. We rode away ahead of them. When it got dark we met some riders. Then we turned this way. We heard some one riding past us. Then we came on. We went over there near where the Blackfeet are, when we heard Running Dog and Big Crow. We did not know them. They were coming this way. We followed them. Then they stopped. We waited. Then we heard the call of the little gray fox. That made us feel good. But we were not sure about it. Then we heard those riders come into the gully. Then I crawled up to find out about it. That is how we found you."
"White Otter, you are a great warrior," Sun Bird declared, enthusiastically.