They listened in tense silence. Then, as the moments passed and they heard nothing to suggest the approach of their foes, they felt considerably relieved. Still they were somewhat fearful about leaving the timber. They realized that either the Crows or the Blackfeet might have surrounded the grove and sent the scout forward as a decoy to lure them upon the open plain.
"Well, my brothers, that rider knows that some one is at this pool," declared Sun Bird. "If he is a scout he will tell his people about it. I believe if we wait here something bad will come of it. If we go away our enemies will not know that the Dacotahs were here. If we expect to get to the great Blackfeet camp we must not let our enemies know about us."
The Sioux instantly saw the wisdom of his words and agreed that it would be safer to abandon the grove and continue toward the mountains. Dancing Rabbit told them that if they continued to ride through the night, daylight would find them close upon the foothills.
"It is good—we will go," said Sun Bird.
They left the grove and moved slowly across the plain in the direction of the ravine. The ponies were quiet and docile, and it seemed as if the clever little beasts were attempting to make amends for the anxiety and effort they had caused their riders a short time before. As the war party drew near the ravine Sun Bird ordered a halt while he sent scouts forward to reconnoiter. They soon returned and declared that the way was clear.
CHAPTER XI
AN UNUSUAL ADVENTURE
Upon reaching the ravine the Sioux turned toward the west and rode until daylight. Then they found themselves almost within the shadows of the great massive peaks which towered against the sky. The low timbered ridges of the foothills were still nearer at hand, and the air was scented with fragrance from the dense stand of pines.