"Those warriors are very foolish," Sun Bird said, excitedly. "Now we can creep up and get two of those ponies."
"We must be quick," White Otter told him. "Those other warriors may come back."
"I will take that yellow pony, it looks fast," said Sun Bird.
"I will take the spotted pony with the white tail," said White Otter.
Having made their selection, the Sioux realized that they must attempt their daring coup without a moment's delay. They moved through the undergrowth with the alert, silent stealth of Huhasapedan, the fox. When they were almost at the edge of the park they stopped to plan their reckless dash upon the ponies. The animals which they hoped to secure were grazing near the edge of the timber and the Flathead who guarded them was picking berries a short distance away. The Sioux crawled a bowlength nearer. Then as one of the ponies suddenly raised its head, they stopped and waited with thumping hearts to learn if they had been discovered. The unsuspecting animal resumed its feeding, however, and the Sioux breathed more easily. Again they moved carefully toward the border of the park. Their eyes were fixed upon the ponies, and their ears were open to catch the first warning that the Flatheads had found their tracks.
When they finally reached the edge of the timber, the ponies which they had selected were almost within reach of them. They were grazing quietly, and the long rawhide lariats were trailing between their feet. The Flathead had turned his back upon them and was stooped over searching for berries in the long grass. The warrior on the opposite side of the park was lying in the shade of a tree. The Sioux realized that their opportunity was at hand. Each fastened his eyes upon the animal he planned to capture and prepared to rush into the park. At that moment, however, they heard a signal from the upper end of the game trail. The truth instantly flashed through their minds. The Flathead hunters had discovered their trail.
"Come!" cried White Otter.
They jumped to their feet and rushed recklessly into the park. Then as the startled ponies turned in panic, the Sioux sprang forward and seized the lariats. The next moment they had mounted and were riding furiously down the game trail. They chuckled with boyish glee as they heard the alarmed Flathead guards yelling frantically for their companions.