"If we run into that place the Crows cannot get us," Sitting Eagle declared, confidently.
"It is good, we will go there," agreed Lean Wolf.
The Crows were trying desperately to come within arrow range, but the gallant Sioux ponies were holding their lead and their riders had little fear of being overtaken. They believed that the Crow ponies had reached the limit of their speed and that further urging would cause them to collapse.
The Sioux finally reached the cañon a safe distance ahead of their pursuers. After they had ridden through the narrow entrance, they dismounted and sought safety behind two great boulders which guarded the pass.
"Now we can hold off our enemies," Sitting Eagle said, with evident relief.
"Yes, it will be hard for them to come through here," declared Lean Wolf.
The Crows, however, showed no disposition to make the attempt. They seemed to realize the strength of the Sioux position and appeared reluctant to make an attack. They gathered in a compact group well beyond arrow range, and held a council of war.
"They will wait until it gets dark," declared Sitting Eagle. "Then they will try to get into this place."
"We will be ready," Lean Wolf said, doggedly. "But perhaps the Crows will keep us here a long time. We have no water. It is bad."
"There is a little pool a short ways behind us, and there is plenty of grass for the ponies," Sitting Eagle assured him.