"It is good," Lean Wolf declared, heartily. "We can stay here until the Crows get tired and go away."
When the day finally ended and twilight fell upon the plain, the Sioux became more alert. They feared that the crafty Crows would make an attempt to creep into the cañon under cover of the darkness, and they determined to be prepared. Crouching behind the bowlders, they peered anxiously into the night, listening for the sound of stealthy footfalls at the entrance to the cañon. Then, as time passed and the stillness was unbroken, they began to wonder. Had the Crows suddenly departed? The Sioux had grave doubts.
"No, they have not gone away," Lean Wolf told Sitting Eagle. "I believe they took us for Blackfeet. They are very mad at those people. I believe they will try hard to kill us."
"Listen!" cautioned Sitting Eagle.
They heard something moving cautiously near the entrance to the pass. Fearing that the Crows were about to make an attack, the Sioux fitted arrows to their bows and prepared to offer desperate resistance. Then they again heard some one creeping stealthily toward them through the night.
"It is a scout," whispered Lean Wolf.
Sitting Eagle rose to his knees, and shot his arrow toward the sounds. There was a noisy scramble from the pass, and they knew that the invaders had been driven off. Then for a long time they heard nothing further from their foes. Shortly before daylight, however, a small company of reckless young warriors rushed boldly into the narrow defile and made a valiant attempt to overcome the Sioux. The latter fought furiously, and the Crows were forced to withdraw. Their foolhardy display of bravery had cost the lives of several of them.
The Sioux were greatly encouraged by their success in holding the pass. They believed that the Crows would be slow to renew the attack. They had withdrawn beyond arrow range, and as dawn lighted the plain the Sioux saw them gathered in earnest discussion some distance from the cañon.
"Perhaps they will go away," Sitting Eagle said, hopefully.
"No, I do not believe it," replied Lean Wolf. "Listen, they are singing their war songs. We must be ready."