"Those are the scouts that peeped over that hill," declared White Otter. "I believe they are trying to find out about us."
The horsemen had disappeared into the ravine. The Sioux had been unable to identify them. They felt certain that the strangers would soon find the pony tracks. The idea alarmed them.
"Perhaps they will follow us," suggested Sun Bird.
"Watch," said White Otter.
The horsemen had suddenly appeared. They had crossed the ravine, and were riding slowly over the plain. The Sioux knew at once that they were looking for pony tracks. It was not long before they found them. They followed the trail a bowshot or more, and then they stopped. They were looking directly toward the ridge. The Sioux watched them in breathless suspense. They were straining their eyes to identify them, but the distance made it impossible.
"I cannot tell who they are," declared White Otter. "Can you tell about it?"
"No; they are too far away," Sun Bird told him. "Perhaps they will come closer."
"I believe they are talking about it," said White Otter.
At that moment the horsemen turned their ponies, and galloped off toward the west. They crossed the ravine, and rode toward the grove. They passed it, however, and continued toward the ridge farther to the westward. It was not long before, they disappeared.
"It is bad," declared White Otter. "Now we do not know who they are."