"We will keep watching," declared White Otter.
Soon afterward their patience was rewarded when they saw what appeared to be a cloud of dust or smoke rising behind the distant ridge. They watched it with great interest. For some time it puzzled them. It was faint and indistinct, and they wondered if it was dust raised by the hoofs of buffaloes or ponies. Then they noted that it seemed to rise intermittently in puffs, and continued in one particular spot.
"So-ta, smoke," White Otter said, finally.
"Yes, yes, it is smoke," agreed Sun Bird.
"Those scouts are calling their people," declared White Otter. "I believe it is a war party."
"We will see," said Sun Bird.
In a short time the smoke faded from the sky. The Sioux felt sure that the signal had been seen by those for whom it was intended. They had little doubt that a company of horsemen were riding across the plain on the other side of the ridge.
"It is bad," said White Otter. "Those scouts found pony tracks at the place where the trees grow. They followed them to that gully. They found them coming this way. Then they were afraid, and went to call their people. I believe they will try to find out about us."
"Well, my brother, they are a long ways off," Sun Bird reminded him. "We can keep away from them."
"We must stay here and watch," declared White Otter. "Perhaps it is a big war party of Pawnees. Perhaps they are going to fight my people. I believe something bad will come of it."