When Red Dog repeated the warning to his tribesmen, they were thrown into a frenzy of excitement. In a few few moments the camp was in an uproar. All was confusion, as the alarmed Cheyennes ran through the village calling the people from the lodges. Then Red Dog took command, and restored order.
"Light the fires!" he cried. "Drive in the ponies."
The women and boys brought fuel for the fires. A company of young men rode out on the plain to drive in the ponies. The warriors gathered eagerly about their chief. The Sioux noted that the Cheyennes were few in numbers.
"It is bad," Red Dog told White Otter. "Many of our warriors have gone to hunt buffaloes. There are few of us here. It will be hard to hold off the Kiowas."
"We will help you," said White Otter.
"It is good," replied Red Dog. "I have seen you do big things. My people will feel strong because you are here."
Fires had been lighted to prevent the Kiowas from entering the camp under cover of the darkness. Soon afterward the young men drove in the ponies. They were driven into a stout corral. Then the warriors stationed themselves along the edge of the village to watch for the Kiowas. The Sioux joined Red Dog. The latter was a cripple, having had both legs broken at the time the Sioux saved him from the Pawnees.
"See, it is getting light," White Otter said, hopefully. "I believe the Kiowas will hold back. Perhaps they know that we have told you about them."
"Do they know who you are?" inquired Red Dog.
"No," replied White Otter. "I believe they took us for your people."