"Yes, we heard ponies running, and shouts, and then we heard the war songs," said Thunder Hawk. "After that the Kiowas rode away."
"They must be scouts," said Red Dog. "Perhaps they are trying to find out who came here."
"No, they are not scouts," declared Thunder Hawk. "There are many ponies. It is a big war party. I believe they are the warriors who came from the Place-where-the-sun-sleeps."
"Then I know about it," said Red Dog. "I believe scouts saw the ponies out there on the plain. Those riders who went away are going to circle around, and try to run off those ponies. Well, we will fool them. The ponies are here."
"Yes, yes, that is what they propose to do," the Cheyennes told one another.
While they were talking, they heard some one approaching from the south. They felt certain it was Running Buffalo. He stopped and imitated the bark of the little gray fox. Then he galloped to the camp.
"Get ready to fight!" cried Running Buffalo. "The Kiowas are coming. They are close behind me. They are trying to find the ponies."
"The ponies are here," Red Dog told him, as he pointed toward the corral.
"It is good," said Running Buffalo. "My brothers, there are many Kiowas in that war party."
"We are ready," Red Dog said, grimly.