"They are trying to make us shoot our arrows," said White Otter.
"We are not so foolish," laughed Sun Bird. "We will wait until they rush in."
When the riders saw that the trick had failed, they returned to their companions. Then the Pawnees crowded together for another council. The Sioux saw the warrior on the spotted pony talking excitedly, but they were unable to catch his words.
"I believe that man is the leader," declared White Otter. "He is telling his friends what to do."
"I believe he is Jumping Horse—he is a great war leader," said Little Raven.
"They are getting ready to rush in," Sun Bird declared, uneasily.
Then the same company of warriors again rode forward, shouting, and singing their war songs. They lashed their ponies into a gallop and rode recklessly toward the grove. This time, however, they did not turn aside.
"Get ready to fight," cried Sun Bird.
"Wait until they come close," cautioned White Otter.
There were ten Pawnees in the attacking party, and they kept close together and attempted to ride their ponies into the little patch of timber. The Sioux took shelter behind the trees, and waited until their foes were almost upon them. Then they raised the Dacotah war cry and shot their arrows. Two of the Pawnees toppled from their ponies. The others halted in dismay. Unable to see the Sioux, they were bewildered and alarmed. Before they could rally, the Sioux renewed the savage attack, and another rider slipped limply from his pony. Then the Pawnees lost hope and raced away in pursuit of the riderless ponies.