"Hi, we showed the Pawnees how to fight," Sun Bird cried, fiercely.
"Now they will try hard to kill us," White Otter warned him.
The defeat of the warriors who had attacked the Sioux threw the Pawnees into a rage. They began to race furiously around the grove, gradually drawing nearer until they were within close arrow range. Then they shot their arrows into the timber. The Sioux were well sheltered, however, and had little fear of being hit.
"It is good, the Pawnees are sending us arrows," Little Raven said, mockingly.
"Keep watching," replied White Otter. "They are very mad. I believe they will rush in."
It was not long before the Sioux saw the motive for the attack. The Pawnees were attempting to divert their attention, while several daring scouts rode close up to the timber and carried off the three unfortunate warriors who had been killed. Then the entire company withdrew beyond bow range.
"The Pawnees have carried away their brothers," said Sun Bird. "Perhaps they are going to give up the fight."
"No, I do not believe it," White Otter replied, doubtfully.
The Pawnees had formed in a great circle about the timber. They were watching quietly, like a company of wolves that had surrounded their quarry but feared to attack. The Sioux tried to guess their intentions. Sun Bird and Little Raven hoped that they might suddenly withdraw, but White Otter was suspicious.
"I believe they will stay here until it gets dark," he said. "Then they will try to creep up close. It is bad. We cannot help our friends, the brave Cheyennes."