They waited impatiently for nightfall. Their one fear was that a company of foes might ride toward the grove before darkness made it possible to withdraw without being seen. They had little fear of being caught, but they were anxious to avoid being discovered. Once seen, they realized that it might be perilous to loiter in the vicinity, and they were eager to remain until they found the buffalo herd. They watched closely until night finally came. Then they mounted their ponies and rode from the grove.
"Well, White Otter, how do you feel about it?" Little Raven inquired, as they rode cautiously toward the east.
"I believe we are in danger," White Otter told him.
They continued across the plain until they came to a shallow ravine, which they had passed on their way to the grove. White Otter advised stopping there until daylight.
"This is a good place," he said. "We will wait here and listen."
They picketed the ponies in the bottom of the gully, and then they crawled to the plain to watch and listen. It was a long time before they heard anything to arouse their suspicions. Then they heard the dreary wail of a prairie wolf, in the direction of the grove. Although it sounded natural, the Sioux distrusted it. Twice it rose shrilly through the night, and then it ceased. They were almost certain that it had been a signal. They listened anxiously for an answer from the ridge. The silence, however, continued.
"I believe it was a scout," said White Otter. "Perhaps he was calling his people."
"Perhaps we will hear the ponies," suggested Little Raven.
"We are too far off," White Otter told him. "Those people will ride easy."
"Perhaps it was only Ma-ya-sh," said Sun Bird. "Perhaps he went there to drink."