"I believe it is the trail of our brothers, the Cheyennes," said Little Raven.
"We are not sure about it," White Otter told him. "Perhaps it is the Pawnees. Perhaps they passed by us when it was dark. Perhaps they circled over here and went ahead to catch the Cheyennes. We must not let them fool us again. We will watch out."
"You are a good leader," declared Sun Bird. "I see that what you say may be true. Yes, we will be cautious."
They rode rapidly along the trail. It was plain and easy to follow. They had not gone far, however, when they saw something which brought them to a sudden stop. A riderless pony had appeared on a knoll directly ahead of them. They watched suspiciously. At sight of them the pony raised its head and whinnied. Then it began to feed. It moved in an awkward and unnatural manner that aroused their fears.
"I believe some one is hiding behind that pony," declared White Otter.
"If he is a scout why did he go up on that high place?" Little Raven asked, curiously. "If he kept hiding we would not know about him."
"Perhaps he was coming down that hill before we saw him," said White Otter. "Then he saw us and hid behind his pony. Now he is trying to lead it over the top of that hill."
"Yes, I believe that is what he is trying to do," declared Sun Bird.
The pony was still feeding, and moving slowly toward the top of the hill. They felt sure that it was guided by some one behind it. It was far beyond arrow range. As they were in no danger, the Sioux waited to watch it.
"Perhaps it is a Cheyenne," said Sun Bird. "Come, White Otter, make the signal."