"I will watch out," declared White Otter.
He turned his pony, and rode toward the stranger. The latter immediately lowered his arms. Sun Bird and Little Raven watched anxiously. White Otter advanced with great caution. He was making every effort to identify the horseman before he came within arrow range. Neither of them had drawn their weapons. To have approached weapons in hand would have been evidence of suspicion and lack of faith. When they finally came within bow range, they stopped and examined each other with close attention. Then White Otter suddenly recognized a friend.
"Ho, Running Crow, now I see who you are," he cried, eagerly.
"Hi, hi, it is my brother, White Otter," shouted the Cheyenne.
A moment afterward they met and clasped hands. The Cheyenne was a noted warrior and scout with whom White Otter had shared several perilous adventures. Aware that White Otter had found a friend, Sun Bird and Little Raven immediately rode forward to join them.
"Ho, my brothers," Running Crow cried cordially. "I see that one of you is Sun Bird. I do not know about that other warrior."
"He is my brother, Little Raven," said Sun Bird. "Little Raven is a great warrior."
"My brothers, how do you come to be in this place?" Running Crow inquired, anxiously.
"Red Dog sent us to find you," White Otter said, soberly.
"Has something bad happened to our people?" Running Crow asked quickly.