Running Crow repeated the instructions, and the scout rode away. It was not long before one of the scouts who was riding in advance came back. He was a warrior named Standing Bull, who spoke the Sioux dialect.
"We looked sharp but we did not see anything," he told White Otter. "Sitting Bear and Black Beaver are riding ahead. I came back to find out where to find you when it gets dark."
"You will find us at the place where many trees grow," White Otter told him. "Do you know that place?"
"Yes, I know it," said Standing Bull. "There is good water there."
He rode ahead to join his companions. He had barely gone before one of the other scouts joined the war party. He, too, reported that he had seen nothing to arouse suspicion. When he learned where the Cheyennes planned to spend the night he rode away.
"It is good," said Running Crow, who rode beside White Otter. "Our brothers have seen nothing but some buffaloes."
"Perhaps those buffaloes will bring the Pawnees," replied White Otter.
"No, my brother, I do not believe we will see the Wolf People," Running Crow told him. "They have killed many buffaloes. They have plenty of meat. I believe they will take it to their people."
Shortly afterward they came in sight of a large grove of aspens. It was a familiar camp site, and White Otter had been there before. As they drew near the timber they stopped, while scouts went forward to investigate. They rode cautiously about the grove to make sure that it was free of foes. The Cheyennes watched closely. They realized that it offered a tempting hiding place to Kiowa scouts. One of the riders finally disappeared into the timber. A few moments afterward be signaled the war party to advance.
"The way is clear," said Running Crow.