Back of the dog the sticks were held in place by two cross pieces of wood carefully tied a little way apart. Between the cross pieces was a strong netting that hung down like a shallow bag. The dolls and rolls of bark were laid in one of the nets. What should the other dog carry?
"I know," exclaimed White Cloud. "My puppy shall have a ride." He was caught and firmly tied. The net was a comfortable bed, and he made no objection.
Soon the camp was packed, and the children started. The dogs trotted along quietly, and everything went well for a time. As they came near the little stream where they wished to set their camp, a rabbit ran across the trail. Away went the dogs.
The rabbit leaped over the narrow stream. One of the dogs plunged after him, and out went the dolls and bark into the water.
The other dog shook himself free from his harness. The lodge poles he was dragging turned upside down, holding the howling puppy in the mud.
"Oh, my puppy will drown!" cried White Cloud as she dashed down the muddy banks in rescue.
"My dolls! My best dolls are spoiled!" mourned Flying Squirrel.
Soon the dogs were called back, everything found, the dolls bathed and laid out to dry. Then the lodges were set up, and the children rested in the sun.
As they looked about, White Cloud saw a feather lying on the grass. It was painted, as if it had fallen from a warrior's bonnet.
"You had better take that feather to your father now," said Flying Squirrel. "Perhaps there is going to be a war, and a spy has passed this way. I am afraid. I shall pack all my things and go home with my dogs.