Little Eagle knew he had to get back and report what he had learned. Slowly he inched his way backward until he was far enough down the hill that he dared get to his feet. Even then he slipped from tree to tree. It wasn’t until he was at the bottom of the hill that he realized he didn’t have enough information to take back to camp. Some of the Sioux were so anxious to believe the Crows wanted peace that they would have another explanation for the rider. No, he would have to see the other Crow camp before he could convince his own leaders.
Little Eagle continued away from camp many paces before he turned to go around it. He made a circle wide enough so that there was no longer danger he would be discovered. He continued the circle until he came to the trail made by the rider. At a jogging trot, he turned to follow it.
The sun was alarmingly far down the western sky. However, Little Eagle had learned his lesson, and he held himself to a steady trot. While he was sure this other Crow camp was near, it would still be a long trip back to the Sioux camp. He took some comfort from the knowledge that the Crows wouldn’t make an attack before daybreak. By that time he should have his proof and be back to report to his chiefs.
When he heard the sounds of the camp ahead of him, Little Eagle used every skill he knew to move silently. He reached a place from which he could see the other Crow camp. He saw it was much larger than the first one. His eyes sparkled angrily. Here was the proof. This was a camp of many warriors, probably as many as five camps like the first one.
If there had been any doubt in his mind as to the plans of the Crows, activities in the camp below would have erased them. Many of the warriors were busily repairing bows and other fighting equipment. Others were painting their faces with war paint. Little Eagle gave a grunt of anger. While they were pretending to make peace, the Crows were actually getting ready to make an attack. Little Eagle could see that if this band of Crows succeeded in surrounding the Sioux camp, not a Sioux would escape.
Little Eagle had to get the warning back to his own people. Somehow he would make the chiefs listen to him. As he tensed his muscles to start to move back, he could feel danger around him like the chill of a cold wind. This wasn’t danger from the Crow camp. This was close at hand. Before he could move to defend himself, someone dropped onto his back. He was pinned helplessly to the ground, and a hand was clamped tightly over his mouth. Little Eagle forgot his own danger in the bitter thought that he had failed his tribe.
His captor leaned close and whispered into Little Eagle’s ear, “Follow me.”
Little Eagle’s heart gave a tremendous bound of relief. The voice was that of Angry Wolf.
