“Run for it, Grandfather,” he whispered urgently, but at that moment the head feathers disappeared.
The Pawnee had turned back before he had reached a point high enough so that he could see them.
“He turned back,” Little Bear called softly.
No other Pawnee appeared before Great Bear led the way into the coulee. When Little Bear and his grandfather dismounted, the banks of the coulee were almost high enough to conceal the horses. Great Bear motioned for Little Bear to take the halter ropes and lead the horses down the coulee. Great Bear leaned against the bank and watched towards the top of the hill.
“Wait,” Great Bear ordered. “Two warriors are coming over the hill.”
Little Bear stopped. He crouched low and held the lead ropes firmly so that the horses could not toss their heads. The Pawnees would be sure to investigate any movement in the coulee.
“They turned back.” Great Bear spoke in relief.
Little Bear got to his feet and started forward again.
“Here comes another one,” Great Bear whispered warningly.
Little Bear crouched and waited. He saw Great Bear fit an arrow to his bow. Little Bear waited tensely. If the warrior came only a short distance over the hill, he would be able to see into the coulee. Great Bear could pick him off with an arrow, but the Pawnee’s horse would be sure to bolt back to the Pawnee camp. Chance of escaping was fading rapidly.