They soon heard them, moving cautiously up the creek until they arrived opposite the opening, and there they stood gazing at the falls.
They had not yet discovered the entrance to the cave, and were doubtless wondering where the white men could have disappeared so suddenly.
"Fire!" cried Bear-Paw, and four of the Indians found a resting-place beneath the waters of the stream.
The rest turned to run, but the party of whites sprung behind them, and before they could reach a protecting shelter of rock, four more were sent to their final account.
The scout and Jehiel started in pursuit of the remaining Sioux, but the old trapper called them back.
"Jest let 'em go, boys. Ef they don't bring back er pack uv ther varmint, then yer may say Old Bear-Paw's er liar. Then, yer see, we kin captur' a good haul uv 'em."
When they were once more within the cave the old man asked Kelly who the new-comer was.
"He is my pardner—the fellow I was telling you about the other day."
"He's er Yank, ain't he?"
"Yes," replied Kelly, "but he is all right—I will vouch for him."