"Then we are to strike the first blow to-night?"
"Yes. Inkpaduta gave the word and said that Petit Corbeau told him so. He bade Long Hair take his choice. He chose the people of the lodge by the great stone. Dusky Dick chose the one—"
Here the words became unintelligible to the listener, the party having passed on by his place of concealment.
Fred arose and glided stealthily after them. He had no difficulty in recognizing the allusion to "the people by the great stone." He knew that the Stevens family was meant, but he desired to learn more, if possible.
The trail was dark and gloomy, owing to the dense shade cast by the thickly-growing trees, that intercepted the moon's rays. But after a few moments, Fred heard the Indians pause and seat themselves at only a few yards from the trail.
He glided nearer, until he could again hear their words. The same person was speaking that he had heard before.
"We will wait here for Long Hair. It will not be long before he comes."
"Where is Bob-tailed Horse?" asked another of the party.
"Gone to the lodge by the great rock. He will open the doors for us that we may strike without being hurt. He is to pretend his leg is hurt, so that he can not walk to his lodge, and will ask to rest there. Then when the pale-faced fools sleep, he will open the doors and let us in."
"Good! there are five scalps for us!" exultantly uttered one of the savages.