"I think we ought to complete that circle around the Indian army, curving to the west and then to the north, until we're in their rear. Then we can complete the impression that two forces are attacking 'em, one in front and the other behind. What do you think?"
"I'm hot fur roundin' out the circle," replied Shif'less Sol. "I always like to see things finished, an' I want to make the warriors think a couple o' hundred white riflemen march where only five really make tracks."
"Same here," said Jim Hart, "Suits me 'cause I've got long legs, made out uv steel wire, close wrapped. I see clear that we've got to do a power o' marchin', more of it than fightin'."
"I don't believe any one can think of a better plan," said Paul, "and yours, Henry, certainly promises well."
"I'm for it," said Silent Tom.
"Then we go now," said Henry.
The smoke that Tom had seen earlier was gone, and the five believed that the Indian army, discovering the absence of their foe, had probably crossed the river.
"Since they're on the march again," said Henry, "we can take it slowly and need not exhaust ourselves."
"Jest dawdle along," said Shif'less Sol, "an' let 'em pass us.
"Yes, that's it."