While the Sun-dance was still at its height two men who had taken no part in it, except that of secret spectators, moved quickly and silently away through the forest. Their gait was almost a flight, but not of fear.
Ten minutes of half running and half walking brought them to a spot where two horses were tethered under the guardianship of the fierce General. Here they mounted, and, without a word, proceeded with all speed in the direction of the Agency.
At the door they halted, and Seth spoke for the 289 first time since leaving the Sun-dance. Parker had already dismounted, but the other remained in his saddle.
“Say, you’ll move right off,” he said quickly, “an’ git Hargreaves an’ his wimminfolk clear, too. Guess you’ll make the farm ’fore me, sure. Take the bridge for it. Rosebud ’ll let you in. Guess you’ll find plenty o’ company ’fore daylight. Rosie ’ll see to the signals.”
“Yes,” Parker nodded. “They’re moving to-night. This is a carefully planned surprise.”
Seth glanced at the eastern sky.
“Four hours to daylight,” he mused. Then: “Yes, guess there’s more’n Black Fox’s hand in this. So long.”
He rode off with his faithful dog at his heels, making for the ford, and watchful of every shadow as he went. His night’s work was yet only half done.
Crossing the river he climbed the opposite bank and rode out upon the prairie. Making a wide detour he came to within a hundred yards of the front of Nevil Steyne’s hut. Here he halted and dismounted. Crouching upon the ground he scanned the sky-line carefully in every direction. At last he seemed satisfied, and, flinging his bridle reins to the dog, who promptly took them in his powerful jaws and quietly sat down in front of the horse’s head, moved cautiously forward.
In a few moments he came upon two horses standing asleep, tethered by long ropes to picket-pins. 290 One of these he released and led back to his own. Then he remounted and rode on. Again he circled wide of his destination, and this time struck into the woods that lined the river. His way now lay down the black aisles of tree trunks which he pursued until he came to a spot he was evidently in search of. Then he again dismounted, and, entrusting the two horses to the dog’s care, moved forward on foot.