"Well, my brothers, we must try to find out about this thing," declared Running Fox. "It would be foolish to go ahead until we know about it. I am the leader. I will tell you what I propose to do. We must cross the water and talk with our friends. There is only one way to get over there. We must use this canoe. We cannot do that until we close that hole. Come, we will pull the canoe into the woods and fix it. Then we will wait until it gets dark. Then we will go to meet our friends."
They carried the canoe some distance into the woods. Then, while Dancing Owl watched the river, Running Fox and Yellow Wolf scouted through the woods searching for pitch. They found it in hard nodules on the trunks of many of the pines and spruces, and they soon gathered a sufficient quantity. Then they returned to Dancing Owl who said that he had seen nothing to cause alarm.
"It is good," said Running Fox. "Pretty soon we will be ready to go across the water."
They made a small fire between two logs and placed a large flat stone across them. When it became heated they placed the pitch upon it. It took a long time for the pitch to soften. When it finally began to melt they daubed it upon the ends of flattened sticks and hurried to the canoe. Then as Dancing Owl and Yellow Wolf held the jagged edges of the bark in place, Running Fox applied a thick coating of hot pitch over the tear. It was necessary to make many applications both on the inside and outside of the canoe to render it water-tight. When the task finally was completed the day was well advanced.
"Now we will cross the water and meet our friends," proposed Dancing Owl.
"No, my brother," Running Fox cautioned him. "We must wait. We made a fire. Perhaps the Mohawks saw the smoke. Perhaps they are watching the water. We will wait until it gets dark."
"Yes, we must wait," agreed Yellow Wolf.
When twilight finally fell, Running Fox and his companions carried the canoe to the river. They launched it and found it water-tight. Then Running Fox paddled slowly along the edge of the shore. They were watchful and alert for danger, but the river appeared free of foes. It was almost dark when they came opposite the spot where they expected to find their friends. Running Fox ceased paddling and imitated the cry of Gokhos, the owl. It was answered from the other side of the river.
"Our friends are waiting," said Yellow Wolf.
Running Fox turned the canoe toward the center of the river. Once beyond the shadows near the shore, they realized that they were in plain sight of any foes who might be lurking in the forest. They kept a sharp watch for the sudden appearance of canoes. When they came within bow-shot of the place where the fire had been, Running Fox again ceased paddling and waited for a signal. He felt quite sure that they had been seen by their friends. In a few moments they heard the call of Gokhos directly ahead of them. Running Fox paddled cautiously toward the shore. Then they recognized the voice of Painted Hawk.
"My brothers, the way is clear," he said.
As they stepped ashore their friends hurried forward to inquire about the canoe. When they learned that it belonged to Spotted Deer they were dumb with amazement.
"It is mysterious," Painted Hawk declared, at last. "I believe Spotted Deer was in this place. How did his canoe get across the water?"
"Have you found signs of Spotted Deer?" Running Fox inquired, quickly.
"We found signs that told us a prisoner was here," said Painted Hawk. "I believe it was Spotted Deer. That is why I called you. When it grows light I will show you those signs. Perhaps you can tell us about it."
"If Spotted Deer is a prisoner it would be foolish to wait," Running Fox declared, impatiently.
"We found many tracks," explained Painted Hawk. "We cannot follow them until it gets light."
"Well, tell us about it," said Yellow Wolf.
"Wait," cautioned Running Fox. "First we must pull this canoe into the bushes. Then we will go and sit down in the woods. See, Mauwallauwin is peeping over the trees. Pretty soon the river will be light. If we stay here in the open, perhaps our enemies will see us."
The others quickly saw the wisdom of his words. The moon was rising above the eastern ridges and they knew that they would soon become conspicuous on the open shore of the river. They dragged the canoe from the water and carried it into the bushes. Then they withdrew into the shelter of the forest. Fearful of making a fire, they seated themselves in a little circle and began to talk.
"My brothers, I will tell you about this thing," said Painted Hawk. "When we came to this place we began to look around for our enemies. We did not find them. Then we came down here near the water and began to look for signs. We saw some tracks around the place where the fire was. We saw the marks of canoes near the water. Then we began to look around. Pretty soon we found some tracks in the woods. Then we found some ashes and black wood behind a rock. We saw where some people had been lying down. Then Turning Eagle found something big. His eyes are sharp. He was looking at a place where some one had been lying down. Then he saw something to tell about. Come, Turning Eagle, tell our brothers about it."
"I will tell you about it," said Turning Eagle. "I was looking around that place where those people had been lying down. I was looking sharp. Then I saw something strange. It looked like it looks when our brother Wisawanik, the squirrel, pulls away the leaves. I looked close at that place. Then I saw some more marks on the ground. They were made by fingers. Then I thought about it. I said, 'Some one was lying down with his hands behind him.' They were in the middle of his back. They were crossed. Then I said, 'That person was a prisoner.' Then I called Painted Hawk and Crooked Foot to look at those marks. They felt good about it. That is all I have to say about it."
"Are you sure about this thing?" Running Fox inquired, eagerly.
"Yes," declared Turning Eagle. "I looked sharp. What I have told you is true."
"Come, we will go to this place," proposed Dancing Owl.
"No, we must not do that," Running Fox told him. "If we go to that place in the dark we cannot see anything. Perhaps we will wipe away many tracks. We must wait until the light comes. Then we will go and find out about it."
"This thing is mysterious," declared Yellow Wolf. "If the Mohawks caught Spotted Deer over here, how did we come to find his canoe on the other side of the water?"
For some moments the Delawares remained silent. They seemed unable to answer the question. The circumstances were confusing. At last, however, Dancing Owl spoke.
"My brothers, I saw those big fires near the water," he told them. "I went up close. Then I saw the Mohawks. I saw them go up the river. I did not see anything of Spotted Deer."
"Turning Eagle, did those people who were here go back to the river?" Running Fox asked, anxiously.
"I cannot tell you that," said Turning Eagle. "We found many tracks. Some were going toward the woods. Some were going toward the river. They were all mixed together. But I will tell you that some tracks went away into the woods. Yes, I believe those people went away toward the-place-where-the-sun-sleeps. We tried to follow those tracks. Then it got dark and we could not see them."
Running Fox was greatly impressed by the announcement. His mind was filled with interesting possibilities. He began to doubt that the Mohawks had carried Spotted Deer up the river. The uncertainty gave him hope. Still he was unable to guess what had become of his friend. Having found his abandoned canoe it was evident that misfortune of some sort had overtaken him. For the moment Running Fox felt helpless to solve the mystery of Spotted Deer's strange disappearance. His one hope was that Spotted Deer was still alive.
"My friends, I will tell you how I feel about this thing," said Yellow Wolf. "Spotted Deer has disappeared. We have found his canoe. Something bad must have happened to him. Dancing Owl saw the Mohawks in this place. He did not see Spotted Deer in their canoes. Painted Hawk and Crooked Foot and Turning Eagle are good scouts. They have found many tracks over here. Turning Eagle says there was a prisoner here. I believe his words. Now, my friends, we cannot tell who left those tracks. I believe they were Mohawks. We cannot tell about that prisoner. Perhaps it was Spotted Deer. Perhaps it was some one different. We cannot tell about those big fires. Now you see if we cannot tell about these things it will be hard to know what to do. Come, Running Fox, you are the leader, tell us about it."
"Yellow Wolf, what you say is true," replied Running Fox. "It is hard to know about this thing. I will tell you how I feel about it. I do not believe the Mohawks took Spotted Deer up the river. Dancing Owl was watching. He did not see him. Turning Eagle has sharp eyes. I believe what he tells us is true. I believe that prisoner was Spotted Deer. If he was with the people who slept at this place, then they must have taken him away. Turning Eagle says they went away toward the-place-where-the-sun-sleeps. My friends, perhaps those people were not Mohawks. The Shawnees live over there beyond the hills. Perhaps those people were Shawnees. Perhaps they came over here to hunt. Perhaps they caught Spotted Deer. Perhaps they are going to the Shawnee village. When it gets light we will try to find out about it. Now I cannot tell you any more."
"Running Fox, your words are good," said Painted Hawk. "I believe those people who went away on foot were Shawnees. I cannot tell about Spotted Deer. You found his canoe on the other side of the water. I believe he was over there. Perhaps the Mohawks caught him over there. Perhaps they did not come down where Dancing Owl was watching. Dancing Owl says he heard the call of Gokhos. It was up the river. Perhaps the people who caught Spotted Deer were calling the warriors at the fires. Perhaps the Mohawks followed Spotted Deer down the river. Perhaps they made those fires so that he could not pass. I do not know about this thing. This is how I feel about it."
"My brothers, I have listened to the words of Yellow Wolf, and Running Fox and Painted Hawk," said Crooked Foot. "Now I will give you some words. We must try to find out the best thing to do. I will tell you how I feel about it. I believe the Mohawks were here and I believe the Shawnees were here. I believe the Mohawks went away in canoes. I believe the Shawnees walked away. I saw those marks on the ground. I believe there was a prisoner lying in that place. If it was Spotted Deer, then I believe he went away with the Shawnees. That is all I have to say about it."
Then the Delawares became silent. Having failed to come to a definite conclusion regarding the disappearance of their tribesman, each of them was meditating upon the possibilities suggested by his friends. They realized that only daylight could give them a clew to the mystery.
"Well, I see that we feel different about this thing," Running Fox told them. "There is no use of talking any more. We must wait until the light comes. Then we will go and look sharp at those tracks. If they tell us that Spotted Deer was taken away by the Shawnees, we will know what to do. If we cannot tell about it then we must separate. Some of us must go to the Mohawk village. Some of us must try to follow the people who walked away. My friends, that is all I can tell you about it."
"We will wait until it gets light," agreed his friends.
A moment afterward Running Fox rose and walked away. His heart was heavy with grief and he wished to be alone. He made his way to the edge of the timber and seated himself at the base of a giant pine. The great, black forest was hushed in slumber. The night was glorious. The air was sharp and still. The heavens were sprinkled with stars. The river sparkled in the moonlight. Running Fox was unimpressed. His mind was filled with thoughts of Spotted Deer.
"It is bad," he kept telling himself.
Convinced that Spotted Deer had been captured by either the Mohawks or the Shawnees, Running Fox realized that each moment of delay lessened the chance of saving him. The thought that Spotted Deer might be depending upon him drove him into a frenzy of despair. He saw little chance of overtaking his foes before they reached their village, and then he feared he might be too late to help his friend. His courage weakened at the thought. Spotted Deer had been his loyal friend and companion since early boyhood, and a strong affection existed between them. They had shared many perilous adventures and each had risked his life to save the other. Now, when he believed Spotted Deer was in urgent need of assistance, Running Fox felt powerless to help him. The thought overwhelmed him with grief. Rising to his feet, he spread his arms toward the sky and offered an earnest, impassioned appeal to Getanittowit, the Great One.
Great Getanittowit, listen to my words.Getanittowit, something bad has happened.Getanittowit, tell me about it.Great Getanittowit, my heart is black.Getanittowit, take pity on me.Getanittowit, make me brave and strong.Getanittowit, give me power to find Spotted Deer.
Great Getanittowit, listen to my words.Getanittowit, something bad has happened.Getanittowit, tell me about it.Great Getanittowit, my heart is black.Getanittowit, take pity on me.Getanittowit, make me brave and strong.Getanittowit, give me power to find Spotted Deer.
After he had finished his appeal, Running Fox stood for a long time staring anxiously into the heavens. Then a star swept across the sky and dropped into the west. The superstitious young warrior accepted it as a good omen. He believed that his prayer had been answered.
"Getanittowit has sent me a sign," he said. "Now I will find Spotted Deer."
It was barely light when the anxious Delaware scouts hastened to the river to study the tracks at the spot where the fire had been. Running Fox spent only a few moments at that place. Then he moved along at the edge of the water. He soon found the marks of several canoes, and stopped to examine them. There were many tracks on the shore. It was evident that the skillful young scout had found a clew. He crouched low to the ground and studied the footprints with great care. His companions watched hopefully. Then he suddenly left them, and went farther along the river. He coursed to and fro between the woods and the water like an eager wolf on the trail of game. At last he disappeared into the forest. His friends waited patiently. They believed he was working out some clew which he had discovered at the spot where the canoes had been lifted from the water. It was a long time before he returned. Then they saw him approaching slowly along the edge of the woods. He appeared to be following a trail. In a few moments he called his friends. As they joined him he crouched and pointed to several moccasin tracks which were scarcely discernible on an open patch of ground.
"My friends, I have found out about this thing," Running Fox said, as his eyes flashed excitedly. "Come, we will go back where those canoes were, and I will tell you about it."
When they arrived at that spot, Running Fox again stooped to examine the tracks. He seemed to be studying them even more carefully than before. Several times he measured them with his hands. Then he rose and smiled confidently at his friends.
"Yes, my brothers, I know about this thing," he said. "I will tell you about it. I believe Spotted Deer was brought here in one of those canoes. See, here are the tracks of some one who stepped out of one of those canoes. He stood here by himself. Those other tracks are all around him. I believe the warrior who stood alone was a prisoner. Those other people stood around to look at him. I believe that prisoner was Spotted Deer. I believe some one brought him across the water in a canoe. My brothers, I do not believe the Mohawks had anything to do with it."
His friends exclaimed in surprise. If Spotted Deer had been brought there in a canoe, they believed it must have been the Mohawks who had brought him. It was some moments before they recovered from their astonishment. Then they began to question Running Fox.
"Who do you believe brought Spotted Deer here?" Painted Hawk asked him.
"The Shawnees," said Running Fox.
"Dancing Owl saw Mohawks in those canoes," Crooked Foot reminded him.
"Yes, I believe the words of Dancing Owl," declared Running Fox. "Now you must listen close. When I saw these tracks I knew there was a prisoner in one of those canoes. I believe it was Spotted Deer. Turning Eagle says some people took him away toward the-place-where-the-sun-sleeps. I believe it was the Shawnees. Then I said, 'The Shawnees must have come in those canoes. That prisoner got out of one of those canoes. Dancing Owl saw the Mohawks take the canoes away. How did it happen? I will try to find out about it.' Then I went along the river. I looked sharp. Pretty soon I found a track. Then I found another. Then I found some more. They were coming this way. They kept close to the woods. I saw where some one had been standing. Then I said, 'These people stopped here to watch something. They were cautious. I believe they were scouts.' I followed up those tracks. I went fast. Pretty soon I came to a place where two canoes had been pushed into the bushes. Then I began to think about it. Now I will tell you what I found out.
"I believe the people who came here in those canoes were Shawnees. I believe the people who came here on foot were Mohawks. I believe the Shawnees took those canoes from the Mohawks. I believe the Shawnees saw Spotted Deer. I believe some were ahead of him and some were behind him. I believe the Shawnees who were ahead of Spotted Deer made those big fires to light the river. Then he could not pass. I believe the other Shawnees came up with him. I believe Spotted Deer tried to get away and bumped into a rock. Then they caught him and brought him to the big fire. Then they got afraid and stopped that fire. Then they went up into the woods where Turning Eagle found those signs.
"Then I believe the Mohawks came down here after those canoes. They saw the fires. They crept down through the woods. The Shawnees heard them and ran away. Then the Mohawks took away the canoes. My friends, I believe Spotted Deer is in the Shawnee camp. That is how I feel about it."
"Running Fox, I believe what you say is true," Painted Hawk said, excitedly. "You are as sharp as Woakus, the fox."
"Yes, yes, Running Fox has found out about it," declared the others.
"Well, my friends, there is no use talking about it," Running Fox told them. "We must try to do something. Turning Eagle, show me the place where those people were lying down."
They made their way into the woods and soon came upon the remains of the fire behind the rock. Running Fox examined the signs. He agreed with Turning Eagle that one of those who had slept there was a prisoner.
"It must have been Spotted Deer," declared Running Fox. "Now we must try to find him. Come, we will follow those people."
He led the way along the trail. For some distance it was plain and easy to follow, and Running Fox marveled at the carelessness of his foes. It appeared that the travelers had little fear of being pursued.
"The Shawnees are like foolish old women," said Yellow Wolf. "They leave many signs."
Toward the end of the day, however, the trail began to grow indistinct and difficult to follow. The woods were freer from undergrowth and the travelers seemed to have become more cautious. They had left few signs. The Delawares were compelled to travel more slowly. Running Fox grew impatient at the delay.
"It is bad," he said, irritably. "It will take us a long time to reach the Shawnee village. Perhaps it will be too late to help Spotted Deer."
"If Spotted Deer is with these people, perhaps he will leave a sign," suggested Turning Eagle.
"I am watching sharp," Running Fox told him.
Soon afterward they lost the trail on a barren, rocky hillside. There were neither tracks nor signs to guide them, and they halted in dismay. Then they separated and began to search. Some moved along the slope, others went along the summit of the ridge.
"Perhaps it is a trick," Crooked Foot said suspiciously. "Perhaps those people have turned off. Perhaps they are not Shawnees."
The possibility was disturbing. Running Fox, however, felt confident. He believed they would find the trail at the base of the ridge. His hopes were verified when Turning Eagle suddenly called:
"Here are tracks," he said.
They hurried down the hillside and found the trail continuing toward the west. They followed it until the end of the day when it led them to a little stream that flowed from the north. Running Fox stopped and looked sharply at Dancing Owl. Dancing Owl nodded understandingly. It was a familiar spot.
"This is the place where Running Fox and Spotted Deer took me away from the Shawnees," he told his companions. "They were very brave. They fought back many Shawnees."
The year previous, Dancing Owl had been captured by the Shawnees, who were taking him to their village, when Running Fox and Spotted Deer discovered his plight. They followed swiftly on the trail and overtook their foes at the stream. Then the daring Delawares crossed the water below their enemies and concealed themselves in the bushes on the opposite side of the stream. As the Shawnees were crossing, the two young Delawares made a fierce attack from ambush and threw the Shawnees into such confusion that Dancing Owl was able to escape. Then the three Delawares sped safely away while the bewildered Shawnees were hiding in the woods in fear of an attack from a large war party of Delawares. Dancing Owl told the story to his friends with great delight.
"It was a great thing to do," laughed Yellow Wolf. "The Delawares are too sharp for the foolish Shawnees."
"Yes, yes," agreed Dancing Owl. "If Spotted Deer is alive we will fool the Shawnees and carry him away."
"Well, if the Shawnees have killed Spotted Deer, I do not care what becomes of me," declared Running Fox. "I will go into the Shawnee camp and keep shooting my arrows at the Shawnees until they kill me."
As the day was almost at an end the Delawares decided to spend the night beside the stream. Aware that the Shawnees might send scouts back along the trail to make sure that they had not been followed, Running Fox determined to take precautions.
"My friends, it would be foolish to stay here," he said. "I see that those people stopped here. Perhaps some of them will come back and find us. We will go along the water until we feel safe."
"It is good," said Painted Hawk.
They moved a considerable distance down the stream until they came to a dense stand of spruces. The heavy forest offered a splendid hiding place, and they determined to remain there until daylight. The night passed without alarm, and at dawn they crossed the stream. Then they again set out along the trail.
"We must look sharp," cautioned Running Fox. "Perhaps scouts have stayed behind to watch. If they see us they will run to their people. Then they will kill Spotted Deer."
They saw nothing to arouse their suspicions, and at sunset they stopped at a little spring in the bottom of a wooded ravine. They soon found signs which made it plain that their foes had spent the night at that place.
"These people did not make a fire," said Running Fox. "I believe they were afraid. Perhaps they thought some one was close behind them."
"Perhaps some of the Mohawks followed them," Crooked Foot told him.
"No," replied Running Fox. "Those Mohawks came to get their canoes. When they got them they went away. They were close to our village. They were afraid of our people."
"Yes, I saw them go away," said Dancing Owl.
They spent the night in the ravine, and at dawn they again set out on the trail. It was not long before they found signs which gave evidence that the Shawnees were advancing with less caution. The Delawares believed that they were approaching the Shawnee camp. The thought roused them to their peril. They realized that at any moment they might encounter a company of Shawnee scouts.
"We have come into the country of our enemies," running Fox warned them. "We must watch out."
A moment later he stopped suddenly and picked something from the ground. He stared at it in amazement. Then his face lighted with joy. He began to laugh. He held a buckskin knife-sheath above his head.
"See!" he cried, "Spotted Deer has left a sign. This thing belongs to him."
His companions crowded eagerly about him. They passed the knife-sheath from one to the other. It was of Delaware workmanship and bore a design similar to the one which they had seen on the blade of the paddle. There was no doubt that it belonged to Spotted Deer. They felt sure that the crafty young warrior had purposely dropped it to guide them on the trail. The thought filled them with hope.
"It is good," said Running Fox. "Now we know that Spotted Deer is in the Shawnee camp."
Although he fully understood the peril to which Spotted Deer was exposed, Running Fox was greatly relieved to know that his friend had escaped falling into the hands of the Mohawks. Aware of the intense hatred which those fierce foes had for Spotted Deer and himself, he knew that they would have wasted little time before taking vengeance upon the unfortunate captive. He was somewhat more hopeful, however, of finding Spotted Deer alive in the Shawnee camp.
"Here are more signs," he told his friends.
They loitered for a moment to examine a freshly broken branch. It had been twisted toward the west. They knew, at once, that it was the work of Spotted Deer.
"The Shawnees have untied the hands of Spotted Deer," laughed Yellow Wolf. "See how he is using them."
They continued to find other clews. Bent twigs, broken branches and loosened stones appeared at frequent intervals. The trail, too, had become wide and plain. It was evident that Spotted Deer was using his feet as well as his hands to leave signals for his friends. His stratagem made it possible for them to hurry along with little uncertainty. Then they came to a spot where the undergrowth was broken and trampled. They stopped to examine it.
"Some one fell down at this place," Running Fox said, soberly.
He stooped and began to look closely at the broken bushes. Then he examined the ground. His companions believed that he was searching for evidence to prove that Spotted Deer had been injured. They, too, looked upon the spot with alarm. They feared that the Shawnees might have suddenly detected Spotted Deer in the act of leaving a clew, and struck him down in their anger.
"Perhaps the Shawnees have killed our brother," said Running Fox, as his eyes flashed threateningly. "Come, look through the bushes."
Alarmed by his words, the Delawares separated and circled carefully about the spot. They searched faithfully but found nothing to confirm their fears.
"It is good," said Running Fox. "We will go ahead."
New clews assured them that Spotted Deer had passed the spot in safety. Encouraged by the thought, they rushed along at a furious pace. Running Fox was determined to reach the Shawnee village at the earliest possible moment.
"We must go fast," he said. "Perhaps the Shawnees are about to kill Spotted Deer."
The possibility roused the Delawares to frantic efforts and they sped through the woods with no thought of fatigue. Shortly after midday they came upon the place where the Shawnees had spent the third night. They saw the ashes from a fire, and they believed that the nearness of the village had made the Shawnees bold.
"Come, we must go faster," cried Running Fox, as he hurried on.
Darkness had already fallen when they finally stopped on the summit of a steep, wooded ridge. Then as they looked down into the valley on the other side, they suddenly discovered the fires in the Shawnee village. For some moments they looked in silence. They thought of Spotted Deer and their hearts filled with ominous doubts. Was he still alive?
"Well, my brothers, there is the camp of our enemies, the Shawnees," said Running Fox. "Pretty soon some of us will go down there and try to find Spotted Deer. If he is alive, we will take him away. If he is dead, I will rush into the camp and kill many Shawnees."
The Shawnee camp was brightly illuminated by the glow from the fires, and the Delawares saw many people passing about. The Shawnees appeared to be engaged in their ordinary tasks, and there was nothing to indicate that anything of importance was taking place. The Delawares noted that the village was located beside a river. They saw the light reflected on the water.
"I have seen that camp before," said Yellow Wolf. "It is close by a big river. It is a long ways from the edge of the woods. The ground around it is bare. There are many high logs stuck in the ground around the village. It will be hard to get into it."
Running Fox listened in silence. He suddenly realized the difficulty of his task. If the camp was surrounded by a log stockade, he knew it would be impossible to see anything of Spotted Deer without entering the village. He had little hope of being able to accomplish that perilous feat. He knew that even if he should succeed in getting into the camp, it might be impossible to locate and reach Spotted Deer. For the moment he lost confidence. Then he suddenly realized that Spotted Deer had relied on him. The clews which he had left along the way took on a new significance. Running Fox accepted them as mute appeals for aid from the friend who more than once had risked death to help him. The thought stirred him. He determined to sacrifice his life if necessary in an attempt to free Spotted Deer.
"Getanittowit will help me," he murmured.
"It will be hard to get down to that place," Painted Hawk said, suddenly.
"There is a trail that goes down there, but it is very steep," Yellow Wolf told him. "A long time ago I was with some scouts, and we came over here and found out about this place."
"It would be foolish to follow that trail," Running Fox told them. "Perhaps the Shawnees are watching."
"Well, Running Fox, you are the leader, tell us what you propose to do," said Painted Hawk.
"I am going to ask Yellow Wolf and Dancing Owl to go down there with me," said Running Fox. "I am going to ask the rest of you to wait up here. I cannot tell you what we are going to do. I do not know how to get into that camp. I do not know how to find out about Spotted Deer. I am going down there to look around. If we do not come back before it gets light you will know that something bad has happened to us. If you hear the call of Gokhos three times, you must come to us. If you do not hear it, then you must wait until it gets light."
"We will keep your words," Painted Hawk told him. "If the Shawnees catch you, one of us will go and tell our people. Two will keep watching. Then we will bring a big war party to get you."
"It is good," said Running Fox. "Come, my friends, we will go."
A moment afterward the three daring scouts disappeared into the night. Their departure filled their friends with doubts. They knew the peril to which Running Fox and his companions were exposing themselves, and they had grave fears for their safety.
"Our brothers are brave," Painted Hawk declared, hopefully. "I believe they will fool the Shawnees. Yes, I believe we will see them again."
Running Fox made no attempt to find the trail of which Yellow Wolf had spoken, but turned directly down the side of the ridge. The way was steep and perilous, and they proceeded with great caution. The night was black and starless and great Mauwallauwin hid behind the clouds. Running Fox was thankful for the darkness. He knew that it would make it easier to approach the Shawnee camp.
"Mauwallauwin is helping us," he said. "He has put away his light so that the Shawnees cannot see us."
When they finally reached the base of the ridge they stopped at the edge of the timber to watch and listen for their foes. They found a wide stretch of barren ground between them and the Shawnee village.
"That is a bad place," declared Dancing Owl. "If the Shawnees catch us out there, it will be hard to get away."
"We must be cautious," Running Fox told him.
Then as they heard nothing to alarm them, they left the shelter of the woods, and moved slowly across the open ground. As they approached the village they suddenly thought of the dogs. There was little doubt that some of them were prowling about outside the camp.
"If they smell us they will make a great noise," said Yellow Wolf.
Running Fox moistened his finger and held it above his head to test the wind. It came from the direction of the village. The discovery somewhat relieved their anxiety. There was less probability of the dogs catching their scent. Then they suddenly heard something which brought them to a standstill. It was the call of Gokhotit, the little red owl. It sounded over near the edge of the timber. It was a favorite signal between Spotted Deer and Running Fox. The latter thrilled as he heard it. A great hope rose in his heart. Twice it sounded softly through the night and then it ceased.
"Listen!" Running Fox whispered, excitedly. "That is a signal. I have heard Spotted Deer use it many times. Perhaps he is hiding over there. Come, we will go over there and find out who it is."
They turned and hurried toward the place where they had heard the call. The possibility of finding Spotted Deer made their hearts beat wildly. As they drew near the timber they became more cautious. They realized that the call might have been made by a Shawnee, and they determined to be on their guard. When they finally came within bow-shot of the woods they stopped and listened. Then the call was repeated directly ahead of them. There was something weird and mysterious about it as it rose tremulously through the night.
"Now watch out!" Running Fox warned, as he fitted an arrow to his bow.
Then he replied to the signal. His call was soft and low and only sufficiently loud to reach the ears of the mysterious caller at the edge of the woods. The Delawares listened anxiously as it died away. A moment afterward they heard an answer. It, too, was low and guarded.
"It is mysterious," said Yellow Wolf.
"I believe it is Spotted Deer," declared Dancing Owl.
"Be cautious," Running Fox warned him.
Alert, and ready to defend themselves, they advanced carefully toward the timber. When they were within easy speaking distance they stopped. Then Running Fox called softly.
"Spotted Deer," he said.
"Spotted Deer is in the Shawnee village," replied a voice from the darkness.
It was the voice of a young boy or a woman and the Delawares turned to one another in surprise. For some moments they remained silent while they tried to solve the mystery. Many thoughts passed through their minds. Had some wily Shawnee scout discovered them and prepared a clever stratagem to lure them to their death? Had Spotted Deer found a friend among the Shawnees? Was it one of their own people? Before they could arrive at a decision the strange voice again sounded from the woods.
"Do not be afraid, Delawares," it said. "I have come here to help you. Perhaps I can save Spotted Deer. You must listen to my words."
"Who are you?" demanded Yellow Wolf.
"The Shawnees call me the Mystery Woman."
"It is a Medicine Person," Running Fox whispered, uneasily. "We must listen to her words. Perhaps she will help us."
"Do not try to kill me," said the mysterious person in the timber. "If you kill me, Spotted Deer will surely die."
"No, my friend, we will not kill you," Running Fox assured her.
"Then I will tell you what to do," she said.
"We will come over there and talk with you," proposed Running Fox.
"No, no, stay where you are," she commanded, impatiently. "Come, there is little time. Close your mouth and open your ears."
"We will listen," Running Fox told her.
"Well, Delawares, I will tell you that the Shawnees have caught your brother, Spotted Deer," she told them. "He is tied up in the Shawnee camp. You cannot reach him. Scouts are watching around the camp. If you try to get into the village you will surely be killed. Now listen sharp to what I am about to tell you. The Shawnees are going to kill Spotted Deer. They are going to kill him when the great chief Big Dog returns from the hunt. He will come before two suns pass. That is why I came here to find you. Spotted Deer says his people will come. He says his friend Running Fox will come."
"I am here," said Running Fox.
"It is good," she replied. "How many have come?"
The Delawares remained silent. The question made them suspicious. They feared that this mysterious woman might be attempting to gain information for their foes.
"Well, I see that you are cautious," she laughed. "It is good. Now I will tell you what to do. Red Dog will cross this ridge. He will come along a steep trail that comes down from the top of the ridge. Two great warriors will come with him. They are Many Beavers and Striking Bear. They are very brave. When those warriors come to the Shawnee village, Spotted Deer must die. If they do not come, perhaps I can help him. Now you know about it. I have finished."
"My friend, you have spoken big words," said Running Fox. "I do not know who you are but my heart is good toward you. I believe you are trying to help us. It is good."
They waited some moments but there was no response. The silence aroused their fears. They looked anxiously into the darkness. They listened for the approach of stealthy footsteps. There was no hint of danger.
"Come, my friend, give us some more words," Running Fox said, finally.
The appeal was futile. The strange voice had ceased. The Delawares became uneasy. They wondered if they had been conversing with one of the mysterious Medicine Beings. Then they heard the call of Gokhotit, the little red owl. It was far away toward the Shawnee village.
"She has gone," said Yellow Wolf.
"Perhaps she will tell Spotted Deer about us," Running Fox said, hopefully.
"Do you believe her words?" Dancing Owl asked, anxiously.
"Yes," said Running Fox. "I believe she came here to help us. I cannot tell about it. It is mysterious. Perhaps Getanittowit sent her here. I believe something good will come of it."
"Well, I do not know what to make of it," declared Dancing Owl. "Are you going to the Shawnee camp?"
"No," replied Running Fox. "I believe it would be foolish. It would be hard to get into that camp. If we go over there and get caught, Big Dog and his friends will come to the camp. Then we will all be killed. Anyway I believe that strange woman is a Medicine Person. If we make her mad, much harm may come of it. I am going to turn around. We will go back and tell our brothers about it."
"It is the best thing to do," said Yellow Wolf.
Although the mysterious stranger had assured them that the trail to the top of the ridge was unguarded, the Delawares believed that the more difficult route through the woods might be safer. As they began the steep, exhausting climb, the clouds suddenly broke and Mauwallauwin flooded the valley with his soft, mystic light.
"It is a good sign," declared Running Fox. "Great Mauwallauwin has sent the light to show us the way."
When they finally reached the summit of the ridge they hastened to the spot where they had left their friends. The latter were greatly surprised at the sudden return.
"You have come back—it is good," said Painted Hawk. "Now I know that my brother Spotted Deer is alive."
"Yes, he is alive," Running Fox told him.
"Did you see him?" Crooked Foot asked, eagerly.
"No," replied Running Fox.
"Then how do you know about it?" Turning Eagle inquired, curiously.
"Listen, my friends, I will tell you about it," said Running Fox. "Something mysterious has happened to us. We were going to the Shawnee camp. Then we heard the call of Gokhotit, the little red owl. It is the signal which Spotted Deer makes. It was very soft. It came from the timber. We stopped. I began to think about Spotted Deer. Then we heard it again. We went toward the place where it was. We said, 'Perhaps it is Spotted Deer.' We could not tell about it. We were very cautious. When we got close, we got ready to fight. We said, 'Perhaps it is the Shawnees.' Then I made the call. Pretty soon we heard it come back. It was close by. Then I called out very soft. I said, 'Spotted Deer.' Pretty soon some one talked to us. 'Spotted Deer is in the Shawnee camp,' that person told us. It sounded like an old woman. We looked hard but we could not see any one. It was very dark. Perhaps that is why we could not see that person. Perhaps there was no one there. I cannot tell about it. It sounded mysterious. We kept still. We did not know what to do."
"Yes, yes, tell us about it," Turning Eagle said, eagerly, as Running Fox paused.
"Well, my brothers, pretty soon that voice came again," said Running Fox. "It said, 'Do not be afraid, Delawares. I have come here to help you. Perhaps I can save Spotted Deer. You must listen to my words.'
"When we heard those words we did not know what to do. Then I called out. I said, 'Who are you?'
"'The Shawnees call me the Mystery Woman,' that voice told us.
"Then I said, 'It is a Medicine Person.'
"Well, my friends, then we listened sharp. That person told us what we went down there to find out about. Now I will tell you about it. Spotted Deer is tied up in the Shawnee camp. The Shawnees will kill him when Big Dog, the great Shawnee chief, returns from the hunt. Big Dog will cross this ridge. Big Dog will go down that trail that Yellow Wolf told us about. That mysterious person told us that we must not go to the camp. Scouts are watching around the village. That person told us we would surely be killed if we tried to go there.
"Then the voice stopped coming to us. We waited a long time. We listened sharp. We did not hear anything. Then I called out. Nothing came back. We waited a long time. Then I called out again. Nothing came back. Then we heard the call of Gokhotit, the little red owl. It was far away near the Shawnee village. Then we turned around and came here. Now I have told you about it."
"Running Fox, if that person was a Medicine Person a great thing has happened to you," said Crooked Foot. "It is mysterious."
"My brothers, I do not like this thing," Painted Hawk declared, uneasily. "Perhaps that mysterious person was a Shawnee. Perhaps the Shawnees are trying to catch us. Perhaps they are trying to keep us here until a war party comes out from the village."
"Yes, I believe that is what they are trying to do," agreed Turning Eagle. "We must watch out."
"My friends, I do not believe the Shawnees had anything to do with it," Running Fox told them. "Perhaps it was a mysterious Medicine Person. Perhaps it was some one else. I do not know who it was. But I believe that person came there to help us. I believe the words of that person. Come, Yellow Wolf, you are a great warrior, tell us how you feel about it."
"Yes, Yellow Wolf, you heard this thing, tell us about it," urged Painted Hawk.
"My friends, I believe we must do what that person told us to do," said Yellow Wolf. "I do not know who it was but I believe what Running Fox says is true. I believe that person came there to help us."
"Running Fox, you are a great war leader; Yellow Wolf, you are a great scout; we will listen to your words," said Painted Hawk.
"It is good," replied Running Fox. "Now I will tell you what I propose to do. Yellow Wolf, you must lead us to that trail. Some of us will stay at the top. Some of us will go down and watch below. Two must watch. The rest must lie down and sleep. I will watch below. Yellow Wolf, you must watch at the top. If the Shawnees try to come up that trail, I will hear them. If Big Dog tries to go down that trail, Yellow Wolf will hear him. I will ask Painted Hawk and Turning Eagle to go with me. Crooked Foot and Dancing Owl must stay with Yellow Wolf."
Yellow Wolf led the way along the crest of the ridge until they came to the place where the steep, narrow trail wound down the hillside. Then they separated to carry out the instructions of Running Fox.
"If you hear the call of Gokhos three times, you will know that there is danger," Running Fox explained as he departed down the hillside.
The Delawares took turns at watching through the night, but they neither saw nor heard anything to alarm them. At daylight they met at the top of the ridge. Then Running Fox announced another important discovery.
"My friends, when we were coming up here we found many tracks on that trail," he said. "Yes, Spotted Deer went down there. We found his tracks."
"How do you know that," Painted Hawk asked, curiously.
"We saw some places where some one slid along," said Running Fox. "That person could not use his hands to hold himself back. Then we said, 'That person was a prisoner.' Then we knew it was Spotted Deer."
Having passed the night without alarm, and discovered signs which seemed to prove that Spotted Deer had passed along the trail, the Delawares became less suspicious of the mysterious stranger. It appeared as if her words had been verified.
"I believe what that mysterious person told us is true," said Turning Eagle.
"Well, she did not send the Shawnees here," said Running Fox. "Perhaps Big Dog will come. We must keep watching."
"Is Big Dog alone?" inquired Painted Hawk.
"No," said Running Fox. "Two warriors are with him. That mysterious person told us about them. They are Many Beavers and Striking Bear. She says they are very brave."
"If she knows these things, she must be a Shawnee," declared Crooked Foot. "If she is a Shawnee, I believe she is trying to fool us."
"I believe she knows these things because she is a great Medicine Person," Running Fox told him. "If she is a Shawnee, how does she know about that signal? Spotted Deer did not tell the Shawnees about it. My brothers, I do not know who that strange person is, but I believe she is working against the Shawnees. I believe she is trying to help us."
His confidence quieted the suspicions of his friends. They, too, began to rely upon the aid of the mysterious stranger. Having discovered them near the village, it was evident that she had concealed the fact from the Shawnees. The Delawares took hope in the thought.
"Well, we will wait here and see if her words come true," said Yellow Wolf.
"Yes, we will watch for Big Dog," Running Fox told him.
For some time the Delawares fixed their attention upon the Shawnee camp. They particularly noted the high log stockade which inclosed the village on three sides. The only approach was from the river.
"That is a bad place to get into," said Painted Hawk.
The others nodded a solemn assent. They realized that the crafty Shawnees had made their village almost impregnable, and there seemed to be little chance of freeing Spotted Deer.
"My friends, there is no use of feeling bad about this thing," Running Fox told them. "We came here to help Spotted Deer. We must go through with it."
"How do you propose to do this thing?" Painted Hawk asked him.
"I cannot tell you that until I find out about the Shawnee chief," said Running Fox.
At that moment their thoughts were diverted by the sudden appearance of three canoes. They had moved out from the shore and turned up the river. There were two paddlers in each canoe. The Delawares watched closely.
"It is bad," declared Painted Hawk. "Perhaps those warriors are going to meet their chief. Perhaps he will come to the camp in one of those canoes."
"No, I do not believe it," Running Fox told him. "That mysterious person says that Big Dog will cross the ridge. Then he must be coming from the-place-where-the-sun-appears. Those Shawnees are going toward Lowan, the Cold Place."
"Yes, that is true," said Yellow Wolf. "I do not believe they are going to meet Big Dog. I believe they are going up the river to hunt."
Somewhat relieved by the opinions of the two famous warriors, the little company of Delawares sought to banish the doubts which had entered their minds. They had great confidence in Running Fox and they believed he would find a way to overcome the difficulty. Their only fear was that he might have been deceived by the words of the stranger whom he had encountered near the Shawnee camp. Running Fox, however, seemed confident that she was attempting to help them.
They watched patiently through the day, but Big Dog and his friends failed to appear. Then as the evening shadows settled in the valley, they saw the three canoes returning to the camp. There were only two warriors in each canoe. The Delawares felt greatly relieved.
"Well, Big Dog did not come with them," said Painted Hawk. "See, Yellow Wolf, your words have come true."
The paddlers had come ashore, and were carrying the carcass of a deer or an elk toward the camp. It was evident that they were hunters. Having entered the village, they were immediately followed by a great company of people. They made a great commotion and the sounds of rejoicing reached the scouts on top of the ridge.
"They have brought meat—the Shawnees feel good," said Turning Eagle.
Then as darkness closed down and the fires began to twinkle in the Shawnee camp, Running Fox resolved to return to the base of the ridge. He hoped again to meet the mysterious stranger whom he had encountered the previous night. This time, however, he determined to go alone.
"My brothers, pretty soon I am going down there," he said. "Perhaps I will find that mysterious person. Perhaps she will tell me something different."
Each of his friends was eager to accompany him. He refused them and insisted upon going alone.
"It is foolish to go down there alone," Crooked Foot warned him. "Perhaps that person will bring some Shawnees to catch you."
"I will be cautions," Running Fox assured him.
A few moments afterward he departed upon his perilous mission. He reached the base of the ridge in safety, and stopped to search the wide stretch of barren ground that surrounded the camp. The sky was clear and cloudless, and Mauwallauwin had driven the night shadows far back into the depths of the forest. Running Fox realized that it would be folly to expose himself in the open. He moved along at the edge of the timber until he approached the spot where he had encountered the stranger. Then he stopped to listen. He waited a long time but the only sounds came from the camp. Still he determined to loiter.
"Perhaps she will come," he told himself.
Then he heard something moving through the woods behind him. He fitted an arrow to his bow and listened sharply. The warning of Crooked Foot suddenly came to his mind. He realized that he was exposing himself to great peril. The thought made him as alert and watchful as Nianque, the lynx. Having stationed himself in the shadows beneath a great spruce, he had little fear of being seen. The sound had ceased. Running Fox wondered if the prowler had become suspicious. Perhaps he, too, was listening. Then Running Fox heard the soft, querulous call of Gokhotit, the little red owl. It seemed within several bow-lengths of him. The signal thrilled him. He looked eagerly toward the sound but the caller was concealed in the darkness. Running Fox feared to reply. He listened anxiously for the sound of voices. The silence reassured him. It was evident that the caller was alone. Many moments passed, and still he remained silent. Then the call was repeated. It was a perfect imitation and Running Fox admired the skill of the one who had given it. Then he answered it. The notes had barely died away before the same weird voice addressed him from the night.
"You have come—it is good," it said. "Are you alone?"
For a moment Running Fox hesitated to reply. The question made him suspicious. His silence seemed to anger the stranger.
"Come, come, do not be so cautious," she said, irritably. "If you are afraid of me, run away like Muschgingus, the rabbit, and leave your brother to die."
The taunt roused his anger. He instantly accepted the challenge.
"Hi, woman, take care," he said, warningly. "Those are bad words to speak to a Delaware. Now listen to what I am going to tell you. I came here because I am not afraid of you. If you have something to tell me, speak. I will listen."
"It is good," said the stranger. "I see that you are brave like your brother, Spotted Deer. Well, my son, I will not bring any harm upon you. I have come here to tell you something. Now listen to my words."
"Wait," interrupted Running Fox. "Are you alone?"
"Yes."
"Then go over there in that light place and sit down."
"No, no, I am going to stay here," she insisted.
Her caution dispelled the suspicions of Running Fox. He realized that if she had intended to betray him into ambush she would have accepted his offer. He began to feel secure.
"Well, do as you like about it," he said.
"I have talked with your brother about you," she told him. "Spotted Deer feels strong because you are near. He says you will do something big. Now you must listen to my words. Do not try to go into that camp. It is useless. If you go there you will surely die with Spotted Deer. There is only one thing to do. You must watch until Big Dog comes. Then you must kill him. You must also kill those two great warriors. It will be a hard thing to do, but you must be strong. Then perhaps I will be able to get Spotted Deer out of the camp before the Shawnees kill him. There is not much time. They are talking bad against him. If Big Dog does not come into the camp before the third sun comes, I believe they will kill your brother."
"Woman, you speak big words," declared Running Fox. "I told my friends about them. They said, 'Perhaps that person is a Shawnee. Perhaps she is trying to fool you.' We have watched sharp. One sun has passed. Big Dog has not come."
"Listen, you Delaware," she said, angrily. "If you do not believe my words, then shake them from your ears and go away. One sun has passed. Another will soon come. Before that sun goes away Big Dog will cross that ridge. He will come down that trail. Now I have told you about it. If I get Spotted Deer out of the camp I will send him up there on the ridge to look for you. Tell your friends that they are foolish to talk against me. Pretty soon they will see that I have done a big thing for them. Now I am going away."
"Wait," urged Running Fox. "Tell me who you are? Do you live in the Shawnee camp?"
There was no response. Made reckless by his eagerness to learn the identity of his mysterious ally, he moved stealthily toward the spot where he had heard her. The maneuver was useless. She had gone.
"Well, she must be a great Medicine Person," Running Fox told himself. "I believe she will give me power to help Spotted Deer."
Encouraged by the thought, he hastened away to take her message to his friends. He had barely begun to climb when he heard the dogs barking furiously at the Shawnee camp. He stopped and listened uneasily. Then, as the racket ended as suddenly as it began, he wondered if the strange Mystery Woman had entered the village.
"My friends, I have talked with that mysterious person and nothing bad has happened to me," Running Fox told his companions. "Now I know that she is trying to help us."
"Tell us her words," Painted Hawk said, eagerly.
"She says that Spotted Deer knows about us," Running Fox told them. "She says that he feels strong about it. She says that Big Dog and his brothers will cross this bridge before the next sun goes away. She says we must stop them. She says if they get away, Spotted Deer must die. My brothers, I believe the words of that mysterious person. I believe she is a good friend."
"Do you know who she is?" inquired Painted Hawk.
"No," replied Running Fox. "When I asked her about it she went away. I crept ahead to stop her. When I got there she was gone. It is mysterious. It must be that she is a great Medicine Person."
"Well, if she feels good toward us, perhaps she will give us power to do big things," Dancing Owl suggested, hopefully. "Perhaps she will tell us how to get into the Shawnee camp."
"No, I do not believe she will tell us how to do that," said Running Fox. "She says it would be a foolish thing to do. She says we would be killed. She says we must catch Big Dog. Then she will try to get Spotted Deer away."
"Pretty soon we will see if her words come true," said Turning Eagle.
They again took turns at watching, but the night passed without incident. They became convinced that the Shawnees were ignorant of their presence on the ridge. It seemed certain, therefore, that the mysterious stranger had failed to betray them to their foes.
"Well, my brothers, if that mysterious person did not tell the Shawnees about us she must be trying to help us," said Painted Hawk. "I do not know what to make of it. I believe she must be a Medicine Person. Perhaps Getanittowit sent her here to do this thing."
As the sun rose above the eastern hills, the Delawares suddenly realized that the fate of Spotted Deer might be settled before it finally crossed the sky and disappeared into the west. The thought made them serious. If the words of their unknown ally proved true, they believed that the life of their friend depended upon their vigilance. If the Shawnee chief eluded them, they feared that Spotted Deer would die before the dawn of another day. Having learned that the chief and his companions were expected to approach from the east, they turned their attention to that side of the ridge.
Then, as they waited for the appearance of their foes, Running Fox began to study the possibilities for saving Spotted Deer. A number of disquieting questions rose in his mind. Suppose they should kill Big Dog and his companions, would the mysterious Medicine Person be able to delay the execution of Spotted Deer? He had strong doubts of it. She had warned him that the Shawnees were growing impatient. She believed that if Big Dog failed to arrive at the camp before another sun rose, the Shawnees would kill spotted Deer. The possibility filled Running Fox with alarm. He suddenly determined that it would be a blunder to kill the Shawnee chief.
"See, my friends, the sun is high overhead," said Running Fox. "The day is passing. Pretty soon Big Dog and his friends will come. Yes, I believe we will see them before the sun goes away. Now I will give you some words. I feel different about this thing. I believe it would be foolish to kill Big Dog and his friends. We must catch them and keep them alive. It will be a hard thing to do but I believe it is the only way to save Spotted Deer. I am the leader. You must do as I tell you."
His companions turned to him in amazement. They wondered if their ears had deceived them. It seemed impossible that Running Fox could have arrived at such an astounding decision. They waited for an explanation.
"My brothers, I see that my words sound bad in your ears," he said. "It is because you do not know what I propose to do. I cannot tell you that, until we catch the Shawnee chief. Now I will tell you what you must do. I will ask Yellow Wolf and Dancing Owl to stay over here with me. The rest of you must hide along the other side of the trail. Put away your bows. Keep your war clubs in your hands. If Big Dog and his friends walk between us, rush out and strike them down. Strike hard enough to make them sleep, but do not try to kill them. Then I will tell you what to do."
At that moment Dancing Owl placed his finger across his lips and pointed warningly down the eastern side of the ridge. The Delawares listened in great suspense. Then they heard voices. Some one was climbing up the slope.
"Hide yourselves!" whispered Running Fox.
They separated, and concealed themselves on each side of the trail. They held their war clubs in their hands and watched anxiously for the appearance of the three Shawnee hunters. It was not long before they heard them close at hand.
"Get ready," Running Fox cautioned his companions.
A moment later the Shawnees appeared. The Delawares were overjoyed to see each of their foes bowed beneath a heavy load of game. It was a severe handicap, and placed the Shawnees at a great disadvantage. They were panting heavily from their exertions in climbing the ridge. Having reached the top, they stopped and looked upon the camp. The Delawares waited in breathless suspense. They feared that at any moment the Shawnees might raise a shout to announce their return. As the possibility filled him with fear, Running Fox was tempted to drive his arrows through them. At that instant, however, the Shawnees turned and approached the trail.
The Delawares were well hidden, and they had little fear of being seen. The Shawnees showed no signs of suspicion. They came to the head of the trail and turned to follow it down the hillside. At that instant Running Fox gave the signal and the Delawares rushed from cover. The astounded Shawnees had little chance to defend themselves. Hampered by their heavy packs, they were attacked with a grim, silent ferocity that threw them into confusion. Before they could rally they were struck down.
"Come, pull off these packs!" cried Running Fox, as he dropped to his knees beside his unconscious foe and began untying the pack thongs.
When the Shawnees regained consciousness some time later, they found themselves powerless. Their feet and hands were tightly bound with the rawhide thongs from the packs, and they were gagged with heavy pieces of buckskin which had been cut from their shirts. Unable to move or speak, they glared defiantly into the faces of the triumphant Delawares who stooped over them and laughed gleefully. Then they seized their helpless captives and carried them some distance along the ridge.
"It is good," laughed Turning Eagle. "The mysterious—"
"Sh," Running Fox cautioned, "the Shawnees have ears."
"Yes, yes, be cautious," warned Yellow Wolf.