For some time the Delawares studied the prisoners in silence. Then Dancing Owl suddenly recognized one of them. He was one of the warriors who had captured him the year before. The hot-tempered young Delaware immediately began to taunt and tantalize his foe.
"Well, Shawnee, I have caught you," he laughed. "How do you feel about it? Do you know who I am? Yes, yes, I see that you are afraid of me. You were very fierce when you caught me. Perhaps I will kill you. Then we will see how brave you are."
His friends listened with delight. They laughed scornfully as the enraged Shawnee glared helplessly at his conqueror. Then they attempted to identify Big Dog, the Shawnee chief. Running Fox realized that unless he could learn which of the prisoners was Big Dog, it would be impossible to carry out the daring, plan by which he hoped to rescue Spotted Deer. He studied the Shawnees with great care. They seemed about of an age. All were men in the full prime of life. Two were of strong and muscular physique. The third was lithe and sinewy. The latter was the one whom Dancing Owl had recognized. All had the stern, fearless face and bold eyes of the seasoned warrior. As there was no distinction in dress or bearing, Running Fox found nothing to guide him to a decision. He resolved to consult his friends.
"Turning Eagle, stay here and watch," he said. "Come, my brothers, follow me."
When they were safely beyond hearing of their foes, the five Delawares seated themselves to talk.
"My brothers, we have done a good thing," said Running Fox. "The words of that mysterious Medicine Person have come true. She is a good friend. We must try to find out who she is. But first we must find out about Big Dog. I cannot go ahead with what I intend to do until I find out which one of those warriors is Big Dog. Do any of you know him?"
His friends shook their heads.
"Well, can any of you pick him out?"
"Did the Medicine Person tell you how to know him?" inquired Painted Hawk.
"No," said Running Fox. "I was foolish; I did not ask about it."
"It will be a hard thing to find out," declared Crooked Foot. "I looked sharp at these warriors but I cannot tell you what you wish to know."
"I do not believe that warrior I talked to is Big Dog," said Dancing Owl. "He was not the leader of those warriors who caught me. A great chief is always the leader."
"Yes, yes, that is true," agreed his companions. "One of the others must be Big Dog."
Running Fox had already reached that conclusion. He was glad to hear it indorsed by his friends. Still he realized that even with one of the warriors eliminated it would be quite as difficult to learn which of the others was Big Dog. Aware that a mistake might prove fatal, he resolved to do nothing until he became certain of the identity of the Shawnee chief.
"My friends, we must be sure about this thing," he said. "Now I will tell you how to find out about it. Yellow Wolf, you speak Shawnee words. You must talk to those warriors. Be sharp. Try to catch them."
"Yes, Yellow Wolf, you must try to fool them," said Crooked Foot.
"Well, I will see what I can do about it," agreed Yellow Wolf.
They rose and returned to the prisoners. The sun was dropping toward the western ridges. The day was far spent. Running Fox was impatient. He had planned to make his bold attempt to free Spotted Deer early in the night. He realized that there was little time to learn what he wished to know. He watched anxiously as Yellow Wolf approached the Shawnees and addressed them in their dialect.
"Come, come, Big Dog, open your eyes," he said, sharply, as he studied the faces of his foes.
Two of the Shawnees glanced quickly at their companion. His face clouded with anger. Yellow Wolf laughed and turned to Running Fox.
"There is the great chief Big Dog," he said, as he pointed toward the Shawnee who had been betrayed by his friends.
"It is good," declared Running Fox.
As Turning Eagle continued to watch the prisoners, the other Delawares again withdrew to talk. Then Running Fox explained his plans.
"Yellow Wolf, you are as sly as Sanquen, the weasel," he laughed. "My brothers, Yellow Wolf found out what we wished to know. It is good. Now I will tell you what I propose to do. I am going to talk to those Shawnees. I am going to tell them about Spotted Deer. I am going to tell them that they must help us. I am going to ask one of those warriors to go to the Shawnee village with me. I am going to ask him to talk to his people. When he gives them my words, I believe they will let Spotted Deer walk out."
"Running Fox, if you do this thing I believe you will surely be killed," Painted Hawk declared, soberly.
"That Shawnee will tell his people to kill you," said Dancing Owl.
"No, I do not believe it," replied Running Fox. "Come, we will go and tell the Shawnees about it. You must listen sharp to my words."
When they reached the captives, Running Fox stooped and stared steadily into the face of Big Dog. The eyes of the Shawnee blazed with hate. The Delaware straightened and began to speak.
"Big Dog, do you know the words of my people?" he asked.
The Shawnee gave no sign that he understood. Running Fox felt sure that he was attempting to deceive. He waited some moments, and then he resumed speaking.
"If you do not know my words there is no chance for you," he said. "I have come here to give you a chance for your life. Now listen sharp to what I am about to tell you. Your people have caught my brother, Spotted Deer. He is tied up in your village. I believe your people are about to kill him. If they kill him you must die. We have come here to take Spotted Deer away. You are a great chief. If you speak to your people they will listen. You must tell them to let Spotted Deer go. If you do that no harm will come to you. Come, be quick, give me a sign."
For several moments the Shawnee remained motionless. Then he glanced at his companions. His eyes questioned them. The Delawares watched closely. Would he yield? Their hopes died as the stern Shawnee chief stared defiantly at Running Fox. The latter still waited. He began to wonder if the Shawnee really understood his words.
"Well, Shawnee, I see that we must kill you," he said, finally. "Come, my brothers, the foolish Shawnees wish to die."
The Delawares drew their bows and advanced upon the captives. The latter gave no evidence of fear. Running Fox watched anxiously. He knew that unless he could force the Shawnees to agree to his terms there was slight chance of saving Spotted Deer. It was apparent, however, that Big Dog and his companions intended to defy him. The thought suddenly roused him into a temper. His face grew dark with anger, and his eyes flashed dangerously. He jerked his bow into position and fitted an arrow. Then he drew back the bow-string and aimed the arrow at the heart of Big Dog. At that instant the chief slowly raised himself. Running Fox lowered his bow. His eyes lighted with hope.
"Well, Shawnee, I see that you wish to speak," he said. "It is good. We will listen to your words. But first I will tell you something. If you try to call out when I take that thing away from your mouth I will shoot my arrow through you. Remember those words."
Big Dog nodded. Then Running Fox began to untie the buckskin gag. The other Shawnees watched with interest. It was some moments before Big Dog spoke.
"I heard your words," he said, brusquely.
"Well, how do you feel about it?" inquired Running Fox.
"I will do this thing," said Big Dog.
"It is good," Running Fox told him. "Now you must listen sharp. I know about your brothers. They are Many Beavers and Striking Bear. Do they know my words?"
"Many Beavers knows your words," said Big Dog, as he exchanged glances with the warrior beside him.
"My brothers, let Many Beavers speak," said Running Fox.
Many Beavers sat up and the Delawares removed the gag from his mouth. Then Yellow Wolf drew his knife and sat close beside him.
"If you try to call out I will kill you," he said.
"Now, Shawnees, I will tell you how to keep your lives," Running Fox told them. "I am going into your village with Many Beavers. He must carry the words of Big Dog to his people. He must tell them that Big Dog is a prisoner. He must tell them that, if any harm comes to me, Big Dog will die. He must tell them that Big Dog says to let Spotted Deer walk away with me. He must tell them that if I do not take Spotted Deer to my people before the next sun comes, Big Dog and Striking Bear will die. You have heard my words. If you do this thing we will give you your lives. If anything bad comes of it you must die. I have finished."
Running Fox ceased speaking and watched the Shawnees. For some moments they remained silent. They appeared to be studying his plan. At last Big Dog spoke.
"What you propose to do is foolish," he said. "If you go into my village with Many Beavers, my people will surely kill you. I am the only one who can save you. There is only one way to do this thing. You must go to the village with all three of us. Then no harm will come to you. Then I will tell my people to let your brother walk out. Delaware, I am a great chief. I know about these things. I have told you the best way to do it."
"Shawnee, I am laughing at you," Running Fox told him. "Do you believe you can fool me with those words? No, I will not talk about them. I have told you how to keep your life. Now you must answer. Will you do as I tell you?"
"Yes, I will go to the camp with you," Big Dog replied, craftily.
"Many Beavers will go with me," Running Fox said, angrily. "You will stay here with Striking Bear until I bring back Spotted Deer. Come, I will not talk any more. Will you do this thing?"
"Well, if you wish to throw away your life, I will not stop you," laughed Big Dog.
At the end of the day the Delawares noted sudden activity in the Shawnee camp. It convinced them that the Shawnees were preparing for some unusual event. The village was brightly lighted by several great fires, and the people appeared to be gathering for an important ceremony.
"It is bad," said Painted Hawk, "Something big is going on down there. Perhaps the Shawnees are about to kill Spotted Deer."
"Yes, it is bad," agreed Crooked Foot.
"Perhaps the Shawnees are getting ready for Big Dog," suggested Dancing Owl.
Running Fox offered no opinion. The sudden bustle in the Shawnee camp had aroused his suspicions. He was unwilling to express the fears which had crept into his heart.
"Come, Running Fox, what do you make of it?" Yellow Wolf asked him.
"I believe Spotted Deer is in danger," said Running Fox. "There is no time to spare. I must go."
He hurried to the Shawnee captives. Turning Eagle was watching them. As Running Fox approached, Turning Eagle came to meet him.
"Big Dog and Many Beavers have been talking," he said.
Running Fox seemed unimpressed. He had slight doubt that the crafty Shawnees had discussed the possibility of betraying him into the hands of their people. The thought caused him little anxiety. Having made it plain that his peril was their peril, he believed that they would heed the warning.
"Many Beavers, I have some words for you," he told the Shawnee. "I am going to untie you. I am going with you to the Shawnee camp. If any harm comes to me, Big Dog and Striking Bear will die. If I do not bring back Spotted Deer before another sun comes, then they must die. Now you know about it. If you let your people kill me, you will know that they are also killing your brothers. I have spoken."
He stooped and freed Many Beavers. Then he ordered him to rise. The Shawnee obeyed. The Delawares watched suspiciously. They had serious misgivings about the outcome of the adventure.
"My brothers, keep my words," said Running Fox. "If I do not bring Spotted Deer here before the next sun comes, then you must kill these Shawnees. Then you must go to our people and tell them that I have followed Spotted Deer on the Long Trail."
Then he disappeared into the night with Many Beavers. They followed the steep, hazardous trail toward the river. Mauwallauwin gave them light, but the way was difficult and dangerous. The Shawnee walked ahead. He was without weapons. Running Fox followed close behind him. He was armed with bow and arrows. They traveled in silence. When they reached the end of the trail, the Shawnee led the way across the open stretch of beach that led to the camp.
As they finally drew near the village, they heard sounds which told them that a celebration of some sort was in progress. Running Fox grew anxious. He wondered if he had come too late to save Spotted Deer. A wild chorus of shouts rang through the night, and his courage weakened at the sound. The Shawnee suddenly stopped. Running Fox feared treachery.
"Something big is happening," Many Beavers told him. "I will go ahead and find out about it. Then I will come back and tell you about it."
"No," Running Fox said, sharply. "I will go with you."
"It is bad," the Shawnee warned him. "Perhaps my people are mad. If you go in there they may kill you."
"Big Dog and Striking Bear are on the ridge," Running Fox reminded him, significantly. "I am not afraid. Go into the camp. I will follow you."
Aware that further words would be useless, the Shawnee moved rapidly toward the entrance to the camp. Running Fox followed boldly after him. A few moments later they entered the village. The Shawnees were gathered about a great fire. They suddenly subsided into silent amazement at sight of Many Beavers and his companion. Many Beavers walked directly toward them.
"Keep close beside me," he warned Running Fox.
Once they had identified the Delaware, the Shawnees rushed toward him, calling out threateningly. Many Beavers held up his hand and called out in strong, commanding tones. The Shawnees became quiet. They crowded eagerly about the two warriors and began to speak excitedly to their tribesmen. Running Fox ignored them. He had suddenly discovered Spotted Deer tied to a stake near the fire. Everything else was forgotten. Spotted Deer was apparently unable to see him in the midst of the Shawnees.
"He is alive—it is enough," Running Fox murmured, thankfully.
In the meantime several warriors whom he took to be chiefs had made their way to Many Beavers. They were talking earnestly and the Delaware believed that Many Beavers was giving them the message from Big Dog. He watched closely. Many Beavers waved his arm toward the ridge. He was speaking seriously. The Shawnees showed interest. Then Many Beavers spoke to Running Fox.
"This man is Walking Bear," he said. "He is a great war leader. He will give you some words."
"Delaware, I see you have come to die with your brother," said the Shawnee.
"Those words do not frighten me," Running Fox replied, angrily. "Many Beavers has told you what brings me here. I will not talk about it. Your great chief, Big Dog, and your brother, Striking Bear, are with my people. Do you wish to see them? Then go over there and untie my brother. If we do not go back to that place, your brothers will die. I have finished."
"Hi, Delaware, you speak big words," laughed the Shawnee leader.
At that moment a wild, hysterical laugh echoed through the camp. Then an old woman pushed her way through the crowd, and confronted Running Fox. She was a fierce-looking old creature. For a moment she stared searchingly into his face. Then she turned and addressed the Shawnees. Running Fox longed to know what she said.
"My people, what I dreamed about has come true," cried the old Mystery Woman. "Big Dog is in great danger. You must be careful what you do. Perhaps I can do something to save him. You must listen to my words and do as I tell you."
Her words filled Running Fox with excitement. He had suddenly recognized her voice. He felt sure that she was the mysterious Medicine Woman who had told him about Big Dog. He would have given much to have understood her words. The Shawnees were giving her serious attention. Running Fox took hope.
"She is talking against you," Many Beavers said, treacherously.
Running Fox betrayed no interest. He felt sure, however, that the strange old Medicine Woman would prove a valuable ally. Then Walking Bear, the Shawnee war leader, approached Running Fox and attempted to take his bow. Running Fox drew back threateningly.
"Come, Delaware, give me that bow," the Shawnee cried, angrily.
When Running Fox refused, "Walking Bear called to his people, and several warriors rushed forward and seized the Delaware. They took away his weapons and threw him to the ground. The Shawnees crowded forward to attack him, but Many Beavers and the war leader held them back. Then they tied his hands behind him and permitted him to rise. Running Fox remained calm. He smiled scornfully as the Shawnees led him toward the fire.
"My brother, I see that the Shawnees have caught you," Spotted Deer said, sadly. "It is bad. I am to blame for this. I have brought you here to die."
"No, my brother, we will not die," Running Fox assured him. "I have come here to take you away."
"How can you do that?" Spotted Deer asked, with surprise.
"Watch and listen," said Running Fox.
Many Beavers was talking to the Shawnee leaders. In a few moments he accompanied them to a big lodge near the center of the camp. Most of the Shawnees followed them. A number of warriors, however, seated themselves near the Delawares. The latter had little doubt that the Shawnees had gone to hold a council.
"Pretty soon they will let us walk out," Running Fox said, confidently.
The warriors who were guarding them made it plain that they did not wish them to talk. As the Delawares realized that it might be dangerous to defy them, they became quiet. Then they waited anxiously for the Shawnees to come from the lodge. Several times they heard the voice of the old Mystery Woman. Each of the Delawares longed to tell his friend about her, but feared that the Shawnees who were on guard might understand.
The night was half gone when the Shawnees finally came from the council lodge. They moved silently toward the fire, and seated themselves in a great circle about the Delawares. Then Many Beavers and Walking Bear approached Running Fox. Walking Bear began to speak.
"Delawares, listen to my words," he said. "You have asked us to do a big thing. You are a Delaware. The Delawares are our enemies. The words of our enemies are bad. If we do as you tell us you will go back and kill our brothers. No, Delaware, the Shawnees are not so foolish. Now I will tell you what our people propose to do. You must go back and bring Big Dog and Striking Bear to the river. Then you must make the call of Gokhos, the owl. Then we will send some warriors and your brother out there to meet you. Then we will let our brother walk away with you. Then Big Dog and Striking Bear will come to the camp. It is the only way to save yourself."
"It is useless," said Running Fox. "I see what you are trying to do. You cannot catch us so easy. I have given you my words. A Delaware will carry out what he proposes to do. If you let my brother walk out with me, your chief and Striking Bear will come back to you. If you do not do this thing, they will die when the next sun appears. There is no use of talking any more about it. The night is half gone. That ridge is a long ways off. There is little time. Tell me what you propose to do."
"Yes, Delaware, I will tell you!" Walking Bear shouted, furiously. "I intend to kill you. Then I will lead a war party to kill your friends on that ridge. That is what I propose to do."
He turned and began a fiery speech to his people. His words brought them to their feet, and roused them into a passion. As he continued speaking, they began to cry out and shake their fists at the Delawares. It was evident that the Shawnee war leader was deliberately inciting them to scorn the warning of Many Beavers and take vengeance upon their foes. As he finished talking, most of the warriors ran to the lodges and returned with their weapons. Then they formed a circle about the Delawares. Running Fox was seized and bound to the stake with Spotted Deer.
"Listen, you great war leader," Running Fox called out, sarcastically. "I know that you are trying to frighten me. I am laughing at you. You are afraid to kill me. You have heard the words of your brother, Many Beavers. Now I will tell you that whatever your people do to us, we will do to your brothers. Now do as you feel like doing."
At that moment Many Beavers began to speak. His voice was low and calm and it was apparent that he was attempting to pacify the Shawnees. However, as Walking Bear had thoroughly aroused them, the words of Many Beavers seemed to have little effect.
The warriors had already begun to circle about the stake, and as Spotted Deer had passed through two similar ordeals he knew what to expect. This time, however, he feared that the excited Shawnees might actually take his life. Running Fox, too, was beginning to feel less confident. The Shawnees were apparently relying upon some wily stratagem to save their tribesmen while they seemed determined to kill their foes. Running Fox wondered if a war party had secretly left the camp. The thought filled him with alarm.
Then as the warriors began to dance about the stake and brandish their weapons, the old Mystery Woman suddenly appeared before the Shawnees. She looked like one demented. Her eyes were wild and staring, her wrinkled yellow face was drawn with emotion and her short, white locks were rumpled in wild disorder. She pointed a bony arm at the Shawnees and began to shout wildly. The dancers stopped to listen. The Shawnees looked upon her in superstitious awe.
"Shawnees, Shawnees, Shawnees!" she screamed. "Think what you are about to do. You are about to throw away the life of Big Dog. You are about to throw away the life of the great warrior, Striking Bear. What will those great men think about you? I saw this thing in a dream. I told you about it. You wiped away my words. Now you are about to bring many bad days upon us. There is only one way to do. You must do as Many Beavers tells you to do. There is no other way. Big Dog is depending upon you. Striking Bear is depending upon you. They are saying, 'We are Shawnees. It is good. The Shawnees will not throw us away.' Are you going to give them to our enemies, the boastful Delawares? Are you going to let those people say, 'See how brave we are; we killed the great chief, Big Dog. The Shawnees were not sharp enough to save him.' How will you feel about that? You saw me try to kill that boastful young Delaware. Now I am glad I did not do it. If that foolish young warrior was not here, we could not save Big Dog. Are two Delaware boys worth as much as two great Shawnee warriors? No, no, no! Let them walk away. You call me a great Mystery Woman. Then listen to my words. Time is short. Let them run to that ridge and save our brothers. I know about this thing. It is good. They will do as they propose to do. I have made their hearts good to do this thing. It is the only way I can save Big Dog. Shawnees, you must listen to my words."
The Delawares felt sure she was speaking in their behalf. They believed that she had won the confidence of the Shawnees. They had begun to talk seriously among themselves. Many Beavers and the war leaders had called the warriors about them. The wild ceremony at the fire had suddenly come to an end. For the moment the Delawares were left alone. The old Mystery Woman rushed over to them and shook her finger in the face of Running Fox. She twisted her face into an ugly snarl, but her words were low and friendly.
"If you get away you must send those Shawnees to the camp," she said. "If you harm them I must die."
"I will send them," Running Fox promised her. "Be quick, tell me who you are."
"He knows," she murmured, as she rushed upon Spotted Deer and pretended to claw at his eyes.
Then Many Beavers and the war leader approached, and she hurried away. For some moments the Shawnees stared sullenly upon their foes. Then Walking Bear stepped forward and freed the Delawares from the stake. He showed no inclination to unbind their hands.
"Delawares, we will let you walk away," he said. "We will see if a Delaware will do as he proposes to do. If you kill Big Dog and Striking Bear, we will surely come and wipe away your people. Go, and send our brothers."
"Untie my hands," Running Fox commanded, fiercely.
"No," said Walking Bear.
"Then I will wait here and let your brothers die," said Running Fox.
"Come, come, untie his hands—there is little time," Many Beavers said, irritably.
He called a young warrior to free the Delawares. Then he motioned for them to go.
"Wait," said Running Fox. "I came here with a bow and some good arrows. I will take them away."
"Yes, I, too, had a good bow and some arrows and a good robe," declared Spotted Deer. "You must give them to me."
The Shawnees finally returned the weapons but refused to surrender the robe. The Delawares realized that it might be perilous to insist upon its return. They walked slowly toward the end of the camp while the Shawnees taunted and threatened, but made no attempt to harm them.
"Shawnees, listen to my words," Running Fox cried out, as he turned at the end of the village. "You are sharp. Perhaps you will try to do something. If you follow us, your chief will never come back."
The next moment the Delawares disappeared into the night.
Once outside of the camp the Delawares hurried toward the timber at top speed. They were fearful, and suspicious of the Shawnees, as they believed that a large war party might set out to follow them to the ridge.
"We must watch out, the Shawnees are sly," warned Running Fox.
"Yes, yes," agreed Spotted Deer.
"Do you know about that old Medicine Woman?" Running Fox inquired.
"Yes, I know about her," Spotted Deer told him.
"Who is she?" Running Fox asked, eagerly.
"She is White Crane—she is a Minsi," said Spotted Deer.
Running Fox immediately stopped. He turned excitedly to Spotted Deer.
"Then she is one of our people!" he cried.
"Yes," replied Spotted Deer.
"We must help her," said Running Fox. "Come, we are Delawares. We will go back there and take her away."
"No, it would be useless," Spotted Deer told him. "She will not go. I talked with her about it. She says she has been there a long time. The Shawnees believe she is a great Medicine Person. They listen to her words. She has everything good. She is very old. She says she cannot travel. She says she wants to die in the Shawnee camp."
"Well, then, we must leave her," agreed Running Fox.
As they moved across the long stretch of open ground they kept sharp watch behind them. The moonlight made it possible to see for a considerable distance, and they expected at any moment to discover a company of Shawnees following rapidly on their trail. They heard a bedlam of confused sounds from the camp, and had little doubt that the Shawnees were gathered in noisy council to plan some wily stratagem which might turn their chagrin into joy.
"I believe it will be hard to get away from those people," Running Fox said, uneasily. "They are very mad because we fooled them, I believe they will try to catch us."
Spotted Deer struggled along in silence. His limbs were stiff and swollen as the result of the tight binding to which he had been subjected in the Shawnee camp. Each stride caused him agony, but he made no mention of his suffering. Several times, however, he lurched against Running Fox, and at last the latter guessed that something was wrong.
"Hi, I see you are falling around," he said anxiously. "Did the Shawnees hurt you?"
"It is my legs," Spotted Deer said, lightly. "The Shawnees gave me the legs of an old man."
Running Fox grew thoughtful. He understood the plight of his friend, and it filled him with alarm. He feared that Spotted Deer might be unable to make the long, swift journey to the Delaware camp. Spotted Deer seemed to have guessed his thoughts.
"Do not be afraid," he said. "I will keep going."
"You are brave," said Running Fox.
They were nearing the timber along the base of the ridge when they suddenly heard the shrill, piercing scream of Nianque, the lynx. It seemed to have come from the camp. They stopped to listen. It filled them with dread.
"It is the signal of the Shawnees," Spotted Deer said, softly. "I heard it when I was coming down the river."
"It means something bad," declared Running Fox. "Come, we will get into the woods."
"Perhaps some Shawnees are hiding over there," suggested Spotted Deer.
"Yes," said Running Fox. "We must be cautious."
They reached the timber in safety, and moved cautiously along the bottom of the ridge. The night was far gone and there was little time to spare. Running Fox knew that unless he reached his friends before sunrise, they would surely kill Big Dog and his companion. Having given his word to the old Mystery Woman, Running Fox was determined to save them. He decided, therefore, that the Shawnee trail would offer the quickest and easiest way to reach the top of the ridge.
"Did you come along here?" he asked Spotted Deer, as they began to climb.
"Yes," said Spotted Deer. "My hands were tied and I had a hard time of it."
"We found your marks," Running Fox told him. "Did the old Mystery Woman tell you about us?"
"Yes," said Spotted Deer. "She told me you came here to help me. Running Fox, it was a great thing to do. You are a brave warrior and a good friend. You risked your life to help me. It makes me feel big. I will think about it when I am an old man. When the Mystery Woman told me about you I felt very strong. I said, 'Running Fox will get me out of this.' Now you have done it."
"Spotted Deer, you are my brother—it is enough," said Running Fox.
Dawn was showing in the east when they finally neared the end of the trail. Running Fox stopped and imitated the bark of Woakus, the fox. He expected an immediate response. It failed to come. He listened uneasily. The silence aroused his suspicions. In a few moments he repeated the signal. Many moments passed. The baffling silence continued.
"It is mysterious," he whispered.
"Are our people here?" Spotted Deer asked, anxiously.
"Yes, they were close by," Running Fox assured him.
Fear had suddenly gripped his heart. He was perplexed and startled by the strange silence of his comrades. It suggested alarming possibilities. Perhaps the Shawnees had escaped. It seemed impossible. Perhaps a company of Shawnees had found and overpowered Yellow Wolf and his companions. His courage weakened at the thought.
"Something bad has happened," he told Spotted Deer. "We must watch out."
"Listen," whispered Spotted Deer.
A twig had snapped somewhere in the undergrowth beside the trail. They fitted arrows to their bows, and looked expectantly into the shadows. The woods were still dark, and it was impossible to see into the cover. They listened in trying suspense. Then they heard the low, plaintive notes of the little white-throated sparrow. It was close at hand. Running Fox took hope.
"It must be Yellow Wolf; that is his signal," he said.
"Be cautious," Spotted Deer warned him.
Running Fox imitated the song. It had barely died away before they heard a familiar voice from the edge of the woods.
"Running Fox?" it queried, softly.
"I am here," replied Running Fox.
A moment afterward Yellow Wolf stood beside them. He grasped the hand of Spotted Deer. Then he led the way into the woods. They followed him in silence. He took them to the spot where Running Fox had left the prisoners. There was no one there.
"What has happened?" Running Fox asked, in alarm.
"Everything is good," Yellow Wolf assured him. "Come."
He led them a considerable distance farther along the ridge, where they found Turning Eagle and the Shawnee prisoners. Painted Hawk and Crooked Foot and Dancing Owl were missing.
"Where are our brothers?" Running Fox asked, in surprise.
Yellow Wolf moved his finger across his lips, and turned his eyes toward the Shawnees. Then he moved away, and Running Fox and Spotted Deer followed him. He went well beyond earshot of the prisoners before he began to speak.
"Now I will tell you about it," he said. "Our brothers have gone to watch along the ridge. We believe the Shawnees are trying to find us. It is bad. We must get away from here."
"Did you hear anything?" inquired Running Fox.
"Yes," replied Yellow Wolf. "First we heard the call of Gokhos, the owl. It was down there on the side of the ridge. It sounded good. Then we saw Big Dog raise his head and look around. He did not know we were watching him. That made us cautious. Pretty soon we heard the call of Gokhos again. It was in a different place. It did not sound like it sounded before. Then we were afraid. Some of us went to watch. Then we heard the call of Woakus, the fox. We said, 'Running Fox is coming. Perhaps he will meet the Shawnees. We must be ready to help him.' You did not come. Then we heard the call of Woakus again. It was not so close. Then we said, 'Running Fox did not make it.' Then we went to watch. I went to that trail. When I heard that call I was not sure about it. That is why I did not answer you. Now you know why we left that place, and came over here. We did it to fool the Shawnees."
"Well, Yellow Wolf, there is only one thing to do," Running Fox told him. "We must call our brothers and get away as fast as we can."
"It is good," replied Yellow Wolf. "Now we will kill those boastful Shawnees."
"No," Running Fox said, firmly. "We will let them walk away."
"Does a Delaware let his enemies walk away?" Yellow Wolf asked, in amazement.
"A Delaware does what he tells a friend he will do," declared Running Fox. "A good friend helped us to save Spotted Deer. If we do not let the Shawnees go, much harm may come upon that friend. Perhaps she will be killed. I have told her we will let the great chief Big Dog go to his people. We have found our brother Spotted Deer. It is what we set out to do. Getanittowit sent the Mystery Woman into that camp to help us. She has done a big thing. Now we must listen to her words. She says if Big Dog does not come back it will be bad for her. Perhaps the Shawnees will kill her. She is a Minsi. Some time I will tell you about her. She has given Spotted Deer to his brothers. It is a great thing to do. The Shawnees must live."
"You are the leader," Yellow Wolf said, loyally. "We will listen to your words."
Then they were joined by Painted Hawk and Dancing Owl. The scouts had returned to the rendezvous to learn if Running Fox had returned. They were overjoyed to find Spotted Deer.
"It is good," cried Dancing Owl. "You helped Running Fox to take me away from the Shawnees. Now I have helped Running Fox take you away from the Shawnees. Hi, it is good. Now I am going over there to kill that Shawnee who tied me up."
"No," said Running Fox. "We must let him walk away. The old Mystery Woman tells us to do this thing. She is a good friend. We must listen to her words."
"Well, I will close my ears to her words," Dancing Owl said, savagely. "That Shawnee is my enemy. He tried to kill me. He talked bad against me. I am a Delaware. A Delaware does not let his enemies slip away. I am going to kill him."
"No," Running Fox said, quietly. "I have told you what I propose to do. I am the leader."
Dancing Owl stared threateningly into the eyes of his friend. His heart burned with a desire to avenge the insults and injuries which he had received at the hands of the Shawnees the year previous. He had determined to fully retaliate upon the hated enemy whom fate had placed in his power. Now Running Fox refused him his opportunity. For a moment Dancing Owl rebelled against the authority of his leader. Then he suddenly recalled that Running Fox had saved his life. Gratitude instantly drove the anger from his heart.
"Running Fox, I will listen to your words," he said.
"Come, we are losing time," Running Fox said, impatiently. "We must leave these Shawnees and hurry away. Where is Crooked Foot?"
When they returned to Turning Eagle and the prisoners, they found that Crooked Foot was still missing. His absence made them uneasy. Day had dawned, and the first hint of sunrise was showing above the hills. They realized that it would be dangerous to loiter.
"Come, Yellow Wolf, call Crooked Foot," said Running Fox.
He had barely uttered the words when Crooked Foot appeared. He, too, was filled with joy at the sight of Spotted Deer. After he had greeted him, he called Running Fox and Yellow Wolf and led them away to talk.
"We must go away fast," he told them. "I believe a big war party is coming to catch us. There is little time."
"Did you see them?" Running Fox asked, anxiously.
"No, I did not see them but I heard many signals," Crooked Foot told him.
"It is enough—we must go," said Running Fox.
When they returned to their companions, they found Dancing Owl crouching above the Shawnee and threatening to drive his knife into his heart. He rose as Running Fox hurried forward, and laughed mischievously. Running Fox went to the Shawnee chief, and commanded him to sit up. Big Dog obeyed. Then Running Fox addressed him.
"Big Dog, listen to my words," he said. "I am about to give you your life. I am doing this thing because I went to your village and took my brother from your people. If your people had killed my brother, I would have killed you. I told them I would let you go. I am a Delaware. A Delaware makes his words come true. Now listen close. I am about to take that thing out of your mouth. Then I am going away. If you shout out before I am far away, I will come back and kill you. If you keep quiet a long time, you will live to see your brothers. Yes, I believe they will find you. Keep my words."
Running Fox stooped and untied the buckskin gag. Then the other Shawnee sat up. Running Fox laughed fiercely.
"Striking Bear, I will leave you as you are," he said. "You did many bad things to my brother. He wants to kill you. If you know my words, listen sharp. Take care what you do if you wish to live."
"Come, Delaware, untie my hands and give me my weapons," Big Dog cried, angrily.
"Wait for your brothers," laughed Running Fox. "But do not try to call them. Remember what I have told you."
The Delawares left the enraged Shawnees and hurried down the eastern slope of the ridge. They felt quite certain that the sly Shawnee chief would lose little time in calling his tribesmen. They were barely half-way down the ridge when they heard him shouting.
"I would like to go back and kill that Shawnee," said Dancing Owl.
"It would be foolish," Running Fox told him. "I believe his friends are close by. Perhaps they would catch you. We have done what we came to do. Now we must try to get back to our people before something bad happens to us."
"Yes, my brothers, we must keep going," declared Crooked Foot. "I believe the Shawnees will try hard to turn us back."
The reckless scramble down the rough hillside was a severe ordeal for Spotted Deer. The slope was strewn with bowlders and tree trunks, and a dense tangle of brush and vines concealed the pitfalls. Spotted Deer stumbled painfully over the obstructions, striving heroically to conceal his agony. Running Fox, however, was keenly aware of his suffering.
"You are very brave," he said. "Can you keep going?"
"Yes," Spotted Deer replied, grimly.
They had finished the descent and were fighting their way through a heavy thicket of laurel when they suddenly heard the cry of Nianque, the lynx. It sounded behind them, and seemed to come from the top of the ridge.
"The Shawnees have found Big Dog," said Turning Eagle.
"Perhaps they are telling their friends about us," Yellow Wolf suggested, suspiciously.
"Yes, I believe there is some one down here," declared Running Fox. "We must watch sharp."
He wondered if a war party of Shawnees had slipped from the camp during the night, and turned eastward to intercept the Delawares when they left the ridge. The possibility caused him great uneasiness. He knew that if a large company of Shawnees were scouting about the vicinity it would be difficult to avoid them. Then the lynx cry was repeated on their right.
"It is bad," said Crooked Foot. "We are running into a trap."
"The Shawnees are trying to get ahead of us," declared Painted Hawk. "If they turn us back their friends will come up behind us."
"We will watch out," said Running Fox.
They advanced more cautiously. Convinced that a force of their foes was somewhere in the vicinity, they feared blundering into an ambush. Running Fox believed that the Shawnees had separated into several companies, and he realized that it would be difficult to avoid them. The day passed without an encounter, however, and as darkness fell the Delawares felt encouraged. They had reached the wooded ravine where they had spent a night on their way to the Shawnee village. Fearful that Spotted Deer would be unable to continue traveling through the night, Running Fox determined to remain there until daylight.
"We have seen nothing of the Shawnees," he said. "We have come fast. We will rest here until it gets light."
"No, no," cried Spotted Deer. "Running Fox, I see that you are trying to make it easy for me. I will not listen to your words. We must keep going. If we stop here, the Shawnees will come up with us. Perhaps some of you will be killed. Come, my friends, listen to my words. I will keep going."
"Spotted Deer, you are a great warrior," Running Fox told him. "You are as strong as Machque, the bear, and as brave as fierce Quenischquney, the panther."
"Listen," cautioned Yellow Wolf.
The call of Gokhos, the owl, sounded a short distance away. It carried a sinister warning to the Delawares. Their mad flight seemed to have been in vain. The Shawnees were close behind them. There was not a moment to lose.
"Come!" cried Spotted Deer.
"Yes, we must go," agreed Running Fox.
For two days the Delawares traveled cautiously through the woods without seeing or hearing anything of their foes. They had little doubt that the Shawnees had turned back. Running Fox was elated at his success.
"It is good," he said. "We have done what we set out to do. Nothing bad has happened to us. We have fooled our enemies. Spotted Deer is alive. My heart feels big."
"Running Fox, you are a good leader," Yellow Wolf told him.
They were less than a day's journey from the great river which flowed past the Delaware camp, and they believed that their peril had passed. Before the end of another day they hoped to be with their people. They knew that a splendid welcome awaited them, and the thought made them eager to reach the camp without delay. They hastened along, unmindful of their fatigue.
The day was nearing its close, and they had stopped for a few moments on the crest of a low, barren ridge to rest, when they suddenly heard a loud, ringing shout within bow-range of them. Before they could recover from their amazement several arrows sped over their heads.
"Run, run!" shouted Running Fox, as he led the way down the ridge.
They dashed madly down the slope, and turned toward a dense spruce swamp that began a short distance from the base of the ridge. Wild shouts behind them gave warning that they were being hotly pursued. Running Fox looked back and saw a strong company of warriors scrambling recklessly down the rocky hillside. One glance was sufficient to recognize them.
"The Mohawks! The Mohawks!" he cried in alarm.
The warning struck fear to the hearts of his companions. They knew the fate that awaited them at the hands of those fierce foes, and they fled before them like frightened deer. They gained the edge of the swamp, and rushed wildly into its gloomy depths. They went a considerable distance before they dared to stop. Then they took shelter behind a barricade of fallen trees, and waited anxiously for the appearance of their foes. The shouts had ceased at the border of the swamp, and the silence increased their fears.
"They are creeping ahead to find us," Painted Hawk whispered.
"Well, we can make a good fight here," Running Fox said, boldly.
The twilight shadows had already fallen in the great forest of spruces, and the Delawares knew that it would soon be dark. The thought gave them hope. Unless the Mohawks tracked them directly to their hiding place, they believed that the night might save them from discovery. They waited in trying suspense, expecting each moment to see the dim, shadowy forms of the Mohawks approaching between the trees. As time passed and they failed to appear, the Delawares began to wonder if they really had stopped at the border of the swamp.
"Perhaps they are afraid to follow us into this place," said Painted Hawk.
"Perhaps they went the other way," Dancing Owl suggested, hopefully.
"My brothers, I believe they are outside," Running Fox told them. "They know we are Delawares. They are cautious. Once we fooled them when they were coming to our camp. Perhaps they took us for scouts. Perhaps they believe we are trying to lead them into a trap. See, it is almost dark. Pretty soon we will be safe."
His words encouraged his friends. Having escaped from the sudden attack, they believed that for the moment at least, they were safe. They began to wonder how the Mohawks had chanced to be in the vicinity.
"I believe it is a war party," said Running Fox.
"Perhaps they are going to fight our people," Turning Eagle said, uneasily.
"No, I do not believe it," Running Fox told him. "They are too far from the river. I believe they are going to fight the Shawnees. I believe those warriors went back and told their people how the Shawnees took away their canoes. Then I believe they made up a war party and came out to fight the Shawnees."
"Yes, I believe that is true," declared Crooked Foot. "I believe they were going to find the Shawnees, and then we came along."
"Well, if that is so, perhaps they will not try to find us," said Dancing Owl.
"My brothers, I have heard you all talking about this thing," said Yellow Wolf. "Now I will tell you how I feel about it. I believe what Running Fox says is true. But I also believe that we are in great danger. The Mohawks are our enemies. Running Fox and Spotted Deer have carried away their great Medicine Bundle. Running Fox has killed their great chief, Standing Wolf. They are thinking about those things. I believe they would like to kill us instead of the Shawnees. Yes, I believe they will try to find us."
The Delawares gave silent endorsement to his words. They believed that they were in greater peril from the Mohawks than they had been from the Shawnees. They had greater respect for the courage and ability of the former, and they knew that if the Mohawks really made a persistent effort to capture them, it would be far more difficult to escape.
"Hi, what I was afraid of has happened," said Yellow Wolf.
The deep, solemn tones of the great-horned owl had sounded from the opposite side of the swamp. It was the favorite signal of the Mohawks and the Delawares knew only too well what it meant. They suddenly realized why the Mohawks had stopped at the edge of the swamp.
"It is bad," Running Fox said, soberly. "The Mohawks have circled around us. Pretty soon they will close in. Then we must watch out."
It was evident that the crafty Mohawks had separated and surrounded the swamp. There seemed little doubt that they would eventually advance from all sides and attempt to drive their enemies from cover. It was a favorite and successful method of securing game, and the Delawares realized that it would be hard to escape from the trap. They listened anxiously to learn if their fears were true. It was not long before they were convinced. The solemn warning of the great-horned owl sounded from the two remaining sides of the swamp. The circle was completed. The Mohawks were ready to advance.
"Lie close, perhaps they will not find us," said Running Fox.
It was a long time before they heard anything to rouse their suspicions. Then they heard soft, guarded signals passing through the night, and they knew that the Mohawks had entered the swamp. They strained their ears to detect the stealthy approach of their foes. Darkness had settled down, and they realized that it would be impossible for the Mohawks to find them unless they blundered directly upon their shelter.
"If they come upon us we must fight them back, and try to get away," said Running Fox.
A few moments afterward they heard a sharp crackling of brush close by. They smiled grimly as they realized that one of the scouts had stumbled into a tangle of dead tree tops. He soon extricated himself, and then they heard nothing more of him. They knew, however, that at any moment he might discover their hiding place. The thought kept them alert. Then, as he failed to find them, they took hope.
"He has passed—it is good," whispered Dancing Owl.
"Sh!" cautioned Running Fox.
He feared that the cunning Mohawk might be listening within bow-length of them. Then they heard the call of the horned owl from the border of the swamp. In a few moments it was answered by one of the scouts. The Delawares felt sure that the main company of their foes was still lurking along the edge of the swamp. The thought alarmed them. They believed that the Mohawks planned to hold them in their hiding place until the night passed. The possibility made escape seem hopeless. Convinced that daylight would make it easy for the Mohawks to find them, they feared that they would soon be overcome and annihilated. The idea startled them. Having survived the perils of their expedition against the Shawnees, they were overwhelmed by the sudden disaster which had overtaken them almost within sight of their village. In the meantime the Mohawks had become quiet, and it was evident that they had abandoned the search and were waiting for the darkness to pass.
"It is bad," said Crooked Foot. "When it gets light, they will come in here and kill us."
"We must fight them off," declared Yellow Wolf.
"Perhaps we can get away before the light comes," proposed Dancing Owl.
"No, it is useless to try to get past them," Running Fox told him. "There are many Mohawks around this place. They are watching sharp. If we try to go out, they will kill us."
Then for a long time they continued silent. Each was trying to think of a way out of the predicament. They suddenly realized that they had rushed recklessly into a trap from which there seemed to be no way of escape. Regrets, however, were futile. They knew it was folly to waste time blaming themselves.
"My brothers, we have done a big thing, we must not die," Yellow Wolf told them. "We must find a way out of this thing."
"It will be hard to get away," said Crooked Foot.
"There is only one thing to do," Running Fox declared, suddenly. "We must hold out until our people come to help us."
"How will they know about it?" Crooked Foot asked, in surprise.
"I will try to go to them," Running Fox said, quietly.
"No, no, you must not do that," Spotted Deer said, anxiously. "You have risked your life to help me. You must not risk your life again. If you try to do this thing, the Mohawks may catch you. If they see who you are, terrible things will happen to you. Come, Running Fox, we will all try to get away. Then if the Mohawks catch us, we will die together."
"Yes, my brother, it is the best way to do," declared Crooked Foot. "Perhaps we will get by them."
"No, my friends, I will not listen to your words," Running Fox declared, firmly. "I believe I can do this thing. I am the leader. I must try to get you out of this."
"Well, Running Fox, if you are going to do this thing I will go with you," Spotted Deer told him.
"No, you cannot do that," said Running Fox. "You must stay here and fight back the Mohawks until I bring our people to help you. Now, my friends, listen sharp to my words. I am going to try to get past the Mohawks. Perhaps it will take me a long time. If the Mohawks catch me, I will make a great shout. If you do not hear it before it gets light, you will know that I got away. Then I will bring a big war party. You must keep strong. Keep fighting back the Mohawks until our people come. Now keep these words. I will not make any signals. If you hear any, you will know that I did not make them. Now I am going."
"My brother, I feel bad about this thing," Spotted Deer said, as he grasped the hand of his friend. "If my legs were fast I would not hold back. I will make a big fight."
"I will come back," Running Fox said, bravely.
Then he left them and vanished into the night as silently as a shadow. He turned toward the eastern side of the swamp, as the nearest course to the Delaware camp lay in that direction. Fully alive to the peril which threatened him, he moved through the darkness with the alert, nervous caution of Achtu, the deer. He stopped many times to listen for his foes. As he neared the edge of the swamp, he turned his face toward the sky and called upon Getanittowit to guide him safely past the watchful Mohawks. Then he heard them somewhere ahead of him. For an instant only he caught the murmur of their voices. It was sufficient to warn him of his peril. He turned sharply from his course and crept away with slow, cautious steps. He went several arrow-flights before he again ventured to approach the edge of the swamp. Once more, however, he heard sounds which drove him back.
"It is bad," he murmured. "The Mohawks are everywhere."
He turned toward the south. Several arrow-flights brought him to the border of the swamp. He stopped to listen. All was silent. The way seemed clear. He hurried forward. A twig snapped sharply beneath his feet. Some one hailed him. He gave several loud snorts to imitate a frightened buck, and bounded noisily through the brush. The Mohawk laughed softly. The trick had deceived him. His suspicions were allayed.
Having passed safely by the Mohawks, Running Fox sped through the night with a light heart. At dawn he climbed to the summit of a high ridge that rose from the west side of the river. Far away to the southward he saw the smoke from the Delaware camp. For some moments he watched it with flashing eyes. Then he raced madly down the ridge. He reached the river a considerable distance below the spot where he had left the canoe of Spotted Deer. He wondered if it would be safe to go up the river in search of it. If the Mohawks had come down the river in canoes, he believed they had left them somewhere near the spot where the Shawnees had kindled the fire. Perhaps scouts had been left behind to watch. The possibility made him hesitate. He knew, however, that the canoe offered him the quickest way to reach his people.
"I will go," he said.
He hurried along at the edge of the timber. It seemed a great distance to the spot where he had found the trail of the Shawnees. When he finally came in sight of the charred logs on the shore, he stopped and looked sharply for signs of his foes. There was no evidence of them. He circled cautiously through the woods, and approached the place where he had concealed the canoe. It had disappeared. He stared in astonishment. Who had found it? He felt quite certain that it had been taken away by the Mohawks. The thought awakened his suspicions. He searched through the bushes in the hope of finding their canoes. His efforts were futile. There were no fresh tracks to indicate that the Mohawk war party had visited the spot.
"It is mysterious," he said.
Running Fox suddenly realized that he was wasting time. The thought roused him. Each moment was precious. The slightest delay might prove fatal to his friends. He looked across the river. It was wide, and deep and swift. For an instant only he hesitated. Then he pushed his bow into its wolf-skin case, and waded boldly into the water. It was bitterly cold, and the shallow pools along the shore were crusted with ice. Unmindful of the shock, Running Fox threw himself forward and began to swim.
A bow-shot from the shore he caught the full force of the current and was borne rapidly down the river. Then as he struggled fiercely to free himself, the chill of the water began to cramp his muscles. For an instant his tired limbs refused to work. Weighted down by his buckskin shirt and breeches, he sank beneath the surface. He fought his way above water, and kicked the cramp from his legs. His strength, however, was rapidly leaving him. The shore seemed very far away. The channel was wider than he had suspected. He appeared unable to escape from the fierce grip of the current. The intense cold was penetrating to his heart. His fingers contracted with cramp. His legs began to drag. His strokes grew steadily weaker. He was losing ground. For an instant he lost hope.
"The fierce Water Monsters will get me!" he cried in dismay.
Then he suddenly thought of his friends. He had pledged himself to save them. They had placed their confidence in him. Getanittowit had listened to his appeal and aided him to escape from the swamp. The way had been made clear for him to reach his people. Now he was throwing away his life, and sacrificing his friends to the Mohawks. He rallied at the thought. The hot fighting blood rushed to his brain. He continued his desperate battle with the river.
"I must live to help my brothers," he said, savagely.
Struggling frantically, he slowly fought his way across the channel. Stroke by stroke, he dragged himself from the clutches of the current. At last he was free. He had reached a long stretch of quiet water. He took courage. His fear of the dreaded Water Monsters suddenly left him. He swam more easily. He fixed his eyes upon the shore. It was less than a bow-shot away. Slowly, steadily, he shortened the distance. Each stroke strengthened his confidence. At last he cautiously lowered his feet. They struck the bed of the river. A few moments afterward he ceased swimming and began to wade. He staggered from the water and made his way to the edge of the woods. Then he collapsed and crumpled into the brush. It was only a few moments before he recovered and struggled to his feet.
"Am I a woman?" he asked himself, fiercely.
He turned, and started along the river. For a short distance he advanced with slow, unsteady strides. Then he fought back his weakness and forced himself into a swifter pace. It was not long before he was again traveling at his best speed.
"I must go fast—there is little time," he kept telling himself.
The Delawares were lighting the evening fires when Running Fox finally tottered into the camp and fell exhausted before the lodge of his father. The Delawares gathered about him in wild alarm. They had little doubt that some great misfortune had overtaken the scouts who had gone to rescue Spotted Deer. They feared that all but Running Fox had been captured or killed.
"Carry him into the lodge," said Black Panther.
When Running Fox opened his eyes he found himself between bear robes, lying beside the fire in his father's lodge. Black Panther and Sky Dog, the Medicine Man, sat near him. For a moment he looked at them in bewilderment. Then he recalled what had happened. He threw off the robes and sat up excitedly.
"Come, my father, call the warriors!" he cried.
"What has happened?" Black Panther asked, calmly.
"The Mohawks have caught our brothers," he told them. "Our brothers are hiding in a big swamp. The Mohawks are all around them. Pretty soon they will rush in and kill them. Spotted Deer is there. We took him away from the Shawnees. Come, call our people. Give me some meat. I must take you back there to help our brothers."
Then, while Running Fox drank great bowls of steaming broth, Black Panther sent a crier through the camp to summon the warriors. A great company gathered before the council lodge. Running Fox rushed wildly from his father's lodge to address them.
"My brothers, there is no time to talk," he cried. "You know what has happened. Come, push your canoes into the water. I will lead you to our brothers."
"This will be a big fight," cried Black Panther, the famous war chief. "If the Mohawks kill our brothers, we will go to the Mohawk village and kill many people. I am your chief. I will lead you."
His words filled the warriors with enthusiasm. They began to dance and sing their war songs. Then they hurried to the river. A few moments later a fleet of canoes moved swiftly away into the twilight. A great war party of Delawares had gone to the aid of their tribesmen.