he people. In his contemptuous
scorn of Amokeat, Deerfoot did not so much as look behind him until the
afternoon was nearly gone and night was closing in. Then, when he
turned his gaze to the rear, he saw nothing of men or horses.

He was thinking hard. It was evident that the only course which
promised hope was for him to keep to the trail left by the Nez Perces
until he reached the scene of the fight. From that point he would be
guided by the footprints of the Assiniboine animals. Of course there
was no distinguishable difference between those of Whirlwind and the
impressions made by any other of his species, but there ought to be
little difficulty in keeping to the main trail until he ran the party
down.

You will understand that a number of puzzling complications threatened.
It might be that the Assiniboines would continue their hunting or
raiding excursions for days, turning off and pushing to the south or
east or west, with a view of attacking some of the tribes within United
States territory. The Shawanoe hoped that such would be the course of
the raiders, for it would simplify the situation. He would have a small
party to operate against, instead of a whole village or tribe.

A singular difficulty presented itself. Deerfoot relied upon entering
the Assiniboine settlements or joining the raiders without rousing any
suspicion of his real errand. Then he would content himself in patience
and await a chance of slipping off with Whirlwind. The likelihood of
gaining such opportunity would be almost destroyed if his errand became
known. Now, the danger of betrayal was in the stallion himself. He
could not be made to understand the need of cunning and silence, but
was sure to show his joy at sight of his owner. When this was observed
by his captors, they would be certain to connect it with the long
journey of the stranger, who would then have all he could do to guard
his own life.

Reflecting over this probable phase of the situation, Deerfoot decided
what his own conduct should be. He resolved that if Whirlwind made a
rush for him, thereby revealing the truth, he would leap upon his back,
throw himself forward, and send the steed flying off at the highest
speed. There would be imminent risk of both being shot before they
could pass beyond range, but the danger would be no greater than the
Shawanoe had faced many times, and still he did not bear a scar upon
his body.

His plan, however, was to rely upon subtlety.