If he could succeed in
locating his pet, he would keep out of the animal's sight until the
crisis came. He knew Whirlwind was alive, and was not very far off.
Less than two days previous he had passed over the same spot, and the
trail left by him and his companions could be readily followed.

So it was that the young Shawanoe pressed forward with long, swift
strides until the gloom shut out all sight of the footprints. He could
calculate quite closely from the different landmarks the course
followed by the Nez Perces, but he determined to run no chances. Time
was too precious, and he was resolved not to go astray.

He was in a wild, mountainous country, interspersed with ridges,
isolated peaks and lofty ranges. There were numerous valleys, canons,
gorges and ravines, with stretches of wood and stunted undergrowth. The
sound of falling waters, cascades and rapids was hardly ever absent.
Naturally the horsemen had sought the most favorable route, keeping
mainly to the valleys, but occasionally riding over elevated portions.
Thus the course was easier for Deerfoot than it would have been had the
party been on foot like himself. The Assiniboines were not likely to
make haste, for they had no reason for doing so. With his long strides,
his lope and occasional running, as the ground offered the chance, the
pursuer knew he was gaining upon those whom he was so anxious to
overtake.

When night had fairly come, Deerfoot sought out a place among the rocks
in which to sleep. He did not look for food, nor did he so much as
drink from the mountain stream that he heard rippling near at hand. It
took some time to find a suitable spot for a bed. He fixed upon a
cavity large enough for him to stretch out with his blanket wrapped
about him. He could have readily kindled a fire, but preferred not to
do so, since it was liable to draw the attention of wild animals, or
possibly of those of his own race who might be in the vicinity. As it
was, a prowling wolf or bear might threaten, but the youth felt no
misgiving when, after spending a brief time in prayer, he lay down and
speedily sank into slumber.

At the first streakings of light he was on his feet. Praying again, he
fastened his blanket about his shoulders, knelt at the mountain stream,
drank deeply, bathed face and hands and was off once more. No move was
made toward procuring the morning meal, which most folks in his
situation would have found indispensable.

The trail was clea