Chapter Thirty-Six Riders on the Way

White Cloud moves out from under his buffalo blanket and feels the cool night air upon his body.  He moves over to the boundary they had set up for their camp and he sees two riders coming in at a full run.

As Painted Pony pulls up to him he jumps off his mount.  “Man who watches ranch and five more riders coming.  They carry bows and quivers.”

“How far behind you are they?”

“They were at a slow run when we left.  We galloped most of the way here.” 

“I figure they will be here to set up before day break.  It should give us an hour to figure our plan.  Go take care of your horses and return.”

He tells the sentry to wake up those who haven’t been woken by the riders.  When they are fully awake he tells them to make some soil paint to blacken their skin.  The time has come for them to act.”

By the time the braves have covered their bare skin areas with dirt from the soil, Painted Pony and the other brave have taken care of their horses and staked them out.  Now they make a circle and White Cloud tells them what he wishes to do.