White Cloud was exhausted and in a matter of seconds he was asleep. Running Dog kept careful watch and a short time later he wakened White Cloud. Then Running Dog slept and shortly just as dawn was breaking White Cloud shook his friend and the two thrust some dried venison into their mouths to chew and each one taking a long drink of water they mounted and were soon on their way once again. They had been riding for about an hour when Running Dog glanced back in the direction they had just come and there on a hillside a few miles back he saw a small band of Kiowas. They were evidently looking for something or someone. It was not a puzzle to Running Dog long, for he saw the band of Kiowas break from the hillside in their direction. “They have seen us, White Cloud! Ride as you have never ridden before. We are near to our land, but it is still a hard ride and the worst is yet to come. I cannot be sure if that is a band that is pursuing us or whether it is the band from the south. In any case, we must keep going. Ride, White Cloud, ride for your life.” The two ponies thundered on. Soon they had entered a series of hills. The second day was fast drawing to a close. Then it happened. White Cloud’s pony caught his foot in a gopher hole, and down went pony and rider. Running Dog pulled his pony to a halt and rode back to where his friend had fallen. Both boy and pony were down. The pony had evidently a broken leg and White Cloud had hit his head upon a stone and was unconscious. Running Dog took his knife and put the horse out of his misery and then he dragged his friend to the shelter of a rock and poured some water on his face. Soon White Cloud shook his head. “What happened?” “Your horse stumbled. I have had to use my knife on him, his leg was broken. But how do you feel?” “Oh, I am a little dizzy and very tired. But go, Running Dog, you must ride to the village for help.” “Yes, White Cloud, I must do that, but I am lost. I do not know where we are and the sky is black tonight. We must stay here until dawn. My pony is all done in anyway. He would not get very far tonight. We will rest. I will stand guard first.” With that, Running Dog moved off to a small crevice of rock and settled down to keep watch. But the grind had been too much even for him, and before too long his head hung low upon his chest and both boys slept. Suddenly Running Dog woke with a start, hands of steel were holding his arms and legs, pinning him where he sat. He struggled and then he heard a familiar voice, “Why do you struggle so hard, my son?” “Father, it is you. Oh father, I am so glad to see you. But tell me, how did you find us?”