It was not doubted that the sagacious animal scented the approach of Indians.

Every trapper was instantly on his feet, with his rifle in his hand.

Their attention was immediately directed to the horses.
The Indians were professional thieves, not murderers; they were in search of booty, not of revenge.

And when they sought to take the lives of the trappers, it was merely as a necessary means for attaining their end of robbery.
It subsequently appeared that the Indians were undoubtedly near, and that the dog had not given a false alarm.

The savages probably from their covert, saw that the animals were strongly tethered, and that the trappers were on the alert.