It was a plain trail.

Evidently the warriors had no idea that they were followed, and the same was true of Black Rifle.

Tayoga soon announced that both pursuers and pursued were going slowly, and, when the last sunlight was fading, they stopped at the crest of a hill and called, imitating first the cry of a wolf, and then the cry of an owl.
"He can't be more than three or four hundred yards away," said Willet, "and he may not understand either cry, but he's bound to know that they mean something." "Suppose we stand out here where he can see us," said Robert.

"He must be lurking in the thickets just ahead." "The simplest way and so the right way," said Willet.

"Come forth, you lads, where the eyes of Black Rifle may look upon you." The three advanced from the shelter of the woods, and stood clearly outlined in an open space.