They had their suspicions as to the thieves.
Eagle Feather was anxious to know what Indians were suspected.
"Not the Stonies and not the Blackfeet," replied Jerry quietly.

It was a pity, he continued, that innocent men should suffer for the guilty.

He knew Running Stream was no thief, but Running Stream must find out the thieves in the band under his control.

How would Running Stream like to have the great Chief of the Blackfeet, Crowfoot, know that he could not control the young men under his command and did not know what they were doing?
This suggestion of Jerry had a mighty effect upon the Blackfeet Chief, for old Crowfoot was indeed a great Chief and a mighty power with his band, and to fall into disfavor with him would be a serious matter for any junior Chief in the tribe.
Again they withdrew for further discussion and soon it became evident that Jerry's cunning suggestions had sown seeds of discord among them.
The dispute waxed hot and fierce, not as to the guilty parties, who were apparently acknowledged to be the Piegans, but as to the course to be pursued.

Running Stream had no intention that his people and himself should become involved in the consequences of the crimes of other tribes whom the Blackfeet counted their inferiors.