Yet it was wiser not to attempt a close examination of the sandal; such curiosity might still lead to fatal results.
Like an old fox, Topanashka determined to circumvent the dangerous spot, by describing a wide arc around it.

He would thus meet the trail farther north, and be able to judge from signs there whether or not the Tehua was close upon the Rito.

First he would have to crawl backward until he was at a sufficient distance to be out of sight altogether.
This movement he began to execute in his usual slow and deliberate manner, crawfishing until he felt sure that he could not be seen from the point where the crows had taken their position.

Once during his retreat the birds fluttered upward, croaking, but alighted again on the same spot.

Something must have disturbed them.
Topanashka arose, straightened himself, and moved ahead as noiselessly as possible.