The Tehua had lost one of his sandals and was returning on his bare feet.

But why should he leave it?
Why did he not take it along?
Even that Topanashka could easily explain.

People from the Rito frequently roamed over the northern mesa, close to the Tyuonyi.
He might have noticed the presence of some of them, and have fled in haste, leaving his foot-gear behind.

Most likely the ties or thongs had given way, and he had no time to mend them.

That was an evidence also that the man was alone, else he would not have fled with such precipitation.