As soldiers and warriors exchanged fire at the canyon mouth, most of the Nez Perce escaped up a side canyon to the plateau above. The U.S. Army suffered too many casualties to pursue and established a field hospital at the base of the butte near the cottonwoods to care for the wounded. Although the Nez Perce blunted the army's attack there, the victory was costly. In the country ahead, the Crow people declined to help the Nez Perce and stole their horses, slowing them further. With Canada close but more military forces joining the pursuit, the Nez Perce could not afford to lose time.