Scene.—The hut of the Chisera, in the foot-hills of the Sierras. It stands at the mouth of a steep, dark caÑon, opening toward the valley of Sagharawite. At the back rise high and barren cliffs where eagles nest; at the foot of the cliffs runs a stream, hidden by willow and buckthorn and toyon. The wickiup is built in the usual Paiute fashion, of long willows set about a circular pit, bent over to form a dome, thatched with reeds and grass. About the hut lie baskets and blankets, a stone metate, other household articles, all of the best quality; in front is a clear space overflowing with knee-deep many-colored bloom of the California spring. A little bank that runs from the wickiup to the toyon bushes is covered with white forget-me-nots. The hearth-fire between two stones is quite out, but the deerskin that screens the opening of the hut is caught up at one side, a sign that the owner is not far from home, or expects to return soon.

At first glance the scene appears devoid of life, but suddenly the call of a jay bird is heard faintly and far up the trail that leads to the right among the rocks. It is repeated nearer at hand, perfectly imitated but with a nuance that advises of human origin, and two or three half-naked Indians are seen to be making their way toward the bottom of the caÑon, their movements so cunningly harmonized with the lines of the landscape as to render them nearly invisible. Choco and Pamaquash with two others come together at the end of the bank farthest from the Chisera's hut.

Choco

Who called?

Pamaquash

It came from farther up.

Choco

Yavi, I think.

Pamaquash

He must have seen something.

Choco

By the Bear, if the Castacs have crossed our boundaries, there are some of them shall not recross it!

Pamaquash

Hush—the Chisera—she will hear you!

Choco

She is not in the hut. She went out toward the hills early this morning, and has not yet returned. Besides, if the Castacs have crossed, we cannot keep it from the women much longer.

Pamaquash

(Who has moved up to a better post of observation.) There is some one on the trail.

(The jay's call is heard and answered softly by Pamaquash.)

Choco

Yavi. But Tavwots is not with him. (Yavi comes dropping from the cliffs.) What have you seen?

Yavi

Smoke rising—by Deer Leap. Two long puffs and a short one.

(The news is received with sharp, excited murmurs.)

Pamaquash

More than a score—and with all our youths we cannot count so many.

Choco

And this business of war leader still unsettled—The Council must sit at once. Go, one of you, and tell Chief Rain Wind that Tavwots has signaled from Deer Leap that more than a score of Castacs are out against us.

Pamaquash

And tell the women to prepare a gift hastily for the Chisera. Who knows how soon we shall have need of her medicine.

(One of the Indians departs on this errand.)

Choco

Never so much need of it as when we have neglected our own part of the affair! Even before the Castacs began to fill up our springs and drive our deer, we knew that the Chief is too old for war; and now that the enemy has crossed our borders we are still leaderless.

Pamaquash

So we should not be if we had followed the tribal use and given the leadership to years and experience. It is you young men who have unsettled judgment, with the to-do you have made about the Arrow-Maker.

Choco

I have nothing against years and experience, but when one has the gods as plainly on his side as Simwa—

Yavi

Never have I seen a man so increase in power and fortune—

Pamaquash

Huh—huh! I too have watched the growth of this Simwa. Also I have seen a gourd swelling with the rains, and I have not laid it to the gods in either case. But the Council must sit upon it. We must bring it to the Council.

Yavi

(Hotly.) Why should you credit the gods with Simwa's good fortune since he himself does not so claim it? For my part, I think with the Arrow-Maker, that it is better for a man to thrive by his own wits, rather than by the making of medicine or the wisdom of the elders.

Pamaquash

(From above.) Tst—st, Tavwots!

(Tavwots comes down the caÑon panting with speed. He drops exhausted on the bank, and Yavi gives him water between his palms from the creek.)

Choco

Have they crossed?

Tavwots

Between Deer Leap and Standing Rock—more than a score, though I think some of them were boys—but they had no women.

Choco

They mean fighting, then!

Yavi

Well, they can have it.

Tavwots

But they should not be let fatten on our deer before they come to it. Winnemucca, whom I left at Deer Leap, will bring us word where they camp to-night. In the mean time there is much to do. (Rising.)

Choco

Much. No doubt Simwa will have something to suggest.

Tavwots

The Arrow-Maker is not yet war leader, my friend. I go to the Chief and the Council. (He goes.)

Choco

And yet, I think the Chief favors Simwa, else why should he prefer to put the election to lot rather than keep to the custom of the fathers?

Yavi

(Going.) There might be reasons to that, not touching the merits of the Arrow-Maker.

Pamaquash

Tavwots has met the women!

(Sounds of the grief of the women in the direction of the camp.)

Choco

They are coming to the Chisera. We should not have let them find us here; they will neglect their business with her to beset us with questions.

(To them enter three women of the campody of Sagharawite, carrying perfect-patterned, bowl-shaped baskets, with gifts of food for the Chisera. Seegooche, the Chiefs wife, is old and full of dignity. Tiawa is old and sharp, but Wacoba is a comfortable, comely matron, who wears a blanket modestly yet to conceal charms not past their prime. Seegooche and Tiawa wear basket caps, but Wacoba has a bandeau of bright beads about her hair. They show signs of agitation, instantly subdued at sight of the men.)

Seegooche

Is this true what Tavwots has told us, that the Castacs are upon us?

Choco

No nearer than Pahrump. Not so near by the time we have done with them. What gifts have you?

Tiawa

The best the camp affords. Think you we would stint when the smoke of the Castacs goes up within our borders?

Wacoba

Where is she?

Choco

Abroad in the hills gathering roots and herbs for to-night's medicine. Wait for her.—We must go look to our fighting gear.

(He goes out in the direction of the campody.)

Pamaquash

(To Wacoba.) My bow case, is it finished?

Wacoba

And the bow inside it. See that you come not back to me nor to your young son until the bowstring is frayed asunder.

Pamaquash

If you do your work with the Chisera as well as we with Castac, you shall not need to question our bowstrings. (Going.)

Seegooche

Leave us to deal—though if she cannot help us in this matter, I do not know where we shall turn.

Tiawa

Never have I asked help of her, and been disappointed.

Wacoba

(Gathering flowers.) Aye, but that was mere women's matters, weevil in the pine nuts, a love-charm or a colicky child. This is war!

Seegooche

(Still peering about.) As if that were not a woman's affair also!

Tiawa

You may well say that! It was in our last quarrel with Castac I lost the only man-child I ever had, dead before he was born. When the women showed me his face, it was all puckered with the bitterness of that defeat. You may well say a woman's matter!

Seegooche

That was the year my husband was first made Chief, and we covered defeat with victory, as we shall again. It was Tinnemaha, the father of the Chisera, went before the gods for us, I remember.

Tiawa

Well for us that he taught her his strong medicine. Not a fighting man from Tecuya to Tehachappi but trusts in her.

(Goes to the creek and dips up water to drink in her basket cap.)

Wacoba

(Tentatively.) It is believed by some that she makes medicine for Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, and that is why his arrows are so well feathered and fly so swiftly to the mark.

Seegooche

Simwa! Why, he scoffs at charms and speaks lightly even of the gods.

Tiawa

(Giving the others to drink from her cap.) Aye; Simwa puts not faith in anybody but Simwa.

Seegooche

And with good reason, for he is the most skillful of the tribesmen. He has made all the arrows for the fighting men. Do you think they will make him war leader?

Wacoba

(Ornamenting the basket she has brought with a wreath of flowers, which she plucks.) Padahoon will never agree to it.

Tiawa

But if Simwa is the better man?

Wacoba

The Sparrow Hawk is older, and has the greater experience.

Seegooche

Prutt! If age and experience were all, my husband would not ask that a new leader be chosen. Young men are keenest-eyed and quickest afoot.

(She moves up the trail looking for signs of the Chisera.)

Tiawa

(Going over to Wacoba, aside from Seegooche.) So the Chief favors Simwa? I would not have thought it.

Wacoba

(Significantly.) Seegooche's daughter is not married, and the Arrow-Maker has many blankets.

Tiawa

Ugh, huh! So the scent lies up that trail? Well, why not?

Wacoba

Why not? The Chief's daughter and the war leader? A good match.

Tiawa

(Going across to the hut.) Aye, a good match!... Do you know, I have never been in the Chisera's house. It is said she has a great store of baskets and many beads. Let us look.

Seegooche

No, no; do not go near it.

Wacoba

(Alarmed.) Kima! Tiawa, she may be watching you.

Tiawa

(By the hut, but not daring to enter it.) What harm to visit a neighbor's house when the door is open. Besides, she makes no bad medicine.

Seegooche

We know that she does not, but not that she could not if she would.

Tiawa

(Returning reluctantly.) Why should we hold the Chisera so apart from the campody? Why should she not have a husband and children as other women? How can she go before the gods for us until she knows what we are thinking in our hearts?

Wacoba

(Jumping up.) I have seen something stirring in the alder bushes. I think the Chisera comes!

Seegooche

Do not be seen too near the hut. Come away, Tiawa.

Tiawa

Have you the presents ready? (The women take up their baskets hastily.) Hide your basket, Seegooche. It is not well to let all your gifts appear on the first showing, for if she is not persuaded at first, we shall have something of more worth.

(The Chisera comes out of the trail by the almond bushes, young and tall and comely, but of dignified, almost forbidding, carriage. She is dressed chiefly in skins; her hair is very long, braided with beads. She carries a small burden basket on her back, supported by a band about her forehead. She removes this, and drops it at the hut, coming forward.)

The Chisera

Friends, what have we to do with one another? Seegooche, has your meal fermented? Or has your baby the colic again, Wacoba?

Seegooche

We have a gift for you, Chisera.

(The women draw near timidly, each, as she speaks, placing her basket at the Chisera's feet, and retire.)

The Chisera

(Looking at the gifts, without touching them.) The venison is fat and tender; Seegooche, there is no one grinds meal so smoothly as you. The honey is indeed acceptable.

(After a pause, during which the medicine woman looks keenly at them.)

Tiawa

We do not come for ourselves, Chisera, but from the tribeswomen.

Seegooche

From every one who has a husband or son able to join battle.

The Chisera

(Eagerly.) Is there battle?

Seegooche

Even as we came, there was word that the Castacs are camped at Pahrump, and before night our men must meet them.

The Chisera

And you ask me—?

Seegooche

(Approaching appealingly and sinking to the ground in the stress of anxiety.) A charm, Chisera!

Tiawa

(Approaching with Wacoba.) A most potent medicine, O friend of the gods!

Wacoba

That our men may have strength and discretion. That their hearts may not turn to water and their knees quake under them—

Tiawa

(Urgently.) May the bows of Castac be broken, and their arrows turned aside—

Seegooche

For the lords of our bodies and the sons of our bodies, a blessing, Chisera!

Wacoba

That our hearths may be kept alight and our children know their fathers—

Tiawa

When the noise of battle is joined and the buzzards come, may they feed on our foes, Chisera—

Seegooche

O friend of the gods, befriend us!

(The women cast dust on their hair and rock to and fro while the Chisera speaks, lifting up their arms in an agony of entreating.)

The Chisera

Am I not also a tribeswoman? Would not I do so much for my people? But your gifts and your prayers will be acceptable to the gods, for of myself I can do nothing. (She stoops to the gifts, but hesitates.) Who is this that comes?

(The young girls steal up noiselessly through the bushes, led by the Chief's daughter. Bright Water is lovely and young; her hair, flowing loosely over her shoulders and breast, is mingled with strings of beads and bright berries. Her dress of fringed buckskin is heavily beaded, her arms are weighted with armlets of silver and carved beads of turquoise; about her neck hangs a disk of glittering shell. She walks proudly, a little in advance of the others, who bunch up timidly like quail on the trail, behind her. The women, catching sight of the girls, spring up, frightened, and stand half protectingly between them and the Chisera.)

Tiawa

It is the Chief's daughter.

Seegooche

What do you here? You have neither sons nor husbands that you should ask spells and charms.

Bright Water

How, then, shall we have husbands or sons, if the battle goes against us?

The Chisera

Well answered, Chief's daughter.

Bright Water

(Surprised.) You know me?

The Chisera

I have heard that the loveliest maiden of Sagharawite is called Bright Water, daughter of Rain Wind, Chief of the Paiutes.

Seegooche

(Going over to Bright Water.) You should have stayed in the wickiup, my daughter; you are too young to go seeking magic medicine.

Bright Water

The more need because we are young, mother. If the loss of battle come to you, at least you have had the love of a man and the lips of children at the breast. But we, if the battle goes against us, what have we?

The Chisera

Ay, truly, Seegooche, there are no joys so hard to do without as those we have not had.

Bright Water

Therefore, we ask a charm, Chisera, for our sweethearts; and, in the mean time, may this remind you—

(She drops a bracelet in the Chisera's basket.)

White Flower

(Going forward.) The scarlet beads from me, Chisera. I am to be married in the time of tasseling corn.

Tuiyo

The shells from me, Chisera. Good medicine!

Pioke

Strong Bow is my lover, Chisera. Bring him safe home again.

(The girls retire after dropping their gifts in the Chisera's basket.)

The Chisera

(A little stiffly.) You have no need of gifts. Am I not young, even as you? Should you pray for your lover any more or less for the sake of a few beads?

Seegooche

(Anxiously.) Be not angry, Chisera. They would repay you for the dancing and the singing.

(The Chisera gathers up the gifts that the older women have brought and goes into the hut. The girls take up their gifts, puzzled.)

Seegooche

I am afraid you have vexed her with your foolish quest.

Bright Water

Has the Chisera a lover also, that she speak so?

Seegooche

It is not possible and we not know of it, for since her father's death if any sought her hand in marriage, he must come to my husband in the matter of dowry.

Wacoba

No fear that any will come while she is still the Chisera.

Bright Water

She is the wisest of us all.

Tiawa

Wisdom is good as a guest, but it wears out its welcome when it sits by the hearth-stone.

Bright Water

She has great power with the gods.

Wacoba

So much so that if she had a husband, he dare not beat her lest she run and tattle to them.

Seegooche

She is our Chisera, and there is not another like her between Tehachappi and Tecuya. If she were wearied with stooping and sweating, if she were anxious with bearing and rearing, how could she go before the gods for us?

Tiawa

Aye, that is the talk in the wickiups, that we must hold her apart from us to give her room for her great offices, but I have always said—but I am old and nobody minds me—I have always said that if she had loved as we love and had borne as we have borne, she would be the more fitted to entreat the gods that we may not lose.

Seegooche

(As the Chisera comes out of the hut.) If you are angry, Chisera, turn it against our enemies of Castac.

The Chisera

You know that I cannot curse.

Tiawa

Is it true, Chisera, that you make no bad medicine?

The Chisera

Many kinds of sickness I can cure, and give easy childbirth. I can bring rain, and give fortune in the hunt, but of the making of evil spells I know nothing.

Seegooche

But your father, the medicine man—he was the dread and wonder of the tribes.

The Chisera

Aye, my father could kill by a spell, and make a wasting sickness with a frown, but he thought such powers not proper to women: therefore he taught me none.

Wacoba

But you will bring a blessing on the battle? Oh, Chisera, they do not tell us women, but we hear it whispered about the camp that the men of Castac are five and twenty, and even with the youths who go to their first battle we cannot make a score of ours. It is the Friend of the Soul of Man must make good our numbers.

The Chisera

Even now I go to prepare strong medicine.

Wacoba

Come away, then, and leave the Chisera to her work. (Going.)

Seegooche

May the gods befriend you. If we have your blessing, we care little for another's curse. (Going.)

The Chisera

Stay. After all, we are but women together, and if a woman may give counsel, women may hear it.

Tiawa

Would we might hear yours to-day!

The Chisera

When the smoke of the medicine fire arises, so as to be seen from the spring, do you come up along the creek as far as the black rock.

Women

Yes, yes!

The Chisera

When you hear the medicine rattles, stand off by the toyon.

Women

By the toyon—yes!

The Chisera

But when the rattles are stopped, and the singing falls off, come up very softly, not to disturb the Council, and hear what the gods have said. If the men speak against it, I will stand for you.

Seegooche

Our thanks to you, Chisera, for this kindness.

Tiawa

And though you are a Chisera, and have strange intercourse with the gods, I know you a woman, by this token.

The Chisera

Doubt it not, but go.

Seegooche

Come away, girls.

(They go out, the girls with them. But Bright Water lingers, and comes back to the Chisera.)

Bright Water

Chisera—

The Chisera

Chief's daughter?

Bright Water

Call me by my name.

The Chisera

Bright Water, what would you have of me?

Bright Water

Can you—will you make a charm for one going out to battle whose name is not spoken?

The Chisera

How shall the gods find him out, if he is not to be named?

Bright Water

(Earnestly.) Oh, he is handsome and strong in the shoulders; the muscles of his back are laced like thongs. He is the bravest—

The Chisera

(Laughing.) Chief's daughter, whenever I have made love charms, they have been for men handsome and strong in the back.

Bright Water

(Abashed.) I know not how to describe him.

The Chisera

(Still smiling.) And his name is not to be spoken? (Bright Water continues to look down at her moccasin.) If I had something of his: something he had shaped with his hands or worn upon his person, that I could make medicine upon—

Bright Water

Like this?

(Takes amulet from her neck and holds it out.)

The Chisera

(Taking it.) Did he give you this?

Bright Water

He made it.

The Chisera

(Examining it.) It is skillfully fashioned.

Bright Water

Will it answer?

The Chisera

To make a spell upon? Yes, if you can spare it.

Bright Water

Shall I have it again?

The Chisera

When the time is past for which the spell is made.

Bright Water

Make it, then; a powerful medicine against ill fortune in battle. And this for your pains, Chisera. (Holds out bracelet.)

The Chisera

(Proudly.) I want no gifts. Keep your bracelet.

Bright Water

(With equal pride.) The Chief's daughter asks no favors.

The Chisera

But if a Chisera choose to confer them? (With sudden feeling.) What question is there between us of Chief's daughter and Chisera? We are two women, and young.

Bright Water

(Uncertainly.) The Chisera is the friend of the gods.

The Chisera

And therefore not the friend of any tribeswoman? (Passionately.) Oh, I am weary of the friendship of the gods! If I have walked in the midnight and heard what the great ones have said, is that any reason I should not know what a man says to a maid in the dusk—or do a kindness to my own kind—or love, and be beloved?

Bright Water

(Moved.) Therefore take it (offering bracelet again) as one woman from another—and you shall make a charm for me for love.

The Chisera

(Taking the gift.) I shall make it as though I loved him myself.

Bright Water

(Startled.) Oh, I did not say I loved him.

The Chisera

(Smiling.) No?

Bright Water

(Studying the pattern of her moccasin.) Is it true, Chisera, that you have been called to the Council that decides upon the war leader who is to be chosen in my father's place?

The Chisera

I am to inquire of the gods concerning it.

Bright Water

(Diffidently.) Chisera, I have heard—my father thinks—Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, is well spoken of.

(The first note of the love call is heard far up the cliffs. The Chisera starts and controls herself.)

The Chisera

(Coldly, in dismissal.) Simwa needs the good word of no man. It shall be as the gods determine.

(Goes over to hut. The love call sounds nearer.)

Bright Water

(After a moment's hesitation.) Farewell, Chisera. (She goes.)

The Chisera

(Looking up the trail.) Ah, Simwa, Simwa, what bond there is between us, when, if I but pronounce thy name in my heart, thy voice answers.

(The love call is repeated far up the cliffs above her hut, and she answers it, singing:)

Over-long are thy feet on the trails,
O Much Desired!!
Dost thou not hear afar what my blood whispers,
Betraying my heart as the whir
Of the night-moth's wings betray the lilies?

(As she sings, Simwa, in full war dress, comes dropping down, hand over hand, from the rocks, until he stands beside her.)

Simwa

Did you not hear me when first I called?

The Chisera

I heard you, Most Desired. When do I not? Even when I sleep, my heart wakes to hear you. The women have been with me.

Simwa

You know, then?

The Chisera

That this very night a war party of ours must go out to meet the Castacs.

Simwa

And before that there will be a Council to choose a war leader? Has the Chief told you?

The Chisera

Not since this latest word, but yesterday he bid me prepare a strong medicine, for he thought the election would be made by lot. But I did not tell him, O Much Desired, that I had already made medicine a night and a day to let the choice fall on you. A day and a night by Deer Leap on Toorape, where never foot but mine had been, I made medicine, and the answer is sure.

Simwa

That I shall get the leadership?

The Chisera

When have the gods denied me anything that I asked for your sake, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite?

Simwa

The Padahoon hunts on a cold trail, and there is nothing for me to do?

(He sits on the bank and the Chisera sits below him.)

The Chisera

Beloved, there is much to do, for before the shadow which lies between my feet has grown tall again, I must make medicine for the sake of this war; and I have spent so much on you, the power goes from me. Now, you must put your hand upon my heart, and nurse it warm, so that the people lack nothing of their Chisera.

Simwa

Is that good, Chisera? (Puts his arm about her.)

The Chisera

Very good, Friend of my heart. (She leans upon his arm.)

Simwa

(Quickened by the caress.) Chisera, what did you do before I came?

The Chisera

Oh, then I lived in the dream of you. When I ran in the trails, my heart expected you at every turn, and in the dark of the hut the sense of you brooded on my sleep. But I thought it was all for the gods.

Simwa

(Fatuously.) Until I came.

The Chisera

Did I tell you, Simwa, that day when first you found me dancing in the sun—you had been gathering eagle's feathers for your arrows, do you remember?—I thought that day that you were of the gods yourself, for I was sick with longing, and the spring was in my blood.

Simwa

And when I came again, what did you think?

The Chisera

That you were the man most deserving their favor, and that all the medicine I had learned until then was merely that I might persuade them for your sake.

Simwa

(Sitting up.) Chisera, when you go up to the Friend of the Soul of Man, you cannot be always asking for the tribespeople. Do you not sometimes ask for yourself?

The Chisera

What should I ask for when I have your love?

Simwa

For friends, perhaps, who are to be rewarded, or those who have done you injuries? (Watching her.)

The Chisera

(Laughing.) Once, Simwa, before I was sure of you, I made a singing medicine to draw you from the camp. And you came, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite, you came. (Laying her hands on his bosom.) Did you not feel me draw you?

Simwa

Often and often, as it were a tie-rope in my bosom between us. (Letting go her hands and stretching himself preparatory to rising.) But I did not think it was your medicine.

The Chisera

What then?

Simwa

(Rising and walking about.) Your beauty and the wonder of your dancing.

The Chisera

Tell me, Simwa, in the beginning I know you did not believe; but now you understand the power I have from the Friend of the Soul of Man?

Simwa

Surely; now that I am about to be made war leader by means of it.

The Chisera

(Rising and going back to the feathering of the prayer-stick.) But I have heard the women gossiping at the spring—

Simwa

What did they say?

The Chisera

That Simwa does not believe in charms and scoffs at the gods.

Simwa

That was true (recovering)—once. But now that I am become the most notable arrow-maker in Sagharawite—

The Chisera

Now—now you do not scoff at the Chisera?

Simwa

(Embarrassed.) But it is not always well for a man to say what he thinks. If I were to tell in the campody whence my good fortune is, would not Padahoon do me some mischief for it?

The Chisera

But, Simwa, am I never to come to you as other women to the wickiups of their husbands?

Simwa

What need, Chisera, when I come so often to yours?

The Chisera

The need of women to serve openly where they love.

Simwa

But what service could you do me when you had lost the respect of the tribesmen? You know the tribal custom. It is not for the friend of the gods to dig roots and dress venison.

(Throws himself on the bank beside her.)

The Chisera

I have not found the gods any the less friendly since I have loved, Arrow-Maker; and I know not why it should seem strange to others that I should know love as—as we have known it. Only to-day the girls of the village came to me to buy a charm to keep their lovers safe in war. There was not one but dared to ask, even though she would not speak her lover's name for bashfulness. See, one of them gave me this to make medicine upon.

Simwa

(Taking it.) Bright Water gave you this?

The Chisera

(Surprised.) How did you know?

Simwa

I thought you said—that is, I have seen her wear it. Did she tell you from whom she had it?

The Chisera

Not by his name, but by the way he looked to her.

Simwa

How was that?

The Chisera

As every lover looks to every maid—tall and strong and straight of back. Even as you look to me, Beloved.

Simwa

(Relieved, giving back the amulet.) May your medicine preserve him. And, as for me, Chisera, I wish I could persuade the tribesmen to look as favorably on me as you do.

The Chisera

But you have no enemies.

Simwa

The Sparrow Hawk, without doubt. Could you give me a curse for him?

The Chisera

(Rising.) Ah, you should not have asked me that. Never since my father died have I thought to regret that he did not teach me the making of evil medicine. Would I had all the curses in the world! (Turning piteously to him.) But you do not love me any the less because I have not one little, little curse to give you?

Simwa

No, it is nothing. No curse can reach me past your blessing. But I would not have thought the old man would leave you wholly unprotected. Why, even I could wrong you, and, without a curse (trying to speak lightly) you could not punish me for it.

The Chisera

If no one does me no more wrong than you, Simwa, I need no cursing. But, in truth, my father did give me—Ah, now I have thought of another gift for you, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite! Before he died, the medicine man, my father—did I not tell you? (she rummages eagerly in her medicine bag)—gave me this magic arrow against my evil hour. (Drawing it out.) See how heavy it is, and how the blood drain is cut in a medicine writing round and round the shaft.

Simwa

What magic has it?

The Chisera

That however far and feebly it is shot, it flies straight to the mark, over hills and high mountains, in the dark or light, and death rides upon its shaft. (Laughing.) Why, you could kill even me with this arrow. See, I have tied it in your quiver, so that you may not mistake it and shoot it away on any slight occasion. It is my latest gift to you, Beloved.

Simwa

Thanks for the gift, Chisera. Now give me the quiver. I must join the others before the Council. The fighting men were painting their faces when I came.

(A war-whoop is heard at a distance.)

The Chisera

I hear shouting.

Simwa

I must go quickly. I would not have Padahoon find me here.

The Chisera

Yes, he would brood upon it like a sage hen, until he had hatched mischief. Oh, Simwa, though I have prayed the gods until they and I are weary, to keep you safe in this war, yet my heart shakes to see you go. There is a beating in my breast as of the wings of vultures after battle.

Simwa

You have wearied yourself too much making medicine. If you have no more faith in the gods, have a little in me. If I can go out of Sagharawite as war leader, I shall come back with the spoil of Castac. (Shouts are heard nearer than before.) Now I go quickly! (He turns carelessly from her lingering caress and crosses to the toyon, starting back at the sight of Padahoon, moving noiselessly through the chaparral, blanketed and watchful.) What! Has the Sparrow Hawk eaten when-o-nabe that he must visit the Chisera on the eve of Council?

Padahoon

I come from the Chief—but I had not expected to find Simwa, the scoffer, before me.

Simwa

(Uneasily.) I have been gathering eagles' feathers for my arrows under Toorape.

Padahoon

Quite so—and are not the first hunter to find the shortest way past the house of the Medicine Woman. But it is well known that Simwa seeks no charms for himself. The Chief has been asking for you.

(He passes on to the Chisera, standing stiffly with strained attention by her hut. Simwa hesitates, recovers himself, and passes out with the appearance of indifference.)

Chisera, Rain Wind, Chief of Sagharawite, greets you, and bids me say that at the moth-hour he will be here with the fighting men to invite the favor of the gods in this war with Castac.

The Chisera

And before that—?

Padahoon

There will be a Council—

The Chisera

To choose a war leader.

Padahoon

So the Chief has said.

The Chisera

And it is the purpose of the Council to put this election to the gods?

Padahoon

It may come to that—(A pause.) Chief Rain Wind is a dotard. What should a woman know of these matters?

The Chisera

All that the gods are thinking in their hearts.

Padahoon

The gods, aye! But what word have the gods of the affairs of Sagharawite except as you carry it? Now between us—Chisera—

The Chisera

What is there between us, Padahoon, that our talk should be otherwise than appears at the Council?

Padahoon

There should be a matter of two doeskins, tanned white and fine (he produces them from under his blanket) if the gods are friendly. Look, Chisera!

(He spreads them out before the Chisera, who is seated by the hut, feathering a prayer-stick.)

Padahoon

(Dropping the doeskins negligently.) Oh, the man can make an arrow.

The Chisera

But not lead a war party?

Padahoon

A war leader, Chisera, should be neither old and timid, nor young and overbold, but of middle years and discretion; not so hot in his heart that his head cannot reason with it, nor so reasonable that it cools his heart.

(As he stands again, his hands are folded inside his arms; he is not so sure of his errand.)

The Chisera

Like ... Padahoon.

Padahoon

(Wheedling.) What will the gods think of a blanket of the Navajoes (he spreads it out before her)—thick and fine—and four strings of shells—and a cake of mesquite meal—?

The Chisera

Are the gods a-cold, Padahoon, that you bring them a blanket? Is there hunger in their camp, think you?

Padahoon

Let the things stay in yours, Chisera; they will remind you to speak well of me when you go before the Friend of the Soul of Man.

The Chisera

Put up your pack, Padahoon!

Padahoon

It is a little matter, Chisera; a handful of sticks thrown on the ground. What should the gods care for a handful of sticks? And the blanket is very thick. Shall I leave it a little while, that you may admire it?

The Chisera

Put up your pack, Padahoon, and learn not to think so lightly of the gods, lest they visit it upon you!

Padahoon

(Reluctantly putting up the bribe; after a pause, revolving new measures.) Chisera, this is a man's business which comes before you in the Council. Will you hear man-talk from me?

The Chisera

Is it possible the Sparrow Hawk does so much credit to my understanding?

Padahoon

Chisera, we have had peace now at Sagharawite so many summers that scarcely a man of us besides myself has seen battle; also we are a little outnumbered. Have you thought, Chisera, what will come to Sagharawite if we go out under an untried leader?

The Chisera

What will come will be as the gods determine. What reason have you to think they will favor you more than Simwa?

Padahoon

It is my experience, Chisera, that the gods are inclined to the better man. And, look you, Chisera, this is perhaps my last chance to serve my people. Comes another war, if there are enough of us left after this to make another war possible, I shall be too old for leadership. And I have that in me which I would prove before I die. This is man-talk, Chisera. Do you understand it?

The Chisera

I understand that you want greatly this election, but I can do nothing except as the gods declare. Put up your pack, Padahoon, I have work to do. (Rising.)

Padahoon

(Putting up his pack.) How much did Simwa give you?

The Chisera

(Startled.) Simwa! (Recovering herself.) The Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite leaves all higher matters where they belong.

Padahoon

Simwa put trust in the gods! Simwa believe that by singing and dancing and waving of arms, with a rag of buckskin and a hair of your head and three leaves of a seldom-flowering plant, you can turn the fortunes of war? This will be news for the fighting men, Chisera.

The Chisera

(Quivering, but controlling herself.) Padahoon, now by this I am minded to prove what the gods can do against tale-bearers and snakes in the grass! (Balancing her medicine stick for a moment, she seems on the point of invoking the gods against him, but thinks better of it.) Nay, but the gods have greater affairs. (Sound of the drums in the direction of the camp.) Now I go to prepare strong medicine so that you shall know, Padahoon, how the gods choose between you and the Arrow-Maker.

(She goes into the hut and lets fall the curtain.)

(Enter Pamaquash, Yavi, and other youths to prepare for the Council.)

Pamaquash

Is the Chisera advised of the Council?

Padahoon

Even now she prepares herself in the wickiup. Where is the Chief?

Pamaquash

He stays only until the fighting men are gathered together.

Padahoon

I will join them. See that the Chisera is not disturbed before her time. (He goes out.)

Pamaquash

Over there in front of the wickiup, one of you light the medicine fire, but do not light it until the Chisera comes.

(Yavi and another prepare the fire.)

Yavi

How is it that the Chisera will discover the will of the gods?

Pamaquash

Spread a blanket there, where the Chief and the Chisera will sit—(To Yavi.) By the casting of the seven sacred sticks. As the gods will they make the sticks to fall in a sign that she can read.

Yavi

Is it so that the Medicine Worker sometimes fails?

Pamaquash

Medicine men have died at it before now—and better so, for otherwise they should have died by the law.

Yavi

Is that the law?

Pamaquash

Surely, surely. For of what use is an advocate with the gods if he cannot get to them. It would be so with the Chisera.

(As the preparations have gone forward, the sound of the drums and rattles, with an occasional subdued whoop, has drawn nearer, and the Fighting Men, led by the Chief, in full fighting gear, arrive in single file marching to the drums. The procession halts in the open space before the Chisera's hut.)

Chief

Let the Council sit.

(Eleven of the elders seat themselves in a circle about the fire, turning toward the Chief. The others stand or sit attentively in the background. The Chief at the fire hands the ceremonial pipe to Yavi who lights it. Rain Wind blows a puff of smoke to all the gods, returning to his place in the Council; the pipe passes from hand to hand; when it has passed all about, each tribesman blowing smoke and saluting, the Chief rises and stands before the Chisera's hut.)

Chisera, Chisera, come to Council!

The Chisera

(Advancing to his side.) Rain Wind, Chief of Sagharawite, what will you have of me?

(Pamaquash lights the medicine fire.)

Chief

To carry a matter too hard for us before the Friend of the Soul of Man.

The Chisera

Nothing that men contrive in their hearts is too hard for the gods. Speak, then!

(Goes and sits beside the Chief.)

Chief

(Rising.) Tribesmen, for as many years as a fir tree needs to bear cones, I have been Chief in Sagharawite. Now I am old, and, like a badger, see only my own trail (grunts of dissent), and my legs carry me no farther than my eyes see. Therefore, since there is war with Castac concerning the piÑon trees which are ours (grunts and exclamations), it is right you have a younger man to lead you. But, since it has never happened that there must be a war leader chosen while there is a chief alive and sitting in Council, I think it well to inquire how the gods stand toward us. Tribesmen, what do you say? (Sits with great dignity.)

Choco

(Rising and saluting the Chief with lifted hand. Speaking with great deliberation and winning sober approval.) Chief Rain Wind has said. The occasion is strange and the candidates of such diverse but equal merit that it is impossible for a just man to choose between them. Let the Chisera carry it to the gods.

Chief

This is truth which Choco says—whom the gods will favor they favor. They are not greatly bound to the choice of men.

The Council

Good counsel! good counsel! (Assent from the bystanders.)

Tavwots

(Continuing, with earnestness.) Tribesmen, I am not myself of two minds in this business. I speak freely for Padahoon according to our custom which is, without discredit to the Arrow-Maker, for the leadership of the elder. But at least let us remember that the gods have high affairs; they are not always listening to the gossip of the camp-fire and hut. What word have they of Sagharawite except as the Chisera carries it? If we put the choice to them, let her know what we are thinking in our hearts. Let Simwa and Sparrow Hawk declare it so that we and the gods shall know how they stand toward the conduct of this war. I have said. (Seats himself amid general approval.)

Old Men

Good counsel! Good counsel!

Tribesmen

Simwa! Padahoon! The Arrow-Maker! Padahoon!

Chief

Padahoon, you have the more years; say what you will do. And do you, Chisera, bear it well in your heart as you go up before the Friend of the Soul of Man.

The Chisera

The trail of the gods is hard and none may walk therein save those that walk sincerely. Speak, then!

Padahoon

(Rising.) Chief and tribesmen, you know me. What I think in my heart, I say; and what I say I do. The piÑon trees are ours, since the time of our father's fathers (general assent), and this is a vain fight for the men of Castac. Inasmuch as they have crossed our borders, they do evilly, but they are also Paiutes, as we are, and sons of the Bear. Aforetime when the Tecuyas came against us, they were as our brothers. Now, were I war leader, I should leave them at Pahrump and, going up behind the ridge of Toorape, strike at their villages. When we have their women and children and their stores, we can make terms with our brothers of Castac. So shall we save our honor and our allies.

Indians

Good counsel! Ugh! Huh! Padahoon! Good counsel!

Chief

Speak, Simwa!

Simwa

(Rising.) Shall I call a thief my brother, and is a poacher my fellow that I should respect him? Sons of the Bear are the men of Castac? Aye, bastard sons, and the coyote is their mother. (Grunts and cries of approval.) The Castacs have filled up our springs and driven our deer. They have stalked our hunters in the hills. (Grunts.) Aye, but we have given the stalkers arrows of ours to keep. (Grunts of satisfaction.) Shall we go after our arrows, men of Sagharawite, or shall we wait until our “brothers” of Castac come and stroke us? I am not so old as Padahoon, nor so wise, but, by the Bear that fathered us, were I war leader for the space of one moon, there would be no more men of Castac to trouble our harvest.

Young Men

Simwa! Simwa! The Arrow-Maker!

Old Men

Padahoon! Padahoon!

Chief

Tribesmen, the wisdom of Padahoon is sound, and such as every man has in his own head; but the speech of Simwa is a water of mirage about our understanding. Shall we try what the gods will do? (Nods and grunts of approval.)

Old Men

The gods—the Chisera—the Chisera!

Chief

The best of the spoil of Castac is yours, Chisera, if the choice be fortunate.

The Chisera

(Rising to begin.) I want no spoil; this is also my quarrel. How will you have the venture tried?

Indians

The sticks! The sacred sticks!

(The Chisera produces the sticks from her medicine bag, and hands them to one of the Old Men. To each of the others who will dance with her (two or three) she gives a fetish from her bag. They have already put on appropriate headdresses and are prepared for dancing. She motions the rattles to begin. Behind her are the Old Men, with the drums and rattles; on each side, the Fighting Men seated on the ground. The dance begins, the Chisera singing. The Old Men keep up a crooning accompaniment; from time to time the Fighting Men join the singing and exhibit a growing excitement as the dance progresses. At intervals, one and another of them, leaps to his feet and joins the dance. At the last, the Chisera, whirling rapidly, falls to the ground. Instantly the rattles are stopped, and the people wait in suspense the word of the gods. The women are seen to steal up through the toyon bushes. The Chisera lifts herself slowly on one elbow, as if waking from a drugged sleep. She stretches out her hand for the sacred sticks. She drops them with a quick turn of the wrist, gathers them up and drops them again, seeking for an augury. She throws up the arm with the medicine stick and begins to chant.)

The Chisera

The bows of Castac shall be broken.
The bowstring shall break asunder.
The bows of thy foes shall be broken and the vultures come to the battle.

(Excitement and confusion.)

Indians

The omen, the omen! the war leader!

The Chisera
(Chanting)

The Maker of Arrows shall lead you.
He that makes arrows of eagles' feathers,
Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite, he shall lead you,
Simwa shall break the bows of Castac.

Tribesmen

Simwa!

(The Indians break into a great shout for Simwa. Rain Wind puts a collar of bears' claws about Simwa's neck, lifts his war-bonnet and places it on his head. Simwa raises his war-club with a great shout, dancing about the half-prostrate form of the Chisera, the Fighting Men one by one falling into the dance with wild exultant movements, chanting.)

The bows of Castac shall be broken!
The bowstring shall break asunder!
He shall break the bows of Castac!

(As they pass out on the war trail shouting, the women are seen to come to the help of the Chisera.)

CURTAIN