Scene.—The campody of Sagharawite, three months later, near the new wickiup of the Arrow-Maker. At the right, the house of Rain Wind, and behind all a spring under a clump of dwarf oaks. A little trail runs between stones to connect the Arrow-Maker with the rest of the campody, and beyond it the valley rises gently to the Sierra foothills, brooding under the spring haze. A little to the fore of Simwa's house lies a great heap of blankets, baskets, and camp utensils, displayed to the best advantage, the wedding dower of the Chief's daughter. By her father's house Bright Water is being dressed for bridal by her young companions. They braid her hair, paint her face, tie her moccasins, and arrange her beads over the robe of white doeskin; they laugh as they work and are happily important as is the custom of bridesmaids. The older women are winnowing grain and grinding at the metate.

At the left and front, Simwa, Tavwots, and others are gambling with dice made of halves of black-walnut hulls, filled with pitch; the number indicated by bits of shell embedded in the pitch. They are shaken in a small basket and turned out on a basket plaque.

The older men look on, smoking. Tavwots is broad-faced and merry, and does not neglect to ogle the girls at intervals, which causes them to giggle and hide their heads in their blankets. The men have on their holiday dress, especially the younger companions of Simwa.

Tavwots

(Throwing.) Five!

Simwa

(Throwing.) And five again!

Indians

Hi! Hi!

Tavwots

Four!

Simwa

Seven! (Exclamations.)

Seegooche

(Bringing a blanket.) Here, let us spread the blanket where the newly married pair shall sit when first my daughter comes to her husband's house.

(The women assist her, spreading it in front of Simwa's house.)

Tiawa

And this time next year, may you be a grandmother.

Seegooche

I pray so. To-morrow I shall go to the Chisera and get a charm to make it sure.

Wacoba

Does not the Chisera come to the wedding?

Seegooche

I wished it so, but Simwa has no faith in magic medicine. He thinks we show her too much respect because of her mumblings and wavings of arms.

Wacoba

It would have been neighborly to invite her.

Tiawa

I should be afraid lest some mischief came of this neglect.

Seegooche

So am I; but Simwa would not have her asked.

(She passes to her own hut and brings out grain and pine nuts, with which the other women fill their ceremonial baskets.)

Tiawa

No doubt Simwa feels that the gods have done so much for him that he can afford to dispense with an advocate.

Haiwai

(Who has approached unnoticed.) Small wonder he thinks so when you remember how he brought our men back scatheless with the spoil of Castac. Seegooche, I bring the best of my share to grace your daughter's wedding. (Offers basket.)

Seegooche

(Taking it and handing it about.) My thanks to you. (Noticing the papoose which she carries strapped in a basket at her back.) And who is this that comes to my house uninvited?

Haiwai

Nay, but he came to mine but five days since; and already he grips like a man! (Showing him about proudly.)

Tiawa

Hey, little warrior!

Tuiyo

Ah, let me have him, Haiwai! I will hold him carefully.

(Still seated, she reaches up her arms for the child and coos over it.)

Bright Water

Let me!

(Takes the basket from Tuiyo and rocks the basket, crooning.)

Hey, little dove, hush, little dove,
'Tis the wind rocking
Thy nest in the pine tree.
Hey, little dove.

White Flower

Chief's daughter, do you think you will be able to do so well by your husband?

(Bright Water gives back the child to its mother in great confusion.)

Seegooche

Do not plague her. (The women return to their work.) It is the way with maids, the nearer they are to mothering the less they wish to hear of it.

Tiawa

Still I would see the Chisera if I were you. It is a pity she is not invited.

Tuiyo

(Painting Bright Water.) Tell me, Seegooche, do I put the white on her cheeks too, or only on the forehead.

Seegooche

(Alarmed.) No, no white at all, not on her wedding day. It is an evil omen.

Tuiyo

(Wiping it off hastily.) Then I will take it off again. All the misfortune be on my head.

Bright Water

Never fear, mother, I am so defended by happiness no evil could get near me.

White Flower

Besides, the bride of Simwa need fear no omens. The luck of her husband will protect her.

Tuiyo

(With a final touch.) There, come to the spring and see how lovely you are. (The girls all rise.)

Tavwots

That's bad medicine you make for us unmarried men.

Bright Water

(Standing forth in her bridal array.) Is it so bad, Simwa?

(Simwa answers with his eyes.)

Tavwots

Already he is speechless, and I have staked him my collar of elks' teeth as a charm against it.

Bright Water

Tavwots, you have eaten meadowlarks' tongues. If you had a wife, you would keep her in a gambling basket. (At the spring.) Now I need only flowers for my hair. Let us go get them. (The girls go out.)

Tavwots

(Throwing down his collar of elks' teeth.) By the Bear, Simwa, I do not know how it is you persuade the gods to be always on your side. First you are made war leader, then you marry the Chief's daughter, and now you have my collar of elks' teeth to top all.

Simwa

(Gathering up the stakes.) Will you take a chance to have it back again?

Tavwots

I would, if I had anything to stake you; but my luck has left me little but my shirt.

Simwa

I will play you for that.

Tavwots

Not until after the wedding. (Rises.)

Simwa

As you like. Your shirt against the collar. Do you play, friends?

First Indian

Not I.

Yavi

Nor I. The luck is all to Simwa. (All rise.)

Tavwots

Yes. One would think he had been courting the Chisera.

Simwa

(Who has risen, turning sharply.) How?

Tavwots

I said I could not guess how you manage to be always winning, unless you have made love to the Chisera, and she has persuaded the gods for you. (Slapping him on the back.) Why, this is the first time you were ever accused of love-making and looked sourly over it!

Simwa

(Smirking.) No fault of mine if the women like a good figure.

Tavwots

No advantage either from this time henceforward. Here comes Chief Rain Wind to marry you to his daughter.

Chief

(Issuing from his wickiup in full holiday dress, blanketed.) Where is she?

Seegooche

She gathers flowers with her young companions. She comes presently.

Chief

Bid the married women prepare to bless the bridal. Are the guests all here?

Seegooche

Choco and the others who went out to hunt early this morning have not yet returned.

Chief

I would speak with them when they come. And Padahoon?

Tavwots

I do not know, unless he visits the Chisera.

Simwa

(Startled.) Padahoon?

Tavwots

So often does he go to her house, if he did not have a wife already, I should think he had an eye to her. The best cut of my next kill against my shirt, Simwa, that he goes to find ways to make good against you the loss of the leadership.

Simwa

(Complacently.) Padahoon cannot forgive me the victory at Castac.

Tavwots

Well, if the Tecuya Creek tribes keep up their quarreling, we are all likely to wish you had not killed off so many of their fighting men.

Simwa

I shall deal with the Tecuyas as I did with Castac.

Tavwots

The gods were with you. Next time Padahoon may win the Chisera to be on his side.

Simwa

(Suspiciously.) What do you mean? Am I not war leader of Sagharawite?

Tavwots

So long as we and the gods approve you. But if I were the gods, and the Chisera came dancing before me—

Chief

Tavwots, your wit misleads you. The Chisera is not a subject for jest or the favor of men; she is an advocate with the gods for us.

Tavwots

Well, the gods have a handsome advocate. I should give her anything she asked. (Looking off.) See, bridegroom, the girls are dancing, and you not with them! (Simwa and several of the younger men go out.)

Chief

(Detaining Tavwots.) Tavwots, what do you know of this Tecuya Creek matter?

Tavwots

More than I like to spoil a feast-day with.

Chief

Nevertheless, tell it.

Tavwots

They have forbidden all the campodies east of us from fishing in the river. Also they watch all the trails toward Toorape and take toll of passers.

Chief

On what grounds?

Tavwots

None, I think, except that they are able. A bowman of Tehachappi inquired of me how many fell at Castac, and I, thinking to glorify the tribe,—I told him.

Chief

What said he to that?

Tavwots

What I should have expected. He grinned upon me like a sick coyote and said, “They are poor allies, the dead.”

Indians

Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!

Chief

Here are the hunters. They will know if there is mischief stirring.

(Enter from the left, Choco, Pamaquash, and others, carrying game.)

Tavwots

And with the Arrow-Maker's own luck!

Choco

So far as the quarry goes.

Chief

But not for the hunters—?

Choco

(To him.) Send the younger men away. I have a word for you.

Chief

You, Fleet-Foot, Yavi, all of you—carry the game to the women and help them dress it for the feast. (The young men take up the game and go out, leaving Choco, Tavwots, and the Old Men with the Chief.) Let us hear your word, Choco.

Choco

(Taking a long arrow from under his blanket.) What make you of that?

Chief

(Examining it.) Tecuya Creek, surely.

Old Men

(Handing it about.) Tecuya—Tecuya.

Chief

Where did you find it?

Choco

Where I like least to see it—in the body of a friend.

Men

Ah—a—a—ah!

Chief

What friend?

Choco

Winnedumah. He went out to the hunt yesterday and was to have joined us this morning at Deer Leap. I found him by the crossing of the trails, with that through him.

Chief

Bad business. What say you it means?

Choco

That the Tecuyas think we dare not avenge it.

Chief

Dare not! Simwa must hear of this, but not on his wedding day. To-morrow we will take counsel. I would I might have a word with Padahoon.

Tavwots

He is there on the barranca; I will call him. Oh—ee, Padahoon!

Padahoon

(Appearing on the barranca.) What now? (Ironically.) Can not the Arrow-Maker so much as take a wife without calling all the tribes to witness? (Coming down the barranca, noting their gravity.) What has happened? Is the Council called?

Chief

For to-morrow. In the mean time there is this. (Handing up the arrow.)

Padahoon

(Standing halfway down the bank as he examines it.) An arrow of Tecuya. Blood? Blood of Sagharawite?

Tavwots

Of Winnedumah.

Padahoon

(Blazing forth.) By the Bear that fathered us! It is likely to prove an open wound in the honor of Sagharawite. Not ten sleeps have passed since the last of our fighting men returned from the killing of our blood brothers, and already we have a witness to our folly! The Tecuyas are three to one of us.

Pamaquash

But the luck of Simwa is more than three times that of Tecuya.

Padahoon

The fortunes of Simwa! What are they but the accidents of time and weather. A landslip on the trail, a rainstorm that wetted their bowstrings and left ours dry. The damp has slacked your wits, Rain Wind, that you are not able to distinguish between the Arrow-Maker and his luck.

Chief

The witness of the gods in his favor.

Padahoon

The gods are not always so attentive. Where was the luck of the Arrow-Maker that it has not saved us from this? (Shaking the arrow as he descends.) Show me something which we owe to Simwa if you would have me trust in him.

Chief

I will show you the pit of your own heart, Padahoon, and the adder that bites at the root of it. You are jealous of the fame and the office of Simwa, but you shall not sink your venom in the minds of the Fighting Men.

Padahoon

I would I could sting them to understand that if Tecuya comes against us, they will not trust so much to luck as to war craft.

Chief

Understand yourself that whatever comes of this business of Tecuya, Simwa is still war leader. You are too old a man, Padahoon, to be told that whoever lessens the credit of the war leader saps at the strength of Sagharawite.

Padahoon

Aye, I am an old man and in my dotage when I seek to set years of good faith and experience against the fortunate moments of a fool.

Chief

The Chief has spoken. No more of this until the Council. In the mean time, not a word to the women. It is an ill omen for a feast.

(He goes out, followed by all but Tavwots, Choco, Pamaquash, and Padahoon.)

Tavwots

(Laying his hand on the shoulder of Padahoon.) By the Bear, Padahoon, I have been on your side in this matter heretofore, but now I think the Chief is right. It is an ill business setting men against the war leader in time of danger.

Padahoon

You too, Tavwots—you have looked at the lure of the Arrow-Maker's luck and do not see the snare which his want of wit spreads for your feet?

Tavwots

(Uncertainly.) But if the fortune of Simwa is not his own, whence is it?

Padahoon

Tell me, Tavwots, when another man seeks favor from the gods, by whom does it come?

Tavwots

By the Chisera. But what—

Padahoon

On the morning of the election, when I went from the Chief to advise the Chisera, I met Simwa by her hut.

Pamaquash

I also met him when I came back from Leaping Water to bring word to the women—he said he had been gathering eagles' feathers for his arrows.

Padahoon

So he said to me. Feathers for arrows when every man had his quiver full at his back!

Tavwots

But Simwa puts no faith in magic medicine. Why, he has not even asked the Chisera to his wedding!

Padahoon

No, not even though the Chief's daughter urged it. (A pause full of significance.)

Tavwots

No, no! Padahoon! Unless the Chisera owned to it herself, I would not believe it. The Chief is right. The wound of your jealousy festers and corrupts your tongue. (Turning his back on Padahoon he claps Pamaquash on the shoulder.) Come and dance!

Choco

(Gathering his blanket around him.) Even if the Chisera owned it, I would not believe it.

(The men move in the direction of the merrymaking and are met by the younger people, laughing and shouting for Simwa. Padahoon watches them bitterly for a while, and, revolving many things, draws his blanket up and departs in the direction of the Chisera's hut.)

Pamaquash

Come, Arrow-Maker, a speech for your bridal. (Laughter and approval.)

Simwa

(Drunk with popularity.) The war leader loves deeds rather than talking.

Tavwots

We have seen what your fighting is like. Give us a speech.

Simwa

Friends and tribesmen, the fortune of Simwa is Simwa. Does the Bear take weapons against the woodchuck, and shall the sons of the Bear make charms against their enemies? The spoil of Castac is in our camp (cheers) and our young men hunt within their borders. (Applause.) If any of the tribes inquire where are the fullest harvests, the fattest deer, the prettiest maidens (he flings his blanket about Bright Water), bid him look for the land of Simwa the Arrow-Maker. (Shouts and laughter.)

Young Men

Come, now, a dance, a dance! Tavwots, dance for us!

(The cries increasing, Tavwots is pushed forward to dance, others cry for Pamaquash and Yavi, who join Tavwots, laughing, to dance the blanket dance, all the others singing and keeping time with swaying bodies. The girls hover about the dancers, and as at certain points in the dance the Young Men attempt to cast their blankets about the heads of the girls, they duck and squeal. Finally, amid much laughter, each dancer captures a girl, rubbing his cheek against hers, the Indian equivalent of a kiss. With great merriment the crowd moves off in the direction of the mesa, disclosing Padahoon and the Chisera, who have come up unobserved.)

Padahoon

Come this way, Chisera. The girls are out on the mesa, dancing with the bride, and the women are grinding at the metate for the marriage feast.

The Chisera

But where is Simwa?

Padahoon

With the bride, no doubt. Here is his wickiup, and here the marriage dower beside it.

The Chisera

All this?

Padahoon

Never so many gifts went to a wedding in Sagharawite. Every woman whose man came back safe from the war gave a basket or a blanket, and Simwa gave all of his share of the spoil of Castac.

The Chisera

And that, I doubt not, is bitter for you to see, Padahoon.

Padahoon

Why, as to that, Chisera, it is good to see spoil of our foes in the camp; but the fighting men of Castac were our blood brothers. See, here is the blanket where the newly married pair shall sit to receive the blessings of the fruitful women.

The Chisera

(Bitterly.) But not the blessing of the Chisera. Never before, in my time, has there been a bride of Sagharawite but sent to ask my blessing.

Padahoon

Aye, but Simwa does not believe in charms and spells. (The Chisera seems about to break out angrily, but restrains herself. Padahoon watches her narrowly as he speaks.) Look, Chisera! Is not the bride fair? Fit to set a man beside himself with desiring?

The Chisera

She is but a child. Her breasts are scarcely grown. No fit mate for a war leader.

Padahoon

(Watching her.) But a man so well furnished with wisdom need not look for it in a wife. Is it not so, Chisera?

The Chisera

Padahoon, why do you tell me this?

Padahoon

(With the appearance of candor.) As often as I came to your house to get medicine, you asked me for news of the campody, and seemed best pleased with news of Simwa, the war leader; and with reason, since he has become the most notable man of the Paiutes. Yet, when I told you he was to be married to-day to the Chief's daughter, you were slow to believe. Now tell me if I have lied, Chisera.

The Chisera

You have not lied, Padahoon, but Simwa, he has lied. How long have you known this?

Padahoon

Since the time of Taboose.

The Chisera

And why not told me?

Padahoon

How could I think the Chisera wished to know? It was a thing you might have heard from the women grinding meal or weaving baskets. But the Chisera does not often come to the village, except there is illness.

The Chisera

I have no time to gossip with the women. I have to go before the gods for them and their children.

Padahoon

And now that you are told, what will you do?

The Chisera

Is there so much to do?

Padahoon

Only to give him your blessing.

The Chisera

(Bitterly.) Did I not give him that at Castac?

(Begins to search about among Simwa's effects.)

Padahoon

What seek you, Chisera?

The Chisera

The arrow! the quiver! Surely Simwa does not dance at his wedding wearing his quiver?

Padahoon

No; but when he is not wearing it, no man knows where he hides it.

The Chisera

(Searching.) The quiver! I must find the quiver!

Padahoon

'Tis said he has a magic arrow in it of such power he would have it fall into no man's hands.

The Chisera

(Muttering.) Aye, the arrow; the black arrow.

Padahoon

Chisera, why does this marriage disturb you?

The Chisera

Padahoon, why should you think it disturbs me?

Padahoon

You have come.

The Chisera

Why should not one maid come to the marriage of another? There is scarce two summers' difference between me and the Chief's daughter.

Padahoon

Yes, but you come in your blanket. Such has not been your custom when you have come among us on errands of healing; then you dressed sumptuously, as befitted one bearing the word of the gods. Now you come like an angry woman who would hide what is in her heart.

The Chisera

(With dignity.) Cover your own heart, Padahoon, lest I ask what mischief breeds in it to bid you observe me so much. I have not forgot that you would have paid me a blanket to be made war leader in the room of Simwa.

Padahoon

(With ugly insinuation.) Ugh! huh! Perhaps I had been as fortunate as the Arrow-Maker, if, instead of giving it, I had offered to share it with you.

The Chisera

Kima! Padahoon, you do tempt me to try if I can curse.

Padahoon

(Conciliatory.) I have no wish to anger the friend of the gods, but I am a plain man wishing good to my campody, and it seems not good to me that Simwa has grown suddenly so great.

The Chisera

(Recovering herself.) What has that to do with the Chisera?

Padahoon

I have known this Simwa since he was first tied in a basket, and, though he has grown to be war leader, I think he is most like a pod of rattleweed that is swollen to twice its size at the end of the season, yet has no more in it than at the beginning. And I do not know how, without the help of magic medicine, he has come to be what he is with so little in him.

The Chisera

The Chief's daughter has trusted him.

Padahoon

She loves him. (During this scene bursts of Indian music and singing have been heard at intervals. It grows louder. Padahoon and Chisera look off.) They come this way, Chisera. You are right. When a man has married so fair a wife, there is not much left to be done for him.

The Chisera

(With bitter irony, as she moves over against Simwa's hut and puts up her blanket.) I am not so sure.

Tiawa

It is Chisera.

Seegooche

(With alarm.) Where is my daughter?

(Bright Water enters with the young girls, laughing and talking. Her hair is braided with golden poppies and falls over her shoulders. She sees the Chisera standing, tall and still, by Simwa's hut, her whole figure shrouded in a blanket, which is drawn up to cover all of her face but the eyes.)

Bright Water

Who is it comes to my wedding uninvited? How her eyes burn upon me!

Seegooche

Hush! She will hear you. It is the Chisera.

Bright Water

The Chisera? Never have I seen her like this. But she has come to bring me a blessing.

Seegooche

Do not speak to her, my daughter; she is not in the humor for it.

Bright Water

Shall I not be courteous to the first guest who has come to my husband's house? Chisera, I am pleased that you have come to bless my marriage.

The Chisera

(Out of her blanket.) Where is Simwa?

Bright Water

He comes soon. (Going to her.) Last night I thought of you, and how you alone, of all Sagharawite, had kept away from my happiness—

Seegooche

Let be, daughter. (Pulling her sleeve.) It is ill stirring a coiled snake. (To the Chisera, with intent to draw her off.) Come this way, Chisera, and I will show you the wedding presents.

The Chisera

(Lowering her blanket a little.) Show me the Arrow-Maker.

(The elder men have entered, among them Rain Wind.)

Chief

What is this?

Tiawa

It is the Chisera asking for Simwa.

Men

Ah! ah! ah—ah!

(Exchanging glances of inquiry and amazement.)

Chief

Who is that behind her?

Wacoba

Padahoon!

Men

Ugh! huh!

Chief

So? Why does she cover her face?

Tiawa

She makes medicine in her blanket.

(The Indians draw close in two groups, the women together and the men on the other side. They watch the Chisera uneasily. Bright Water stands a little apart, the bridesmaids moving timidly toward the elder women.)

The Chisera

(Putting down her blanket.) The Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite is slow to the bridal.

Bright Water

He comes. He comes.

(The young men enter, with Simwa in their midst, painted and befeathered as befits a handsome man on his wedding day. Observing the Chisera, he checks and falters in his walk.)

Simwa

Chisera!

The Chisera

Is it you, Simwa, who wed with the Chief's daughter?

Simwa

You are come, Chisera—(Wholly at a loss.) You are come—

The Chisera

I am come to your marriage, Simwa, though I am not invited.

Bright Water

But now that she is here, Simwa, you will ask her to bless us?

Simwa

(Recovering himself with an effort.) Surely, surely. But the married women have not blessed us yet. (Taking the bride's hand and leading her to the blanket. They seat themselves.) Come, Tiawa, have you no pine nuts in your basket? (With an effort to carry it off jovially.) What! will you have my wife dig roots before her wedding year is out?

(The married women take up their baskets and begin the ceremony of sprinkling the bride with nuts and seeds in token of fruitfulness.)

The Chisera

(Warningly.) Simwa! Simwa!

(The women leave off, huddling together, looking fearfully at the Chisera.)

Seegooche

(Getting between her and Bright Water.) What harm to you, Chisera, if the Arrow-Maker weds where he loves?

The Chisera

(Looking steadily at Simwa.) Aye—where he loves—(Pleadingly.) Simwa! Simwa!

(She drops her blanket and turns away.)

Seegooche

(Lifting her basket to her shoulder again.) Let us go on with the marriage.

Padahoon

(To the company.) If the Chisera knows any reason why this marriage should not go on, should she not say it openly? A word half spoken breeds suspicion faster than flies at killing time.

Chief

What talk is this of reasons? Have I not the disposing of my daughter in marriage? Reason enough, if I wish it so.

Padahoon

That which is most reasonable to men, the gods see otherwise.

(A murmur begins in the camp, but Simwa takes it up instantly.)

Simwa

He is thinking of the war with Castac. Truly, you were not eye to eye with the gods on that occasion, Padahoon.

Padahoon

Were I so sure it was of the gods, I had not stood out so against it.

Chief

Was not Simwa approved of the gods through the mouth of the Chisera?

The Chisera

So you think.

Chief

Is there another Arrow-Maker so skilled between Tehachappi and Tecuya? Are any shafts better fashioned to fly straight to the mark? Is there any hunter knows more surely where the herds feed, or strikes quicker the slot of a deer?

The Chisera

As you think.

Chief

Let be this talk of reasons. This is mere woman's mischief, to nod and wink and to make signs with the eyebrows. A woman would have you think reason enough for marrying if she liked or misliked it. Chisera, this is no matter for the gods, but a plain mating of man and maid.

The Chisera

(Flashing.) Since when have you talked with the gods, that you think to lesson me in their business?

Chief

Since you have been a father, to know reasons for the bestowal of daughters.

(Grunts of appreciation.)

The Chisera

(Letting her blanket slip to her breast.) Know, then, that if these are your reasons, Rain Wind, there is no more meat in them than in the husk of acorns. If good fortune hangs on all Simwa's movements, it is by reason of the medicine I make that binds him in the favor of the Friend.

Simwa

(Leaning on his elbows, with the manner of being quite at ease.) You are very free with your blessing, Chisera, if it is so; for it is well known in the camp that Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, does not believe in charms, nor seek them.

Indians

(Grunting in assent.) Ugh! huh!

The Chisera

(Letting fall her blanket in a burst of indignation.) “Nor seek them!”—Ah! Simwa! Simwa!

(A short pause of embarrassment and consternation ensues. Then Padahoon, in a manner meant to seem impartial—)

Padahoon

The medicine of the Chisera is very powerful, but one must allow a little credit to the gods. Simwa was chosen war leader by the trial of the seven sticks. As the gods willed, they made the sticks to fall. Is it not so, Chisera?

The Chisera

(Sullenly, from her blanket.) I do not know. I did not look. (Letting fall her blanket and speaking proudly.) I had persuaded the Friend to give victory to the war leader. What should I care for the sticks? A day and a night I made medicine, and the sign was sure. I said “Simwa” and the gods confirmed it.

(The Indians remain silent, but draw a little away from Simwa.)

Bright Water

(Rising and turning toward her.) Chisera, why should you make medicine for Simwa?

The Chisera

Chief's daughter, do not ask.

Bright Water

Chief's daughter I am, and wife of the war leader. Why should you concern yourself with his affairs?

The Chisera

(After a pause, with great dignity.) Because he loved me.

Indians

Ah! Ah—ah! Ah!

Simwa

(Laughing.) The Friend of the gods has eaten rattleweed. Does a man love a wild woman who goes muttering and waving her arms, when she should be weaving and grinding meal? Would he take a wander-thought to his bed, and have witless children? Sooner I had a snake in my hut to run and tattle to the gods of me.

Tavwots

(To Padahoon.) Now, if it is true that he owes his fortune to the gods, they have deserted him, else he would not speak so to a jealous woman.

Simwa

(Looking long at the Chisera, haggard and unpainted, her blanket trailing, and then to the Chief's daughter, and back again, all the eyes of the campody following.) Is there any comeliness in a witch, that a man should desire her?

Seegooche

(Alarmed.) Simwa, Simwa! If you have no care for yourself, at least remember my daughter!

Simwa

(Rising.) Have no care, mother. If I do not believe she can bless, neither do you believe that she can curse.

Bright Water

Mother, let be. If this be true that she speaks, I am already cursed.

Simwa

(Going to his wife.) What have we to do with blessings or cursings? The Chisera is unsound in her mind. I have seen her dancing in the hills sometimes where I went to gather eagle's feathers for my arrows, and her madness has made a curious tale of it.

Bright Water

I would I might believe it.

Simwa

(With returning complacency.) Do you find it so hard to have a husband whom other women admire?

Padahoon

Chief and tribesmen, if it be true that Simwa values charms so little, let him declare what it is he keeps sewed in his quiver so precious that he must hide it even on his wedding day.

(Murmurs. The Chisera, in alarm, endeavors to check Padahoon. Simwa turns upon him with a snarl.)

Simwa

Kima! (Wildly.) You cannot prove that I had it of the Chisera!

Padahoon

(Suddenly darting out two fingers from his mouth, moving them rapidly in the manner of a snake's tongue, with a hissing sound.) Snake of two tongues! Now I know you for the man you are, braggart and liar!

Simwa

Coyote whelp!

(Simwa grasps a war weapon, a stone tied in a crotched stick, from the heap of wedding gifts, and smites Padahoon to the earth, standing threateningly over him. The others stiffen into tense attitudes, drawing their blankets tighter, their eyes burning bright. Padahoon draws the knife that hangs in a sheath at his neck.)

Chief

(Putting Simwa back with a hand at his breast.) Peace! Though you are made my son by this day's work, you shall not usurp judgment. (To Padahoon, as Simwa moves slowly back, his weapon lowered.) What charge do you make?

Padahoon

(Rising on his elbow to spit blood.) Thou art a liar, if ever there was one in Sagharawite, and have nothing which is not owed to the Chisera.

Chief

Speak straight, Padahoon, or, by the Bear, I shall let him kill you where you lie.

Padahoon

Three nights after the return from Tecuya, I saw you at the Chisera's house—and again in the rains—and at the time of Taboose.

Chief

Is it so, Chisera?

The Chisera

It is so.

Padahoon

Did you go there for love or profit?

(Simwa lets slip his weapon from his hand to the ground.)

Chief

Simwa, if you were the son of my body, I should not know which to believe.

Simwa

Believe him if you like. (Sullenly.) If a skunk walk in my trail and leave a stink there, shall I go out of my way to deny that it is mine? No doubt the woman is both mad and shameless.

(Murmurs of indignation.)

Seegooche

(Afraid, but furious.) Then if you are shameless, begone! Stay not to vex the marriage of a maiden. Go! Have to do with your gods, and leave my daughter.

Bright Water

Mother! Mother!

The Chisera

Shameless, am I, Seegooche? Then there is one of your blood shall know a greater shame. Great hunter does she think her man? Aye, but she shall come to dig roots for him when he fails of the hunt and be glad of the offal the other women give her for pity. For this I say to you, tribesmen of Sagharawite, that, though I cannot curse, yet I can take back my blessing.

Bright Water

All this is of no account, Chisera. No doubt you can contrive against the fame of Simwa and bespeak the gods to neglect him; I wait to hear what proof you have that he loved you.

Seegooche

Do not vex her, daughter, lest she turn the gods against you also.

Bright Water

No matter, mother. What Simwa bears, I can bear. What proof, Chisera?

The Chisera

What proof?

(She turns toward Simwa, faltering. He smiles contemptuously.)

Bright Water

That Simwa loved you.

The Chisera

(Slowly, her eyes on Simwa.) He came to my hut—in the night—Chief's daughter (boldly), even as he comes this night to yours.

Bright Water

(Impatiently.) But did he love you?

The Chisera

He made me so believe. (Looking about and noting the lack of conviction.) How else had he held me, since last the poppies bloomed, a lure to snare the favor of the gods? Does he say he was not blessed? Aye, twice blessed. (She takes from her bosom the amulet.) Was it not this you gave me to make medicine upon, to keep your lover safe in war? Twice blessed he was; but, as I made my blessing, so do I break it.

(Drops the amulet and grinds it underfoot.)

Indians

(Moving uneasily.) Ah! Ah!

The Chisera

And this is the proof that I speak truly. From this day, whoever brings me arrows shall have medicine upon them without price, and who would have news of the passing of the deer shall have it for the asking. Only Simwa shall have nothing but his own wit and the work of his hands, and by what befalls, you shall know the truth.

Bright Water

By this I know the truth! You never loved him, or you would not now betray him.

The Chisera

(Moving toward the trail.) And you, Bright Water, that think to lie in your husband's arms this night, know that I have lain there before you. And you shall not dare to laugh as a bride laughs, lest it be to him my voice in the dusk; and if he turns and sighs in his sleep, you shall wonder if he dreams of the Chisera. Long and anxiously you shall look in the trail when he is late from the hunt, and the men shall mock him that he could not keep the blessing he had got. (Bright Water turns despairingly and sinks on the ground, holding her mother by the knees and sobbing bitterly. All the Indians draw away from Simwa, leaving him standing, discomfited, in the middle of the camp. All look with awe and dread at the Chisera. She produces a small medicine stick from under her blanket and twirls it with menace. Going.) As for you, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite, though I cannot curse, yet am I the friend of the gods, and they have regard to me. Look well to yourself, Simwa. Look well.

CURTAIN