Chapter II: Part 2

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

ACT SECOND

ACT SECOND

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

ACT THIRD

ACT THIRD

TIME.--_One year later._

SCENE.--_The top of Toorape, where the tribe has been driven by their enemies of Tecuya. The women and children hide in holes in the rocks. Off to the right on a jutting boulder, against the sky, stands_ YAVI, _as sentinel; two or three wounded lie about. Crouching over the fire are_ SEEGOOCHE, WACOBA, _and_ TIAWA, _showing in their dress and appearance the marks of a year of distress, as do all the others as they appear upon the scene._

YAVI

(_To them._) St--st!

WACOBA

(_Rising._) Some one on the trail!

SEEGOOCHE

What is it?

WACOBA

(_To her._) Hush!

YAVI

The Sparrow Hawk!

SEEGOOCHE

News from the Fighting Men!

TIAWA

The gods grant it be good news!

(PADAHOON, _weary and with disordered dress, comes clambering up
the face of the cliff._)

YAVI

(_Calling down in a whisper._) What news?

TIAWA

Are the gods still against us?

PADAHOON

As they have been since the day the Chisera took away her blessing from the war leader.

WOMEN

(_Wailing._) Ai! Ai!

(_Others come out of the rocks to join in the general grief._)

WACOBA

Could you but persuade her to give it back again. (_Hopefully._)

PADAHOON

If I cannot, then this is like to be the last fight of Sagharawite!

WACOBA

If you cannot, then must the chief enforce her, for since we were driven from our homes, neither the anguish of the women nor the hunger of the children has moved her.

PADAHOON

I will speak with her at once.

(_He goes up among the rocks, and the women huddle wretchedly
together watching._)

WACOBA

Do you think she will consent?

SEEGOOCHE

She cannot choose but do it. The men have kept her supplied with venison, but she must know that there is hunger in the camp of the women and children.

WACOBA

And that the Tecuyas have taken the best of our fighting men.

TIAWA

But no man of hers. I have always said--but because I am old nobody minds me--that if there was one of her household to go to battle, she would need no persuasion to go before the gods. I would Simwa had given her a child.

WACOBA

(_Aside from_ SEEGOOCHE.) Then you believe that he was her lover?

TIAWA

What else? Would any but a jilted woman sit and mope while our wickiups go up in smoke?

WACOBA

I would she had a child, but not Simwa's. One of that breed is enough.

SEEGOOCHE

(_Who has moved nearer the hut._) Hush, see the curtain! (_They start._)

TIAWA

It was the wind.

SEEGOOCHE

They say she has not made medicine since my daughter's marriage.

WACOBA

(_Looking off to the right where the mountains dip abruptly valleyward._) And to think that even now they must be fighting under Toorape.

SEEGOOCHE

Hush! Hush!

(PADAHOON _and the_ CHISERA _come out of the hut. The_ CHISERA'S
_whole appearance is of heartbreak and neglect. She leans against
the boulders at the left, holding her blanket close, and answers_
PADAHOON _sullenly._)

PADAHOON

And is this all your answer?

THE CHISERA

The trail is cold between the gods and me.

PADAHOON

Then you will not make medicine?

THE CHISERA

And would not if I could.

PADAHOON

Have you turned renegade, Chisera, and side with our enemies of Tecuya?

THE CHISERA

No, Padahoon, but I see that no good comes of persuading the gods to do more for man than his natural destiny.

PADAHOON

You have always persuaded them to our advantage.

THE CHISERA

What good came of having Simwa made war leader? Had I not persuaded them to meddle with that business, the leadership would have fallen to you as the elder, and we should not now be without allies in our need.

PADAHOON

I am not sure the gods had so much to do with that: but if the mischief came through them, the gods must repair it.

THE CHISERA

I will not make medicine. Send the women away.

PADAHOON

What shall I say to them?

THE CHISERA

To count themselves already blessed in having those for whom they desire blessing. Tell them that to have loved and given the breast is enough to salve the wounds of loss.

PADAHOON

You are hard, Chisera.

THE CHISERA

I am jealous of their griefs. Their very pangs I envy them. Who is there of mine goes to this war that I should grieve for his wounding or look for his return? (_She looks bitterly toward the women who have crept from the caves to peer from the rocks in the direction of the fighting._) Persuade me no more, Padahoon. I will not do it.

(_She disappears among the rocks to the left, and_ PADAHOON
_turns to the women who crowd around him anxiously._)

WACOBA

Has she promised?

TIAWA

Will she help us?

PADAHOON

The Chisera will not make medicine.

WOMEN

(_Rocking themselves to and fro._) Ai! Ai!

SEEGOOCHE

Is it because our gifts are so small? She should consider how hard it is to get venison in war-time.

PADAHOON

Her heart is so full of bitterness that there is no room in it for the gods.

WACOBA

That is Simwa's doing--though he is your son, Seegooche, I must say it--there was no better Chisera between here and Tehachappi until he curdled her wisdom with his lies.

TIAWA

Ah, Simwa! I spit upon his name.

(_The women spit between their teeth with sharp hisses._)

WACOBA

How the Chisera hates him!

PADAHOON

How she loves him!

TIAWA

(_Struck with this._) You think so? Yet there is not one word of the evil she said of him a year ago that has not come to pass.

WOMEN

Ai! Ai! On him and us.

PADAHOON

And hate would have been satisfied to strip him of his honors, but now she lets the whole tribe go down in the ruin of her love.

WACOBA

(_Hopefully._) Then if she loves him, perhaps he can persuade her.

PADAHOON

As well persuade the rattlesnake not to strike him.

SEEGOOCHE

If the Chief should insist, she would not dare refuse.

PADAHOON

There is little she would not dare. But you can try.

WOMEN

Let us bring the Chief. (_They go out._)

THE CHISERA

(_Reappearing cautiously._) Have they gone?

PADAHOON

To bring Rain Wind to command you.

THE CHISERA

Can he command the sap to rise or bid the deer-weed spring when there is no rain? My power is gone from me.

PADAHOON

Chisera, it is a grave matter to refuse service in time of war--be advised by the word of a friend--

THE CHISERA

Has the Chisera indeed a friend?

PADAHOON

Have I not proved--

THE CHISERA

Padahoon, when did you ever visit me for any but your own advantage? For what else did you stir me against Simwa, and why now do you seek my blessing but to make good against him the honor of which he has robbed you? Does any one of you bring me venison except for profit or grind my meal for love?

PADAHOON

Seeing how little good you had of the love of the Arrow-Maker, why should you desire it?

THE CHISERA

You spit poison like a toad, Padahoon, but your fangs are drawn. The Arrow-Maker never loved me.

PADAHOON

(_Approaching her with the manner of having gained a point._) If you have the wit to know so much--

THE CHISERA

(_Commanding him from her with a gesture as she seats herself._) Padahoon, there is no more power in me than there is tang in a wet bowstring. (_She rocks her head between her hands._) It is gone from me as the shadow goes up the mountain. As the wild geese go northward at the end of the rains, so is my power--How shall I win it again who cannot win the love of man?... Ah, leave me, Padahoon, leave me!

(_She covers her head with her blanket._)

(_Enter_ CHIEF RAIN WIND, _stumbling blindly, led by his wife and followed at a respectful distance by the other women. He walks with dignity, in spite of his blindness, and has on all the insignia of rank except the war-bonnet._ SEEGOOCHE _has a hasty, eager manner, ingratiating but timid._)

PADAHOON

(_To them._) You will get nothing.

CHIEF

I do not come asking: I command.

SEEGOOCHE

No, no, do not be harsh with her! Let me speak, we women will understand one another.

CHIEF

(_Putting his wife aside._) Chisera. (_The_ CHISERA _starts at the tone of authority, but controls herself._) Friend of the gods. (_She makes a movement of protest._) I have that to say to you which should be said but once, which to say at all is shame to you. Great powers have been given you to turn the favor of the gods as a willow is turned in the wind. How is it you have not turned them when your people are in war and bad fortune? We are driven as hunted rabbits to hide in holes in the rocks, and our fighting men are outnumbered; even now we do not know if there be one left alive of them--Our tribe shall be as a forgotten tale unless you intercede for us.

THE CHISERA

(_Over her shoulder._) What? Is it possible Simwa cannot bring this affair to pass without the gods?

SEEGOOCHE

(_Breaking in eagerly._) Yes, yes; the gods are very great, there is nothing without them.

THE CHISERA

(_Still to the_ CHIEF.) Does Simwa ask it?

CHIEF

The chief commands it.

SEEGOOCHE

(_Cringingly._) No. No. Chisera, mind him not! He is not himself, the hunger and the loss of battle do distress him. We beg of you, we implore you, Chisera--we will bring gifts to you--gifts, Chisera. (_She looks about despairingly for a suitable gift, snatches a great rope of beads from the Chief's neck and drops it in the_ CHISERA'S _lap._) Spoil of our enemies when the war is over, and this to keep as a reminder--So--if only you will persuade the gods to friend us.

THE CHISERA

(_Lifting the collar and letting it fall._) And if I will not?

(_Still with her eyes on the_ CHIEF, _ignoring Seegooche._)

CHIEF

Chisera, I am an old man, and I knew your father. We had much good talk together--I am very old--but I am not blind in my judgment as I am in my eyes. In war-time there is but one law for those faithless to the tribal obligation. You know it.

THE CHISERA

(_Drawing her blanket._) I know it.

SEEGOOCHE

(_Dropping to the ground and beating the earth with her palms._) Do not, do not refuse it, wise one, friend of the Friend! What has Simwa done that you should destroy us?

THE CHISERA

_You ask me that, Seegooche?_

SEEGOOCHE

I know--you said--Such a small thing, Chisera. To love you a little before he loved my daughter. Young men do often so--and you were very fair and no doubt beguiled him--Ah, who could withstand you, daughter of the gods? (_Wheedling._) But your punishment is heavy upon him.

THE CHISERA

Is it so?

SEEGOOCHE

(_Thinking she has gained a point._) It is indeed as you said; he makes no more arrows, and his luck in the hunt is gone from him. And the men mock him. A war leader should not be mocked, Chisera.

THE CHISERA

No more should a friend of the gods, but Simwa mocked me.

SEEGOOCHE

(_Loosing hope._) He was mad, Chisera, he had eaten rattle-weed. But my daughter did not mock you. Think of my daughter!

THE CHISERA

When does your daughter ever think of me?

SEEGOOCHE

(_Broken and drooping._) Every day she thinks of you. When she is a-hungered, when her man brings her nothing from the hunt--as--you have said, Chisera. When she digs roots with the old women and no one prevents her for the sake of a child to be born.

THE CHISERA

(_With relish._) Does she dig roots?

SEEGOOCHE

With the barren women. Also her beauty goes, she is so thin with the famine.

THE CHISERA

(_Baring her arm._) I also am thin.

(_From this moment some perception of the pervasive misery of the
situation enters her mind and begins to color her speech._)

CHIEF

Hunger and sickness and war have come into the camp because you kept not your heart, Chisera. Yet a greater than all these shall come upon you if you forget your tribal obligation.

THE CHISERA

(_Rising on one knee._) What obligation have I owed, Chief Rain Wind, and not remembered it?

CHIEF

That which lies upon all that have power with the Friend of the Soul of Man. Only the gods can save us, and only you know the true and acceptable road to them.

THE CHISERA

(_Rising and moving toward her hut._) I am overweary for the road; let Simwa find it.

(_An arrow, with a feather and a fragment of bark attached to it,
is shot into the camp from the direction of the fighting._
PADAHOON _takes it up and carries it to the_ CHIEF, _the others
crowding about._)

CHIEF

What was that?

PADAHOON

A message from the Fighting Men.

CHIEF

Read me the token.

PADAHOON

A vulture's feather and a bark of _whenonabe_. Defeat and flight.

WOMEN

Ai! Ai!

(_They throw up their arms in despair._)

CHIEF

They will not be far behind their arrows.

(_All listen. A faint whoop is heard._ PADAHOON _answers with his
mouth covered with his hands. The rest of the women and children
come out of the rocks. Fighting Men come clambering up the steep.
They show torn clothing and streaks of blood. The women bring
them the water-bottles as they drop upon the ground._ WACOBA'S
_husband_, PAMAQUASH, _with an arrow in his side, leaps once in
air and drops dead. His wife sinks on the ground beside him,
rocking and moaning. One breaks his unstrung bow across his knees
and stamps the pieces in the earth. Finally comes_ SIMWA, _his
war-bonnet bedraggled._)

SIMWA