The Arrow-Maker Part 31

With so many watchers, then, they cannot have much of a fighting force at any point. In an hour it will be dark; we shall go down by Deer Leap with the women and children, and stay not for fighting, but, fleeing for our lives, break through to their villages--

CHOCO

But if they move on us to-night? If the vultures have already betrayed us--even now they may be within earshot?

TAVWOTS

If they come up with us before we reach Deer Leap it is to run into the wolf's mouth.

PADAHOON

I have thought of that. To-night they expect us to mourn our dead and go before our G.o.ds--

CHIEF

So should we.

PADAHOON

That they may think so, leave one behind to sound the medicine drum throughout the night. So they shall fear to attack and expect an easier victory in the morning when we are exhausted with dancing to the G.o.ds.

TAVWOTS

But he that stays, what shall become of him--

CHIEF

He shall die as becomes him (_rising_)--as becomes a chief of his people.

(_Murmurs of consternation and then silence._)

PADAHOON

But another--whose counsels we prize less--

CHIEF

It is the tribal use. None else too blind for the trail and too feeble for the sortie (_with grim humor_)--but I can drum. (_Solemn grunts of approval._)

PADAHOON

If we win through Deer Leap, we can make terms for you. Tribesmen, what say you? (_A pause._)

TAVWOTS

What I say is for myself only; but I go not out against the Tecuyas again unless the Chisera has blessed the going.

THE COUNCIL

Good counsel; good counsel! He has it!

SIMWA

There are two or three things to the making of fighting men, Tavwots, beside the blessing of women.

TAVWOTS

Two or three things, Simwa, that I think you have not: honor to win advantage and wit to keep what you have got.

PADAHOON

As for me, I am with Tavwots; but (_he looks at_ SIMWA)--the G.o.ds have no favors for unbelievers.

TAVWOTS

Nor have we, by the Bear!

INDIANS

(_Springing up._) Nor have we! No; by the Bear! Out with him! (_They hustle_ SIMWA. _One s.n.a.t.c.hes off the war-bonnet, another the collar of bears' claws. Even the women strike dust upon him with their feet in an excess of contempt._)

CHIEF

Peace, tribesmen!

TAVWOTS

Perhaps we shall have peace when we have a leader against whom neither the G.o.ds nor women have a spite. Tribesmen, who shall lead the going out but he who planned it?

INDIANS

Hi! Hi! Padahoon! Padahoon! (_They fling the collar about his neck._ TAVWOTS _hands him the bonnet._) Hi! Hi! The Sparrow Hawk.

PADAHOON

Do not count on me too much with the Chisera; all this time I have kept in camp with my wound I have reasoned with her, but still she refuses me.

CHIEF

There shall be an end to that--

PADAHOON

How then--?

CHIEF

Who denies service to the tribe in extremity must be dealt with as an enemy. (_Consternation._)