The Arrow-Maker Part 33

PADAHOON

By whom trouble came into the camp, let it depart. Who prevented the wisdom of the G.o.ds at the throwing of the sacred sticks? By whose counsel were our allies of Castac destroyed? Who hardened the Chisera's heart so that she kept not our foes from us?

INDIANS

Simwa! Simwa!

PADAHOON

Sons of the Bear, do you think to win favor of the G.o.ds when you have one who mocks them in your midst? Would you see the backs of the Tecuyas? Would you win to your homes again? Let Simwa die!

INDIANS

Aye, aye. Let Simwa die! A judgment! A judgment!

SIMWA

(_Aside to his wife._) My quiver, hand me my quiver!

CHIEF

Simwa, as thou art a son to me, I fear the charge is just. But do you entreat the Chisera to go before the G.o.ds for us, then will this evil pa.s.s.

SIMWA

(_Rising._) And if I choose to have it said that when the tribesmen of Sagharawite took a woman to Council, only Simwa stood out against it?

CHIEF

Then must I give judgment.

BRIGHT WATER

Simwa!

SIMWA

(_Folding his arms._) It shall not be said of me that I have borne to take my life of a woman.

THE CHISERA

Whether you can bear it or not, it shall be said of you, for though I am unhappy, I am still the Chisera, and I declare unto you that neither the life nor the death of a broken man can avail to turn the G.o.ds. But you, Chief Rain Wind, and you tribesmen of Sagharawite,--if you must visit the loss of my power, let it be on your own heads, for you only are blameworthy.

CHIEF

This is no time for riddles, Chisera.

THE CHISERA

I mean none. What did Simwa other to me than the occasion allowed him? Was it his fault that he found me alone and love-hungry? Was it he who ordered that I should live apart where no woman could see how my heart went and give me counsel? Was it any fault but yours--you that kept me far from your huts lest I should see and carry word to the G.o.ds how unworthy you were! You that feared yourselves lessened when I walked among you with my power--Ai! Ai! Did you think at all what became of the woman so long as you had my medicine to help you?

TIAWA

(_Creeping forward._) So I said, so I said from the beginning. She was taught to be a Chisera, but she was born a woman! (_Excitement among the women._)

CHIEF

Your words are sharp, Chisera.

THE CHISERA

The fact is sharper. It has eaten through my bosom.

CHIEF

We meant the best--we judged you companioned by the G.o.ds.

THE CHISERA

Did ever a woman serve them the less because she had dealt with a man? Nay, all the power of woman comes from loving and being loved, and now the bitterest of all my loss is to know that I have never had it.

(_She draws up her blanket._)

BRIGHT WATER

And not you only--

THE CHISERA

You--?

(_She turns away confounded._)

SIMWA

Wife--wife--if she finds the G.o.ds again, they will surely kill me.

BRIGHT WATER

Let them. Though I am your wife, I am the Chief's daughter, and the tribe is still something to me. I will save them if I can. Chisera--

(_The_ CHISERA _listens and turns slowly._)

CHIEF

Is that my daughter?

TAVWOTS