The Arrow-Maker Part 8

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 G.o.ds.

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 G.o.ds 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 G.o.ds.

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

(_Embarra.s.sed._) 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