The Arrow-Maker Part 19

THE CHISERA

She is but a child. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s 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 G.o.ds 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 G.o.ds. Now you come like an angry woman who would hide what is in her heart.

THE CHISERA