The Arrow-Maker Part 22

Was not Simwa approved of the G.o.ds 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 fas.h.i.+oned 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 G.o.ds, but a plain mating of man and maid.

THE CHISERA

(_Flas.h.i.+ng._) Since when have you talked with the G.o.ds, 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 a.s.sent._) Ugh! huh!

THE CHISERA

(_Letting fall her blanket in a burst of indignation._) "Nor seek them!"--Ah! Simwa! Simwa!

(_A short pause of embarra.s.sment 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 G.o.ds. Simwa was chosen war leader by the trial of the seven sticks. As the G.o.ds 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 G.o.ds 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 G.o.ds 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 G.o.ds of me.

TAVWOTS

(_To_ PADAHOON.) Now, if it is true that he owes his fortune to the G.o.ds, 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.