The Arrow-Maker Part 30

PADAHOON

(_As he motions to the men to move the body near the shelter._) Yes, it is time to take counsel when the birds of the air betray us to our enemies.

(_The women gather together about the dead. One of them takes the place of the sentry who comes to Council. The men collect near the_ CHISERA'S _hut with the exception of_ SIMWA, _who remains seated, re-stringing his bow._ BRIGHT WATER _goes to him._)

BRIGHT WATER

Simwa, how long will you let your pride destroy us?

SIMWA

Is that a word for a man's wife?

BRIGHT WATER

It is a true one. Do we not know, you and I, that it is but pride that makes you stand out against the friend of the G.o.ds? Look at me, Simwa, is it not proved on my body that she spoke truly when she said that you throve only by her blessing?

SIMWA

Can you bear to admit so much?

BRIGHT WATER

Bear? What have I not borne? Have I complained when I dig roots? Have I quivered when I was mocked? Has there been any sign of shame on my face for all the scorne on theirs? Have I said, "Give me children,"

when the nursing mothers pitied me? Oh, I have borne, I have borne; but this I cannot bear.

SIMWA

What is now so hard?

BRIGHT WATER

To know that you and I know the truth and that you will see the tribe wiped out before you will admit it.

SIMWA

The truth?

BRIGHT WATER

That you were the Chisera's lover for the sake of what she could do for you, and your denial left her no way to prove it except by taking away the help of the G.o.ds from us all. Is not that the truth?

SIMWA

Would you have me ashamed before all men?

BRIGHT WATER

When have I not been ashamed since I married you?

SIMWA

Let her alone! They will kill her if she refuses to make medicine and then we shall be rid of her.

BRIGHT WATER

And you would permit that? (_He s.h.i.+fts uneasily under her gaze._) Simwa--(_With profound entreaty._) Simwa!

SIMWA

What is the witch to me?

BRIGHT WATER

My sister, I think, for she has loved you even as I have, to my sorrow.

(_She turns away from him meditating some deep purpose, and from this time on the progress of that purpose in her mind is evident in her bearing toward her husband._)

CHIEF

(_Coming forward._) Let the Council sit. (_They sit as in_ ACT I.) Simwa, as war leader, what plan have you?

SIMWA

It wants not plans so much as men to do them.

CHIEF

Whatever is in any man's mind for the good of the tribe, let it be delivered. Observe not the rule of the elders, but speak at once. (_A moment, during which black looks are cast at_ SIMWA.) Will no one speak?

PADAHOON

Chief and tribesmen, once I gave counsel and you despised it--

CHIEF

No more of that. Give counsel now.

PADAHOON

It is the same counsel, but time has not mended the occasion. Penned here on the edge of the precipice we can but starve. We must break through our enemies and strike at their women and their stores.

TAVWOTS

Every trail is watched. Not so much as a weasel can go in and out from Toorape and they not know it.

PADAHOON