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diff --git a/27792.txt b/27792.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..74aa87c --- /dev/null +++ b/27792.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5266 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Arrow-Maker, by Mary Austin + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Arrow-Maker + A Drama in Three Acts + +Author: Mary Austin + +Release Date: January 13, 2009 [EBook #27792] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ARROW-MAKER *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + + THE ARROW-MAKER + + A Drama in Three Acts + + + BY + MARY AUSTIN + + _Revised Edition_ + + AMS PRESS + NEW YORK + + Reprinted from the edition of 1915, Boston + First AMS EDITION published 1969 + Manufactured in the United States of America + + Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number: 70-90082 + + AMS PRESS, INC. + New York, N. Y. 10003 + + DEDICATED + IN GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO + H. C. H. + AS ONE WHO AMONG MANY PROTESTANTS + "MADE GOOD" + + + + +PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION + + +The greatest difficulty to be met in the writing of an Indian play is +the extensive misinformation about Indians. Any real aboriginal of my +acquaintance resembles his prototype in the public mind about as much +as he does the high-nosed, wooden sign of a tobacco store, the fact +being that, among the fifty-eight linguistic groups of American +aboriginals, customs, traits, and beliefs differ as greatly as among +Slavs and Sicilians. Their very speech appears not to be derived from +any common stock. All that they really have of likeness is an average +condition of primitiveness: they have traveled just so far toward an +understanding of the world they live in, and no farther. It is this +general limitation of knowledge which makes, in spite of the +multiplication of tribal customs, a common attitude of mind which +alone affords a basis of interpretation. + +But before attempting to realize the working of Indian psychology, +you must first rid yourself of the notion that there is any real +difference between the tribes of men except the explanations. What +determines man's behavior in the presence of fever, thunder, and the +separations of death, is the nature of his guess at the causes of +these things. The issues of life do not vary so much with the +conditions of civilization as is popularly supposed. + +Chiefest among the misconceptions of primitive life, which make +difficult any dramatic presentation of it, is the notion that all +human contacts are accompanied by the degree of emotional stress that +obtains only in the most complex social organizations. We are always +hearing, from the people farthest removed from them, of "great +primitive passions," when in fact what distinguishes the passions of +the tribesmen from our own is their greater liability to the pacific +influences of nature, and their greater freedom from the stimulus of +imagination. What among us makes for the immensity of emotion, is the +great weight of accumulated emotional tradition stored up in +literature and art, almost entirely wanting in the camps of the +aboriginals. There the two greatest themes of modern drama, love and +ambition, are modified, the one by the more or less communal nature +of tribal labor, the other by the plain fact that in the simple, +open-air life of the Indian the physical stress of sex is actually +much less than in conditions called civilized. + +When the critics are heard talking of "drama of great primitive +passions," what they mean is great barbaric passions, passions far +enough along in the process of socialization to be subject to the +interactions of wealth, caste, and established religion, and still +free from the obligation of politeness. But the life of the American +Indian provides no such conditions, and, moreover, in the factor +which makes conspicuously for the degree of complication called Plot, +is notably wanting,--I mean in the factor of Privacy. Where all the +functions of living are carried on in the presence of the community, +or at the best behind the thin-walled, leafy huts, human relations +become simplified to a degree difficult for our complexer habit to +comprehend. The only really great passions--great, I mean, in the +sense of being dramatically possible--are communal, and find their +expression in the dance which is the normal vehicle of emotional +stress. + +In _The Arrow-Maker_ the author, without dwelling too much on tribal +peculiarities, has attempted the explication of this primitive +attitude toward a human type common to all conditions of society. The +particular mould in which the story is cast takes shape from the +manner of aboriginal life in the Southwest, anywhere between the +Klamath River and the Painted Desert; but it has been written in vain +if the situation has not also worked itself out in terms of your own +environment. + +The Chisera is simply the Genius, one of those singular and powerful +characters whom we are still, with all our learning, unable to +account for without falling back on the primitive conception of gift +as arising from direct communication with the gods. That she becomes +a Medicine Woman is due to the circumstance of being born into a time +which fails to discriminate very clearly as to just which of the +inexplicable things lie within the control of her particular gift. +That she accepts the interpretation of her preeminence which common +opinion provides for her, does not alter the fact that she is no more +or less than just the gifted woman, too much occupied with the use of +her gift to look well after herself, and more or less at the mercy of +the tribe. What chiefly influences their attitude toward her is +worthy of note, being no less than the universal, unreasoned +conviction that great gift belongs, not to the possessor of it, but +to society at large. The whole question then becomes one of how the +tribe shall work the Chisera to their best advantage. + +How they did this, with what damage and success is to be read, but if +to be read profitably, with its application in mind to the present +social awakening to the waste, the enormous and stupid waste, of the +gifts of women. To one fresh from the consideration of the roots of +life as they lie close to the surface of primitive society, this +obsession of the recent centuries, that the community can only be +served by a gift for architecture, for administration, for healing, +when it occurs in the person of a male, is only a trifle less +ridiculous than that other social stupidity, namely, that a gift of +mothering must not be exercised except in the event of a particular +man being able, under certain restrictions, to afford the +opportunity. There is perhaps no social movement going on at present +so deep-rooted and dramatic as this struggle of Femininity to +recapture its right to serve, and still to serve with whatever powers +and possessions it finds itself endowed. But a dramatic presentation +of it is hardly possible outside of primitive conditions where no +tradition intervenes to prevent society from accepting the logic of +events. + +Whatever more there may be in _The Arrow-Maker_, besides its Indian +color, should lie in the discovery by the Chisera, to which the +author subscribes, that it is also in conjunction with her normal +relation for loving and bearing that the possessor of gifts finds the +greatest increment of power. To such of these as have not discovered +it for themselves, _The Arrow-Maker_ is hopefully recommended. + + + + +NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION + + +_The Arrow-Maker_ was first published as produced at The New Theatre, +New York, in the spring of 1911. In that edition certain concessions +were made to what was thought to be the demand for a drama of Indian +life which should present the Indian more nearly as he is popularly +conceived. + +After four years the success of the published play as an authentic +note on aboriginal life as well as a drama suitable for production in +schools and colleges, seems to warrant its publication in the +original form. As it now stands, the book not only conforms to the +author's original conception of the drama, but to the conditions of +the life it presents. + +With the addition of notes and glossary it is hoped the present +edition will meet every demand that can be made on an honest attempt +to render in dramatic form a neglected phase of American life. + + M. A. + + + + +PERSONS OF THE DRAMA + + +In the order of their appearance + + CHOCO } + + PAMAQUASH } _Fighting men_ + + TAVWOTS } + + YAVI _A youth_ + + SEEGOOCHE _The Chief's wife_ + + TIAWA _A very old woman_ + + WACOBA _Wife to Pamaquash_ + + THE CHISERA _Medicine Woman of the Paiutes_ + + BRIGHT WATER _The Chief's daughter_ + + WHITE FLOWER } + + TUIYO } _Friends of Bright Water_ + + PIOKE } + + SIMWA _The Arrow-Maker_ + + PADAHOON _Rival to Simwa for leadership_ + + RAIN WIND _Chief of the Paiutes_ + + HAIWAI _A young matron_ + + + + +THE ARROW-MAKER + +ACT FIRST + + + + +THE ARROW-MAKER + + + + +ACT FIRST + + +SCENE.--_The hut of the_ CHISERA, _in the foot-hills of the Sierras. +It stands at the mouth of a steep, dark canyon, opening toward the +valley of Sagharawite. At the back rise high and barren cliffs where +eagles nest; at the foot of the cliffs runs a stream, hidden by +willow and buckthorn and toyon. The wickiup is built in the usual +Paiute fashion, of long willows set about a circular pit, bent over +to form a dome, thatched with reeds and grass. About the hut lie +baskets and blankets, a stone metate, other household articles, all +of the best quality; in front is a clear space overflowing with +knee-deep many-colored bloom of the California spring. A little bank +that runs from the wickiup to the toyon bushes is covered with white +forget-me-nots. The hearth-fire between two stones is quite out, but +the deerskin that screens the opening of the hut is caught up at one +side, a sign that the owner is not far from home, or expects to +return soon._ + +_At first glance the scene appears devoid of life, but suddenly the +call of a jay bird is heard faintly and far up the trail that leads +to the right among the rocks. It is repeated nearer at hand, +perfectly imitated but with a nuance that advises of human origin, +and two or three half-naked Indians are seen to be making their way +toward the bottom of the canyon, their movements so cunningly +harmonized with the lines of the landscape as to render them nearly +invisible._ CHOCO _and_ PAMAQUASH _with two others come together at +the end of the bank farthest from the_ CHISERA'S _hut._ + + CHOCO + +Who called? + + PAMAQUASH + +It came from farther up. + + CHOCO + +Yavi, I think. + + PAMAQUASH + +He must have seen something. + + CHOCO + +By the Bear, if the Castacs have crossed our boundaries, there are +some of them shall not recross it! + + PAMAQUASH + +Hush--the Chisera--she will hear you! + + CHOCO + +She is not in the hut. She went out toward the hills early this +morning, and has not yet returned. Besides, if the Castacs have +crossed, we cannot keep it from the women much longer. + + PAMAQUASH + +(_Who has moved up to a better post of observation._) There is some +one on the trail. + + (_The jay's call is heard and answered softly by_ PAMAQUASH.) + + CHOCO + +Yavi. But Tavwots is not with him. (YAVI _comes dropping from the +cliffs._) What have you seen? + + YAVI + +Smoke rising--by Deer Leap. Two long puffs and a short one. + + (_The news is received with sharp, excited murmurs._) + + PAMAQUASH + +More than a score--and with all our youths we cannot count so many. + + CHOCO + +And this business of war leader still unsettled--The Council must sit +at once. Go, one of you, and tell Chief Rain Wind that Tavwots has +signaled from Deer Leap that more than a score of Castacs are out +against us. + + PAMAQUASH + +And tell the women to prepare a gift hastily for the Chisera. Who +knows how soon we shall have need of her medicine. + + (_One of the Indians departs on this errand._) + + CHOCO + +Never so much need of it as when we have neglected our own part of +the affair! Even before the Castacs began to fill up our springs and +drive our deer, we knew that the Chief is too old for war; and now +that the enemy has crossed our borders we are still leaderless. + + PAMAQUASH + +So we should not be if we had followed the tribal use and given the +leadership to years and experience. It is you young men who have +unsettled judgment, with the to-do you have made about the +Arrow-Maker. + + CHOCO + +I have nothing against years and experience, but when one has the +gods as plainly on his side as Simwa-- + + YAVI + +Never have I seen a man so increase in power and fortune-- + + PAMAQUASH + +Huh--huh! I too have watched the growth of this Simwa. Also I have +seen a gourd swelling with the rains, and I have not laid it to the +gods in either case. But the Council must sit upon it. We must bring +it to the Council. + + YAVI + +(_Hotly._) Why should you credit the gods with Simwa's good fortune +since he himself does not so claim it? For my part, I think with the +Arrow-Maker, that it is better for a man to thrive by his own wits, +rather than by the making of medicine or the wisdom of the elders. + + PAMAQUASH + +(_From above._) Tst--st, Tavwots! + + (TAVWOTS _comes down the canyon panting with speed. He drops + exhausted on the bank, and_ YAVI _gives him water between his + palms from the creek._) + + CHOCO + +Have they crossed? + + TAVWOTS + +Between Deer Leap and Standing Rock--more than a score, though I +think some of them were boys--but they had no women. + + CHOCO + +They mean fighting, then! + + YAVI + +Well, they can have it. + + TAVWOTS + +But they should not be let fatten on our deer before they come to it. +Winnemucca, whom I left at Deer Leap, will bring us word where they +camp to-night. In the mean time there is much to do. (_Rising._) + + CHOCO + +Much. No doubt Simwa will have something to suggest. + + TAVWOTS + +The Arrow-Maker is not yet war leader, my friend. I go to the Chief +and the Council. (_He goes._) + + CHOCO + +And yet, I think the Chief favors Simwa, else why should he prefer to +put the election to lot rather than keep to the custom of the +fathers? + + YAVI + +(_Going._) There might be reasons to that, not touching the merits of +the Arrow-Maker. + + PAMAQUASH + +Tavwots has met the women! + + (_Sounds of the grief of the women in the direction of the + camp._) + + CHOCO + +They are coming to the Chisera. We should not have let them find us +here; they will neglect their business with her to beset us with +questions. + + (_To them enter three women of the campody of Sagharawite, + carrying perfect-patterned, bowl-shaped baskets, with gifts of + food for the_ CHISERA. SEEGOOCHE, _the Chiefs wife, is old and + full of dignity._ TIAWA _is old and sharp, but_ WACOBA _is a + comfortable, comely matron, who wears a blanket modestly yet to + conceal charms not past their prime._ SEEGOOCHE _and_ TIAWA _wear + basket caps, but_ WACOBA _has a bandeau of bright beads about her + hair. They show signs of agitation, instantly subdued at sight of + the men_.) + + SEEGOOCHE + +Is this true what Tavwots has told us, that the Castacs are upon us? + + CHOCO + +No nearer than Pahrump. Not so near by the time we have done with +them. What gifts have you? + + TIAWA + +The best the camp affords. Think you we would stint when the smoke of +the Castacs goes up within our borders? + + WACOBA + +Where is she? + + CHOCO + +Abroad in the hills gathering roots and herbs for to-night's +medicine. Wait for her.--We must go look to our fighting gear. + + (_He goes out in the direction of the campody._) + + PAMAQUASH + +(_To_ WACOBA.) My bow case, is it finished? + + WACOBA + +And the bow inside it. See that you come not back to me nor to your +young son until the bowstring is frayed asunder. + + PAMAQUASH + +If you do your work with the Chisera as well as we with Castac, you +shall not need to question our bowstrings. (_Going._) + + SEEGOOCHE + +Leave us to deal--though if she cannot help us in this matter, I do +not know where we shall turn. + + TIAWA + +Never have I asked help of her, and been disappointed. + + WACOBA + +(_Gathering flowers._) Aye, but that was mere women's matters, weevil +in the pine nuts, a love-charm or a colicky child. _This is war!_ + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Still peering about._) As if that were not a woman's affair also! + + TIAWA + +You may well say that! It was in our last quarrel with Castac I lost +the only man-child I ever had, dead before he was born. When the +women showed me his face, it was all puckered with the bitterness of +that defeat. You may well say a woman's matter! + + SEEGOOCHE + +That was the year my husband was first made Chief, and we covered +defeat with victory, as we shall again. It was Tinnemaha, the father +of the Chisera, went before the gods for us, I remember. + + TIAWA + +Well for us that he taught her his strong medicine. Not a fighting +man from Tecuya to Tehachappi but trusts in her. + + (_Goes to the creek and dips up water to drink in her basket + cap._) + + WACOBA + +(_Tentatively._) It is believed by some that she makes medicine for +Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, and that is why his arrows are so well +feathered and fly so swiftly to the mark. + + SEEGOOCHE + +Simwa! Why, he scoffs at charms and speaks lightly even of the gods. + + TIAWA + +(_Giving the others to drink from her cap._) Aye; Simwa puts not +faith in anybody but Simwa. + + SEEGOOCHE + +And with good reason, for he is the most skillful of the tribesmen. +He has made all the arrows for the fighting men. Do you think they +will make him war leader? + + WACOBA + +(_Ornamenting the basket she has brought with a wreath of flowers, +which she plucks._) Padahoon will never agree to it. + + TIAWA + +But if Simwa is the better man? + + WACOBA + +The Sparrow Hawk is older, and has the greater experience. + + SEEGOOCHE + +Prutt! If age and experience were all, my husband would not ask that +a new leader be chosen. Young men are keenest-eyed and quickest +afoot. + + (_She moves up the trail looking for signs of the_ CHISERA.) + + TIAWA + +(_Going over to_ WACOBA, _aside from_ SEEGOOCHE.) So the Chief favors +Simwa? I would not have thought it. + + WACOBA + +(_Significantly._) Seegooche's daughter is not married, and the +Arrow-Maker has many blankets. + + TIAWA + +Ugh, huh! So the scent lies up that trail? Well, why not? + + WACOBA + +Why not? The Chief's daughter and the war leader? A good match. + + TIAWA + +(_Going across to the hut._) Aye, a good match!... Do you know, I +have never been in the Chisera's house. It is said she has a great +store of baskets and many beads. Let us look. + + SEEGOOCHE + +No, no; do not go near it. + + WACOBA + +(_Alarmed._) _Kima!_ Tiawa, she may be watching you. + + TIAWA + +(_By the hut, but not daring to enter it._) What harm to visit a +neighbor's house when the door is open. Besides, she makes no bad +medicine. + + SEEGOOCHE + +We know that she does not, but not that she could not if she would. + + TIAWA + +(_Returning reluctantly._) Why should we hold the Chisera so apart +from the campody? Why should she not have a husband and children as +other women? How can she go before the gods for us until she knows +what we are thinking in our hearts? + + WACOBA + +(_Jumping up._) I have seen something stirring in the alder bushes. I +think the Chisera comes! + + SEEGOOCHE + +Do not be seen too near the hut. Come away, Tiawa. + + TIAWA + +Have you the presents ready? (_The women take up their baskets +hastily._) Hide your basket, Seegooche. It is not well to let all +your gifts appear on the first showing, for if she is not persuaded +at first, we shall have something of more worth. + + (_The_ CHISERA _comes out of the trail by the almond bushes, + young and tall and comely, but of dignified, almost forbidding, + carriage. She is dressed chiefly in skins; her hair is very long, + braided with beads. She carries a small burden basket on her + back, supported by a band about her forehead. She removes this, + and drops it at the hut, coming forward._) + + THE CHISERA + +Friends, what have we to do with one another? Seegooche, has your +meal fermented? Or has your baby the colic again, Wacoba? + + SEEGOOCHE + +We have a gift for you, Chisera. + + (_The women draw near timidly, each, as she speaks, placing her + basket at the_ CHISERA'S _feet, and retire._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Looking at the gifts, without touching them._) The venison is fat +and tender; Seegooche, there is no one grinds meal so smoothly as +you. The honey is indeed acceptable. + + (_After a pause, during which the medicine woman looks keenly at + them._) + + TIAWA + +We do not come for ourselves, Chisera, but from the tribeswomen. + + SEEGOOCHE + +From every one who has a husband or son able to join battle. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Eagerly._) Is there battle? + + SEEGOOCHE + +Even as we came, there was word that the Castacs are camped at +Pahrump, and before night our men must meet them. + + THE CHISERA + +And you ask me--? + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Approaching appealingly and sinking to the ground in the stress of +anxiety._) A charm, Chisera! + + TIAWA + +(_Approaching with_ WACOBA.) A most potent medicine, O friend of the +gods! + + WACOBA + +That our men may have strength and discretion. That their hearts may +not turn to water and their knees quake under them-- + + TIAWA + +(_Urgently._) May the bows of Castac be broken, and their arrows +turned aside-- + + SEEGOOCHE + +For the lords of our bodies and the sons of our bodies, a blessing, +Chisera! + + WACOBA + +That our hearths may be kept alight and our children know their +fathers-- + + TIAWA + +When the noise of battle is joined and the buzzards come, may they +feed on our foes, Chisera-- + + SEEGOOCHE + +O friend of the gods, befriend us! + + (_The women cast dust on their hair and rock to and fro while + the_ CHISERA _speaks, lifting up their arms in an agony of + entreating._) + + THE CHISERA + +Am I not also a tribeswoman? Would not I do so much for my people? +But your gifts and your prayers will be acceptable to the gods, for +of myself I can do nothing. (_She stoops to the gifts, but +hesitates._) Who is this that comes? + + (_The young girls steal up noiselessly through the bushes, led by + the Chief's daughter._ BRIGHT WATER _is lovely and young; her + hair, flowing loosely over her shoulders and breast, is mingled + with strings of beads and bright berries. Her dress of fringed + buckskin is heavily beaded, her arms are weighted with armlets of + silver and carved beads of turquoise; about her neck hangs a disk + of glittering shell. She walks proudly, a little in advance of + the others, who bunch up timidly like quail on the trail, behind + her. The women, catching sight of the girls, spring up, + frightened, and stand half protectingly between them and the_ + CHISERA.) + + TIAWA + +It is the Chief's daughter. + + SEEGOOCHE + +What do you here? You have neither sons nor husbands that you should +ask spells and charms. + + BRIGHT WATER + +How, then, shall we have husbands or sons, if the battle goes against +us? + + THE CHISERA + +Well answered, Chief's daughter. + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Surprised._) You know me? + + THE CHISERA + +I have heard that the loveliest maiden of Sagharawite is called +Bright Water, daughter of Rain Wind, Chief of the Paiutes. + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Going over to_ BRIGHT WATER.) You should have stayed in the +wickiup, my daughter; you are too young to go seeking magic medicine. + + BRIGHT WATER + +The more need because we are young, mother. If the loss of battle +come to you, at least you have had the love of a man and the lips of +children at the breast. But we, if the battle goes against us, what +have we? + + THE CHISERA + +Ay, truly, Seegooche, there are no joys so hard to do without as +those we have not had. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Therefore, we ask a charm, Chisera, for our sweethearts; and, in the +mean time, may this remind you-- + + (_She drops a bracelet in the_ CHISERA'S _basket._) + + WHITE FLOWER + +(_Going forward._) The scarlet beads from me, Chisera. I am to be +married in the time of tasseling corn. + + TUIYO + +The shells from me, Chisera. Good medicine! + + PIOKE + +Strong Bow is my lover, Chisera. Bring him safe home again. + + (_The girls retire after dropping their gifts in the_ CHISERA'S + _basket._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_A little stiffly._) You have no need of gifts. Am I not young, even +as you? Should _you_ pray for your lover any more or less for the +sake of a few beads? + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Anxiously._) Be not angry, Chisera. They would repay you for the +dancing and the singing. + + (_The_ CHISERA _gathers up the gifts that the older women have + brought and goes into the hut. The girls take up their gifts, + puzzled._) + + SEEGOOCHE + +I am afraid you have vexed her with your foolish quest. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Has the Chisera a lover also, that she speak so? + + SEEGOOCHE + +It is not possible and we not know of it, for since her father's +death if any sought her hand in marriage, he must come to my husband +in the matter of dowry. + + WACOBA + +No fear that any will come while she is still the Chisera. + + BRIGHT WATER + +She is the wisest of us all. + + TIAWA + +Wisdom is good as a guest, but it wears out its welcome when it sits +by the hearth-stone. + + BRIGHT WATER + +She has great power with the gods. + + WACOBA + +So much so that if she had a husband, he dare not beat her lest she +run and tattle to them. + + SEEGOOCHE + +She is our Chisera, and there is not another like her between +Tehachappi and Tecuya. If she were wearied with stooping and +sweating, if she were anxious with bearing and rearing, how could she +go before the gods for us? + + TIAWA + +Aye, that is the talk in the wickiups, that we must hold her apart +from us to give her room for her great offices, but I have always +said--but I am old and nobody minds me--I have always said that if +she had loved as we love and had borne as we have borne, she would be +the more fitted to entreat the gods that we may not lose. + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_As the_ CHISERA _comes out of the hut._) If you are angry, Chisera, +turn it against our enemies of Castac. + + THE CHISERA + +You know that I cannot curse. + + TIAWA + +Is it true, Chisera, that you make no bad medicine? + + THE CHISERA + +Many kinds of sickness I can cure, and give easy childbirth. I can +bring rain, and give fortune in the hunt, but of the making of evil +spells I know nothing. + + SEEGOOCHE + +But your father, the medicine man--he was the dread and wonder of the +tribes. + + THE CHISERA + +Aye, my father could kill by a spell, and make a wasting sickness +with a frown, but he thought such powers not proper to women: +therefore he taught me none. + + WACOBA + +But you will bring a blessing on the battle? Oh, Chisera, they do not +tell us women, but we hear it whispered about the camp that the men +of Castac are five and twenty, and even with the youths who go to +their first battle we cannot make a score of ours. It is the Friend +of the Soul of Man must make good our numbers. + + THE CHISERA + +Even now I go to prepare strong medicine. + + WACOBA + +Come away, then, and leave the Chisera to her work. (_Going._) + + SEEGOOCHE + +May the gods befriend you. If we have your blessing, we care little +for another's curse. (_Going._) + + THE CHISERA + +Stay. After all, we are but women together, and if a woman may give +counsel, women may hear it. + + TIAWA + +Would we might hear yours to-day! + + THE CHISERA + +When the smoke of the medicine fire arises, so as to be seen from the +spring, do you come up along the creek as far as the black rock. + + WOMEN + +Yes, yes! + + THE CHISERA + +When you hear the medicine rattles, stand off by the toyon. + + WOMEN + +By the toyon--yes! + + THE CHISERA + +But when the rattles are stopped, and the singing falls off, come up +very softly, not to disturb the Council, and hear what the gods have +said. If the men speak against it, I will stand for you. + + SEEGOOCHE + +Our thanks to you, Chisera, for this kindness. + + TIAWA + +And though you are a Chisera, and have strange intercourse with the +gods, I know you a woman, by this token. + + THE CHISERA + +Doubt it not, but go. + + SEEGOOCHE + +Come away, girls. + + (_They go out, the girls with them. But_ BRIGHT WATER _lingers, + and comes back to the_ CHISERA.) + + BRIGHT WATER + +Chisera-- + + THE CHISERA + +Chief's daughter? + + BRIGHT WATER + +Call me by my name. + + THE CHISERA + +Bright Water, what would you have of me? + + BRIGHT WATER + +Can you--will you make a charm for one going out to battle whose name +is not spoken? + + THE CHISERA + +How shall the gods find him out, if he is not to be named? + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Earnestly._) Oh, he is handsome and strong in the shoulders; the +muscles of his back are laced like thongs. He is the bravest-- + + THE CHISERA + +(_Laughing._) Chief's daughter, whenever I have made love charms, +they have been for men handsome and strong in the back. + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Abashed._) I know not how to describe him. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Still smiling._) And his name is not to be spoken? (BRIGHT WATER +_continues to look down at her moccasin._) If I had something of his: +something he had shaped with his hands or worn upon his person, that +I could make medicine upon-- + + BRIGHT WATER + +Like this? + + (_Takes amulet from her neck and holds it out._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Taking it._) Did he give you this? + + BRIGHT WATER + +He made it. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Examining it._) It is skillfully fashioned. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Will it answer? + + THE CHISERA + +To make a spell upon? Yes, if you can spare it. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Shall I have it again? + + THE CHISERA + +When the time is past for which the spell is made. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Make it, then; a powerful medicine against ill fortune in battle. And +this for your pains, Chisera. (_Holds out bracelet._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Proudly._) I want no gifts. Keep your bracelet. + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_With equal pride._) The Chief's daughter asks no favors. + + THE CHISERA + +But if a Chisera choose to confer them? (_With sudden feeling._) What +question is there between us of Chief's daughter and Chisera? We are +two women, and young. + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Uncertainly._) The Chisera is the friend of the gods. + + THE CHISERA + +And therefore not the friend of any tribeswoman? (_Passionately._) +Oh, I am weary of the friendship of the gods! If I have walked in the +midnight and heard what the great ones have said, is that any reason +I should not know what a man says to a maid in the dusk--or do a +kindness to my own kind--or love, and be beloved? + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Moved._) Therefore take it (_offering bracelet again_) as one woman +from another--and you shall make a charm for me for love. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Taking the gift._) I shall make it as though I loved him myself. + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Startled._) Oh, I did not say I loved him. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Smiling._) No? + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Studying the pattern of her moccasin._) Is it true, Chisera, that +you have been called to the Council that decides upon the war leader +who is to be chosen in my father's place? + + THE CHISERA + +I am to inquire of the gods concerning it. + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Diffidently._) Chisera, I have heard--my father thinks--Simwa, the +Arrow-Maker, is well spoken of. + + (_The first note of the love call is heard far up the cliffs. + The_ CHISERA _starts and controls herself._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Coldly, in dismissal._) Simwa needs the good word of no man. It +shall be as the gods determine. + + (_Goes over to hut. The love call sounds nearer._) + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_After a moment's hesitation._) Farewell, Chisera. (_She goes._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Looking up the trail._) Ah, Simwa, Simwa, what bond there is +between us, when, if I but pronounce thy name in my heart, thy voice +answers. + + (_The love call is repeated far up the cliffs above her hut, and + she answers it, singing:_) + + Over-long are thy feet on the trails, + O Much Desired!! + Dost thou not hear afar what my blood whispers, + Betraying my heart as the whir + Of the night-moth's wings betray the lilies? + + (_As she sings_, SIMWA, _in full war dress, comes dropping down, + hand over hand, from the rocks, until he stands beside her._) + + SIMWA + +Did you not hear me when first I called? + + THE CHISERA + +I heard you, Most Desired. When do I not? Even when I sleep, my heart +wakes to hear you. The women have been with me. + + SIMWA + +You know, then? + + THE CHISERA + +That this very night a war party of ours must go out to meet the +Castacs. + + SIMWA + +And before that there will be a Council to choose a war leader? Has +the Chief told you? + + THE CHISERA + +Not since this latest word, but yesterday he bid me prepare a strong +medicine, for he thought the election would be made by lot. But I did +not tell him, O Much Desired, that I had already made medicine a +night and a day to let the choice fall on you. A day and a night by +Deer Leap on Toorape, where never foot but mine had been, I made +medicine, and the answer is sure. + + SIMWA + +That I shall get the leadership? + + THE CHISERA + +When have the gods denied me anything that I asked for your sake, +Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite? + + SIMWA + +The Padahoon hunts on a cold trail, and there is nothing for me to +do? + + (_He sits on the bank and the_ CHISERA _sits below him._) + + 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 +gods. + + 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 gods 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 gods. + + 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 + +(_Embarrassed._) 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 + +But, Simwa, am I never to come to you as other women to the wickiups +of their husbands? + + SIMWA + +What need, Chisera, when I come so often to yours? + + THE CHISERA + +The need of women to serve openly where they love. + + SIMWA + +But what service could you do me when you had lost the respect of the +tribesmen? You know the tribal custom. It is not for the friend of +the gods to dig roots and dress venison. + + (_Throws himself on the bank beside her._) + + THE CHISERA + +I have not found the gods any the less friendly since I have loved, +Arrow-Maker; and I know not why it should seem strange to others that +I should know love as--as we have known it. Only to-day the girls of +the village came to me to buy a charm to keep their lovers safe in +war. There was not one but dared to ask, even though she would not +speak her lover's name for bashfulness. See, one of them gave me this +to make medicine upon. + + SIMWA + +(_Taking it._) Bright Water gave you this? + + THE CHISERA + +(_Surprised._) How did you know? + + SIMWA + +I thought you said--that is, I have seen her wear it. Did she tell +you from whom she had it? + + THE CHISERA + +Not by his name, but by the way he looked to her. + + SIMWA + +How was that? + + THE CHISERA + +As every lover looks to every maid--tall and strong and straight of +back. Even as you look to me, Beloved. + + SIMWA + +(_Relieved, giving back the amulet._) May your medicine preserve him. +And, as for me, Chisera, I wish I could persuade the tribesmen to +look as favorably on me as you do. + + THE CHISERA + +But you have no enemies. + + SIMWA + +The Sparrow Hawk, without doubt. Could you give me a curse for him? + + THE CHISERA + +(_Rising._) Ah, you should not have asked me that. Never since my +father died have I thought to regret that he did not teach me the +making of evil medicine. Would I had all the curses in the world! +(_Turning piteously to him._) But you do not love me any the less +because I have not one little, little curse to give you? + + SIMWA + +No, it is nothing. No curse can reach me past your blessing. But I +would not have thought the old man would leave you wholly +unprotected. Why, even I could wrong you, and, without a curse +(_trying to speak lightly_) you could not punish me for it. + + THE CHISERA + +If no one does me no more wrong than you, Simwa, I need no cursing. +But, in truth, my father did give me--Ah, now I have thought of +another gift for you, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite! Before he died, the +medicine man, my father--did I not tell you? (_she rummages eagerly +in her medicine bag_)--gave me this magic arrow against my evil hour. +(_Drawing it out._) See how heavy it is, and how the blood drain is +cut in a medicine writing round and round the shaft. + + SIMWA + +What magic has it? + + THE CHISERA + +That however far and feebly it is shot, it flies straight to the +mark, over hills and high mountains, in the dark or light, and death +rides upon its shaft. (_Laughing._) Why, you could kill even me with +this arrow. See, I have tied it in your quiver, so that you may not +mistake it and shoot it away on any slight occasion. It is my latest +gift to you, Beloved. + + SIMWA + +Thanks for the gift, Chisera. Now give me the quiver. I must join the +others before the Council. The fighting men were painting their faces +when I came. + + (_A war-whoop is heard at a distance._) + + THE CHISERA + +I hear shouting. + + SIMWA + +I must go quickly. I would not have Padahoon find me here. + + THE CHISERA + +Yes, he would brood upon it like a sage hen, until he had hatched +mischief. Oh, Simwa, though I have prayed the gods until they and I +are weary, to keep you safe in this war, yet my heart shakes to see +you go. There is a beating in my breast as of the wings of vultures +after battle. + + SIMWA + +You have wearied yourself too much making medicine. If you have no +more faith in the gods, have a little in me. If I can go out of +Sagharawite as war leader, I shall come back with the spoil of +Castac. (_Shouts are heard nearer than before._) Now I go quickly! +(_He turns carelessly from her lingering caress and crosses to the +toyon, starting back at the sight of_ PADAHOON, _moving noiselessly +through the chaparral, blanketed and watchful._) What! Has the +Sparrow Hawk eaten _when-o-nabe_ that he must visit the Chisera on +the eve of Council? + + PADAHOON + +I come from the Chief--but I had not expected to find Simwa, the +scoffer, before me. + + SIMWA + +(_Uneasily._) I have been gathering eagles' feathers for my arrows +under Toorape. + + PADAHOON + +Quite so--and are not the first hunter to find the shortest way past +the house of the Medicine Woman. But it is well known that Simwa +seeks no charms for himself. The Chief has been asking for you. + + (_He passes on to the_ CHISERA, _standing stiffly with strained + attention by her hut._ SIMWA _hesitates, recovers himself, and + passes out with the appearance of indifference._) + +Chisera, Rain Wind, Chief of Sagharawite, greets you, and bids me say +that at the moth-hour he will be here with the fighting men to invite +the favor of the gods in this war with Castac. + + THE CHISERA + +And before that--? + + PADAHOON + +There will be a Council-- + + THE CHISERA + +To choose a war leader. + + PADAHOON + +So the Chief has said. + + THE CHISERA + +And it is the purpose of the Council to put this election to the +gods? + + PADAHOON + +It may come to that--(_A pause._) Chief Rain Wind is a dotard. What +should a woman know of these matters? + + THE CHISERA + +All that the gods are thinking in their hearts. + + PADAHOON + +The gods, aye! But what word have the gods of the affairs of +Sagharawite except as you carry it? Now between us--Chisera-- + + THE CHISERA + +What is there between us, Padahoon, that our talk should be otherwise +than appears at the Council? + + PADAHOON + +There should be a matter of two doeskins, tanned white and fine (_he +produces them from under his blanket_) if the gods are friendly. +Look, Chisera! + + (_He spreads them out before the_ CHISERA, _who is seated by the + hut, feathering a prayer-stick._) + + PADAHOON + +(_Dropping the doeskins negligently._) Oh, the man can make an arrow. + + THE CHISERA + +But not lead a war party? + + PADAHOON + +A war leader, Chisera, should be neither old and timid, nor young and +overbold, but of middle years and discretion; not so hot in his heart +that his head cannot reason with it, nor so reasonable that it cools +his heart. + + (_As he stands again, his hands are folded inside his arms; he is + not so sure of his errand_.) + + THE CHISERA + +Like ... Padahoon. + + PADAHOON + +(_Wheedling._) What will the gods think of a blanket of the Navajoes +(_he spreads it out before her_)--thick and fine--and four strings of +shells--and a cake of mesquite meal--? + + THE CHISERA + +Are the gods a-cold, Padahoon, that you bring them a blanket? Is +there hunger in their camp, think you? + + PADAHOON + +Let the things stay in yours, Chisera; they will remind you to speak +well of me when you go before the Friend of the Soul of Man. + + THE CHISERA + +Put up your pack, Padahoon! + + PADAHOON + +It is a little matter, Chisera; a handful of sticks thrown on the +ground. What should the gods care for a handful of sticks? And the +blanket is very thick. Shall I leave it a little while, that you may +admire it? + + THE CHISERA + +Put up your pack, Padahoon, and learn not to think so lightly of the +gods, lest they visit it upon you! + + PADAHOON + +(_Reluctantly putting up the bribe; after a pause, revolving new +measures._) Chisera, this is a man's business which comes before you +in the Council. Will you hear man-talk from me? + + THE CHISERA + +Is it possible the Sparrow Hawk does so much credit to my +understanding? + + PADAHOON + +Chisera, we have had peace now at Sagharawite so many summers that +scarcely a man of us besides myself has seen battle; also we are a +little outnumbered. Have you thought, Chisera, what will come to +Sagharawite if we go out under an untried leader? + + THE CHISERA + +What will come will be as the gods determine. What reason have you to +think they will favor you more than Simwa? + + PADAHOON + +It is my experience, Chisera, that the gods are inclined to the +better man. And, look you, Chisera, this is perhaps my last chance to +serve my people. Comes another war, if there are enough of us left +after this to make another war possible, I shall be too old for +leadership. And I have that in me which I would prove before I die. +This is man-talk, Chisera. Do you understand it? + + THE CHISERA + +I understand that you want greatly this election, but I can do +nothing except as the gods declare. Put up your pack, Padahoon, I +have work to do. (_Rising._) + + PADAHOON + +(_Putting up his pack._) How much did Simwa give you? + + THE CHISERA + +(_Startled._) Simwa! (_Recovering herself._) The Arrow-Maker of +Sagharawite leaves all higher matters where they belong. + + PADAHOON + +Simwa put trust in the gods! Simwa believe that by singing and +dancing and waving of arms, with a rag of buckskin and a hair of your +head and three leaves of a seldom-flowering plant, you can turn the +fortunes of war? This will be news for the fighting men, Chisera. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Quivering, but controlling herself._) Padahoon, now by this I am +minded to prove what the gods can do against tale-bearers and snakes +in the grass! (_Balancing her medicine stick for a moment, she seems +on the point of invoking the gods against him, but thinks better of +it._) Nay, but the gods have greater affairs. (_Sound of the drums in +the direction of the camp._) Now I go to prepare strong medicine so +that you shall know, Padahoon, how the gods choose between you and +the Arrow-Maker. + + (_She goes into the hut and lets fall the curtain._) + + (_Enter_ PAMAQUASH, YAVI, _and other youths to prepare for the + Council._) + + PAMAQUASH + +Is the Chisera advised of the Council? + + PADAHOON + +Even now she prepares herself in the wickiup. Where is the Chief? + + PAMAQUASH + +He stays only until the fighting men are gathered together. + + PADAHOON + +I will join them. See that the Chisera is not disturbed before her +time. (_He goes out._) + + PAMAQUASH + +Over there in front of the wickiup, one of you light the medicine +fire, but do not light it until the Chisera comes. + + (YAVI _and another prepare the fire._) + + YAVI + +How is it that the Chisera will discover the will of the gods? + + PAMAQUASH + +Spread a blanket there, where the Chief and the Chisera will +sit--(_To_ YAVI.) By the casting of the seven sacred sticks. As the +gods will they make the sticks to fall in a sign that she can read. + + YAVI + +Is it so that the Medicine Worker sometimes fails? + + PAMAQUASH + +Medicine men have died at it before now--and better so, for otherwise +they should have died by the law. + + YAVI + +Is that the law? + + PAMAQUASH + +Surely, surely. For of what use is an advocate with the gods if he +cannot get to them. It would be so with the Chisera. + + (_As the preparations have gone forward, the sound of the drums + and rattles, with an occasional subdued whoop, has drawn nearer, + and the Fighting Men, led by the_ CHIEF, _in full fighting gear, + arrive in single file marching to the drums. The procession halts + in the open space before the_ CHISERA'S _hut._) + + CHIEF + +Let the Council sit. + + (_Eleven of the elders seat themselves in a circle about the + fire, turning toward the_ CHIEF. _The others stand or sit + attentively in the background. The_ CHIEF _at the fire hands the + ceremonial pipe to_ YAVI _who lights it._ RAIN WIND _blows a puff + of smoke to all the gods, returning to his place in the Council; + the pipe passes from hand to hand; when it has passed all about, + each tribesman blowing smoke and saluting, the_ CHIEF _rises and + stands before the_ CHISERA'S _hut_.) + +Chisera, Chisera, come to Council! + + THE CHISERA + +(_Advancing to his side._) Rain Wind, Chief of Sagharawite, what will +you have of me? + + (PAMAQUASH _lights the medicine fire._) + + CHIEF + +To carry a matter too hard for us before the Friend of the Soul of +Man. + + THE CHISERA + +Nothing that men contrive in their hearts is too hard for the gods. +Speak, then! + + (_Goes and sits beside the_ CHIEF.) + + CHIEF + +(_Rising._) Tribesmen, for as many years as a fir tree needs to bear +cones, I have been Chief in Sagharawite. Now I am old, and, like a +badger, see only my own trail (_grunts of dissent_), and my legs +carry me no farther than my eyes see. Therefore, since there is war +with Castac concerning the pinyon trees which are ours (_grunts and +exclamations_), it is right you have a younger man to lead you. But, +since it has never happened that there must be a war leader chosen +while there is a chief alive and sitting in Council, I think it well +to inquire how the gods stand toward us. Tribesmen, what do you say? +(_Sits with great dignity._) + + CHOCO + +(_Rising and saluting the_ CHIEF _with lifted hand. Speaking with +great deliberation and winning sober approval._) Chief Rain Wind has +said. The occasion is strange and the candidates of such diverse but +equal merit that it is impossible for a just man to choose between +them. Let the Chisera carry it to the gods. + + CHIEF + +This is truth which Choco says--whom the gods will favor they favor. +They are not greatly bound to the choice of men. + + THE COUNCIL + +Good counsel! good counsel! (_Assent from the bystanders._) + + TAVWOTS + +(_Continuing, with earnestness._) Tribesmen, I am not myself of two +minds in this business. I speak freely for Padahoon according to our +custom which is, without discredit to the Arrow-Maker, for the +leadership of the elder. But at least let us remember that the gods +have high affairs; they are not always listening to the gossip of the +camp-fire and hut. What word have they of Sagharawite except as the +Chisera carries it? If we put the choice to them, let her know what +we are thinking in our hearts. Let Simwa and Sparrow Hawk declare it +so that we and the gods shall know how they stand toward the conduct +of this war. I have said. (_Seats himself amid general approval._) + + OLD MEN + +Good counsel! Good counsel! + + TRIBESMEN + +Simwa! Padahoon! The Arrow-Maker! Padahoon! + + CHIEF + +Padahoon, you have the more years; say what you will do. And do you, +Chisera, bear it well in your heart as you go up before the Friend of +the Soul of Man. + + THE CHISERA + +The trail of the gods is hard and none may walk therein save those +that walk sincerely. Speak, then! + + PADAHOON + +(_Rising._) Chief and tribesmen, you know me. What I think in my +heart, I say; and what I say I do. The pinyon trees are ours, since +the time of our father's fathers (_general assent_), and this is a +vain fight for the men of Castac. Inasmuch as they have crossed our +borders, they do evilly, but they are also Paiutes, as we are, and +sons of the Bear. Aforetime when the Tecuyas came against us, they +were as our brothers. Now, were I war leader, I should leave them at +Pahrump and, going up behind the ridge of Toorape, strike at their +villages. When we have their women and children and their stores, we +can make terms with our brothers of Castac. So shall we save our +honor and our allies. + + INDIANS + +Good counsel! Ugh! Huh! Padahoon! Good counsel! + + CHIEF + +Speak, Simwa! + + SIMWA + +(_Rising._) Shall I call a thief my brother, and is a poacher my +fellow that I should respect him? Sons of the Bear are the men of +Castac? Aye, bastard sons, and the coyote is their mother. (_Grunts +and cries of approval._) The Castacs have filled up our springs and +driven our deer. They have stalked our hunters in the hills. +(_Grunts._) Aye, but we have given the stalkers arrows of ours to +keep. (_Grunts of satisfaction._) Shall we go after our arrows, men +of Sagharawite, or shall we wait until our "brothers" of Castac come +and stroke us? I am not so old as Padahoon, nor so wise, but, by the +Bear that fathered us, were I war leader for the space of one moon, +there would be no more men of Castac to trouble our harvest. + + YOUNG MEN + +Simwa! Simwa! The Arrow-Maker! + + OLD MEN + +Padahoon! Padahoon! + + CHIEF + +Tribesmen, the wisdom of Padahoon is sound, and such as every man has +in his own head; but the speech of Simwa is a water of mirage about +our understanding. Shall we try what the gods will do? (_Nods and +grunts of approval._) + + OLD MEN + +The gods--the Chisera--the Chisera! + + CHIEF + +The best of the spoil of Castac is yours, Chisera, if the choice be +fortunate. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Rising to begin._) I want no spoil; this is also my quarrel. How +will you have the venture tried? + + INDIANS + +The sticks! The sacred sticks! + + (_The_ CHISERA _produces the sticks from her medicine bag, and + hands them to one of the Old Men. To each of the others who will + dance with her (two or three) she gives a fetish from her bag. + They have already put on appropriate headdresses and are prepared + for dancing. She motions the rattles to begin. Behind her are the + Old Men, with the drums and rattles; on each side, the Fighting + Men seated on the ground. The dance begins, the_ CHISERA + _singing. The Old Men keep up a crooning accompaniment; from time + to time the Fighting Men join the singing and exhibit a growing + excitement as the dance progresses. At intervals, one and another + of them, leaps to his feet and joins the dance. At the last, the_ + CHISERA, _whirling rapidly, falls to the ground. Instantly the + rattles are stopped, and the people wait in suspense the word of + the gods. The women are seen to steal up through the toyon + bushes. The_ CHISERA _lifts herself slowly on one elbow, as if + waking from a drugged sleep. She stretches out her hand for the + sacred sticks. She drops them with a quick turn of the wrist, + gathers them up and drops them again, seeking for an augury. She + throws up the arm with the medicine stick and begins to chant_.) + + THE CHISERA + + The bows of Castac shall be broken. + The bowstring shall break asunder. + The bows of thy foes shall be broken and the vultures come to the + battle. + + (_Excitement and confusion._) + + INDIANS + +The omen, the omen! the war leader! + + THE CHISERA + (_Chanting_) + + The Maker of Arrows shall lead you. + He that makes arrows of eagles' feathers, + Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite, he shall lead you, + Simwa shall break the bows of Castac. + + TRIBESMEN + +Simwa! + + (_The Indians break into a great shout for_ SIMWA. RAIN WIND + _puts a collar of bears' claws about_ SIMWA'S _neck, lifts his + war-bonnet and places it on his head._ SIMWA _raises his war-club + with a great shout, dancing about the half-prostrate form of the_ + CHISERA, _the Fighting Men one by one falling into the dance with + wild exultant movements, chanting_.) + + The bows of Castac shall be broken! + The bowstring shall break asunder! + He shall break the bows of Castac! + + (_As they pass out on the war trail shouting, the women are seen + to come to the help of the_ CHISERA.) + + CURTAIN + + + + +ACT SECOND + + + + +ACT SECOND + + +SCENE.--_The campody of Sagharawite, three months later, near the new +wickiup of the Arrow-Maker. At the right, the house of_ RAIN WIND, +_and behind all a spring under a clump of dwarf oaks. A little trail +runs between stones to connect the Arrow-Maker with the rest of the +campody, and beyond it the valley rises gently to the Sierra +foothills, brooding under the spring haze. A little to the fore of_ +SIMWA'S _house lies a great heap of blankets, baskets, and camp +utensils, displayed to the best advantage, the wedding dower of the +Chief's daughter. By her father's house_ BRIGHT WATER _is being +dressed for bridal by her young companions. They braid her hair, +paint her face, tie her moccasins, and arrange her beads over the +robe of white doeskin; they laugh as they work and are happily +important as is the custom of bridesmaids. The older women are +winnowing grain and grinding at the metate._ + +_At the left and front_, SIMWA, TAVWOTS, _and others are gambling +with dice made of halves of black-walnut hulls, filled with pitch; +the number indicated by bits of shell embedded in the pitch. They are +shaken in a small basket and turned out on a basket plaque._ + +_The older men look on, smoking._ TAVWOTS _is broad-faced and merry, +and does not neglect to ogle the girls at intervals, which causes +them to giggle and hide their heads in their blankets. The men have +on their holiday dress, especially the younger companions of_ SIMWA. + + TAVWOTS + +(_Throwing._) Five! + + SIMWA + +(_Throwing._) And five again! + + INDIANS + +Hi! Hi! + + TAVWOTS + +Four! + + SIMWA + +Seven! (_Exclamations._) + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Bringing a blanket._) Here, let us spread the blanket where the +newly married pair shall sit when first my daughter comes to her +husband's house. + + (_The women assist her, spreading it in front of_ SIMWA'S + _house._) + + TIAWA + +And this time next year, may you be a grandmother. + + SEEGOOCHE + +I pray so. To-morrow I shall go to the Chisera and get a charm to +make it sure. + + WACOBA + +Does not the Chisera come to the wedding? + + SEEGOOCHE + +I wished it so, but Simwa has no faith in magic medicine. He thinks +we show her too much respect because of her mumblings and wavings of +arms. + + WACOBA + +It would have been neighborly to invite her. + + TIAWA + +I should be afraid lest some mischief came of this neglect. + + SEEGOOCHE + +So am I; but Simwa would not have her asked. + + (_She passes to her own hut and brings out grain and pine nuts, + with which the other women fill their ceremonial baskets._) + + TIAWA + +No doubt Simwa feels that the gods have done so much for him that he +can afford to dispense with an advocate. + + HAIWAI + +(_Who has approached unnoticed._) Small wonder he thinks so when you +remember how he brought our men back scatheless with the spoil of +Castac. Seegooche, I bring the best of my share to grace your +daughter's wedding. (_Offers basket._) + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Taking it and handing it about._) My thanks to you. (_Noticing the +papoose which she carries strapped in a basket at her back._) And who +is this that comes to my house uninvited? + + HAIWAI + +Nay, but he came to mine but five days since; and already he grips +like a man! (_Showing him about proudly._) + + TIAWA + +Hey, little warrior! + + TUIYO + +Ah, let me have him, Haiwai! I will hold him carefully. + + (_Still seated, she reaches up her arms for the child and coos + over it._) + + BRIGHT WATER + +Let me! + + (_Takes the basket from_ TUIYO _and rocks the basket, crooning._) + + Hey, little dove, hush, little dove, + 'Tis the wind rocking + Thy nest in the pine tree. + Hey, little dove. + + WHITE FLOWER + +Chief's daughter, do you think you will be able to do so well by your +husband? + + (BRIGHT WATER _gives back the child to its mother in great + confusion_.) + + SEEGOOCHE + +Do not plague her. (_The women return to their work._) It is the way +with maids, the nearer they are to mothering the less they wish to +hear of it. + + TIAWA + +Still I would see the Chisera if I were you. It is a pity she is not +invited. + + TUIYO + +(_Painting_ BRIGHT WATER.) Tell me, Seegooche, do I put the white on +her cheeks too, or only on the forehead. + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Alarmed._) No, no white at all, not on her wedding day. It is an +evil omen. + + TUIYO + +(_Wiping it off hastily._) Then I will take it off again. All the +misfortune be on my head. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Never fear, mother, I am so defended by happiness no evil could get +near me. + + WHITE FLOWER + +Besides, the bride of Simwa need fear no omens. The luck of her +husband will protect her. + + TUIYO + +(_With a final touch._) There, come to the spring and see how lovely +you are. (_The girls all rise._) + + TAVWOTS + +That's bad medicine you make for us unmarried men. + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Standing forth in her bridal array._) Is it so bad, Simwa? + + (SIMWA _answers with his eyes_.) + + TAVWOTS + +Already he is speechless, and I have staked him my collar of elks' +teeth as a charm against it. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Tavwots, you have eaten meadowlarks' tongues. If you had a wife, you +would keep her in a gambling basket. (_At the spring._) Now I need +only flowers for my hair. Let us go get them. (_The girls go out._) + + TAVWOTS + +(_Throwing down his collar of elks' teeth._) By the Bear, Simwa, I do +not know how it is you persuade the gods to be always on your side. +First you are made war leader, then you marry the Chief's daughter, +and now you have my collar of elks' teeth to top all. + + SIMWA + +(_Gathering up the stakes._) Will you take a chance to have it back +again? + + TAVWOTS + +I would, if I had anything to stake you; but my luck has left me +little but my shirt. + + SIMWA + +I will play you for that. + + TAVWOTS + +Not until after the wedding. (_Rises._) + + SIMWA + +As you like. Your shirt against the collar. Do you play, friends? + + FIRST INDIAN + +Not I. + + YAVI + +Nor I. The luck is all to Simwa. (_All rise._) + + TAVWOTS + +Yes. One would think he had been courting the Chisera. + + SIMWA + +(_Who has risen, turning sharply._) How? + + TAVWOTS + +I said I could not guess how you manage to be always winning, unless +you have made love to the Chisera, and she has persuaded the gods for +you. (_Slapping him on the back._) Why, this is the first time you +were ever accused of love-making and looked sourly over it! + + SIMWA + +(_Smirking._) No fault of mine if the women like a good figure. + + TAVWOTS + +No advantage either from this time henceforward. Here comes Chief +Rain Wind to marry you to his daughter. + + CHIEF + +(_Issuing from his wickiup in full holiday dress, blanketed._) Where +is she? + + SEEGOOCHE + +She gathers flowers with her young companions. She comes presently. + + CHIEF + +Bid the married women prepare to bless the bridal. Are the guests all +here? + + SEEGOOCHE + +Choco and the others who went out to hunt early this morning have not +yet returned. + + CHIEF + +I would speak with them when they come. And Padahoon? + + TAVWOTS + +I do not know, unless he visits the Chisera. + + SIMWA + +(_Startled._) Padahoon? + + TAVWOTS + +So often does he go to her house, if he did not have a wife already, +I should think he had an eye to her. The best cut of my next kill +against my shirt, Simwa, that he goes to find ways to make good +against you the loss of the leadership. + + SIMWA + +(_Complacently._) Padahoon cannot forgive me the victory at Castac. + + TAVWOTS + +Well, if the Tecuya Creek tribes keep up their quarreling, we are all +likely to wish you had not killed off so many of their fighting men. + + SIMWA + +I shall deal with the Tecuyas as I did with Castac. + + TAVWOTS + +The gods were with you. Next time Padahoon may win the Chisera to be +on his side. + + SIMWA + +(_Suspiciously._) What do you mean? Am I not war leader of +Sagharawite? + + TAVWOTS + +So long as we and the gods approve you. But if I were the gods, and +the Chisera came dancing before me-- + + CHIEF + +Tavwots, your wit misleads you. The Chisera is not a subject for jest +or the favor of men; she is an advocate with the gods for us. + + TAVWOTS + +Well, the gods have a handsome advocate. I should give her anything +she asked. (_Looking off._) See, bridegroom, the girls are dancing, +and you not with them! (SIMWA _and several of the younger men go +out._) + + CHIEF + +(_Detaining_ TAVWOTS.) Tavwots, what do you know of this Tecuya Creek +matter? + + TAVWOTS + +More than I like to spoil a feast-day with. + + CHIEF + +Nevertheless, tell it. + + TAVWOTS + +They have forbidden all the campodies east of us from fishing in the +river. Also they watch all the trails toward Toorape and take toll of +passers. + + CHIEF + +On what grounds? + + TAVWOTS + +None, I think, except that they are able. A bowman of Tehachappi +inquired of me how many fell at Castac, and I, thinking to glorify +the tribe,--I told him. + + CHIEF + +What said he to that? + + TAVWOTS + +What I should have expected. He grinned upon me like a sick coyote +and said, "They are poor allies, the dead." + + INDIANS + +Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! + + CHIEF + +Here are the hunters. They will know if there is mischief stirring. + + (_Enter from the left_, CHOCO, PAMAQUASH, _and others, carrying + game._) + + TAVWOTS + +And with the Arrow-Maker's own luck! + + CHOCO + +So far as the quarry goes. + + CHIEF + +But not for the hunters--? + + CHOCO + +(_To him._) Send the younger men away. I have a word for you. + + CHIEF + +You, Fleet-Foot, Yavi, all of you--carry the game to the women and +help them dress it for the feast. (_The young men take up the game +and go out, leaving_ CHOCO, TAVWOTS, _and the Old Men with the_ +CHIEF.) Let us hear your word, Choco. + + CHOCO + +(_Taking a long arrow from under his blanket._) What make you of +that? + + CHIEF + +(_Examining it._) Tecuya Creek, surely. + + OLD MEN + +(_Handing it about._) Tecuya--Tecuya. + + CHIEF + +Where did you find it? + + CHOCO + +Where I like least to see it--in the body of a friend. + + MEN + +Ah--a--a--ah! + + CHIEF + +What friend? + + CHOCO + +Winnedumah. He went out to the hunt yesterday and was to have joined +us this morning at Deer Leap. I found him by the crossing of the +trails, with that through him. + + CHIEF + +Bad business. What say you it means? + + CHOCO + +That the Tecuyas think we dare not avenge it. + + CHIEF + +Dare not! Simwa must hear of this, but not on his wedding day. +To-morrow we will take counsel. I would I might have a word with +Padahoon. + + TAVWOTS + +He is there on the _barranca_; I will call him. Oh--ee, Padahoon! + + PADAHOON + +(_Appearing on the barranca._) What now? (_Ironically._) Can not the +Arrow-Maker so much as take a wife without calling all the tribes to +witness? (_Coming down the barranca, noting their gravity._) What has +happened? Is the Council called? + + CHIEF + +For to-morrow. In the mean time there is this. (_Handing up the +arrow._) + + PADAHOON + +(_Standing halfway down the bank as he examines it._) An arrow of +Tecuya. Blood? Blood of Sagharawite? + + TAVWOTS + +Of Winnedumah. + + PADAHOON + +(_Blazing forth._) By the Bear that fathered us! It is likely to +prove an open wound in the honor of Sagharawite. Not ten sleeps have +passed since the last of our fighting men returned from the killing +of our blood brothers, and already we have a witness to our folly! +The Tecuyas are three to one of us. + + PAMAQUASH + +But the luck of Simwa is more than three times that of Tecuya. + + PADAHOON + +The fortunes of Simwa! What are they but the accidents of time and +weather. A landslip on the trail, a rainstorm that wetted their +bowstrings and left ours dry. The damp has slacked your wits, Rain +Wind, that you are not able to distinguish between the Arrow-Maker +and his luck. + + CHIEF + +The witness of the gods in his favor. + + PADAHOON + +The gods are not always so attentive. Where was the luck of the +Arrow-Maker that it has not saved us from this? (_Shaking the arrow +as he descends._) Show me something which we owe to Simwa if you +would have me trust in him. + + CHIEF + +I will show you the pit of your own heart, Padahoon, and the adder +that bites at the root of it. You are jealous of the fame and the +office of Simwa, but you shall not sink your venom in the minds of +the Fighting Men. + + PADAHOON + +I would I could sting them to understand that if Tecuya comes against +us, they will not trust so much to luck as to war craft. + + CHIEF + +Understand yourself that whatever comes of this business of Tecuya, +Simwa is still war leader. You are too old a man, Padahoon, to be +told that whoever lessens the credit of the war leader saps at the +strength of Sagharawite. + + PADAHOON + +Aye, I am an old man and in my dotage when I seek to set years of +good faith and experience against the fortunate moments of a fool. + + CHIEF + +The Chief has spoken. No more of this until the Council. In the mean +time, not a word to the women. It is an ill omen for a feast. + + (_He goes out, followed by all but_ TAVWOTS, CHOCO, PAMAQUASH, + _and_ PADAHOON.) + + TAVWOTS + +(_Laying his hand on the shoulder of_ PADAHOON.) By the Bear, +Padahoon, I have been on your side in this matter heretofore, but now +I think the Chief is right. It is an ill business setting men against +the war leader in time of danger. + + PADAHOON + +You too, Tavwots--you have looked at the lure of the Arrow-Maker's +luck and do not see the snare which his want of wit spreads for your +feet? + + TAVWOTS + +(_Uncertainly._) But if the fortune of Simwa is not his own, whence +is it? + + PADAHOON + +Tell me, Tavwots, when another man seeks favor from the gods, by whom +does it come? + + TAVWOTS + +By the Chisera. But what-- + + PADAHOON + +On the morning of the election, when I went from the Chief to advise +the Chisera, I met Simwa by her hut. + + PAMAQUASH + +I also met him when I came back from Leaping Water to bring word to +the women--he said he had been gathering eagles' feathers for his +arrows. + + PADAHOON + +So he said to me. Feathers for arrows when every man had his quiver +full at his back! + + TAVWOTS + +But Simwa puts no faith in magic medicine. Why, he has not even asked +the Chisera to his wedding! + + PADAHOON + +No, not even though the Chief's daughter urged it. (_A pause full of +significance._) + + TAVWOTS + +No, no! Padahoon! Unless the Chisera owned to it herself, I would not +believe it. The Chief is right. The wound of your jealousy festers +and corrupts your tongue. (_Turning his back on_ PADAHOON _he claps_ +PAMAQUASH _on the shoulder._) Come and dance! + + CHOCO + +(_Gathering his blanket around him._) Even if the Chisera owned it, I +would not believe it. + + (_The men move in the direction of the merrymaking and are met by + the younger people, laughing and shouting for_ SIMWA. PADAHOON + _watches them bitterly for a while, and, revolving many things, + draws his blanket up and departs in the direction of the_ + CHISERA'S _hut._) + + PAMAQUASH + +Come, Arrow-Maker, a speech for your bridal. (_Laughter and +approval._) + + SIMWA + +(_Drunk with popularity._) The war leader loves deeds rather than +talking. + + TAVWOTS + +We have seen what your fighting is like. Give us a speech. + + SIMWA + +Friends and tribesmen, the fortune of Simwa is Simwa. Does the Bear +take weapons against the woodchuck, and shall the sons of the Bear +make charms against their enemies? The spoil of Castac is in our camp +(_cheers_) and our young men hunt within their borders. (_Applause._) +If any of the tribes inquire where are the fullest harvests, the +fattest deer, the prettiest maidens (_he flings his blanket about_ +BRIGHT WATER), bid him look for the land of Simwa the Arrow-Maker. +(_Shouts and laughter._) + + YOUNG MEN + +Come, now, a dance, a dance! Tavwots, dance for us! + + (_The cries increasing_, TAVWOTS _is pushed forward to dance, + others cry for_ PAMAQUASH _and_ YAVI, _who join_ TAVWOTS, + _laughing, to dance the blanket dance, all the others singing and + keeping time with swaying bodies. The girls hover about the + dancers, and as at certain points in the dance the Young Men + attempt to cast their blankets about the heads of the girls, they + duck and squeal. Finally, amid much laughter, each dancer + captures a girl, rubbing his cheek against hers, the Indian + equivalent of a kiss. With great merriment the crowd moves off in + the direction of the mesa, disclosing_ PADAHOON _and the_ + CHISERA, _who have come up unobserved_.) + + PADAHOON + +Come this way, Chisera. The girls are out on the _mesa_, dancing with +the bride, and the women are grinding at the metate for the marriage +feast. + + THE CHISERA + +But where is Simwa? + + PADAHOON + +With the bride, no doubt. Here is his wickiup, and here the marriage +dower beside it. + + THE CHISERA + +All this? + + PADAHOON + +Never so many gifts went to a wedding in Sagharawite. Every woman +whose man came back safe from the war gave a basket or a blanket, and +Simwa gave all of his share of the spoil of Castac. + + THE CHISERA + +And that, I doubt not, is bitter for you to see, Padahoon. + + PADAHOON + +Why, as to that, Chisera, it is good to see spoil of our foes in the +camp; but the fighting men of Castac were our blood brothers. See, +here is the blanket where the newly married pair shall sit to receive +the blessings of the fruitful women. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Bitterly._) But not the blessing of the Chisera. Never before, in +my time, has there been a bride of Sagharawite but sent to ask my +blessing. + + PADAHOON + +Aye, but Simwa does not believe in charms and spells. (_The_ CHISERA +_seems about to break out angrily, but restrains herself._ PADAHOON +_watches her narrowly as he speaks._) Look, Chisera! Is not the bride +fair? Fit to set a man beside himself with desiring? + + THE CHISERA + +She is but a child. Her breasts 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 gods +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 gods. Now you +come like an angry woman who would hide what is in her heart. + + THE CHISERA + +(_With dignity._) Cover your own heart, Padahoon, lest I ask what +mischief breeds in it to bid you observe me so much. I have not +forgot that you would have paid me a blanket to be made war leader in +the room of Simwa. + + PADAHOON + +(_With ugly insinuation._) Ugh! huh! Perhaps I had been as fortunate +as the Arrow-Maker, if, instead of giving it, I had offered to share +it with you. + + THE CHISERA + +_Kima!_ Padahoon, you do tempt me to try if I can curse. + + PADAHOON + +(_Conciliatory._) I have no wish to anger the friend of the gods, but +I am a plain man wishing good to my campody, and it seems not good to +me that Simwa has grown suddenly so great. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Recovering herself._) What has that to do with the Chisera? + + PADAHOON + +I have known this Simwa since he was first tied in a basket, and, +though he has grown to be war leader, I think he is most like a pod +of rattleweed that is swollen to twice its size at the end of the +season, yet has no more in it than at the beginning. And I do not +know how, without the help of magic medicine, he has come to be what +he is with so little in him. + + THE CHISERA + +The Chief's daughter has trusted him. + + PADAHOON + +She loves him. (_During this scene bursts of Indian music and singing +have been heard at intervals. It grows louder._ PADAHOON _and_ +CHISERA _look off._) They come this way, Chisera. You are right. When +a man has married so fair a wife, there is not much left to be done +for him. + + THE CHISERA + +(_With bitter irony, as she moves over against_ SIMWA'S _hut and puts +up her blanket._) I am not so sure. + + TIAWA + +It is Chisera. + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_With alarm._) Where is my daughter? + + (BRIGHT WATER _enters with the young girls, laughing and talking. + Her hair is braided with golden poppies and falls over her + shoulders. She sees the_ CHISERA _standing, tall and still, by_ + SIMWA'S _hut, her whole figure shrouded in a blanket, which is + drawn up to cover all of her face but the eyes._) + + BRIGHT WATER + +Who is it comes to my wedding uninvited? How her eyes burn upon me! + + SEEGOOCHE + +Hush! She will hear you. It is the Chisera. + + BRIGHT WATER + +The Chisera? Never have I seen her like this. But she has come to +bring me a blessing. + + SEEGOOCHE + +Do not speak to her, my daughter; she is not in the humor for it. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Shall I not be courteous to the first guest who has come to my +husband's house? Chisera, I am pleased that you have come to bless my +marriage. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Out of her blanket._) Where is Simwa? + + BRIGHT WATER + +He comes soon. (_Going to her._) Last night I thought of you, and how +you alone, of all Sagharawite, had kept away from my happiness-- + + SEEGOOCHE + +Let be, daughter. (_Pulling her sleeve._) It is ill stirring a coiled +snake. (_To the_ CHISERA, _with intent to draw her off._) Come this +way, Chisera, and I will show you the wedding presents. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Lowering her blanket a little._) Show me the Arrow-Maker. + + (_The elder men have entered, among them_ RAIN WIND.) + + CHIEF + +What is this? + + TIAWA + +It is the Chisera asking for Simwa. + + MEN + +Ah! ah! ah--ah! + + (_Exchanging glances of inquiry and amazement._) + + CHIEF + +Who is that behind her? + + WACOBA + +Padahoon! + + MEN + +Ugh! huh! + + CHIEF + +So? Why does she cover her face? + + TIAWA + +She makes medicine in her blanket. + + (_The Indians draw close in two groups, the women together and + the men on the other side. They watch the_ CHISERA _uneasily._ + BRIGHT WATER _stands a little apart, the bridesmaids moving + timidly toward the elder women._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Putting down her blanket._) The Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite is slow +to the bridal. + + BRIGHT WATER + +He comes. He comes. + + (_The young men enter, with_ SIMWA _in their midst, painted and + befeathered as befits a handsome man on his wedding day. + Observing the_ CHISERA, _he checks and falters in his walk._) + + SIMWA + +Chisera! + + THE CHISERA + +Is it you, Simwa, who wed with the Chief's daughter? + + SIMWA + +You are come, Chisera--(_Wholly at a loss._) You are come-- + + THE CHISERA + +I am come to your marriage, Simwa, though I am not invited. + + BRIGHT WATER + +But now that she is here, Simwa, you will ask her to bless us? + + SIMWA + +(_Recovering himself with an effort._) Surely, surely. But the +married women have not blessed us yet. (_Taking the bride's hand and +leading her to the blanket. They seat themselves._) Come, Tiawa, have +you no pine nuts in your basket? (_With an effort to carry it off +jovially._) What! will you have my wife dig roots before her wedding +year is out? + + (_The married women take up their baskets and begin the ceremony + of sprinkling the bride with nuts and seeds in token of + fruitfulness._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Warningly._) Simwa! Simwa! + + (_The women leave off, huddling together, looking fearfully at + the_ CHISERA.) + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Getting between her and_ BRIGHT WATER.) What harm to you, Chisera, +if the Arrow-Maker weds where he loves? + + THE CHISERA + +(_Looking steadily at_ SIMWA.) Aye--where he loves--(_Pleadingly._) +Simwa! Simwa! + + (_She drops her blanket and turns away._) + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Lifting her basket to her shoulder again._) Let us go on with the +marriage. + + PADAHOON + +(_To the company._) If the Chisera knows any reason why this marriage +should not go on, should she not say it openly? A word half spoken +breeds suspicion faster than flies at killing time. + + CHIEF + +What talk is this of reasons? Have I not the disposing of my daughter +in marriage? Reason enough, if I wish it so. + + PADAHOON + +That which is most reasonable to men, the gods see otherwise. + + (_A murmur begins in the camp, but_ SIMWA _takes it up + instantly._) + + SIMWA + +He is thinking of the war with Castac. Truly, you were not eye to eye +with the gods on that occasion, Padahoon. + + PADAHOON + +Were I so sure it was of the gods, I had not stood out so against it. + + CHIEF + +Was not Simwa approved of the gods 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 fashioned 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 gods, but a plain mating of man +and maid. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Flashing._) Since when have you talked with the gods, 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 assent._) Ugh! huh! + + THE CHISERA + +(_Letting fall her blanket in a burst of indignation._) "Nor seek +them!"--Ah! Simwa! Simwa! + + (_A short pause of embarrassment 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 gods. Simwa was chosen war leader by the trial +of the seven sticks. As the gods 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 gods 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 gods 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 gods of me. + + TAVWOTS + +(_To_ PADAHOON.) Now, if it is true that he owes his fortune to the +gods, 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. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Mother, let be. If this be true that she speaks, I am already cursed. + + SIMWA + +(_Going to his wife._) What have we to do with blessings or cursings? +The Chisera is unsound in her mind. I have seen her dancing in the +hills sometimes where I went to gather eagle's feathers for my +arrows, and her madness has made a curious tale of it. + + BRIGHT WATER + +I would I might believe it. + + SIMWA + +(_With returning complacency._) Do you find it so hard to have a +husband whom other women admire? + + PADAHOON + +Chief and tribesmen, if it be true that Simwa values charms so +little, let him declare what it is he keeps sewed in his quiver so +precious that he must hide it even on his wedding day. + + (_Murmurs. The_ CHISERA, _in alarm, endeavors to check_ PADAHOON. + SIMWA _turns upon him with a snarl._) + + SIMWA + +_Kima!_ (_Wildly._) You cannot prove that I had it of the Chisera! + + PADAHOON + +(_Suddenly darting out two fingers from his mouth, moving them +rapidly in the manner of a snake's tongue, with a hissing sound._) +Snake of two tongues! Now I know you for the man you are, braggart +and liar! + + SIMWA + +Coyote whelp! + + (SIMWA _grasps a war weapon, a stone tied in a crotched stick, + from the heap of wedding gifts, and smites_ PADAHOON _to the + earth, standing threateningly over him. The others stiffen into + tense attitudes, drawing their blankets tighter, their eyes + burning bright._ PADAHOON _draws the knife that hangs in a sheath + at his neck._) + + CHIEF + +(_Putting_ SIMWA _back with a hand at his breast._) Peace! Though you +are made my son by this day's work, you shall not usurp judgment. +(_To_ PADAHOON, _as_ SIMWA _moves slowly back, his weapon lowered._) +What charge do you make? + + PADAHOON + +(_Rising on his elbow to spit blood._) Thou art a liar, if ever there +was one in Sagharawite, and have nothing which is not owed to the +Chisera. + + CHIEF + +Speak straight, Padahoon, or, by the Bear, I shall let him kill you +where you lie. + + PADAHOON + +Three nights after the return from Tecuya, I saw you at the Chisera's +house--and again in the rains--and at the time of Taboose. + + CHIEF + +Is it so, Chisera? + + THE CHISERA + +It is so. + + PADAHOON + +Did you go there for love or profit? + + (SIMWA _lets slip his weapon from his hand to the ground._) + + CHIEF + +Simwa, if you were the son of my body, I should not know which to +believe. + + SIMWA + +Believe him if you like. (_Sullenly._) If a skunk walk in my trail +and leave a stink there, shall I go out of my way to deny that it is +mine? No doubt the woman is both mad and shameless. + + (_Murmurs of indignation._) + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Afraid, but furious._) Then if you are shameless, begone! Stay not +to vex the marriage of a maiden. Go! Have to do with your gods, and +leave my daughter. + + BRIGHT WATER + +Mother! Mother! + + THE CHISERA + +Shameless, am I, Seegooche? Then there is one of your blood shall +know a greater shame. Great hunter does she think her man? Aye, but +she shall come to dig roots for him when he fails of the hunt and be +glad of the offal the other women give her for pity. For this I say +to you, tribesmen of Sagharawite, that, though I cannot curse, yet I +can take back my blessing. + + BRIGHT WATER + +All this is of no account, Chisera. No doubt you can contrive against +the fame of Simwa and bespeak the gods to neglect him; I wait to hear +what proof you have that he loved you. + + SEEGOOCHE + +Do not vex her, daughter, lest she turn the gods against you also. + + BRIGHT WATER + +No matter, mother. What Simwa bears, I can bear. What proof, Chisera? + + THE CHISERA + +What proof? + + (_She turns toward_ SIMWA, _faltering. He smiles + contemptuously._) + + BRIGHT WATER + +That Simwa loved you. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Slowly, her eyes on_ SIMWA.) He came to my hut--in the +night--Chief's daughter (_boldly_), even as he comes this night to +yours. + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Impatiently._) But did he love you? + + THE CHISERA + +He made me so believe. (_Looking about and noting the lack of +conviction._) How else had he held me, since last the poppies +bloomed, a lure to snare the favor of the gods? Does he say he was +not blessed? Aye, twice blessed. (_She takes from her bosom the +amulet._) Was it not this you gave me to make medicine upon, to keep +your lover safe in war? Twice blessed he was; but, as I made my +blessing, so do I break it. + + (_Drops the amulet and grinds it underfoot_.) + + INDIANS + +(_Moving uneasily._) Ah! Ah! + + THE CHISERA + +And this is the proof that I speak truly. From this day, whoever +brings me arrows shall have medicine upon them without price, and who +would have news of the passing of the deer shall have it for the +asking. Only Simwa shall have nothing but his own wit and the work of +his hands, and by what befalls, you shall know the truth. + + BRIGHT WATER + +By this I know the truth! You never loved him, or you would not now +betray him. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Moving toward the trail._) And you, Bright Water, that think to lie +in your husband's arms this night, know that I have lain there before +you. And you shall not dare to laugh as a bride laughs, lest it be to +him my voice in the dusk; and if he turns and sighs in his sleep, you +shall wonder if he dreams of the Chisera. Long and anxiously you +shall look in the trail when he is late from the hunt, and the men +shall mock him that he could not keep the blessing he had got. +(BRIGHT WATER _turns despairingly and sinks on the ground, holding +her mother by the knees and sobbing bitterly. All the Indians draw +away from_ SIMWA, _leaving him standing, discomfited, in the middle +of the camp. All look with awe and dread at the_ CHISERA. _She +produces a small medicine stick from under her blanket and twirls it +with menace. Going._) As for you, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite, though +I cannot curse, yet am I the friend of the gods, and they have regard +to me. Look well to yourself, Simwa. Look well. + + CURTAIN + + + + +ACT THIRD + + + + +ACT THIRD + + +TIME.--_One year later._ + +SCENE.--_The top of Toorape, where the tribe has been driven by their +enemies of Tecuya. The women and children hide in holes in the rocks. +Off to the right on a jutting boulder, against the sky, stands_ YAVI, +_as sentinel; two or three wounded lie about. Crouching over the fire +are_ SEEGOOCHE, WACOBA, _and_ TIAWA, _showing in their dress and +appearance the marks of a year of distress, as do all the others as +they appear upon the scene._ + + YAVI + +(_To them._) St--st! + + WACOBA + +(_Rising._) Some one on the trail! + + SEEGOOCHE + +What is it? + + WACOBA + +(_To her._) Hush! + + YAVI + +The Sparrow Hawk! + + SEEGOOCHE + +News from the Fighting Men! + + TIAWA + +The gods grant it be good news! + + (PADAHOON, _weary and with disordered dress, comes clambering up + the face of the cliff._) + + YAVI + +(_Calling down in a whisper._) What news? + + TIAWA + +Are the gods still against us? + + PADAHOON + +As they have been since the day the Chisera took away her blessing +from the war leader. + + WOMEN + +(_Wailing._) Ai! Ai! + + (_Others come out of the rocks to join in the general grief._) + + WACOBA + +Could you but persuade her to give it back again. (_Hopefully._) + + PADAHOON + +If I cannot, then this is like to be the last fight of Sagharawite! + + WACOBA + +If you cannot, then must the chief enforce her, for since we were +driven from our homes, neither the anguish of the women nor the +hunger of the children has moved her. + + PADAHOON + +I will speak with her at once. + + (_He goes up among the rocks, and the women huddle wretchedly + together watching._) + + WACOBA + +Do you think she will consent? + + SEEGOOCHE + +She cannot choose but do it. The men have kept her supplied with +venison, but she must know that there is hunger in the camp of the +women and children. + + WACOBA + +And that the Tecuyas have taken the best of our fighting men. + + TIAWA + +But no man of hers. I have always said--but because I am old nobody +minds me--that if there was one of her household to go to battle, she +would need no persuasion to go before the gods. I would Simwa had +given her a child. + + WACOBA + +(_Aside from_ SEEGOOCHE.) Then you believe that he was her lover? + + TIAWA + +What else? Would any but a jilted woman sit and mope while our +wickiups go up in smoke? + + WACOBA + +I would she had a child, but not Simwa's. One of that breed is +enough. + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Who has moved nearer the hut._) Hush, see the curtain! (_They +start._) + + TIAWA + +It was the wind. + + SEEGOOCHE + +They say she has not made medicine since my daughter's marriage. + + WACOBA + +(_Looking off to the right where the mountains dip abruptly +valleyward._) And to think that even now they must be fighting under +Toorape. + + SEEGOOCHE + +Hush! Hush! + + (PADAHOON _and the_ CHISERA _come out of the hut. The_ CHISERA'S + _whole appearance is of heartbreak and neglect. She leans against + the boulders at the left, holding her blanket close, and answers_ + PADAHOON _sullenly._) + + PADAHOON + +And is this all your answer? + + THE CHISERA + +The trail is cold between the gods and me. + + PADAHOON + +Then you will not make medicine? + + THE CHISERA + +And would not if I could. + + PADAHOON + +Have you turned renegade, Chisera, and side with our enemies of +Tecuya? + + THE CHISERA + +No, Padahoon, but I see that no good comes of persuading the gods to +do more for man than his natural destiny. + + PADAHOON + +You have always persuaded them to our advantage. + + THE CHISERA + +What good came of having Simwa made war leader? Had I not persuaded +them to meddle with that business, the leadership would have fallen +to you as the elder, and we should not now be without allies in our +need. + + PADAHOON + +I am not sure the gods had so much to do with that: but if the +mischief came through them, the gods must repair it. + + THE CHISERA + +I will not make medicine. Send the women away. + + PADAHOON + +What shall I say to them? + + THE CHISERA + +To count themselves already blessed in having those for whom they +desire blessing. Tell them that to have loved and given the breast is +enough to salve the wounds of loss. + + PADAHOON + +You are hard, Chisera. + + THE CHISERA + +I am jealous of their griefs. Their very pangs I envy them. Who is +there of mine goes to this war that I should grieve for his wounding +or look for his return? (_She looks bitterly toward the women who +have crept from the caves to peer from the rocks in the direction of +the fighting._) Persuade me no more, Padahoon. I will not do it. + + (_She disappears among the rocks to the left, and_ PADAHOON + _turns to the women who crowd around him anxiously._) + + WACOBA + +Has she promised? + + TIAWA + +Will she help us? + + PADAHOON + +The Chisera will not make medicine. + + WOMEN + +(_Rocking themselves to and fro._) Ai! Ai! + + SEEGOOCHE + +Is it because our gifts are so small? She should consider how hard it +is to get venison in war-time. + + PADAHOON + +Her heart is so full of bitterness that there is no room in it for +the gods. + + WACOBA + +That is Simwa's doing--though he is your son, Seegooche, I must say +it--there was no better Chisera between here and Tehachappi until he +curdled her wisdom with his lies. + + TIAWA + +Ah, Simwa! I spit upon his name. + + (_The women spit between their teeth with sharp hisses._) + + WACOBA + +How the Chisera hates him! + + PADAHOON + +How she loves him! + + TIAWA + +(_Struck with this._) You think so? Yet there is not one word of the +evil she said of him a year ago that has not come to pass. + + WOMEN + +Ai! Ai! On him and us. + + PADAHOON + +And hate would have been satisfied to strip him of his honors, but +now she lets the whole tribe go down in the ruin of her love. + + WACOBA + +(_Hopefully._) Then if she loves him, perhaps he can persuade her. + + PADAHOON + +As well persuade the rattlesnake not to strike him. + + SEEGOOCHE + +If the Chief should insist, she would not dare refuse. + + PADAHOON + +There is little she would not dare. But you can try. + + WOMEN + +Let us bring the Chief. (_They go out._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Reappearing cautiously._) Have they gone? + + PADAHOON + +To bring Rain Wind to command you. + + THE CHISERA + +Can he command the sap to rise or bid the deer-weed spring when there +is no rain? My power is gone from me. + + PADAHOON + +Chisera, it is a grave matter to refuse service in time of war--be +advised by the word of a friend-- + + THE CHISERA + +Has the Chisera indeed a friend? + + PADAHOON + +Have I not proved-- + + THE CHISERA + +Padahoon, when did you ever visit me for any but your own advantage? +For what else did you stir me against Simwa, and why now do you seek +my blessing but to make good against him the honor of which he has +robbed you? Does any one of you bring me venison except for profit or +grind my meal for love? + + PADAHOON + +Seeing how little good you had of the love of the Arrow-Maker, why +should you desire it? + + THE CHISERA + +You spit poison like a toad, Padahoon, but your fangs are drawn. The +Arrow-Maker never loved me. + + PADAHOON + +(_Approaching her with the manner of having gained a point._) If you +have the wit to know so much-- + + THE CHISERA + +(_Commanding him from her with a gesture as she seats herself._) +Padahoon, there is no more power in me than there is tang in a wet +bowstring. (_She rocks her head between her hands._) It is gone from +me as the shadow goes up the mountain. As the wild geese go northward +at the end of the rains, so is my power--How shall I win it again who +cannot win the love of man?... Ah, leave me, Padahoon, leave me! + + (_She covers her head with her blanket._) + +(_Enter_ CHIEF RAIN WIND, _stumbling blindly, led by his wife and +followed at a respectful distance by the other women. He walks with +dignity, in spite of his blindness, and has on all the insignia of +rank except the war-bonnet._ SEEGOOCHE _has a hasty, eager manner, +ingratiating but timid._) + + PADAHOON + +(_To them._) You will get nothing. + + CHIEF + +I do not come asking: I command. + + SEEGOOCHE + +No, no, do not be harsh with her! Let me speak, we women will +understand one another. + + CHIEF + +(_Putting his wife aside._) Chisera. (_The_ CHISERA _starts at the +tone of authority, but controls herself._) Friend of the gods. (_She +makes a movement of protest._) I have that to say to you which should +be said but once, which to say at all is shame to you. Great powers +have been given you to turn the favor of the gods as a willow is +turned in the wind. How is it you have not turned them when your +people are in war and bad fortune? We are driven as hunted rabbits to +hide in holes in the rocks, and our fighting men are outnumbered; +even now we do not know if there be one left alive of them--Our tribe +shall be as a forgotten tale unless you intercede for us. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Over her shoulder._) What? Is it possible Simwa cannot bring this +affair to pass without the gods? + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Breaking in eagerly._) Yes, yes; the gods are very great, there is +nothing without them. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Still to the_ CHIEF.) Does Simwa ask it? + + CHIEF + +The chief commands it. + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Cringingly._) No. No. Chisera, mind him not! He is not himself, the +hunger and the loss of battle do distress him. We beg of you, we +implore you, Chisera--we will bring gifts to you--gifts, Chisera. +(_She looks about despairingly for a suitable gift, snatches a great +rope of beads from the Chief's neck and drops it in the_ CHISERA'S +_lap._) Spoil of our enemies when the war is over, and this to keep +as a reminder--So--if only you will persuade the gods to friend us. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Lifting the collar and letting it fall._) And if I will not? + + (_Still with her eyes on the_ CHIEF, _ignoring Seegooche._) + + CHIEF + +Chisera, I am an old man, and I knew your father. We had much good +talk together--I am very old--but I am not blind in my judgment as I +am in my eyes. In war-time there is but one law for those faithless +to the tribal obligation. You know it. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Drawing her blanket._) I know it. + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Dropping to the ground and beating the earth with her palms._) Do +not, do not refuse it, wise one, friend of the Friend! What has Simwa +done that you should destroy us? + + THE CHISERA + +_You ask me that, Seegooche?_ + + SEEGOOCHE + +I know--you said--Such a small thing, Chisera. To love you a little +before he loved my daughter. Young men do often so--and you were very +fair and no doubt beguiled him--Ah, who could withstand you, daughter +of the gods? (_Wheedling._) But your punishment is heavy upon him. + + THE CHISERA + +Is it so? + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Thinking she has gained a point._) It is indeed as you said; he +makes no more arrows, and his luck in the hunt is gone from him. And +the men mock him. A war leader should not be mocked, Chisera. + + THE CHISERA + +No more should a friend of the gods, but Simwa mocked me. + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Loosing hope._) He was mad, Chisera, he had eaten rattle-weed. But +my daughter did not mock you. Think of my daughter! + + THE CHISERA + +When does your daughter ever think of me? + + SEEGOOCHE + +(_Broken and drooping._) Every day she thinks of you. When she is +a-hungered, when her man brings her nothing from the hunt--as--you +have said, Chisera. When she digs roots with the old women and no one +prevents her for the sake of a child to be born. + + THE CHISERA + +(_With relish._) Does she dig roots? + + SEEGOOCHE + +With the barren women. Also her beauty goes, she is so thin with the +famine. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Baring her arm._) I also am thin. + + (_From this moment some perception of the pervasive misery of the + situation enters her mind and begins to color her speech._) + + CHIEF + +Hunger and sickness and war have come into the camp because you kept +not your heart, Chisera. Yet a greater than all these shall come upon +you if you forget your tribal obligation. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Rising on one knee._) What obligation have I owed, Chief Rain Wind, +and not remembered it? + + CHIEF + +That which lies upon all that have power with the Friend of the Soul +of Man. Only the gods can save us, and only you know the true and +acceptable road to them. + + THE CHISERA + +(_Rising and moving toward her hut._) I am overweary for the road; +let Simwa find it. + + (_An arrow, with a feather and a fragment of bark attached to it, + is shot into the camp from the direction of the fighting._ + PADAHOON _takes it up and carries it to the_ CHIEF, _the others + crowding about._) + + CHIEF + +What was that? + + PADAHOON + +A message from the Fighting Men. + + CHIEF + +Read me the token. + + PADAHOON + +A vulture's feather and a bark of _whenonabe_. Defeat and flight. + + WOMEN + +Ai! Ai! + + (_They throw up their arms in despair._) + + CHIEF + +They will not be far behind their arrows. + + (_All listen. A faint whoop is heard._ PADAHOON _answers with his + mouth covered with his hands. The rest of the women and children + come out of the rocks. Fighting Men come clambering up the steep. + They show torn clothing and streaks of blood. The women bring + them the water-bottles as they drop upon the ground._ WACOBA'S + _husband_, PAMAQUASH, _with an arrow in his side, leaps once in + air and drops dead. His wife sinks on the ground beside him, + rocking and moaning. One breaks his unstrung bow across his knees + and stamps the pieces in the earth. Finally comes_ SIMWA, _his + war-bonnet bedraggled._) + + SIMWA + +Ugh! Is it so I find the fighting men of Sagharawite--huddled +together like rabbits when the coyotes are after them? + + WACOBA + +(_Scattering dust on her head._) Ai! Ai! My man, my man! + + SIMWA + +Be still, you fool! Would you call up our enemies with your noise? +(_The wailing drops to a moan._) Put out that fire--they can sniff +smoke as far as a vulture smells carrion. (CHOCO _stamps out the +fire._) You, Choco, do you show your face to me, misgotten whelp of a +coyote! It was you who led the fleeing. + + CHOCO + +(_Sullenly._) It was Tavwots. + + TAVWOTS + +By the Bear, you shall have a wound for that, though you ran too fast +to have one in battle. + + (_He draws the obsidian knife at his belt._) + + PADAHOON + +Fools! (_He strikes up_ TAVWOTS' _arm; another Indian jerks_ CHOCO +_by the ankles causing him to sit down._) Have you killed so many in +battle, Tavwots, that you can afford to lose us a fighting man? + + (_The men subside, exhausted._) + + CHIEF + +Peace! Though I am too old for battle, yet am I master in the camp. +What has happened? + + SIMWA + +We have shown the Tecuyas what running is like. + + TAVWOTS + +The gods send we have run fast enough to throw them off the trail, +else they will attack before morning. + + (_Consternation among the women._) + + CHIEF + +(_To them._) _Kima!_ (_Their grief falls off to a whimper. To_ +SIMWA.) Where met you? + + SIMWA + +Under Waban where they stayed to cook venison they had killed. We had +every way the advantage-- + + TAVWOTS + +As much as rabbits when they have met with coyotes. They were three +to one of us. + + SIMWA + +(_Ignoring him with an effort._) We were between them and cover--we +were driving them toward Waban--but they sent one out against us +armed--Chief and father, how do you think he was armed who put the +sons of the Bear to flight? With a stick--a painted stick with +feathers on it. (_Angry and protesting murmurs._) An old man with a +stick, Rain Wind, and they ran before him like squaws who deserve a +beating! Faugh! (_Native movement of disgust._) + + TAVWOTS + +(_Rising on his elbow._) You shall be sicker, Simwa, when you have +eaten your words. That old man was Tibu, the medicine man of the +Tecuyas. I knew him. + + SIMWA + +Then it was you, Tavwots, who broke and ran? + + TAVWOTS + +He came upon us with charms and spells. He had the gods on his side. + + CHOCO + +Our hearts were turned to water because of his evil medicine. + + CHIEF + +Are not the gods of Sagharawite stronger than the gods of the +Tecuyas? + + TAVWOTS + +Not when we have one to lead us who despises their blessings. + + SIMWA + +Well, I believe in the medicine of Tibu. He has made old women of +you. + + CHIEF + +Think no more of that. Let us consider what is to be done. + + (_Shadows of vultures appear on the rocks, attracted by the + dead._ WACOBA _springs up from casting dust upon her head to flap + them away with her blanket, which she spreads over the body of + her husband._) + + 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 gods? 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 gods 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 shifts 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 + +With so many watchers, then, they cannot have much of a fighting +force at any point. In an hour it will be dark; we shall go down by +Deer Leap with the women and children, and stay not for fighting, +but, fleeing for our lives, break through to their villages-- + + CHOCO + +But if they move on us to-night? If the vultures have already +betrayed us--even now they may be within earshot? + + TAVWOTS + +If they come up with us before we reach Deer Leap it is to run into +the wolf's mouth. + + PADAHOON + +I have thought of that. To-night they expect us to mourn our dead and +go before our gods-- + + CHIEF + +So should we. + + PADAHOON + +That they may think so, leave one behind to sound the medicine drum +throughout the night. So they shall fear to attack and expect an +easier victory in the morning when we are exhausted with dancing to +the gods. + + TAVWOTS + +But he that stays, what shall become of him-- + + CHIEF + +He shall die as becomes him (_rising_)--as becomes a chief of his +people. + + (_Murmurs of consternation and then silence._) + + PADAHOON + +But another--whose counsels we prize less-- + + CHIEF + +It is the tribal use. None else too blind for the trail and too +feeble for the sortie (_with grim humor_)--but I can drum. (_Solemn +grunts of approval._) + + PADAHOON + +If we win through Deer Leap, we can make terms for you. Tribesmen, +what say you? (_A pause._) + + TAVWOTS + +What I say is for myself only; but I go not out against the Tecuyas +again unless the Chisera has blessed the going. + + THE COUNCIL + +Good counsel; good counsel! He has it! + + SIMWA + +There are two or three things to the making of fighting men, Tavwots, +beside the blessing of women. + + TAVWOTS + +Two or three things, Simwa, that I think you have not: honor to win +advantage and wit to keep what you have got. + + PADAHOON + +As for me, I am with Tavwots; but (_he looks at_ SIMWA)--the gods +have no favors for unbelievers. + + TAVWOTS + +Nor have we, by the Bear! + + INDIANS + +(_Springing up._) Nor have we! No; by the Bear! Out with him! (_They +hustle_ SIMWA. _One snatches off the war-bonnet, another the collar +of bears' claws. Even the women strike dust upon him with their feet +in an excess of contempt._) + + CHIEF + +Peace, tribesmen! + + TAVWOTS + +Perhaps we shall have peace when we have a leader against whom +neither the gods nor women have a spite. Tribesmen, who shall lead +the going out but he who planned it? + + INDIANS + +Hi! Hi! Padahoon! Padahoon! (_They fling the collar about his neck._ +TAVWOTS _hands him the bonnet._) Hi! Hi! The Sparrow Hawk. + + PADAHOON + +Do not count on me too much with the Chisera; all this time I have +kept in camp with my wound I have reasoned with her, but still she +refuses me. + + CHIEF + +There shall be an end to that-- + + PADAHOON + +How then--? + + CHIEF + +Who denies service to the tribe in extremity must be dealt with as an +enemy. (_Consternation._) + + CHOCO + +But a friend of the gods-- + + TAVWOTS + +Let the gods save her-- + + CHIEF + +There are times when the gods must be content to stand still and see +what men will do. Who serves not us, serves our enemies. It is the +law. + + PADAHOON + +(_Reluctantly._) It is the law-- + + CHIEF + +Death or good medicine--Speak, tribesmen! + + (_Above the silence of the Council is heard the deep, excited + breathing of the women._) + + THE COUNCIL + +(_One after another._) Death. Death. Death or good medicine. It is +the law. + + CHIEF + +(_To_ PADAHOON.) Bid her come. + + PADAHOON + +(_At the hut._) Chisera, come to Council! + + THE CHISERA + +(_Issuing, wrapped in her blanket._) Who sends for me? + + CHIEF + +Death is hot upon our trail. Stay him with your spells. + + MEN AND WOMEN + +Good medicine, Chisera, good medicine! + + THE CHISERA + +Have you not a war leader-- + + (_She stops, noticing the bonnet on_ PADAHOON--_looks from him + to_ SIMWA.) + + PADAHOON + +Who invites your blessing, Chisera! + + CHIEF + +Make spells for thy people! + + THE CHISERA + +What have my people done for me that I should weary myself to make +medicine for them? + + CHIEF + +Are you not respected above all women of the campody? Even in +war-time-- + + THE CHISERA + +Ah--respect! What have I to do with respect? Am I not as other women +that men should desire me? Are my breasts less fair that there should +never be milk in them? + + CHIEF + +We honor you after the use of medicine men. What more would you have? + + THE CHISERA + +The dole of women. Love and sorrow and housekeeping; a husband to +give me children, even though he beat me. + + CHIEF + +Love you have given, and sorrow you have got. Shame and defeat are +your children. So it is always when power falls upon women. The word +has passed in Council, Chisera; will you repair this damage, or will +you die for it? + + THE CHISERA + +(_As her eye travels the circle of the camp._) I do not find the +taste of life so sweet that I should turn it twice upon my tongue; +but--(_Her gaze halts on_ SIMWA, _and all the attention of the camp +seems to hang a moment in suspense as_ SIMWA _ignores her._) Do I +die, then? + + PADAHOON + +Let Simwa die! + + INDIANS + +Ah--ah--! + + SIMWA + +What, old fox, are you out of cover at last? + + PADAHOON + +By whom trouble came into the camp, let it depart. Who prevented the +wisdom of the gods 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 gods 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 gods for us, then will this evil +pass. + + 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 +gods. 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 gods 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 gods. + + 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 gods 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 + +Hush! Perhaps she will move her! + + BRIGHT WATER + +Do you think yourself aggrieved so much, Chisera? Come, I will match +sorrow with you, I and all these (_the women surge forward_), and the +stakes shall be the people. Here is my pride that I throw down, in my +bride year to know my husband an impostor. Have you any sorrow to +match with that? + + WACOBA + +Since you wish a man so much, Chisera, here is mine whom the vultures +seek. + + (_The women part to show the dead man stark in his blanket._) + + HAIWAI + +Would you have a child at your breast, Chisera, here is mine, for my +milk is dried with hunger. + + (_She holds up her swaddled child which_ BRIGHT WATER _takes and + holds toward the_ CHISERA, _who stands confused, for the first + time acutely aware of their misery._) + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Measuring the effect of her words._) Chisera, my breast is as +fruitless as yours--but you ... you have ... good medicine. + + TIAWA + +Lay hold on the gods, Chisera, these are ills from which man cannot +save us! + + (_The_ CHISERA _throws out her hands to signify the loss of her + power, her blanket slips to the ground and she covers her face + with her hands._) + + THE CHISERA + +Gone--gone! It is gone from me! + + BRIGHT WATER + +(_Signing to the women to hide the blanket._) + +By dancing you shall bring it back again--for the sake of the women +and children--dance, Chisera! + + (_Her voice has a kindling sound, and the women echo it with a + breath._) + + THE CHISERA + +Oh, I have danced until the earth under me is beaten to dust, and my +heart is as dry as the dust, and all my songs have fallen to the +ground. (_She begins to walk up and down excitedly._) With what cry +shall I call on the gods, now my songs are departed? (_She begins to +chant._) + + And my heart is emptied of all + But the grief of women. + + (_The women watch her breathlessly; as she gradually swings into + the dance, they seem to urge her with the stress of their + anxiety._) + + All the anguish of women, + It smells to the gods + As the dead after battle, + It sounds in my heart + As the hollow drums calling to battle, + And the gods come quickly. + + (_As she falters the tribe surges forward._) + + TRIBE + +Dance, Chisera, dance! + + (_She tries again and no strength comes--the men hold up their + hands, palms outward, in the sign of prayer. The drum begins + hollowly._) + + Come, O my power, + Indwelling spirit! + It is I that call. + Childless, unmated-- + + (_Drums and rattles are brought out, at first cautiously, lest + she take alarm and be turned from her purpose, but as the fervor + of her dancing increases, with increased confidence._ SIMWA + _remains seated at one side, watching her, his foot touching his + quiver._ PADAHOON, _who has moved over near him, observes him + narrowly in the interval of dancing._ CHISERA _sings._) + + Nay, I shall mate with the gods, + And the tribesmen shall be my children. + Rise up in me, O, my power, + On the wings of eagles! + Return on me as the rain + The earth renewing, + Make my heart fruitful + To nourish my children. + + (SIMWA _is seen to strip the magic arrow from his quiver._) + + BRIGHT WATER + +Simwa, Simwa, what do you do? + + SIMWA + +No more than the gods will do to me if they hear her. + + THE CHISERA + + This is my song that I make, + I, the Chisera, + The song of the mateless woman: + None holdeth my hand but the Friend, + In the silence, in the secret places + We shall beget great deeds between us! + + (_As she rises on the last movement of the dance toward ecstasy, + the excitement rises with her, expressing itself in short, + irrepressible yelps, at the highest point of which a scream from_ + BRIGHT WATER _arrests the dancers._) + + BRIGHT WATER + +Chisera, the arrow, the black arrow! (SIMWA _shoots._) + + THE CHISERA + +(_Dying._) Ah, Simwa! (_Dies._) + + (_In the distance is heard the shout of the approaching + Tecuyas._) + + CURTAIN + + + + + GLOSSARY OF INDIAN WORDS AND PHRASES + THE DANCES + COSTUMES + + +GLOSSARY OF INDIAN WORDS AND PHRASES + +The names and phrases used in _The Arrow-Maker_ were chosen from the +culture area comprising the central valleys of California, from +tribes belonging to or affiliated with the Paiute group. Exact +definitions could not always be ascertained and frequently the +meaning given by different villages differed widely. Whenever +possible the nomenclature of the locality in which the incident +occurred is preferred. + +_Choco._ "Fatty"; a nickname of doubtful origin, possibly from the +Spanish _Chopo_. + +_Pamaquash._ "Very tall"; the Paiute equivalent of Longfellow. + +_Castac._ "Place of Springs"; a small valley in the southerly Sierra, +from which the inhabitants take their name. + +_Yavi._ A common given name, meaning unknown. + +_Tavwots._ "Mighty Hunter"; a name given to the rabbit in Paiute +lore. + +_Seegooche._ "Woman who gives good things to eat." Lady Bountiful. + +_Tiawa._ A familiar title frequently given to old women, like +"Grannie." + +_Wacoba._ "Flower of the Oak"; oak tassel, also the plume of the +quail. + +_Chisera._ Medicine Woman; witch. (See last chapter of _The Flock_ +for account of the original Medicine Woman from whom the character +was drawn.) + +_Tuiyo._ "Shining"; very bright. + +_Pioke._ "Dew drop." + +_Simwa._ Applied in humorous sense, meaning a "swell." + +_Padahoon._ The Sparrow Hawk. + +_Tecuya._ Oak thicket, _encinal_. + +_Pahrump._ Corn water. A place where there is water enough to grow a +crop of corn. + +_Sagharawite._ "Place of the mush that was afraid." An Indian village +named from the quaking, gelatinous mush of acorn meal. + +_Paiute._ More properly "Pah Ute": the Utes who live by running water +as distinguished from the Utes of the Great Basin; one of the +interior tribes of the Pacific Coast. + +"Friend of the Soul of Man." The Great Spirit; the Holy Ghost. + +_Toorape._ "Captain"; chief; a name given to one of the peaks of the +Sierras. + +"The Sacred Sticks." A number of small sticks with peculiar markings. +Divination was practiced by throwing them on the ground and +interpreting the pattern in which they fell. + +_Haiwai._ "The dove." + +_Winnedumah._ "Standing Rock"; a legendary hero. + +_Tinnemaha._ Probably "Medicine Water." Mineral spring. Brother of +the hero in the legend of Winnedumah. + +"Eaten meadowlarks' tongues." Said of one nimble of wit. With the +idea that like cures like, Indians were accustomed to feed backward +or defective children with associated parts of animals. + +_Whenonabe._ Bitter brush; a decoction of the bark producing colic +and griping; a symbol of disaster. + +"Rattle-weed." _Astragalus_; produces madness when eaten. + +"Toyon." California Christmas Berry. + +"Snake-in-the-grass ... tattle to the gods." Snakes are believed to +be the messengers and familiars of the gods; therefore the Paiutes +tell no important matter in the summer when they are about. + +"To dig roots before her wedding year is out." A curse equivalent to +barrenness. The work of digging roots was not performed by expectant +mothers. + +"Wickiup." A wattled hut of brush, made by planting willow poles +about a pit four or five feet deep and six to eight feet in diameter. +The poles were then drawn over in a dome and thatched with reeds or +brush. + +"Campody." An Indian village; from the Spanish _campo_. + +_Barranca._ A bank, the abrupt face of a _mesa_. From the Spanish. + + +THE DANCES + +All tribal or emotional occasions among Indians are invariably +accompanied by singing and dancing. These are frequently derived from +the movements of animals and are both pantomimic and symbolic. + +The object of the medicine dance is to work up the dancer to a state +of trance, in which he receives a revelation in regard to the matter +under consideration. + +Some of these medicine dances are ritualistic in character and must +be performed with great strictness, but in the case of the Chisera +the dance is assumed to be made up of various dance elements +expressing the emotion of the moment, combined by individual taste +and skill. + +Power is supposed to descend upon the dancer as he proceeds. +Sometimes the dance lasts for hours, and even for days before the +proper trance condition is attained. Even then the revelation may not +come until a second or third climax has been reached. + +The blanket dance is common throughout the Southwest, and possibly +elsewhere. It is accompanied by a song which says, in effect, "How +lovely it will be when you and I have but one blanket." By the young +people it is not taken any more seriously than "drop the +handkerchief" and other courtship games. + + +COSTUMES + +While the scene of this play is laid among the Paiute peoples, there +is nothing which makes it absolutely unlikely among any of the +hunting tribes. + +Considerable latitude is therefore permissible in costume and +accessories. The only indispensable thing is that all these should be +kept within a given culture area. Every article of Indian use or +apparel is determined by some condition of living, and it is a +mistake to mix costumes from various tribes. + +Concessions must be made to the objections of the modern audience to +the state of nudity which would be natural to the time in which the +story is laid. But even making allowance for this, the tendency is +always to overdo, to have too many beads and fringes and war-bonnets. +No more than his white brother did the Indian wear all his best +clothes every day. + +The blanket is the most considerable item of Indian equipment. At +once by its quality, its color, and its pattern it announces +something of the wearer's rank and condition. + +The way in which it is worn betrays the state of his mind as does no +other garment. It is drawn up, shrugged off, swung from one shoulder, +or completely shrouds the figure according as his mood runs, or it is +folded neatly about the body to get it out of the way of his arms +when he has need of them. Blankets would be worn to Council, but not +going to battle. They would be worn by young and modest women on +public occasions, but by old women only for warmth and protection. +They are also worn as an advertisement of the desire for privacy. + +When an Indian is seen completely shrouded in his blanket, standing +or sitting a little apart from the camp, he either has a grouch or he +is praying. In either case it is not good manners to interrupt him. + +As far as possible the use of the blanket is indicated in the text. +Always it may be safely taken as an indication of the wearer's +attitude toward whatever is going on about him. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Arrow-Maker, by Mary Austin + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ARROW-MAKER *** + +***** This file should be named 27792.txt or 27792.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/7/9/27792/ + +Produced by Michael Roe and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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