The Arrow-Maker Part 27

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 G.o.ds. (_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 G.o.ds 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 pa.s.s without the G.o.ds?

SEEGOOCHE

(_Breaking in eagerly._) Yes, yes; the G.o.ds 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, s.n.a.t.c.hes 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 G.o.ds to friend us.

THE CHISERA

(_Lifting the collar and letting it fall._) And if I will not?