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
tu