rned 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.

SEEGOOC