l 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