e 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