ms in an agony of
entreating._)

THE CHISERA

Am I not also a tribeswoman? Would not I do so much for my people?
But your gifts and your prayers will be acceptable to the gods, for
of myself I can do nothing. (_She stoops to the gifts, but
hesitates._) Who is this that comes?

(_The young girls steal up noiselessly through the bushes, led by
the Chief's daughter._ BRIGHT WATER _is lovely and young; her
hair, flowing loosely over her shoulders and breast, is mingled
with strings of beads and bright berries. Her dress of fringed
buckskin is heavily beaded, her arms are weighted with armlets of
silver and carved beads of turquoise; about her neck hangs a disk
of glittering shell. She walks proudly, a little in advance of
the others, who bunch up timidly like quail on the trail, behind
her. The women, catching sight of the girls, spring up,
frightened, and stand half protectingly between them and the_
CHISERA.)

TIAWA

It is the Chief's daughter.

SEEGOOCHE

What do you here? You have neither sons nor husbands that you should
ask spells and charms.

BRIGHT WATER

How, then, shall we have husbands or sons, if the battle goes against
us?

THE CHISERA

Well answered, Chief's daughter.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Surprised._) You know me?

THE CHISERA

I have heard that the loveliest maiden of Sagharawite is called
Bright Water, daughter of Rain Wind, Chief of the Paiutes.

SEEGOOCHE

(_Going over to_ BRIGHT WATER.) You should have stayed in the
wickiup, my daughter; you are too young to go seeking magic medicine.

BRIGHT WATER

The more need because we are young, mother. If the loss of battle
come to you, at least you have had the love of a man and the lips of
children at the breast. But we, if the battle goes against us, what
have we?

THE CHISERA

Ay, truly, Seegooche, there are no joys so hard to do without as
those we have not had.

BRIGHT WATER

Therefore, we ask a charm, Chisera, for our sweethearts; and, in the
mean time, may this remind you--

(_She drops a bracelet in the_ CHISERA'S _basket._)

WHITE FLOWER

(_Going forward._) The scarlet beads from me, Chisera. I am to be
married in the time of tasseling corn.

TUIYO

The shells from me, Chisera. Good medicine!

PIOKE

Strong Bow is my lover, Chisera. Bring him safe home again.

(_The girls retire after dropping their gifts in the_ CHISERA'S