aped with his hands or worn upon his person, that
I could make medicine upon--

BRIGHT WATER

Like this?

(_Takes amulet from her neck and holds it out._)

THE CHISERA

(_Taking it._) Did he give you this?

BRIGHT WATER

He made it.

THE CHISERA

(_Examining it._) It is skillfully fashioned.

BRIGHT WATER

Will it answer?

THE CHISERA

To make a spell upon? Yes, if you can spare it.

BRIGHT WATER

Shall I have it again?

THE CHISERA

When the time is past for which the spell is made.

BRIGHT WATER

Make it, then; a powerful medicine against ill fortune in battle. And
this for your pains, Chisera. (_Holds out bracelet._)

THE CHISERA

(_Proudly._) I want no gifts. Keep your bracelet.

BRIGHT WATER

(_With equal pride._) The Chief's daughter asks no favors.

THE CHISERA

But if a Chisera choose to confer them? (_With sudden feeling._) What
question is there between us of Chief's daughter and Chisera? We are
two women, and young.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Uncertainly._) The Chisera is the friend of the gods.

THE CHISERA

And therefore not the friend of any tribeswoman? (_Passionately._)
Oh, I am weary of the friendship of the gods! If I have walked in the
midnight and heard what the great ones have said, is that any reason
I should not know what a man says to a maid in the dusk--or do a
kindness to my own kind--or love, and be beloved?

BRIGHT WATER

(_Moved._) Therefore take it (_offering bracelet again_) as one woman
from another--and you shall make a charm for me for love.

THE CHISERA

(_Taking the gift._) I shall make it as though I loved him myself.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Startled._) Oh, I did not say I loved him.

THE CHISERA

(_Smiling._) No?

BRIGHT WATER

(_Studying the pattern of her moccasin._) Is it true, Chisera, that
you have been called to the Council that decides upon the war leader
who is to be chosen in my father's place?

THE CHISERA

I am to inquire of the gods concerning it.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Diffidently._) Chisera, I have heard--my father thinks--Simwa, the
Arrow-Maker, is well spoken of.

(_The first note of the love call is heard far up the cliffs.
The_ CHISERA _starts and controls herself._)

THE CHISERA

(_Coldly, in dismissal._) Simwa needs the good word of no man. It
shall be as the gods determine.

(_Goes over to hut. The love call sounds nearer._)

BRIGHT WATER

(_After a