moment's hesitation._) Farewell, Chisera. (_She goes._)

THE CHISERA

(_Looking up the trail._) Ah, Simwa, Simwa, what bond there is
between us, when, if I but pronounce thy name in my heart, thy voice
answers.

(_The love call is repeated far up the cliffs above her hut, and
she answers it, singing:_)

Over-long are thy feet on the trails,
O Much Desired!!
Dost thou not hear afar what my blood whispers,
Betraying my heart as the whir
Of the night-moth's wings betray the lilies?

(_As she sings_, SIMWA, _in full war dress, comes dropping down,
hand over hand, from the rocks, until he stands beside her._)

SIMWA

Did you not hear me when first I called?

THE CHISERA

I heard you, Most Desired. When do I not? Even when I sleep, my heart
wakes to hear you. The women have been with me.

SIMWA

You know, then?

THE CHISERA

That this very night a war party of ours must go out to meet the
Castacs.

SIMWA

And before that there will be a Council to choose a war leader? Has
the Chief told you?

THE CHISERA

Not since this latest word, but yesterday he bid me prepare a strong
medicine, for he thought the election would be made by lot. But I did
not tell him, O Much Desired, that I had already made medicine a
night and a day to let the choice fall on you. A day and a night by
Deer Leap on Toorape, where never foot but mine had been, I made
medicine, and the answer is sure.

SIMWA

That I shall get the leadership?

THE CHISERA

When have the gods denied me anything that I asked for your sake,
Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite?

SIMWA

The Padahoon hunts on a cold trail, and there is nothing for me to
do?

(_He sits on the bank and the_ CHISERA _sits below him._)

THE CHISERA

Beloved, there is much to do, for before the shadow which lies
between my feet has grown tall again, I must make medicine for the
sake of this war; and I have spent so much on you, the power goes
from me. Now, you must put your hand upon my heart, and nurse it
warm, so that the people lack nothing of their Chisera.

SIMWA

Is that good, Chisera? (_Puts his arm about her._)

THE CHISERA

Very good, Friend of my heart. (_She leans upon his arm._)

SIMWA

(_Quickened by the caress._) Chisera, what did you do before I came?

THE CHISERA

Oh, then I lived in the dream of you. When I ran in the trails, my
heart expected you at every turn, and in the dark o