an, my father--did I not tell you? (_she rummages eagerly
in her medicine bag_)--gave me this magic arrow against my evil hour.
(_Drawing it out._) See how heavy it is, and how the blood drain is
cut in a medicine writing round and round the shaft.

SIMWA

What magic has it?

THE CHISERA

That however far and feebly it is shot, it flies straight to the
mark, over hills and high mountains, in the dark or light, and death
rides upon its shaft. (_Laughing._) Why, you could kill even me with
this arrow. See, I have tied it in your quiver, so that you may not
mistake it and shoot it away on any slight occasion. It is my latest
gift to you, Beloved.

SIMWA

Thanks for the gift, Chisera. Now give me the quiver. I must join the
others before the Council. The fighting men were painting their faces
when I came.

(_A war-whoop is heard at a distance._)

THE CHISERA

I hear shouting.

SIMWA

I must go quickly. I would not have Padahoon find me here.

THE CHISERA

Yes, he would brood upon it like a sage hen, until he had hatched
mischief. Oh, Simwa, though I have prayed the gods until they and I
are weary, to keep you safe in this war, yet my heart shakes to see
you go. There is a beating in my breast as of the wings of vultures
after battle.

SIMWA

You have wearied yourself too much making medicine. If you have no
more faith in the gods, have a little in me. If I can go out of
Sagharawite as war leader, I shall come back with the spoil of
Castac. (_Shouts are heard nearer than before._) Now I go quickly!
(_He turns carelessly from her lingering caress and crosses to the
toyon, starting back at the sight of_ PADAHOON, _moving noiselessly
through the chaparral, blanketed and watchful._) What! Has the
Sparrow Hawk eaten _when-o-nabe_ that he must visit the Chisera on
the eve of Council?

PADAHOON

I come from the Chief--but I had not expected to find Simwa, the
scoffer, before me.

SIMWA

(_Uneasily._) I have been gathering eagles' feathers for my arrows
under Toorape.

PADAHOON

Quite so--and are not the first hunter to find the shortest way past
the house of the Medicine Woman. But it is well known that Simwa
seeks no charms for himself. The Chief has been asking for you.

(_He passes on to the_ CHISERA, _standing stiffly with strained
attention by her hut._ SIMWA _hesitates, recovers himself, and
passes out with the appearance of indifference._)

Chisera, Rai