g as we and the gods approve you. But if I were the gods, and
the Chisera came dancing before me--

CHIEF

Tavwots, your wit misleads you. The Chisera is not a subject for jest
or the favor of men; she is an advocate with the gods for us.

TAVWOTS

Well, the gods have a handsome advocate. I should give her anything
she asked. (_Looking off._) See, bridegroom, the girls are dancing,
and you not with them! (SIMWA _and several of the younger men go
out._)

CHIEF

(_Detaining_ TAVWOTS.) Tavwots, what do you know of this Tecuya Creek
matter?

TAVWOTS

More than I like to spoil a feast-day with.

CHIEF

Nevertheless, tell it.

TAVWOTS

They have forbidden all the campodies east of us from fishing in the
river. Also they watch all the trails toward Toorape and take toll of
passers.

CHIEF

On what grounds?

TAVWOTS

None, I think, except that they are able. A bowman of Tehachappi
inquired of me how many fell at Castac, and I, thinking to glorify
the tribe,--I told him.

CHIEF

What said he to that?

TAVWOTS

What I should have expected. He grinned upon me like a sick coyote
and said, "They are poor allies, the dead."

INDIANS

Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!

CHIEF

Here are the hunters. They will know if there is mischief stirring.

(_Enter from the left_, CHOCO, PAMAQUASH, _and others, carrying
game._)

TAVWOTS

And with the Arrow-Maker's own luck!

CHOCO

So far as the quarry goes.

CHIEF

But not for the hunters--?

CHOCO

(_To him._) Send the younger men away. I have a word for you.

CHIEF

You, Fleet-Foot, Yavi, all of you--carry the game to the women and
help them dress it for the feast. (_The young men take up the game
and go out, leaving_ CHOCO, TAVWOTS, _and the Old Men with the_
CHIEF.) Let us hear your word, Choco.

CHOCO

(_Taking a long arrow from under his blanket._) What make you of
that?

CHIEF

(_Examining it._) Tecuya Creek, surely.

OLD MEN

(_Handing it about._) Tecuya--Tecuya.

CHIEF

Where did you find it?

CHOCO

Where I like least to see it--in the body of a friend.

MEN

Ah--a--a--ah!

CHIEF

What friend?

CHOCO

Winnedumah. He went out to the hunt yesterday and was to have joined
us this morning at Deer Leap. I found him by the crossing of the
trails, with that through him.

CHIEF

Bad business. What say you it means?

CHOCO

That the Tecuyas think we dare not avenge