moments of a fool.

CHIEF

The Chief has spoken. No more of this until the Council. In the mean
time, not a word to the women. It is an ill omen for a feast.

(_He goes out, followed by all but_ TAVWOTS, CHOCO, PAMAQUASH,
_and_ PADAHOON.)

TAVWOTS

(_Laying his hand on the shoulder of_ PADAHOON.) By the Bear,
Padahoon, I have been on your side in this matter heretofore, but now
I think the Chief is right. It is an ill business setting men against
the war leader in time of danger.

PADAHOON

You too, Tavwots--you have looked at the lure of the Arrow-Maker's
luck and do not see the snare which his want of wit spreads for your
feet?

TAVWOTS

(_Uncertainly._) But if the fortune of Simwa is not his own, whence
is it?

PADAHOON

Tell me, Tavwots, when another man seeks favor from the gods, by whom
does it come?

TAVWOTS

By the Chisera. But what--

PADAHOON

On the morning of the election, when I went from the Chief to advise
the Chisera, I met Simwa by her hut.

PAMAQUASH

I also met him when I came back from Leaping Water to bring word to
the women--he said he had been gathering eagles' feathers for his
arrows.

PADAHOON

So he said to me. Feathers for arrows when every man had his quiver
full at his back!

TAVWOTS

But Simwa puts no faith in magic medicine. Why, he has not even asked
the Chisera to his wedding!

PADAHOON

No, not even though the Chief's daughter urged it. (_A pause full of
significance._)

TAVWOTS

No, no! Padahoon! Unless the Chisera owned to it herself, I would not
believe it. The Chief is right. The wound of your jealousy festers
and corrupts your tongue. (_Turning his back on_ PADAHOON _he claps_
PAMAQUASH _on the shoulder._) Come and dance!

CHOCO

(_Gathering his blanket around him._) Even if the Chisera owned it, I
would not believe it.

(_The men move in the direction of the merrymaking and are met by
the younger people, laughing and shouting for_ SIMWA. PADAHOON
_watches them bitterly for a while, and, revolving many things,
draws his blanket up and departs in the direction of the_
CHISERA'S _hut._)

PAMAQUASH

Come, Arrow-Maker, a speech for your bridal. (_Laughter and
approval._)

SIMWA

(_Drunk with popularity._) The war leader loves deeds rather than
talking.

TAVWOTS

We have seen what your fighting is like. Give us a speech.

SIMWA

Friends and tribesmen, the fortune of