their baskets and begin the ceremony
of sprinkling the bride with nuts and seeds in token of
fruitfulness._)

THE CHISERA

(_Warningly._) Simwa! Simwa!

(_The women leave off, huddling together, looking fearfully at
the_ CHISERA.)

SEEGOOCHE

(_Getting between her and_ BRIGHT WATER.) What harm to you, Chisera,
if the Arrow-Maker weds where he loves?

THE CHISERA

(_Looking steadily at_ SIMWA.) Aye--where he loves--(_Pleadingly._)
Simwa! Simwa!

(_She drops her blanket and turns away._)

SEEGOOCHE

(_Lifting her basket to her shoulder again._) Let us go on with the
marriage.

PADAHOON

(_To the company._) If the Chisera knows any reason why this marriage
should not go on, should she not say it openly? A word half spoken
breeds suspicion faster than flies at killing time.

CHIEF

What talk is this of reasons? Have I not the disposing of my daughter
in marriage? Reason enough, if I wish it so.

PADAHOON

That which is most reasonable to men, the gods see otherwise.

(_A murmur begins in the camp, but_ SIMWA _takes it up
instantly._)

SIMWA

He is thinking of the war with Castac. Truly, you were not eye to eye
with the gods on that occasion, Padahoon.

PADAHOON

Were I so sure it was of the gods, I had not stood out so against it.

CHIEF

Was not Simwa approved of the gods through the mouth of the Chisera?

THE CHISERA

So you think.

CHIEF

Is there another Arrow-Maker so skilled between Tehachappi and
Tecuya? Are any shafts better fashioned to fly straight to the mark?
Is there any hunter knows more surely where the herds feed, or
strikes quicker the slot of a deer?

THE CHISERA

As you think.

CHIEF

Let be this talk of reasons. This is mere woman's mischief, to nod
and wink and to make signs with the eyebrows. A woman would have you
think reason enough for marrying if she liked or misliked it.
Chisera, this is no matter for the gods, but a plain mating of man
and maid.

THE CHISERA

(_Flashing._) Since when have you talked with the gods, that you
think to lesson me in their business?

CHIEF

Since you have been a father, to know reasons for the bestowal of
daughters.

(_Grunts of appreciation._)

THE CHISERA

(_Letting her blanket slip to her breast._) Know, then, that if these
are your reasons, Rain Wind, there is no more meat in them than in
the husk of acorns. If good fortune hangs on all Sim