wa's movements,
it is by reason of the medicine I make that binds him in the favor of
the Friend.

SIMWA

(_Leaning on his elbows, with the manner of being quite at ease._)
You are very free with your blessing, Chisera, if it is so; for it is
well known in the camp that Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, does not believe
in charms, nor seek them.

INDIANS

(_Grunting in assent._) Ugh! huh!

THE CHISERA

(_Letting fall her blanket in a burst of indignation._) "Nor seek
them!"--Ah! Simwa! Simwa!

(_A short pause of embarrassment and consternation ensues. Then_
PADAHOON, _in a manner meant to seem impartial--_)

PADAHOON

The medicine of the Chisera is very powerful, but one must allow a
little credit to the gods. Simwa was chosen war leader by the trial
of the seven sticks. As the gods willed, they made the sticks to
fall. Is it not so, Chisera?

THE CHISERA

(_Sullenly, from her blanket._) I do not know. I did not look.
(_Letting fall her blanket and speaking proudly._) I had persuaded
the Friend to give victory to the war leader. What should I care for
the sticks? A day and a night I made medicine, and the sign was sure.
I said "Simwa" and the gods confirmed it.

(_The Indians remain silent, but draw a little away from_ SIMWA.)

BRIGHT WATER

(_Rising and turning toward her._) Chisera, why should you make
medicine for Simwa?

THE CHISERA

Chief's daughter, do not ask.

BRIGHT WATER

Chief's daughter I am, and wife of the war leader. Why should you
concern yourself with his affairs?

THE CHISERA

(_After a pause, with great dignity._) Because he loved me.

INDIANS

Ah! Ah--ah! Ah!

SIMWA

(_Laughing._) The Friend of the gods has eaten rattleweed. Does a man
love a wild woman who goes muttering and waving her arms, when she
should be weaving and grinding meal? Would he take a wander-thought
to his bed, and have witless children? Sooner I had a snake in my hut
to run and tattle to the gods of me.

TAVWOTS

(_To_ PADAHOON.) Now, if it is true that he owes his fortune to the
gods, they have deserted him, else he would not speak so to a jealous
woman.

SIMWA

(_Looking long at the_ CHISERA, _haggard and unpainted, her blanket
trailing, and then to the Chief's daughter, and back again, all the
eyes of the campody following._) Is there any comeliness in a witch,
that a man should desire her?

SEEGOOCHE

(_Alarmed._) Simwa, Simwa! If you have no care fo