Part 9 (1/2)

But, Simwa, am I never to come to you as other women to the wickiups of their husbands?

SIMWA

What need, Chisera, when I come so often to yours?

THE CHISERA

The need of women to serve openly where they love.

SIMWA

But what service could you do me when you had lost the respect of the tribesmen? You know the tribal custom. It is not for the friend of the G.o.ds to dig roots and dress venison.

(_Throws himself on the bank beside her._)

THE CHISERA

I have not found the G.o.ds any the less friendly since I have loved, Arrow-Maker; and I know not why it should seem strange to others that I should know love as--as we have known it. Only to-day the girls of the village came to me to buy a charm to keep their lovers safe in war. There was not one but dared to ask, even though she would not speak her lover's name for bashfulness. See, one of them gave me this to make medicine upon.

SIMWA

(_Taking it._) Bright Water gave you this?

THE CHISERA

(_Surprised._) How did you know?

SIMWA

I thought you said--that is, I have seen her wear it. Did she tell you from whom she had it?

THE CHISERA

Not by his name, but by the way he looked to her.

SIMWA

How was that?

THE CHISERA

As every lover looks to every maid--tall and strong and straight of back. Even as you look to me, Beloved.

SIMWA

(_Relieved, giving back the amulet._) May your medicine preserve him.

And, as for me, Chisera, I wish I could persuade the tribesmen to look as favorably on me as you do.

THE CHISERA

But you have no enemies.