Part 10 (2/2)

THE CHISERA

What is there between us, Padahoon, that our talk should be otherwise than appears at the Council?

PADAHOON

There should be a matter of two doeskins, tanned white and fine (_he produces them from under his blanket_) if the G.o.ds are friendly.

Look, Chisera!

(_He spreads them out before the_ CHISERA, _who is seated by the hut, feathering a prayer-stick._)

PADAHOON

(_Dropping the doeskins negligently._) Oh, the man can make an arrow.

THE CHISERA

But not lead a war party?

PADAHOON

A war leader, Chisera, should be neither old and timid, nor young and overbold, but of middle years and discretion; not so hot in his heart that his head cannot reason with it, nor so reasonable that it cools his heart.

(_As he stands again, his hands are folded inside his arms; he is not so sure of his errand_.)

THE CHISERA

Like ... Padahoon.

PADAHOON

(_Wheedling._) What will the G.o.ds think of a blanket of the Navajoes (_he spreads it out before her_)--thick and fine--and four strings of sh.e.l.ls--and a cake of mesquite meal--?

THE CHISERA

Are the G.o.ds a-cold, Padahoon, that you bring them a blanket? Is there hunger in their camp, think you?

PADAHOON

Let the things stay in yours, Chisera; they will remind you to speak well of me when you go before the Friend of the Soul of Man.

THE CHISERA

Put up your pack, Padahoon!

PADAHOON

It is a little matter, Chisera; a handful of sticks thrown on the ground. What should the G.o.ds care for a handful of sticks? And the blanket is very thick. Shall I leave it a little while, that you may admire it?

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