Part 11 (2/2)

Is the Chisera advised of the Council?

PADAHOON

Even now she prepares herself in the wickiup. Where is the Chief?

PAMAQUASH

He stays only until the fighting men are gathered together.

PADAHOON

I will join them. See that the Chisera is not disturbed before her time. (_He goes out._)

PAMAQUASH

Over there in front of the wickiup, one of you light the medicine fire, but do not light it until the Chisera comes.

(YAVI _and another prepare the fire._)

YAVI

How is it that the Chisera will discover the will of the G.o.ds?

PAMAQUASH

Spread a blanket there, where the Chief and the Chisera will sit--(_To_ YAVI.) By the casting of the seven sacred sticks. As the G.o.ds will they make the sticks to fall in a sign that she can read.

YAVI

Is it so that the Medicine Worker sometimes fails?

PAMAQUASH

Medicine men have died at it before now--and better so, for otherwise they should have died by the law.

YAVI

Is that the law?

PAMAQUASH

Surely, surely. For of what use is an advocate with the G.o.ds if he cannot get to them. It would be so with the Chisera.

(_As the preparations have gone forward, the sound of the drums and rattles, with an occasional subdued whoop, has drawn nearer, and the Fighting Men, led by the_ CHIEF, _in full fighting gear, arrive in single file marching to the drums. The procession halts in the open s.p.a.ce before the_ CHISERA'S _hut._)

CHIEF

Let the Council sit.

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