Part 15 (1/2)

BRIGHT WATER

Tavwots, you have eaten meadowlarks' tongues. If you had a wife, you would keep her in a gambling basket. (_At the spring._) Now I need only flowers for my hair. Let us go get them. (_The girls go out._)

TAVWOTS

(_Throwing down his collar of elks' teeth._) By the Bear, Simwa, I do not know how it is you persuade the G.o.ds to be always on your side.

First you are made war leader, then you marry the Chief's daughter, and now you have my collar of elks' teeth to top all.

SIMWA

(_Gathering up the stakes._) Will you take a chance to have it back again?

TAVWOTS

I would, if I had anything to stake you; but my luck has left me little but my s.h.i.+rt.

SIMWA

I will play you for that.

TAVWOTS

Not until after the wedding. (_Rises._)

SIMWA

As you like. Your s.h.i.+rt against the collar. Do you play, friends?

FIRST INDIAN

Not I.

YAVI

Nor I. The luck is all to Simwa. (_All rise._)

TAVWOTS

Yes. One would think he had been courting the Chisera.

SIMWA

(_Who has risen, turning sharply._) How?

TAVWOTS

I said I could not guess how you manage to be always winning, unless you have made love to the Chisera, and she has persuaded the G.o.ds for you. (_Slapping him on the back._) Why, this is the first time you were ever accused of love-making and looked sourly over it!

SIMWA