Part 17 (1/2)

Where I like least to see it--in the body of a friend.

MEN

Ah--a--a--ah!

CHIEF

What friend?

CHOCO

Winnedumah. He went out to the hunt yesterday and was to have joined us this morning at Deer Leap. I found him by the crossing of the trails, with that through him.

CHIEF

Bad business. What say you it means?

CHOCO

That the Tecuyas think we dare not avenge it.

CHIEF

Dare not! Simwa must hear of this, but not on his wedding day.

To-morrow we will take counsel. I would I might have a word with Padahoon.

TAVWOTS

He is there on the _barranca_; I will call him. Oh--ee, Padahoon!

PADAHOON

(_Appearing on the barranca._) What now? (_Ironically._) Can not the Arrow-Maker so much as take a wife without calling all the tribes to witness? (_Coming down the barranca, noting their gravity._) What has happened? Is the Council called?

CHIEF

For to-morrow. In the mean time there is this. (_Handing up the arrow._)

PADAHOON

(_Standing halfway down the bank as he examines it._) An arrow of Tecuya. Blood? Blood of Sagharawite?

TAVWOTS

Of Winnedumah.

PADAHOON

(_Blazing forth._) By the Bear that fathered us! It is likely to prove an open wound in the honor of Sagharawite. Not ten sleeps have pa.s.sed since the last of our fighting men returned from the killing of our blood brothers, and already we have a witness to our folly!