Part 18 (1/2)

(_Uncertainly._) But if the fortune of Simwa is not his own, whence is it?

PADAHOON

Tell me, Tavwots, when another man seeks favor from the G.o.ds, by whom does it come?

TAVWOTS

By the Chisera. But what--

PADAHOON

On the morning of the election, when I went from the Chief to advise the Chisera, I met Simwa by her hut.

PAMAQUASH

I also met him when I came back from Leaping Water to bring word to the women--he said he had been gathering eagles' feathers for his arrows.

PADAHOON

So he said to me. Feathers for arrows when every man had his quiver full at his back!

TAVWOTS

But Simwa puts no faith in magic medicine. Why, he has not even asked the Chisera to his wedding!

PADAHOON

No, not even though the Chief's daughter urged it. (_A pause full of significance._)

TAVWOTS

No, no! Padahoon! Unless the Chisera owned to it herself, I would not believe it. The Chief is right. The wound of your jealousy festers and corrupts your tongue. (_Turning his back on_ PADAHOON _he claps_ PAMAQUASH _on the shoulder._) Come and dance!

CHOCO

(_Gathering his blanket around him._) Even if the Chisera owned it, I would not believe it.

(_The men move in the direction of the merrymaking and are met by the younger people, laughing and shouting for_ SIMWA. PADAHOON _watches them bitterly for a while, and, revolving many things, draws his blanket up and departs in the direction of the_ CHISERA'S _hut._)

PAMAQUASH

Come, Arrow-Maker, a speech for your bridal. (_Laughter and approval._)

SIMWA

(_Drunk with popularity._) The war leader loves deeds rather than talking.

TAVWOTS

We have seen what your fighting is like. Give us a speech.