Part 23 (2/2)

PADAHOON

Three nights after the return from Tecuya, I saw you at the Chisera's house--and again in the rains--and at the time of Taboose.

CHIEF

Is it so, Chisera?

THE CHISERA

It is so.

PADAHOON

Did you go there for love or profit?

(SIMWA _lets slip his weapon from his hand to the ground._)

CHIEF

Simwa, if you were the son of my body, I should not know which to believe.

SIMWA

Believe him if you like. (_Sullenly._) If a skunk walk in my trail and leave a stink there, shall I go out of my way to deny that it is mine? No doubt the woman is both mad and shameless.

(_Murmurs of indignation._)

SEEGOOCHE

(_Afraid, but furious._) Then if you are shameless, begone! Stay not to vex the marriage of a maiden. Go! Have to do with your G.o.ds, and leave my daughter.

BRIGHT WATER

Mother! Mother!

THE CHISERA

Shameless, am I, Seegooche? Then there is one of your blood shall know a greater shame. Great hunter does she think her man? Aye, but she shall come to dig roots for him when he fails of the hunt and be glad of the offal the other women give her for pity. For this I say to you, tribesmen of Sagharawite, that, though I cannot curse, yet I can take back my blessing.

BRIGHT WATER

All this is of no account, Chisera. No doubt you can contrive against the fame of Simwa and bespeak the G.o.ds to neglect him; I wait to hear what proof you have that he loved you.

SEEGOOCHE

Do not vex her, daughter, lest she turn the G.o.ds against you also.

BRIGHT WATER

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