Part 31 (1/2)

With so many watchers, then, they cannot have much of a fighting force at any point. In an hour it will be dark; we shall go down by Deer Leap with the women and children, and stay not for fighting, but, fleeing for our lives, break through to their villages--

CHOCO

But if they move on us to-night? If the vultures have already betrayed us--even now they may be within earshot?

TAVWOTS

If they come up with us before we reach Deer Leap it is to run into the wolf's mouth.

PADAHOON

I have thought of that. To-night they expect us to mourn our dead and go before our G.o.ds--

CHIEF

So should we.

PADAHOON

That they may think so, leave one behind to sound the medicine drum throughout the night. So they shall fear to attack and expect an easier victory in the morning when we are exhausted with dancing to the G.o.ds.

TAVWOTS

But he that stays, what shall become of him--

CHIEF

He shall die as becomes him (_rising_)--as becomes a chief of his people.

(_Murmurs of consternation and then silence._)

PADAHOON

But another--whose counsels we prize less--

CHIEF

It is the tribal use. None else too blind for the trail and too feeble for the sortie (_with grim humor_)--but I can drum. (_Solemn grunts of approval._)

PADAHOON

If we win through Deer Leap, we can make terms for you. Tribesmen, what say you? (_A pause._)

TAVWOTS

What I say is for myself only; but I go not out against the Tecuyas again unless the Chisera has blessed the going.

THE COUNCIL

Good counsel; good counsel! He has it!