The Arrow-Maker - LightNovelsOnl.com
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TAVWOTS
The G.o.ds were with you. Next time Padahoon may win the Chisera to be on his side.
SIMWA
(_Suspiciously._) What do you mean? Am I not war leader of Sagharawite?
TAVWOTS
So long as we and the G.o.ds approve you. But if I were the G.o.ds, and the Chisera came dancing before me--
CHIEF
Tavwots, your wit misleads you. The Chisera is not a subject for jest or the favor of men; she is an advocate with the G.o.ds for us.
TAVWOTS
Well, the G.o.ds have a handsome advocate. I should give her anything she asked. (_Looking off._) See, bridegroom, the girls are dancing, and you not with them! (SIMWA _and several of the younger men go out._)
CHIEF
(_Detaining_ TAVWOTS.) Tavwots, what do you know of this Tecuya Creek matter?
TAVWOTS
More than I like to spoil a feast-day with.
CHIEF
Nevertheless, tell it.
TAVWOTS
They have forbidden all the campodies east of us from fis.h.i.+ng in the river. Also they watch all the trails toward Toorape and take toll of pa.s.sers.
CHIEF
On what grounds?
TAVWOTS
None, I think, except that they are able. A bowman of Tehachappi inquired of me how many fell at Castac, and I, thinking to glorify the tribe,--I told him.
CHIEF
What said he to that?
TAVWOTS
What I should have expected. He grinned upon me like a sick coyote and said, "They are poor allies, the dead."
INDIANS
Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!
CHIEF
Here are the hunters. They will know if there is mischief stirring.
(_Enter from the left_, CHOCO, PAMAQUASH, _and others, carrying game._)
TAVWOTS
And with the Arrow-Maker's own luck!
CHOCO
So far as the quarry goes.
CHIEF
But not for the hunters--?
CHOCO
(_To him._) Send the younger men away. I have a word for you.
CHIEF
You, Fleet-Foot, Yavi, all of you--carry the game to the women and help them dress it for the feast. (_The young men take up the game and go out, leaving_ CHOCO, TAVWOTS, _and the Old Men with the_ CHIEF.) Let us hear your word, Choco.
CHOCO
(_Taking a long arrow from under his blanket._) What make you of that?
CHIEF
(_Examining it._) Tecuya Creek, surely.
OLD MEN
(_Handing it about._) Tecuya--Tecuya.
CHIEF
Where did you find it?
CHOCO
