Hoshkanyi felt, as the saying is, very cheap. His secret was out; and his plan to obtain an expression of opinion from the maseua ere he came to a conclusion himself, a total failure. The latter added in a deprecating way,—
"If you do not know what to do, ask the Hotshanyi. He will give you good advice." This was just what the governor wished to avoid, but he knew that when Topanashka had once expressed his opinion it was useless to attempt to dissuade him.
After an interval of silence the civil chief looked up and said,—
"Come, let us go to the Hotshanyi."
Topanashka thought over this proposal for a moment. "It is well," he at last assented; "I will go." With this he rose. The governor rose also, but was so embarrassed and excited that he would have run out as he was, in almost complete undress, had not the maseua reminded him by saying,—
"Remember that we are going to the Shiuana," adding, "take some meal along."
"Have you any with you?" inquired Hoshkanyi, with a venomous look. The other responded quietly,—
"I do not need any. You are seeking their advice, not I." That settled the matter.
As both went out, Koay, who had been sitting as close by the doorway as possible, snappishly asked her husband,—
"Where are you going, hachshtze?"