“The chiefs have acted wisely,” she said, as she arose to go; “the prophet is pleased with them.”
A satisfied murmur ran through the group. On the instant the thought flashed through her mind to choose this moment to plant in their minds a feeling of suspicion against Gi-en-gwa-tah stronger than she had ever yet ventured to arouse.
“The queen’s dreams are troubled,” she said, in a troubled tone, turning again toward them.
They looked at her in surprise, and then waited.
“The time has not come for her to speak openly; but her spirits have whispered strange words in her ear.”
“Will she repeat them to the chiefs?”
“She can tell them, because they are old men and very wise; but let them be silent for the present.”
“They will not reveal Mahaska’s words until she wills it.”
She went close up to the old men, and whispered:
“The prophet fears that the chiefs forced a choice upon Mahaska too quickly. The chief they made for her husband is false and ambitious, hating her for her visions and the love the people bear her. The prophet has warned Mahaska against his treachery; she will watch night and day; the spirits will make it known to her; then she will bring the matter before the whole people. Let the chiefs be silent until she returns.”