Padahoon
(Approaching her with the manner of having gained a point.) If you have the wit to know so much—
The Chisera
(Commanding him from her with a gesture as she seats herself.) Padahoon, there is no more power in me than there is tang in a wet bowstring. (She rocks her head between her hands.) It is gone from me as the shadow goes up the mountain. As the wild geese go northward at the end of the rains, so is my power—How shall I win it again who cannot win the love of man?... Ah, leave me, Padahoon, leave me!
(She covers her head with her blanket.)
(Enter Chief Rain Wind, stumbling blindly, led by his wife and followed at a respectful distance by the other women. He walks with dignity, in spite of his blindness, and has on all the insignia of rank except the war-bonnet. Seegooche has a hasty, eager manner, ingratiating but timid.)
Padahoon
(To them.) You will get nothing.
Chief
I do not come asking: I command.