Chief
(To them.) Kima! (Their grief falls off to a whimper. To Simwa.) Where met you?
Simwa
Under Waban where they stayed to cook venison they had killed. We had every way the advantage—
Tavwots
As much as rabbits when they have met with coyotes. They were three to one of us.
Simwa
(Ignoring him with an effort.) We were between them and cover—we were driving them toward Waban—but they sent one out against us armed—Chief and father, how do you think he was armed who put the sons of the Bear to flight? With a stick—a painted stick with feathers on it. (Angry and protesting murmurs.) An old man with a stick, Rain Wind, and they ran before him like squaws who deserve a beating! Faugh! (Native movement of disgust.)
Tavwots
(Rising on his elbow.) You shall be sicker, Simwa, when you have eaten your words. That old man was Tibu, the medicine man of the Tecuyas. I knew him.