(The Indians break into a great shout for Simwa. Rain Wind puts a collar of bears' claws about Simwa's neck, lifts his war-bonnet and places it on his head. Simwa raises his war-club with a great shout, dancing about the half-prostrate form of the Chisera, the Fighting Men one by one falling into the dance with wild exultant movements, chanting.)
The bows of Castac shall be broken!
The bowstring shall break asunder!
He shall break the bows of Castac!
(As they pass out on the war trail shouting, the women are seen to come to the help of the Chisera.)
ACT SECOND
Scene.—The campody of Sagharawite, three months later, near the new wickiup of the Arrow-Maker. At the right, the house of Rain Wind, and behind all a spring under a clump of dwarf oaks. A little trail runs between stones to connect the Arrow-Maker with the rest of the campody, and beyond it the valley rises gently to the Sierra foothills, brooding under the spring haze. A little to the fore of Simwa's house lies a great heap of blankets, baskets, and camp utensils, displayed to the best advantage, the wedding dower of the Chief's daughter. By her father's house Bright Water is being dressed for bridal by her young companions. They braid her hair, paint her face, tie her moccasins, and arrange her beads over the robe of white doeskin; they laugh as they work and are happily important as is the custom of bridesmaids. The older women are winnowing grain and grinding at the metate.
At the left and front, Simwa, Tavwots, and others are gambling with dice made of halves of black-walnut hulls, filled with pitch; the number indicated by bits of shell embedded in the pitch. They are shaken in a small basket and turned out on a basket plaque.
The older men look on, smoking. Tavwots is broad-faced and merry, and does not neglect to ogle the girls at intervals, which causes them to giggle and hide their heads in their blankets. The men have on their holiday dress, especially the younger companions of Simwa.
Tavwots
(Throwing.) Five!