[The Delight Makers by Adolf Bandelier]@TWC D-Link bookThe Delight Makers CHAPTER II 22/83
In the outer room the regular breathings of the sleeping boy were heard, otherwise all was as still as a grave. At last she lifted her face again. "Father," she asked, "are those who are precious to the holders of our paths, are they always good ?" "I need not tell you about this," he replied, fixing upon her a penetrating glance. "I know of nothing evil," she stammered, "unless it be bad men." "And yet you have used owl's feathers!" Her face grew pale.
She asked hoarsely,-- "Where should I keep them ?" "The Koshare know it," was the equally husky reply. She started, her eyes gleamed like living coals. "Have the Koshare sent you here, father ?" "No," was the gloomy answer; "but if the old men come to me and say, 'kill the witch,' I must do it.
For you know I am Maseua, head-war-chief, and whatever the principals command I must do, even if it takes the life of my only child!" The woman rose to her feet; her attitude was one of defiance. "Let the Koshare speak, and do you as you are commanded.
The time must come when I shall have to die.
The sooner it comes, the sooner shall I find rest and peace with our mother at Shipapu." Her father also had risen, he clutched his cotton garment as if a sudden chill went through his body.
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