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The Shkuy Chayan and the Koshare Naua had declared themselves favourable to their pretensions, but on the other hand the Hishtanyi Chayan and his word had greater weight than their speeches had made a very significant suggestion by reminding the governor in his reply that the matter did not properly come before the tribal council, but should be settled between the two clans directly interested.
The sight of the ravine at his feet stopped him; he looked around absent-mindedly at first, then little by little self-control returned. A man came up to him. He was covered with blood. A drum was suspended from his shoulder. It was the Hishtanyi Chayan. "How is everything?" Tyope gasped. "Where have you been?" the shaman asked in a tone of stern reproach.
The maseua and the Hishtanyi Chayan were the only ones whom his oratorical talent could not lead astray. He proceeded in a quieter tone, "We need more land. Some of our fathers have suggested that we should extend our territory to the eastward and open the soil there. They mean well; but there is not enough, and the pines are too near.
As soon as the rustling noise occasioned by so many people taking their seats in a small room had subsided, the Hishtanyi Chayan again seized the two basalt plates and caused them to ring. When the metallic sound was heard, everybody became very quiet; and not one of the twenty-three men that composed the meeting moved. All maintained the deepest silence, fastening their eyes on the ground.
Both bunches were given to the tapop, who placed them on the floor before him. The Hishtanyi Chayan inquired further, "Where did you find the feathers? Say it once more." "At the foot of the rocks, where we ascend to our estufa on cross-timbers." "Did you see who put them there?" "No." "When do you think they were placed there?" "While the Koshare were at work in the estufa." "Do you know more?"
By advancing with a part of his forces, first to the west and then straight to the north, Tyope might execute his plan of leaving enough men behind to make a desperate stand against the Tehuas here. Without the consent of the Hishtanyi Chayan, however, he felt unauthorized to adopt decisive measures. So he again crept over to the shaman and communicated his plans to him.
"But you are right also, nashtio yaya, when you say that it is Tzitz hanutsh who shall decide whether or not it wishes to part with some of its fields for the benefit of the Turquoise people." Both Tyope and the Koshare Naua grew very serious at these words. "We cannot compel the Water people to give up any of their soil." "No," the Shikama Chayan audibly whispered.
A runner was sent to the Rito, and the men waited and waited. Even the Hishtanyi Chayan became startled at the long delay. Tyope squatted at the foot of a tree; he was thinking of the reception that might be in reserve for him.
His silence determined the people of the Rito, for they took it for granted that the higher powers approved of Hayoue's resolution to leave. It may seem strange that the Chayan did not insist upon consulting the Shiuana first, for Hayoue would have been compelled to abide by their final decision.
"And she has succeeded!" ejaculated Tyope, in a low voice, so low that it was not heard by all. The Shkuy Chayan continued the interrogatory. Nobody else uttered a word; not even the Hishtanyi spoke for the present.
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