As soon as Shotaye saw into whose hands she had fallen, she felt completely reassured.  Even if she were carried off a prisoner, it was no misfortune.  When, moreover, she discovered that the stranger had not even such an object in view, but was after the scalp of some Navajo, she experienced a feeling of delight.  When at last the Indian readily understood her suggestions, and went so far as to indicate a day when she should come to him at the Puye, her gladness knew no bounds.  In the accidental meeting, all her hopes for relief had been realized.  She was now able to save herself by flight to the other tribe, but enough time was left her to provide for the safety of her companion in peril.

She had no hope or thought of becoming the wife of her new acquaintance.  He was probably married; but marriage, as we have seen, was no obstacle to temporary outside friendships.  She could take refuge at the Puye without hesitation, and claim the protection of her warrior.  In case she afterward felt like tying herself to one man only, there was no doubt in her mind that a domestic animal of the genus husband could easily be found.  How often could she have been married at the Rito, had the men not looked upon her as a witch!

The friend whom she had now secured among the Tehuas called himself Cayamo.  Thus much she had guessed, and guessed rightly.  But would she be able to recognize him after his face was washed and the military undress exchanged for that of civil life?  Never mind, she had noted the paintings on his shield, and that was enough.  There are no two shields alike in one village; and by uttering the name Cayamo and describing the white escutcheon with a green crescent and four red crosses—­a thing easy for Indian sign-language—­she could not fail to identify him.  That Cayamo would recognize her and acknowledge her acquaintance she did not doubt for a moment.  She even hoped to meet him half way on the trail to the village of his tribe, provided the Navajos did not kill the hero.  While she sincerely hoped that he would return safe and in possession of many scalps, there was still a possibility of his own scalp being taken by the enemy.  The Navajos were very cunning, and their arrows were tipped with very sharp flint.  With all her feelings for her knight, and the reliance she placed on his broad shoulders, heavy neck, strong arms, and well-turned legs, accidents remained possible.  In case Cayamo should never return to his native village, what then?  Well, he was not the only man among the Tehuas, and that consoled her.

There seemed to be but one dark point in the otherwise bright outlook.  Would she have time to put her plans in execution?  Would the Koshare, would Tyope, leave her sufficient respite?  Things might have taken place during and after the dance that changed the face of matters and precipitated them beyond remedy.  In case, for instance, that the Delight Makers had overturned Say’s household as they were wont