Here Say interrupted him, and suggested,—­

“When he was coming to speak to me the rainbow stood in the skies.  Is not that a sign that the Shiuana are with my child?”

Topanashka smiled a kind, benignant smile, and said,—­

“It is right to think thus, sa uishe, but remember that the rainbow is a messenger to a great many and for many purposes.  As long as we have not asked the Shiuana themselves, we cannot say; we do not know whether they approve or not.  I shall therefore go to the yaya of our tribe and ask them to pray to Those Above that they may let them know if what we now treat of is good or not.  For as long as P[=a]yatyama himself does not connect the paths of the two young people all our doings are in vain.  In the meantime do not hinder Okoya from seeing the girl; and when I come to you with the answer from Those Above, and that answer is favourable, then, Say, go you to the people of the Eagle and say to them, ’My son asks for your daughter in order that your numbers may be increased.’  I myself like to see the blood of my children flow in that of mine own.”

Hayoue and his sister-in-law looked at each other in mute admiration at this speech, which to them appeared so wise, so thoroughly appropriate.

Topanashka went on,—­

“You have told me that Mitsha is the child of Tyope.  That, it is true, is not good.  But if Okoya is strong and if Mitsha is true to him what can Tyope do?  He belongs to his hanutsh, his daughter to hers; and the people of Tyame have no faith in those of Shyuamo, for they mistrust them.  But warn the mot[=a]tza; tell him to be prudent; for Tyope is cunning,—­as cunning as shutzuna and as treacherous as the wildcat, and my grandson is young.  But let them go together, for I am glad to see Tyame and Tanyi become one often.”

“[=A]-[=a]!” was the admiring and affirmative ejaculation of both his listeners.  Every word he had spoken was according to their convictions, and besides, whatever he said was law to them.  Hayoue rose, breathed on the hand of the old man, said “tro uashatze, umo,” and left.  After his departure Topanashka also rose, but before crossing the threshold he whispered to Say,—­

“They found nothing?”

“Nothing.”

“Was Tyope along?”

“He was.”

“In that case they may accuse you as much as they please, they cannot do you any harm.”

“But who could have told them?”

“That I do not know and cannot know; but rest easy, you are safe.”  With these words he left the dwelling and returned to his own abode, where his deaf consort was already asleep.  The fire had gone out; it was dark in his humble home; still Topanashka did not go to rest, but sat down in a corner and mused.  He felt happy in the thought that Okoya and Mitsha might become united; it caused him pleasure that his grandson should wed a child of his own clan.  Still with his strong attachment to the faith, or