“Satyumishe, Those Above are not kind to us.”

A terrible pang flashed through Tyope’s heart, for he had experienced how little the Shiuana liked him.

Kauaitshe continued in a low voice,—­artless, but the more impressive for its natural sadness,—­

“While you went to strike the Tehuas with our men, the Moshome Dinne came upon us.”

A shriek of dismay, of terror, issued from every one present, Tyope excepted.  He only groaned, and sinking shrivelled, pressed down his chest against his knees, as if suffering intense physical pain.  He recalled his intrigues with the young Navajo.  This last blow to the tribe was his work also.

In a monotonous voice the messenger of evil tidings proceeded,—­

“My hanutsh is no more.  Tanyi hanutsh is dispersed, scattered, fleeing through the timber.  Of Mokatsh hanutsh only one girl has remained alive.  Of Tyame a few women, but your wife, satyumishe, is dead; your child Mitsha the Moshome have carried away, or else she hides in the timber and starves.  The great house is empty, and fire comes out from its roof.  Your people can have the field of Tzitz hanutsh,” he added with trembling voice; “we need it no longer.  But your clan has land enough now, for many of the men of Shyuamo have gone over to Shipapu!” He dropped Tyope’s hand, wiped away the tears that were forcing themselves to his eyes, and stood in silence.  Not one of the bystanders moved; the Hishtanyi Chayan lifted his eyes to the sky, Tyope stared vacantly.  He seemed to stagger.  The delegate from the Water clan grasped his hand again, and said,—­

“Come and see how the Shiuana have visited the Tyuonyi.”

CHAPTER XIX.

It is contrary to the custom of the Indians for a war-party to enter their village at once upon returning.  For at least one day the warriors must wait at some distance from the pueblo.  They are provided with the necessaries of life, and afterward are conducted to the village in triumph.  In the present case all these formalities were neglected, but not through spite or disapproval; the terrible visitation which the Rito had suffered changed everything; the survivors of the Queres were anxious to have their numbers increased by the returning warriors.

Mechanically Tyope accompanied his guide.  The warriors followed in sullen silence, the Hishtanyi Chayan alone holding his head erect.  The visitation from above affected him least of all.  No one asked about the details of the Navajos’ attack, but all feared the moment when their valley homes should come in sight.  As they neared the brink of the gorge many lagged behind.