There the representative of the Bear clan was in retirement.

In the big house news circulated faster than anywhere else on the Tyuonyi, and in a very short time it became known that not only the nashtio from Kohaio, but especially that the Hishtanyi Chayan and the Cuirana Naua were secluding themselves.

Step by step the news got abroad and went from clan to clan, while the people compared notes without expressing opinions.

At sunset it was known all over the Rito that since the council at least six of the clan delegates were fasting, besides the three shamans.

When at last news came that a woman had gone to see the wife of the chief penitent, and had heard from her that her husband was working, things began to look not only strange but portentous.
In an Indian village, gossip about public affairs comes to a stand-still as soon as the outlook seems very grave.