Chapter 8 Summary

Tuesday, December 2, 6:11 p.m. Leaphorn drives carefully through the falling snow to Bowlegs' hogan. Shorty Bowlegs is the last lead Leaphorn has. If this turns up nothing, Leaphorn will be facing the unthinkable conclusion that Ernesto was killed for no reason. "Not even the grasshopper took wing without reason." (pg. 80) His truck headlights illuminate the hogan, and he can see Shorty Bowlegs in the doorway. Leaphorn is relieved that Bowlegs is awake and alert enough to have heard the truck drive up. Navajo good manners require Leaphorn to wait until Bowlegs has prepared himself for a visitor. Only when Bowlegs appears in the door again will Leaphorn approach the door. In rural areas this tradition is considered respectful of people's privacy. As he waits, he recalls Ernesto's autopsy and then the funeral, held quickly according to Zuni tradition.

Bowlegs is taking too long...