Chapter 9 Summary

Myra Butler remembers the day her son was taken by the Indians. It was the reason she became ill and unable to leave her bedroom. Parson Elder stops by for a visit, and Myra and Kate tell him of John's escape attempt and how he is refusing to give up his Indian ways and take on those of white society. Kate gives a list of things she believes he has stolen. Parson Elder agrees to talk to the boy.

When True Son is called into the room, he sits on the floor and refuses to drink anything. The parson lectures him about politeness, but True Son replies with evidence of the white traders' shady dealings with the Indians. A debate ensues over the respective virtues of whites and Indians, with each accusing the other's people of violence and savagery. In the end the...