Chapter 16 Summary

"Girl, you shouldn't be here. Here it is dangerous for you," is the first thing the old lady says to Bernie. Bernie introduces her self and asks why it is dangerous for her. The woman says that people who don't "talk the Hopi talk" call her Mary. It is dangerous because Bernie appears to be Navajo, and the Salt Woman Shrine and the Salt Trail are sacred Hopi places. When Bernie explains that she was both invited and escorted by a Hopi, the old woman reflects for a moment, and then becomes friendly. She offers first aid for a cut on Bernie's hand and hares her water with her.

Bernie asks Mary about the danger of which she warned her. They discuss the Hopi legend of Matwa, or Skeleton Man, the Kachina spirit who taught the Hopi not to fear death. Mary tells...