Chapter 5, Nanapush Summary

Eli shows up at Nanapush's house. Eli wants Nanapush to feel sorry for him, but Nanapush refuses. Eli and Nanapush argue about Fleur. Nanapush has his own worries about the land. His people are losing it because of illiteracy. Nanapush remembers being a government interpreter until he tried to get another Indian not to give up his land. Nanapush lets Eli stay there. Nanapush asks how Fleur will get food. Eli says she can hunt. Six days go by, and Nanapush is tired of Eli. Nanapush gives him a gun on the seventh day. Eli leaves. After the snares appear useless, Nanapush lies down in his home. He darkens his face with charcoal. He slowly sings to his helpers until he unknowingly chants. Nanapush sees the tracks of Eli's snowshoes. He helps Eli kill a moose.

Eli butchers like Nanapush instructs...