The Holy Road

Chapter L

Ten Bears was still awake when Kicking Bird came back and they talked about the events of the day over a pipe.

Kicking Bird had been, impressed with the races. Just like Comanches, the white people got very excited when the horses ran, though some were demonstrably sad or angry when wagers were lost. Both men agreed that it was one more sign among many that the whites lacked pride.

"What did you do, Grandfather?”

"I was shown a river,” Ten Bears answered.

"That big river we saw?”

"No, this one runs under the earth. It was made by the hair-mouths. I think one of its streams runs below this place where we are sitting.” Kicking Bird was too stunned to speak.

"Do you know what it carries?” Ten Bears asked.

Kicking Bird moved his head numbly back and forth.

"It carries the white man's excrement.” Kicking Bird's mouth fell open and the blood drained from his face.