Indian Killer

Randy Peone, a police officer, sees an old Indian man staggering around without shoes. The Indian reports that he was beaten up by some white kids. Peone helps him into the back of his car and reports that he is taking him to detox, but he soon passes John, kneeling down, holding a pair of shoes, and singing in Latin. He assumes that John is the old Indian’s friend and they had had a fight over alcohol. When Peone approaches him, John sees “the blue eyes and blue uniform, the pistol and badge. Blue sword, scabbard, white horse. The bugle playing” (363).

When John starts talking about Father Duncan, Peone recognizes that he is unwell. He wonders if he might be the Indian Killer but is still gentle with him, seeing that he is in pain. When John starts saying the Lord’s Prayer, Peone joins him, and they take turns saying lines, finishing on “Amen” together. When Peone gets out his handcuffs, John runs off. Back in the car, the old Indian repeats that white kids beat him and that he does not know the other Indian.