The Only Good Indians

Gabe arrives at Cassidy’s, and the dogs swarm his truck. One of them nips his hand, puncturing the skin, and he hits it with the butt of the antique rifle. He and Cass talk about doing a sweat at night; it’s their first, and they consider if it’s against tradition. They talk about Nathan Yellow Tail and agree that the sweat will probably be good for him, then they wonder why Lewis did what he did.

Cass checks out the rifle. He thinks he might have some shells for it in his glove compartment that are remnants from when he cleared out Ricky’s belongings. The rifles Ricky intended to ship home weren’t there. Gabe mentions that he’s glad the truck is up on blocks now and asks if Cass still hides his money in it, which Cass didn’t know Gabe knew. It arouses suspicion in him, but he agrees to accept the rifle in lieu of payment for the night’s sweat as Victor Yellow Tail’s police car pulls up.

From her hiding place, Elk Head Woman recognizes Victor and Nate Yellow Tail as the father and son who picked her up and took her into town. Nate thinks the two men sitting together around the fire look like fools, and Victor tells him that’s the point: “They were you, twenty years ago” (185).