Thunder Rolling in the Mountains

Summary for chapter 19 for thunder rolling in the mountains

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Chapter Nineteen, describes several more days of fighting between the soldiers and the Ne-mee-poo, with the Blue Coats heralding the arrival of General Howard and the expectation of more soldiers arriving to support them. The Ne-mee-poo people face falling shells, starvation, and cold, and Chief Joseph suggests surrendering at last. “If you surrender, you will be sorry,” says Looking Glass angrily, “It is better to be dead” (105). White Bird agrees that those who choose not to surrender will continue to fight and try to get to the Old Lady’s Country: “We will not stop you,” (105) he says to Chief Joseph. Soon, a rider on horseback, believed to be a Sioux scout for the Blue Coats, is seen, and while investigating the matter Looking-Glass is shot dead. Chief Joseph and White Bird are the only chiefs left. Chief Joseph has had enough, he waves a white flag, and surrenders to Colonel Miles. He says to his people, “Hear me, my chiefs…I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever” (107). One by one, the Ne-mee-poo warriors surrender their weapons, and the people crawl out of their hiding places in sorrow and relief. But Sound of Running Feet cannot join them. She does not want to surrender.