Chapters 16 & 17 Summary

The fact that Dr. Friedman-Bernal packed a saddle on the day she disappeared has led Leaphorn back to Bluff, Utah. His first intention is to meet with the person that lent the saddle to Dr. Friedman-Bernal. Leaphorn meets Dr. Arnold, a friendly man who says that he lent Dr. Friedman-Bernal the saddle some time ago, but she had returned it weeks ago and taken Arnold's kayak while he was away from home. Arnold says that Dr. Friedman-Bernal exchanged the saddle for the kayak nearly month prior.

During his visit with Dr. Arnold, Leaphorn learns that Dr. Friedman-Bernal often borrowed the kayak and requested that Arnold meet her and the kayak with his car at a specific location on the river. After meeting with Dr. Arnold, Leaphorn travels to the residence of the late Harrison Houk.

When Leaphorn arrives at the late Harrison Houk's...