Chapter 24 Summary

While hiding in the recesses of the slot canyon, Bernie speculates about the case. Leaphorn had told her that the diamonds are involved in a court battle important enough to attract the FBI. She spies on Joanna and Chandler long enough to determine they are armed and dangerous. Guns are prohibited in the canyon by Park Service regulations, and she assumes the two are not tourists. Bernie observes that "in the white man's world" anything worth a lot of money attracts dangerous people. As she cowers in her niche, lightening illuminates the pair of interlopers. When Bernie sees the man holding the arm bones and his gun, she realizes that she should make a plan.

Chapter 24 Analysis

The story progresses along predictable lines, and Hillerman takes another swipe at the "white man's world."