Part 1, Chapter 6 Summary

The winter is long and threatens to bring the 'black hunger,' but the Ute people are accustomed to this and know how to prepare against it. Bessie and Tom gather willow shoots and other plants for the winter basketry. They make rawhide and thongs for snow shoes, as well as making more arrows, winter moccasins and leggings. Tom learns how to set snares for rabbits and he and his father take more deer, while they are still fat from summer and prepare the meat. Bessie tells the old tales and sings the old songs.

Winter passes and the story progresses until, eventually, two years have passed. There is still no sign of Blue Elk or the sheriff. Another year passes. The family is happy living in the old ways. Tom is older now and able to help hunt, gather food...