Part 1, Chapter 11 Summary

One July, Tom arrives in Pagosa with his bear brother companion. Tom brings baskets he has made to trade and he goes to the trader store where he encounters Mr. Thatcher. Mr. Thatcher realizes the boy and his pet bear are not a threat and he tell the town folk to calm down and not kill the bear.

Mr. Thatcher calls for Blue Elk to interpret for him. Tom only speaks Ute. Thatcher recognizes the quality and style of the baskets and knows Tom is Bessie's son. At Blue Elk's questioning, Tom says he came to trade for a blanket and that his mother is dead. They eventually realize he is living alone on the mountain with the bear, his 'brother'. Tom eventually leaves the store and heads out of town.

The sheriff arrives and keeps the townsfolk from going after...