EPILOGUE
"Good shot!" praised Stands Strong. "Come, let us pray over our kill before we cut up its meat."
With both of them bending down toward the buffalo cow, Stands Strong took up some dirt and some sage from his pouch and sprinkled it over the animal. Then he prayed, "We thank you for the life you have lived and for your part in keeping our people from becoming hungry. Go now. You are free to live again in another place and time."
He motioned the spirit of the animal toward the sky, then turned to Matsowá'p and said, "She is free to go elsewhere now."
Czanna nodded.
"Come, where she is going, her spirit will be welcomed. Let us now look closely at your shot. Do you see how, if you place your aim below the ribs, its speed goes directly into the animal's lungs and heart, killing it at once? You did this well!"
"Why, thank you, husband." Czanna laughed. "I killed almost as many as you today."
Stands Strong grinned at his woman, then said, "Almost. Our people will not go hungry. Come, let us cut up this meat and pack it onto our horses. There will be much joy in our camp tonight."
"It is good," said Matsowá'p. "It is very good, indeed."
"And now, my wife, do you see you have no need of the evil gold coin?"
"I do, indeed."
"Then, perhaps you should throw it away?"
"Oh, husband, please! Throw it away?"
"Can you not?"
"I admit I cannot."
"And, why is this?"
"Because, my husband, I gave it to my brother. I no longer have the gold, nor any coin. As you said, I no longer require it. Besides, the gold was really Frederic's. He gave it to me, after all. And, perhaps he and my parents might need it in the future. Especially if they are to buy the land they have been talking about." She sighed. "I fear, my husband, you have made me so happy I have no need to pretend an outward show of my pleasure."
He smiled at her. "And, I am pleased to hear you have given the evil gold rock away. It might save us from arguing about the evil it would bring into our lives."
"Perhaps. But, I also think I should tell you, husband mine, that I dread having any more arguments with you, though I know it is impossible to agree with one another on all things. However, the truth is, I do not like being upset with you or to have you upset with me."
"Then, as I said to you once before, you should take off all your clothing before you bring your argument to me."
"What?" his wife asked. "Are you asking me to disrobe? Here? Now?"
"If you wish to do so, I would greatly encourage you to do it, although we are not yet arguing."
"I do not understand."
He sighed. "Very well. I will tell this to you again so you might remember its importance. I only ask you to not repeat the manner by which we settle our arguments to anyone. It is to be a secret between only us."
She looked directly at him and frowned. At length, she said, "All right. But, I do not remember your telling me anything about my stripping naked in order to prevent an argument."
"Then, I will tell it to you again," he said. "This is how to make all our disagreements very short, and also how you might win most all of our arguments."
She didn't answer; instead, she treated him to a doubting glance. "You are not teasing me now, are you?"
"I?" he asked. "Tease you?"
"Oh, please!"
"I tell you true. Before you begin any disagreement with me, disrobe. Take off all your clothes."
