[The Delight Makers by Adolf Bandelier]@TWC D-Link bookThe Delight Makers CHAPTER II 53/83
Black maize might be procured on the sly; but the other could be found by chance only,--by meeting with the body of a dead owl on the heights surrounding the Tyuonyi. Shotaye was in the habit of strolling alone all around the Rito, over the timbered mesa as well as through the gorges which descend from the mountains.
On such excursions the woman observed the most minute precautions, for there was danger,--danger from roaming Indians of the Navajo or Dinne tribe, and danger from spies of her own tribe. Frequently people had followed stealthily in the hope of surprising her at some illicit practice, but she had been lucky enough to notice them in time.
Of what is called to-day the mesa del Rito, the high table-land bordering the Tyuonyi on the south, Shotaye knew every inch of ground, every tree and shrub. On a clear, cool November day she strolled again in that direction, climbing the heights and penetrating into the scrubby timber, interspersed with tall pines, which covers the plateau for miles.
To her delight she discovered the remains of an owl at no great distance from the declivity of the Rito beneath a rotten pine.
Instead of picking up the carcass she kicked it aside disdainfully, but took good care to notice whither so as to remember the place.
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