‘Montana 1948.’
Quotes
Justice:

‘And that disappointed me at the time. As long as my father was going to be a
sheriff, a position with so much potential for excitement, danger and bravery, why
couldn’t some of that promise be fulfilled?’ Page 17

‘He wanted needed, power. He was a dominating man who drew sustenance and
strength from controlling others. To him, being the law’s agent probably seemed
part of a natural progression – first you master the land and its beasts, then you
regulate the behaviour of men and women.’ Page 20

‘A man who tried to turn two ways at once – towards my grandfather, who wanted
his son to continue the Hayden rule of Mercer County, and toward my mother who
wanted her husband to be merely himself and not a Hayden.’ Page 21

‘My father believed in proof, in evidence’ Page 53

‘You never said you didn’t believe it. Why is that? Why? And my father knew he was
guilty.’ Page 54

‘They couldn’t arrest us – we are the law!’

‘What about what’s already been done? What about that, that... damage?
It’s can’t be undone. That’s passed. That’s over and done.’ Page 85

That’s not the way it works. You know that. Sins – crimes – are not supposed to go
unpunished.’ Page 85

‘But he’ll know. There he’ll be, day after day. With that look. I’m not going to live
with that look.’ Page 100

‘He didn’t want to go to jail. Not here in town.’ Page 109

‘My brother, your uncle has run afoul of the law. I had to arrest him. I had no choice.’
Page 110

‘He’s acting as if this is all some kind of joke.’ Page 111

‘This isn’t about family,’ my father said. This is a legal matter.’ Page 116

‘Since when do you get arrested in this part of the country for taking a poke at a
man, red or white’ Page 118

‘We’re – your father is doing what’s right.’ But we’re the ones getting the shitty end
of the stick.’ Page 130

‘Even then I knew we were not responsible for the circumstances of our birth or the
sins of our fathers.’ Page 142

‘You can simply open that door.’
‘You don’t mean that.’
‘Oh, yes I do. Yes.’ Page 144

‘He’s guilty as sin, Gail. He told me as much.’ ‘Goddam it! What could I have been
thinking of? Maybe a jury will cut him loose. I won’t. By God I won’t.’ Page 149

‘He’d show more remorse over a dog.’; Page 150

‘I can’t let him loose. Not and live with myself.’ Page 150

‘David, I believe that in this world people must pay for their crimes. It doesn’t matter
who you are or who your relations are; if you do wrong, you pay. I believe that. I
have to.’ Page 156.

‘You see, I knew – that Uncle Frank’s suicide had solved all our problems.’ Page 161
Religion

‘Lutheran of boundless devotion’ pg 21

‘He’ll have to meet his punishment in the hereafter. I won’t do anything to arrange it
in this life.’ Page 85

‘My mother was willing to go on a lot less, on her feelings, her faith.’ Page 52
Racism

‘Good enough for the Army but not for college.’ Page 26

‘My father did not like Indians. He simply held them in low regard. Page 33

‘He wears those and soon enough he’ll be as flat footed and lazy as an Indian.’ Page
34

‘They’re not going to make it into the twentieth century until they give up their
superstitions and old ways.’ Page 42

‘I knew what he was thinking; she’s an Indian – why would she tell the truth?’

‘He’s a testimony to what hard work will get you.’ Page 58

‘ – and white, we want them white.’ Page72
Sexism

‘A girl could so easily be mistaken. A trip to the doctor. The fear. The conclusion. An
Indian girl especially. ‘ Page 119
Other:
‘I was a Hayden. I knew, for the time I was very young and without having been told, that
that meant something in Bentrock.’ Page 126