"Wonoma's heart was pounding wildly when she arrived at Grandmother's bedside. "Tell a story," she said. "Speak slowly so I can change it to the white man's language."

"What good is that?" asked Grandmother.

"The writing I learned from Mrs. Bidwell keeps things from being forgotten. I will read your stories to Mako and Billy when they are older."

"The writing will keep the tales?"

"Yes," said Wonoma.

"Show me," said Grandmother. She spoke very slowly. "This is the story of how Coyote always wanted more than he needed."