"" (p. 40 9) By studying books, he is exerting effort to understand the Indians. The Indians observed Mark's efforts after the burial of weesa-bedo. "'Did you notice that at the graveside he left quietly and asked no questions?' They all nodded. He respected our customs.- (p. 31 1) Mark's studies and knowledge of the Indian's customs taught him to know what to do in such situations so he does not disrespect the Indians. These efforts to try to understand the Indians made him a hero because he is one of very few who are willing to take interest in the Indians. His interest is an acceptance of others, which is what heroes are noted for.
Mark helps the Indians. Many times Mark has gone out of his way to help the Indians as much as he can. By helping, he is doing more than what a vicar in the tribes normally does. During Gordon mother's death, Mark promised to fulfill her wish to help Gordon get his education. After the funeral, Gordon decided to stay in the village to help take care of his siblings, Mark objected. "'No "I have given this much thought. The older ones will go to the residential school where you can be with them. The younger children we will care for here, and new one also. Your mother wanted you to get an education. I told her I would help you.- (p. 86 3) Mark did help, and Gordon went to school. By doing this, he is performing an outstanding deed by helping others because it is not an often thing to do. The boxes of the dead were falling down from the trees that they were hung from and many of the bones had scattered on the floor. This bothered the elders and they talked to Mark. "'If this disturbs you, Mark said, choosing his words carefully, we can build a large communal grave and in it we can place all the boxes and the broken carvings. And if you wish in the morning I will go with you and the older men to start the clearing.- (p. 114 9) The next morning, they cleared and successfully moved all that was necessary to the new gravesite.
