This Tender Land: Chapter 37 Summary & Analysis

They travel farther down the river. Albert’s spirits are improving, but Mose’s mood is uncharacteristically dark. While discussing how long it will take to reach Saint Louis, Odie asks Mose what he’d rather be doing. Mose responds, “Tracking down my mother’s killer.” When they camp, Odie catches a large walleye for dinner. They can see city lights and guess they are near Mankato. Albert plans to set out tomorrow afternoon. That way, it’s less likely anyone will see them passing through. The next morning, blackflies descend on the remains of their meal, irritating everyone. Odie fights with Albert and storms off, wondering if he’s better off on his own.

After walking a few hours, Odie reaches Mankato, which lies on either side of the river. He sees the downtown district where Sid paid off the people Sister Eve “healed.” He wanders the city’s streets. The noise and bustle overwhelm Odie, making him miss his family. He is about to leave when he sees a crowd of protesters and police officers. A man (Captain Bob Gray) shouts into a megaphone, demanding compensation for veterans of the Great War who cannot afford to feed their families despite their service to the country. The police react with violence, beating the protesters with billy clubs. Odie flees from the chaos, making his way back to the river. But when he reaches their campsite, his family is gone.