Then, I don’t know, I stood there in the sunshine a few minutes more, listening. It was late afternoon, quiet. One had the feeling that nothing urgent was happening nearby. When I studied the ground near my feet I could see ants moving hurriedly in different directions, going about their business. They had no idea who Black Elk or any of these other deceased persons were. The thought made me smile, though it was the kind of thought that occurs to you only when you’re feeling philosophical or vague. It wasn’t meant as a diminishment of anyone.