# XXVIII: The Sentinel at the Rock explained — Cogewea, the Half-Blood

> Chapter companion for Cogewea, the Half-Blood by Mourning Dove.

## What happens

Cogewea, troubled by her decision to elope with Densmore, withdraws a thousand dollars from the bank in Polson, ignoring the cashier's advice. She meets Densmore, and during their conversation, he learns that she is not as wealthy as he believed. Enraged by this revelation, Densmore robs her, binds her to a tree, and flees, leaving her to her fate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Densmore's true intentions are revealed as he robs Cogewea after learning she is not wealthy, betraying her trust and love.

### Gender Roles and Women's Strength

Cogewea attempts to assert her independence by managing her own money, but is ultimately overpowered and victimized by Densmore.

### Colonialism and Dispossession

The bank's control over Cogewea's money, influenced by the Indian Agent, reflects the broader system of colonial control over Native American resources.

## Character check-ins

### Cogewea

Withdraws a thousand dollars from the bank, feeling anxious and regretful about her decision to elope. She is later robbed and bound by Densmore.

### Alfred Densmore

Reveals his true nature when he learns Cogewea is not wealthy. He robs her, binds her to a tree, and flees.

### Wanawish

Cogewea's horse, which she rides to meet Densmore.

### Bringo

Another horse that greets Cogewea when she returns to where they are tied.

## Key lines

> The dough is my own and I think that I have the right to do with it as I please!

Cogewea asserts her right to control her own money, pushing back against the bank's restrictions.

_Highlights Cogewea's struggle for financial independence._

> I am not jesting! You would not want me to deceive you, would you? I do not understand!

Cogewea is confused and hurt by Densmore's reaction to learning she is not wealthy.

_Shows her innocence and trust in Densmore, which is about to be shattered._

> Goodbye! little sweetheart! O statuette in bronze with a wildwood setting! How superb! and the sun fast sinking to rest.

Densmore mockingly bids farewell to Cogewea as he leaves her bound to a tree.

_Reveals Densmore's cruel and condescending attitude towards Cogewea._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cogewea_the_half_blood_se/chapters/xxviii-the-sentinel-at-the-rock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cogewea_the_half_blood_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cogewea_the_half_blood_se/chapters