Chapter 14Pa had let a beard grow over the last few months, as many men did in Alder, shaving being a bit of a nuisance on the edge of the wilderness. But now was a time to show respect. Even the Indians looked at a beard as unbecoming, referring to full-bearded white men as “dog-butts,” so the beard had to go. Pa borrowed a mirror from a neighbor and carefully shaved with a straight-edge razor as Lana watched in fascination. He then dressed in a white shirt he hadn't worn since he had sat at poker tables in Bannack. Ma offered Jane her own best dress to wear, but the only time Lo had seen her in female attire had been the first day they met, so she decided to say good-bye dressed as he knew her.
Jane was to be an honored guest at the Masonic rite, as was Madam Chi. Poor Lo. Sorrow filled
