Unearthed Secrets in Parsonage Wall

During renovations at a parsonage, a dayworker stumbles upon a crumbling journal hidden within the walls. This journal, belonging to Arthur Beaucarne, dates back a century and could have easily been lost to time. Its discovery is a potential career-saving find for Etsy Beaucarne, a university professor struggling to meet publication standards. The journal's unearthing sets off a chain of events that intertwine Etsy's life with her ancestor's mysterious past, offering a lifeline to her academic future and a connection to her family's history.

An Unexpected Family Connection

Lydia Ackerman, a librarian at Montana State University, sends Etsy digitized pages of the fragile journal, revealing a connection to her great-great-great-grandfather, Arthur Beaucarne. Despite the journal's delicate state, Etsy is drawn into its contents, hoping it will secure her academic future. The journal's pages, filled with historical accounts and personal reflections, offer a glimpse into Arthur's life and the events surrounding his disappearance in 1912, pulling Etsy deeper into a web of family secrets and historical intrigue.

The Journal's Dark Revelations

Arthur Beaucarne's journal recounts a chilling tale from 1912, involving a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances. The journal describes a man found dead, skinned, and painted in a manner reminiscent of buffalo hunting practices. This gruesome discovery raises questions about the past and the potential involvement of Native American tribes. Arthur's writings suggest a deeper, more sinister narrative at play, one that may have led to his own disappearance, challenging the boundaries between history and myth.

A Mysterious Indian Visitor

An Indian man, known as Good Stab, begins attending Arthur's church services, drawing attention with his distinct appearance and dark spectacles. His presence is unsettling yet intriguing, as he seems to hold secrets tied to the events Arthur documented. Good Stab's attendance at the church is not just a coincidence; it is a deliberate act that connects him to the unfolding mystery and Arthur's fate, hinting at a deeper connection between the past and present.

The Confession of Good Stab

Good Stab confesses a chilling story to Arthur, revealing his past as a Blackfeet warrior and his transformation into a creature that feeds on blood. His tale intertwines with the historical events Arthur recorded, suggesting a supernatural element to the mysterious deaths. Good Stab's confession is both a plea for understanding and a warning of the darkness that lurks within the human soul, challenging Arthur's beliefs and perceptions, and adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding mystery.

The Pinkerton's Grim Discovery

A Pinkerton detective named Dove arrives in town, investigating the disappearance of a family from San Francisco. His investigation leads him to the bodies found in the prairie, linking them to the missing family. Dove's presence and findings add a layer of complexity to the mystery, as he uncovers connections between the past and present, revealing a web of deceit and violence that spans generations, and highlighting the enduring impact of historical events on contemporary lives.

Confrontation with the Cat Man

Good Stab, now a creature of the night, confronts the Cat Man, the source of his curse. The Cat Man, a monstrous figure with antlers and a thirst for blood, taunts Good Stab about his transformation and the futility of his struggle. Despite the Cat Man's strength and cunning, Good Stab is determined to end the cycle of violence and save his people from further suffering. Their confrontation is a battle of wills, with Good Stab using his knowledge of the land and his own monstrous abilities to gain the upper hand, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil.

The Transformation of Good Stab

After being cursed by the Cat Man, Good Stab becomes a creature that feeds on blood. He struggles with his new identity, torn between his human past and his monstrous present. As he navigates the wilderness, he encounters other supernatural beings and learns to harness his powers. Despite his transformation, Good Stab remains connected to his Blackfeet heritage, using his abilities to protect his people from external threats while grappling with the internal conflict of his dual nature, embodying the struggle for identity and redemption.

A Journey to Redemption

Good Stab embarks on a journey to find redemption for his past actions and the curse that plagues him. He travels across the land, seeking out those he has wronged and offering protection to those in need. Along the way, he encounters other outcasts and forms alliances with them, learning the value of community and the strength found in unity. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he confronts the darkness within himself and strives to find a balance between his human and monstrous sides, highlighting the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Final Confession

Good Stab seeks out Arthur Beaucarne, the pastor whose ancestor was involved in the massacre that set off the chain of events leading to his curse. In a tense and emotional encounter, Good Stab confesses his story, revealing the truth about his transformation and the bloodshed that followed. Arthur, grappling with his own family's dark legacy, listens with a mix of horror and empathy. This confession serves as a cathartic moment for both characters, as they confront the sins of the past and seek a path toward healing, bridging the gap between past and present.

The Legacy of Blood

The story delves into the generational impact of violence and the burden of inherited guilt. Good Stab and Arthur must navigate the complex web of their ancestors' actions, understanding how these events have shaped their present lives. The narrative explores themes of forgiveness, justice, and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of retribution. As they confront the legacy of blood, both characters are forced to make difficult choices that will determine their futures and the futures of those they care about, emphasizing the enduring impact of history on personal identity.

A New Beginning

In the aftermath of their confrontation and confession, Good Stab and Arthur find a sense of peace and understanding. They work together to forge a new path, one that honors their past while embracing the potential for change. The story concludes with a sense of hope, as they lay the groundwork for a future free from the shadows of their ancestors. This new beginning is marked by a commitment to healing and reconciliation, offering a glimpse of a brighter tomorrow for both their communities, and underscoring the power of forgiveness and unity.

Characters

Etsy Beaucarne

Etsy is a university professor on the brink of losing her career due to insufficient publications. The discovery of her ancestor's journal offers a lifeline, intertwining her fate with Arthur Beaucarne's mysterious past. Etsy's journey is one of self-discovery and connection to her family's history, as she navigates the challenges of academia and the secrets of the journal, ultimately finding a deeper understanding of herself and her heritage.

Arthur Beaucarne

Arthur is Etsy's great-great-great-grandfather, whose journal reveals a chilling narrative from 1912. As a pastor, Arthur is caught between his faith and the gruesome events unfolding around him. His writings document a series of mysterious deaths and his interactions with Good Stab, ultimately leading to his own disappearance. Arthur's character is defined by his struggle to reconcile his beliefs with the dark truths he uncovers, highlighting the tension between faith and reality.

Good Stab

Good Stab is a Blackfeet warrior transformed into a creature that feeds on blood. Haunted by his past and the curse placed upon him by the Cat Man, he struggles to reconcile his human identity with his monstrous nature. Throughout the story, Good Stab seeks redemption for his actions, driven by a desire to protect his people and break the cycle of violence. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to harness his powers and find peace within himself, embodying the themes of transformation and redemption.

Lydia Ackerman

Lydia is the librarian who discovers the journal and sends digitized pages to Etsy. Her role is pivotal in connecting Etsy to her ancestor's past, providing the means for Etsy to explore the journal's contents and uncover the mysteries within. Lydia's character represents the bridge between past and present, facilitating the exploration of history and its impact on contemporary lives.

Dove

Dove is a Pinkerton detective investigating the disappearance of a family from San Francisco. His investigation leads him to the bodies found in the prairie, linking them to the missing family. Dove's findings add complexity to the mystery, revealing connections between past and present. His character serves as a catalyst for uncovering the truth, highlighting the enduring impact of historical events on modern life.

The Cat Man

The Cat Man is the source of Good Stab's curse, a creature of immense power and malevolence. With antlers and a thirst for blood, he represents the darkness that Good Stab must overcome. The Cat Man taunts and challenges Good Stab, embodying the cycle of violence and retribution that plagues their world. His presence serves as a catalyst for Good Stab's transformation and the ultimate confrontation between the two, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil.

Weasel Plume

Weasel Plume is a white buffalo and a symbol of purity and innocence in the story. His death at the hands of the Cat Man represents the loss of innocence and the impact of violence on the natural world. Weasel Plume's memory serves as a guiding force for Good Stab, reminding him of the importance of protecting the vulnerable and seeking redemption for his actions, highlighting the themes of innocence and sacrifice.

Kills-in-the-Water

Kills-in-the-Water is a young Blackfeet girl who becomes entangled in the conflict between Good Stab and the Cat Man. Her presence highlights the impact of the curse on the community and the importance of protecting future generations. As Good Stab seeks to save her from the Cat Man's grasp, Kills-in-the-Water represents hope and the potential for a brighter future, emphasizing the themes of protection and renewal.

Plot Devices

The Beaucarne Manuscript

The journal discovered in the parsonage wall serves as a central plot device, connecting Etsy to her ancestor's past. Its contents reveal a chilling narrative from 1912, involving mysterious deaths and disappearances. The journal's historical accounts and personal reflections offer insights into Arthur's life and the events leading to his disappearance, driving the narrative forward and linking past and present.

The Curse

The curse placed upon Good Stab by the Cat Man serves as a central plot device, driving the narrative forward. It represents the internal and external conflicts faced by Good Stab, as he grapples with his new identity and the consequences of his actions. The curse is a symbol of the cycle of violence and retribution, challenging Good Stab to find a path toward redemption and healing, and underscoring the themes of transformation and identity.

Confession as a Narrative Tool

Good Stab's confession to Arthur serves as a narrative tool, revealing his past and the supernatural elements of the story. Through his confession, the reader gains insight into the historical events and the darkness within the human soul, challenging perceptions of reality and morality. This device highlights themes of guilt, redemption, and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of violence, serving as a catalyst for character development and resolution.

The Pinkerton Investigation

Dove's investigation into the disappearance of a family from San Francisco adds a layer of complexity to the mystery. His findings link the bodies found in the prairie to the missing family, revealing a web of deceit and violence that spans generations. The investigation serves as a plot device to connect the historical events documented in the journal to the present, emphasizing the enduring impact of history on contemporary lives.

The Legacy of Blood

The legacy of blood is a recurring theme and plot device, exploring the generational impact of violence and the burden of inherited guilt. Characters must navigate the complex web of their ancestors' actions, understanding how these events have shaped their present lives. This device underscores the importance of confronting the past and working toward a future of healing and reconciliation, highlighting the themes of forgiveness and justice.

Analysis

"The Buffalo Hunter Hunter" by Stephen Graham Jones delves into the complexities of identity, legacy, and redemption. Through the intertwined narratives of Etsy Beaucarne and Good Stab, the story explores the impact of historical events on contemporary lives, highlighting the burden of inherited guilt and the struggle for self-discovery. The novel challenges perceptions of reality and morality, using supernatural elements to underscore the themes of transformation and redemption. The characters' journeys emphasize the importance of confronting the past, seeking forgiveness, and breaking free from the cycle of violence. Ultimately, the story offers a message of hope and reconciliation, suggesting that healing and change are possible through understanding and unity.

Last updated: April 15, 2025