The Silent Call

"The Silent Call" by Edwin Milton Royle is a story set in the American West during the early 1900s. It explores the clashing worlds of Native Americans and white settlers using Hal Calthorpe, leader of the local Indian police, as its primary guide. Through Calthorpe's journey and his interactions with characters such as Wah-na-gi, a young Native woman grappling with her cultural identity after attending a white school, the story examines themes of identity and the struggle for respect amidst cultural conflict. Early scenes depict Calthorpe leading his men across a harsh landscape, revealing the tensions that simmer between the Native community and outsiders, especially surrounding the motives of agent David Ladd concerning the lands. The developing relationships and the challenging backdrop create a setting ripe with conflict, questioning what it means to belong and stay true to oneself.