Begay agreed. So when they got back to Twin Arrows they asked at the reception desk. It turned out Littletree had been out of town, and in fact had just returned. So they were able to arrange an appointment for the next morning.

Begay arrived just after Cern finished his breakfast, and together they walked to the administrative offices on the second floor of the hotel, past the conference suites. When they asked for Arthur Littletree they were led to an office on the front side of the building. It was only slightly ostentatious, with the expected Navajo motif décor and a view of the stark desert landscape with its impressive mesas. Arthur rose to greet them as they entered. He was tall for a Navajo, much taller than Begay, nearly eye to eye with Cern, and rather florid, almost fleshy.

"Begay, old friend!" He extended his hand Anglo style and Begay took it.

 "And this must be our young Mr. Stewart," turning and extending his hand again.

"Cern will be fine." 

Littletree actually shook Cern's hand, pumping it several times. "Arthur, then. I'm sure we will be good friends. Lisa told me a little about you, that you are here to learn how we operate so you can help the Kenosha casino get off on the right foot. I can certainly assist you with that."

When he left off the handshaking he waved them to a couch and plush chairs at one side of the office, ignoring the large desk he had been sitting at when they came in. Cern followed Begay to the couch, and Arthur pulled up one of the chairs as if to corral them there. He sat and leaned forward intimately. 

"Now, what can I do to help you?"

Cern deferred to Begay, who began by saying, "The casinos are doing well."

"Ah yes, they are catching on, and beginning to prosper."

"And the People with them."

"Yes. All is going according to plan."

"Largely your plan, Arthur. The people must be grateful."

He wagged his head in a small self-deprecating gesture. "I get too much credit. Others do most of the work."

"Yet you continue to help where you can."

"Some need encouragement to take advantage of what we can offer, that's all." His eyes expressed his humble pride in this.

Begay nodded. "Still, crops sometimes fail, livestock sometimes sicken."

"The land here is not well suited to those uses."

"It is our way." Begay said this almost with a tone of resignation.

"Our way of the past, true. It need not be the way of the future."

"What future do you see, Arthur?" Begay said this with a note of hope.

"We live in the midst of the richest nation in the world. But it is a young nation, without much history of its own. Its people are only too willing to come to our casinos and share their wealth in return for experiencing some of the unique heritage we can share.

"And our own lands are rich in coal, oil, uranium, things this new nation needs to maintain its status. When they come here and learn of this, they see opportunities to help us exploit this wealth, for the benefit of our people. I see a future in which the Diné are rich, not poor."

"Many of the Diné would say we have always been rich in the things that matter," Begay said.

"They can say that now, but I did not hear many of them say that when they were starving." 

Arthur turned to Cern. "And you, my young friend. What do the Kenosha people want?"

"I can't speak for the tribe, but from what little I know I expect they would approve of your plan."

"There, you see, Begay? Young Cern here sees the future as I do."

"But Arthur," added Cern, "What do you say to those Begay speaks of who treasure their culture and do not want to see it diminished?"

"I say it need not be diminished. With the income from the casinos, it can be enhanced and preserved."

"I must learn more of this plan," said Cern.

"And so you shall," said Arthur, leaning back in his seat and making an expansive gesture. 

"But not right now, I'm afraid." He stood up as he said this and extended his hand to them. "I have other meetings I must attend to."

Cern and Begay stood and shook hands with Arthur again. As they turned toward the door, he said, "But I tell you what. If you will visit me at my hacienda later, we will have all the time in the world."

Cern looked at Begay, who nodded agreement, so he said, "Thank you Arthur, it would be a pleasure."

Arthur gave them his most beguiling smile and said, "The pleasure will be all mine, I assure you. Speak to my assistant on your way out, she will tell you when I will be there and how to find it."