54 
WILD AMERICANS 
“What are they called? What is their name?" Gnv 
ger asked the Indian boy. 
He didn't answer. He just stared at her, somewhat 
rudely, Ginger thought. Then he ran away and soon 
returned with an Indian man. 
The “Mister Indian," as Ginger called him later, 
proved to be very friendly and spoke good English, 
so that Ginger could understand him. He was dressed 
in dark clothing, wore a belt of silver ornaments, and 
around his forehead was tied a bright red band. Soon 
he was holding Ginger on one knee and the little boy 
on the other. 
“People call these horned toads," he explained, 
“but they are really lizards that have grown spread 
out and flat. The white teacher in our school told 
us so. Our people have known about them for many 
years. We do not harm them, for they do no harm 
to people, and they are interesting to watch." 
“What do they eat?" Ginger asked. 
“Ants, mostly. They will eat other small things 
such as bugs and flies and crickets." 
“I never saw one before." 
“Where is your hogan (ho'gan), little white girl?" 
Ginger looked at him questioningly. 
“I mean, where is your home?" The man smiled. 
