A Thief of Time Quotes

“She’s an anthropologist … You translate the word from academic into English and that’s what it means: ruins looter, one who robs graves, preferably old ones. Well-educated person who steals artifacts in a dignified manner.” Arnold overcome by the wit of this, laughed, “Somebody else does it they call 'em vandals. That’s the word for competition. Somebody gets there first, gets off with the stuff before archaeologists can grab it, they call ‘em Thieves of Time.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“Like all dry-country people, Leaphorn enjoyed rain—that rare, longed for, refreshing blessing that made the desert bloom and life possible.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“I hear you’re a medicine man. I heard you are a singer of the Blessing Way. Is that right?” Chee looked slightly stubborn. “Yes sir,” he said. “I would like to ask you to sing one for me,” Leaphorn said.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“I heard the Watersprinkler playing his flute.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“Leaphorn didn't comment. It was the decision he would have made. Handle it on Navajo time. No reason to rush in there.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“And the white guy, I just barely got a look at him. They all sort of look alike anyway. All I notice is freckles and sunburn.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“He's as independent as a hog on ice.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“You weren’t listening. I asked you why you decided to quit.” Leaphorn had said nothing for a while. “Just tired.” Thatcher had shaken his head. “You’re going to miss it.” “No, you get older. Or wiser. You realize it doesn’t really make any difference.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“Mr. Leaphorn,” the man said. “Papa said you coming.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“You notice anything about the skeletons?” Leaphorn was squatting now in the shallow trench, examining bones. “Somebody seemed to be interested in the jawbones,” Chee said.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“Someone had been digging. Someone had been looting. A pot hunter. A Thief of Time.”
― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time