Indy’s Solo Heist: The Cross of Coronado Stolen in Plain Sight
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Indy, driven by his belief that the Cross belongs in a museum, resolves to take action, instructing Herman to seek help from Mister Havelock and the sheriff while he remains behind.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Determined and excited by the discovery of the Cross, Indy’s emotional state shifts from awe to resolve as he decides to act. His urgency is palpable as he sends Herman for help and steals the artifact, revealing a mix of adrenaline-fueled courage and moral conviction. There’s a hint of defiance in his actions, as if he’s already staking his claim to a future where he protects history from those who would exploit it.
Young Indiana Jones, drawn by the laughter and voices of the grave robbers, sneaks closer to witness the unearthing of the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. His academic passion is ignited as he recognizes the artifact’s historical significance, and he swiftly devises a plan to steal it. He dismisses Herman with a calculated lie, sending him to fetch Havelock and the sheriff as a distraction. Indy then seizes the Cross, tucks it into his pants, and attempts to escape up a rope, triggering a chaotic chase. His actions reveal his reckless courage, disdain for looters, and willingness to act alone.
- • Steal the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado to preserve it for a museum
- • Distract the grave robbers long enough to escape with the artifact
- • Historical artifacts belong in museums, not in the hands of looters
- • He can outsmart the grave robbers and escape with the Cross
Fedora’s emotional state is one of composed detachment, masking a predatory focus on the artifact. He is unfazed by the chaos around him, exuding an air of superiority over his excitable companions. His calm demeanor suggests confidence in his ability to reclaim the Cross, and there’s a hint of irritation at his men’s lack of discipline. His pursuit of Indy is methodical, reflecting a hunter’s patience and precision.
Fedora, the enigmatic leader of the grave robbers, exudes an air of calm authority as he oversees the excavation of the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. He admires the artifact with aloof detachment, silently appraising its beauty and value, and remains composed even as his men celebrate their discovery. When young Indiana Jones steals the Cross, Fedora’s reaction is one of predatory calm—he casts a disgusted glance at his fleeing companions before setting off in pursuit. His demeanor suggests a man who is used to being in control and is unfazed by chaos.
- • Recover the stolen Bejeweled Cross of Coronado
- • Maintain control over his gang of grave robbers
- • The Cross is rightfully his to claim and sell
- • He can outmaneuver the young thief and retrieve the artifact
Fedora’s emotional state is one of composed detachment, masking a predatory focus on the artifact. He is unfazed by the chaos around him, exuding an air of superiority over his excitable companions. His calm demeanor suggests confidence in his ability to reclaim the Cross, and there’s a hint of irritation at his men’s lack of discipline. His pursuit of Indy is methodical, reflecting a hunter’s patience and precision.
Fedora, the enigmatic leader of the grave robbers, exudes an air of calm authority as he oversees the excavation of the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. He admires the artifact with aloof detachment, silently appraising its beauty and value, and remains composed even as his men celebrate their discovery. When young Indiana Jones steals the Cross, Fedora’s reaction is one of predatory calm—he casts a disgusted glance at his fleeing companions before setting off in pursuit. His demeanor suggests a man who is used to being in control and is unfazed by chaos.
- • Recover the stolen Bejeweled Cross of Coronado
- • Maintain control over his gang of grave robbers
- • The Cross is rightfully his to claim and sell
- • He can outmaneuver the young thief and retrieve the artifact
Halfbreed’s emotional state is one of aggressive determination, driven by a mix of greed and a desire to reclaim what he sees as his rightful prize. His emotions are raw and intense, reflecting the gang’s violent tendencies. There’s a sense of danger in his actions, as if he’s willing to do whatever it takes to capture the thief and retrieve the Cross.
Halfbreed, another member of Fedora’s gang, reacts aggressively to the discovery of the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado and joins the chaotic chase when Indy steals it. He is more aggressive than Roscoe, his actions driven by a desire to reclaim the artifact and punish the thief. His impulsiveness and aggression make him a dangerous force in the scene, embodying the gang’s violent tendencies.
- • Recover the stolen Bejeweled Cross of Coronado
- • Punish the thief for daring to steal from the gang
- • The Cross is a valuable prize that belongs to the gang
- • Violence is justified in reclaiming what is rightfully theirs
Herman is in a state of wide-eyed terror, his emotions oscillating between paralyzing fear (triggered by the snake and the robbers) and reluctant obedience (as he follows Indy’s instructions). His emotional state is one of vulnerability, underscored by his physical reactions—gasping, wide-eyed stares, and a clear desire to flee the dangerous situation.
Herman, young Indiana Jones’ reluctant scout companion, is paralyzed by fear as he witnesses the grave robbers unearthing the Cross. His terror is compounded when a snake slithers across his lap, freezing him in place. Indy dismisses him with a task—fetching Havelock and the sheriff—as a distraction, and Herman, though hesitant, ultimately follows the instruction. His wide-eyed horror and physical paralysis contrast sharply with Indy’s boldness, highlighting his role as the reluctant foil to Indy’s adventurous spirit.
- • Escape the dangerous situation in the kiva
- • Follow Indy’s instructions to fetch Havelock and the sheriff
- • The grave robbers and the snake pose a serious threat to his safety
- • Indy’s plan is the best chance to resolve the situation
Roscoe’s emotional state is one of impulsive excitement, quickly shifting to outrage when the Cross is stolen. His emotions are raw and reactive, driven by greed and a desire to reclaim what he sees as his prize. There’s a sense of frenzy in his actions, as if he’s unable to contain his impulses, making him a chaotic force in the scene.
Roscoe, one of Fedora’s grave robbers, is the excitable discoverer of the box containing the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. His excitement is palpable as he whoops and celebrates the find, only to be silenced by Halfbreed. When Indy steals the Cross, Roscoe’s reaction is one of impulsive outrage—he shouts for the others to ‘get ’im,’ his eagerness to reclaim the artifact driving his actions. His impulsiveness and excitement contrast sharply with Fedora’s calm demeanor, highlighting his role as an eager but undisciplined enforcer.
- • Recover the stolen Bejeweled Cross of Coronado
- • Prove his loyalty to Fedora by capturing the thief
- • The Cross is a valuable prize that belongs to him and his gang
- • He can outrun and overpower the young thief
Rough Rider’s emotional state is one of frenetic eagerness, driven by the thrill of the chase and the desire to reclaim the stolen artifact. His emotions are raw and reactive, reflecting the gang’s collective greed and impulsiveness. There’s a sense of chaos in his actions, as if he’s caught up in the moment and unable to think strategically.
Rough Rider, another of Fedora’s grave robbers, assists in the excavation of the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado and reacts with eagerness to its discovery. When Indy steals the artifact, Rough Rider joins the chaotic chase, his actions mirroring Roscoe’s impulsiveness. He is part of the frenzied group that nearly knocks each other over in their eagerness to capture Indy, embodying the gang’s undisciplined and aggressive nature.
- • Recover the stolen Bejeweled Cross of Coronado
- • Support his gang members in capturing the thief
- • The Cross is a valuable prize that belongs to the gang
- • He and his companions can overpower the young thief through sheer force
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Bejeweled Cross of Coronado is the central object of this event, serving as both the catalyst for conflict and the prize in a high-stakes chase. Unearthed by Roscoe from a box in the Pueblo kiva, the Cross is admired by Fedora for its beauty and value before being stolen by young Indiana Jones. Its historical significance—mentioned by Indy as a gift from Cortes to Coronado in 1521—elevates it from mere loot to a symbol of cultural heritage. The Cross’s theft triggers the chaotic chase, making it the focal point of the scene’s tension and drama. Its symbolic role as an artifact of history contrasts sharply with the grave robbers’ greed, highlighting Indy’s moral stance.
Fedora’s crew’s shovels and pick-axes are the tools used to excavate the Pueblo kiva and unearth the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. These implements are wielded with urgency and greed, breaking into the secret chamber and digging through the earth until the box containing the Cross is discovered. The clanging and scraping of the tools create a sense of frenzied activity, underscoring the robbers’ desperation to find valuables. Once the Cross is stolen, the tools are abandoned as the gang shifts focus to the chase, leaving them scattered in the kiva as evidence of their illicit activity.
Fedora’s kerosene lantern plays a crucial role in illuminating the discovery of the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. Its flickering light casts dramatic shadows on the kiva walls, highlighting the artifact’s jewels as Fedora appraises it. The lantern also serves as a practical tool, providing the light needed for the grave robbers to dig and search for additional valuables. Its presence creates an atmosphere of tension and mystery, emphasizing the clandestine nature of the excavation and the high stakes of the theft that follows.
Herman’s scout scarf serves as a physical anchor in this event, symbolizing the urgency of Indy’s instructions. Indy grabs the scarf and pulls Herman close, emphasizing the importance of his task—fetching Havelock and the sheriff—as a distraction. The scarf is a tangible link between the two boys, representing Herman’s role as the reluctant messenger in Indy’s plan. Its use underscores the tension and haste of the moment, as well as the stark contrast between Herman’s fear and Indy’s determination.
The Pueblo kiva escape rope is the means by which young Indiana Jones attempts to flee the grave robbers after stealing the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. Indy grabs the rope and begins to climb, but his foot snaps a wooden beam, alerting the robbers to his escape. The rope symbolizes Indy’s resourcefulness and his attempt to outmaneuver the gang, but it also becomes the catalyst for the chase as the noise attracts their attention. Its presence in the kiva suggests a prior use—perhaps by other explorers or looters—and highlights the precariousness of Indy’s situation.
The kiva passageway wooden beam plays a critical role in the event by serving as an unintended alarm. As Indy climbs the rope to escape, his foot snaps the brittle beam, creating a sharp crack that echoes through the kiva and alerts the grave robbers to his presence. The beam’s fragility contrasts with the sturdy rope, highlighting the precariousness of Indy’s situation and the thin margin between success and failure. Its collapse is a turning point, shifting the scene from theft to chase and raising the stakes for Indy’s escape.
The snake plays a pivotal role in this event, serving as both a distraction and a tactical advantage for young Indiana Jones. It slithers across Herman’s lap, freezing him in terror and providing Indy with the opportunity to send him for help. Later, the snake emerges from Indy’s sleeve during the chase, coiling around Roscoe’s hand and causing him to scream in panic. This moment creates a critical escape window for Indy, turning the snake from a mere obstacle into a tool that aids his evasion. The snake’s presence underscores the raw, untamed nature of the kiva and the unpredictability of the chase.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Pueblo Kiva Passageway is the claustrophobic, spider-webbed setting for this event, serving as both the discovery site for the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado and the battleground for its theft. The narrow, dimly lit space amplifies the tension as young Indiana Jones and Herman stumble upon the grave robbers unearthing the artifact. The passageway’s confined quarters force the characters into close proximity, heightening the stakes of the theft and the subsequent chase. The thick spider webs, slithering snakes, and echoing shouts create an atmosphere of danger and unpredictability, making the location a character in its own right. Its ancient, untouched feel contrasts sharply with the modern greed of the robbers and the moral conviction of Indy.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The Boy Scouts of America is indirectly involved in this event through young Indiana Jones and Herman, who are members of Scoutmaster Havelock’s troop. While the organization itself is not physically present in the kiva, its values—such as discipline, exploration, and civic duty—are reflected in the boys’ actions. Herman’s reluctance to disobey orders and Indy’s sense of responsibility to report the looting both stem from their Scout training. The organization’s influence is also seen in the structured hierarchy of the troop, which Indy leverages by sending Herman to fetch Havelock and the sheriff. The Scouts’ presence in the scene underscores the contrast between the boys’ moral upbringing and the grave robbers’ greed, as well as the role of authority figures like Havelock in guiding their actions.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
No narrative connections mapped yet
This event is currently isolated in the narrative graph
Key Dialogue
"HERMAN: I don’t think this is such a good idea."
"INDY: ((hushed; urgent)) It’s the Cross of Coronado! Cortes gave it to him in 1521. That Cross is an important artifact. It belongs in a museum."
"INDY: Run back and find the others. Tell Mister Havelock that there are men looting in the caves. ... Have him bring the sheriff. ... I don’t know... I’ll think of something."