The Cross of Coronado: Indy’s First Heist and Fedora’s Chilling Pursuit
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
As the robbers continue searching for treasure, Indy seizes the opportunity and steals the Cross of Coronado; the robbers notice and give chase, while Fedora calmly joins the pursuit.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Awestruck by the artifact’s beauty, then determined to preserve it, with a rising urgency as the chase unfolds. His emotional state shifts from curiosity to resolve, then to adrenaline-fueled desperation as he’s pursued.
Young Indy, hidden in the shadows of the kiva passageway, watches in awe as the grave robbers uncover the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. His initial fascination turns to resolve when he recognizes the artifact’s historical value. He sends Herman for help, then seizes the Cross, tucking it into his pants before attempting to escape via a rope. His clumsy misstep—snapping a wooden beam—alerts the robbers, forcing him into a frantic climb as Fedora and his crew give chase. Indy’s actions are driven by a mix of adventure and moral conviction, though his improvisation betrays his inexperience.
- • Secure the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado to ensure it reaches a museum (not the hands of grave robbers).
- • Escape the kiva passageway without being caught by Fedora and his crew.
- • Historical artifacts belong in museums, not in the hands of thieves or opportunists.
- • He can outsmart the robbers through quick thinking and resourcefulness, even if he lacks a fully formed plan.
Coolly amused by the artifact’s beauty and value, with a simmering irritation at Indy’s interference. His emotional state is one of quiet confidence, bordering on arrogance—he expects to reclaim the Cross effortlessly, and his pursuit reflects this assurance.
Fedora, the leader of the grave-robbing crew, exudes an air of calm authority as he oversees the excavation of the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. Unlike his frenzied companions, he appraises the artifact with aloof admiration, blowing dust from it and turning it in his hand as if it were a personal treasure. When Indy steals the Cross, Fedora’s pursuit is measured and unhurried, contrasting sharply with the chaotic scramble of Roscoe, Halfbreed, and Rough Rider. His composed demeanor hints at a deeper, more calculated threat—one that will resurface years later, forcing Indy to confront not just the past, but the moral complexities of his own choices.
- • Recover the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado from Indy.
- • Assert his dominance over the situation, both over his crew and the boy who dared to steal from him.
- • The Cross is rightfully his (or at least, his to sell or keep).
- • Indy is an insignificant nuisance, not a real threat—his pursuit is more about principle than panic.
Coolly amused by the artifact’s beauty and value, with a simmering irritation at Indy’s interference. His emotional state is one of quiet confidence, bordering on arrogance—he expects to reclaim the Cross effortlessly, and his pursuit reflects this assurance.
Fedora, the leader of the grave-robbing crew, exudes an air of calm authority as he oversees the excavation of the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. Unlike his frenzied companions, he appraises the artifact with aloof admiration, blowing dust from it and turning it in his hand as if it were a personal treasure. When Indy steals the Cross, Fedora’s pursuit is measured and unhurried, contrasting sharply with the chaotic scramble of Roscoe, Halfbreed, and Rough Rider. His composed demeanor hints at a deeper, more calculated threat—one that will resurface years later, forcing Indy to confront not just the past, but the moral complexities of his own choices.
- • Recover the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado from Indy.
- • Assert his dominance over the situation, both over his crew and the boy who dared to steal from him.
- • The Cross is rightfully his (or at least, his to sell or keep).
- • Indy is an insignificant nuisance, not a real threat—his pursuit is more about principle than panic.
Frenzied and enraged—first by the theft of the Cross, then by the chase itself. His emotional state is one of uncontrolled aggression, with a desperate need to reclaim what was taken.
Halfbreed, the most impulsive and violent member of Fedora’s crew, reacts to the discovery of the Cross with raw excitement, whooping alongside Roscoe. When Indy steals the artifact, Halfbreed is the first to shout ‘Get ’im!’ and joins the pursuit with reckless abandon. His aggression is physical and immediate, reflecting his role as Fedora’s most volatile enforcer. He grabs at Indy’s feet during the chase, his actions driven by a mix of greed and a desire to prove himself.
- • Recapture the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado to restore his standing in the crew.
- • Punish Indy for his theft, preferably through physical confrontation.
- • The Cross is rightfully theirs, and Indy is a thief who deserves to be stopped by any means necessary.
- • His reputation within the crew depends on his ability to handle threats like Indy.
Overwhelmed by fear—first of the dark passageway, then of the snake, and finally of the grave robbers’ shouts. His emotional state is a mix of terror and relief as he flees to get help, though his obedience to Indy suggests a deep (if reluctant) trust.
Herman, Indy’s pudgy and nervous scout companion, reluctantly follows him into the dark passageway, his fear palpable as he brushes through spider webs. His terror peaks when a snake slithers across his lap, freezing him in place. Indy’s calm handling of the snake snaps Herman out of his paralysis, and he finally obeys Indy’s urgent instructions to fetch Havelock and the sheriff. Herman’s departure marks the shift from discovery to chaos, as Indy’s theft of the Cross triggers the robbers’ pursuit.
- • Escape the passageway and fetch Havelock and the sheriff as instructed by Indy.
- • Avoid the grave robbers and the snake at all costs.
- • Indy knows what he’s doing (even if Herman doesn’t fully understand why).
- • The passageway is dangerous, and he should never have followed Indy inside.
Overwhelmed by greed and frustration—first euphoric at the discovery of the Cross, then enraged when it’s stolen. His emotional state is one of frenzied determination, bordering on desperation.
Roscoe, the excitable and greedy member of Fedora’s crew, is the first to uncover the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado. His discovery triggers a frenzy of excitement among the robbers, with Roscoe whooping and declaring the crew ‘rich.’ When Indy steals the Cross, Roscoe is the first to shout the alarm, his voice a mix of outrage and panic. He joins the chaotic pursuit, his aggression fueled by greed and the fear of losing his share of the loot. His actions are impulsive and physical, reflecting his role as Fedora’s eager enforcer.
- • Recapture the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado at all costs.
- • Prove his loyalty to Fedora by being the one to stop Indy.
- • The Cross is his ticket to wealth and respect.
- • Indy is a thief who must be punished.
Driven by a mix of greed and professional pride—he takes the theft of the Cross as a personal affront. His emotional state is one of focused intensity, with a simmering anger at Indy’s audacity.
Rough Rider, another member of Fedora’s crew, participates in the excavation with a no-nonsense, aggressive demeanor. He reacts to the discovery of the Cross with quiet intensity, stepping forward to inspect it alongside Roscoe and Halfbreed. When Indy steals the artifact, Rough Rider joins the pursuit without hesitation, his actions mirroring Roscoe’s frenzy but with a more disciplined edge. He represents the brute-force element of Fedora’s operation, willing to use violence to achieve his goals.
- • Recover the Bejeweled Cross of Coronado to restore order to the crew’s operation.
- • Demonstrate his value to Fedora by being the one to apprehend Indy.
- • The crew’s success depends on their ability to work together without interference.
- • Indy’s theft is a direct challenge to their authority.
Not applicable (as an animal), but its actions contribute to the emotional states of Herman (terror) and Indy (practical resolve).
The snake plays a pivotal, if unintentional, role in this event. It slithers across Herman’s lap, freezing him in terror, and later emerges from Indy’s sleeve during the chase on the circus train. In the kiva passageway, Indy casually picks up the snake and tosses it aside, demonstrating his practical attitude toward wildlife. The snake’s presence heightens the tension of the scene, serving as both a distraction and a catalyst for action—Herman’s fear of it prompts Indy to send him for help, while its later reappearance during the chase creates a moment of chaos that aids Indy’s escape.
- • None (it acts on instinct).
- • Its presence disrupts the robbers’ focus and creates opportunities for Indy.
Havelock is not physically present in this event, but his authority is invoked when Indy sends Herman to fetch him …
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Box Containing the Cross of Coronado is the physical vessel that holds the artifact, discovered by Roscoe during the excavation. Fedora pries it open, revealing the Cross in a moment of dramatic revelation. The box’s discovery triggers the robbers’ euphoria and sets the stage for Indy’s theft. Its sudden appearance—followed by its swift removal by Indy—becomes the catalyst for the chase, symbolizing the shift from discovery to conflict. The box itself is unremarkable, but its contents are priceless, making it a MacGuffin that drives the entire event.
The Shovels and Pick-Axes are the tools used by Fedora’s crew to excavate the kiva. They are wielded with a mix of brute force and precision, breaking through the earthen floor to uncover the box containing the Cross. The rhythmic clinking of metal against stone creates an ominous backdrop to the scene, underscoring the robbers’ determination. Once the Cross is discovered, the tools are discarded in favor of hand-digging, but their presence earlier in the event establishes the crew’s methodical (if destructive) approach to their work. For Indy, these tools symbolize the desecration of history—another reason he feels compelled to act.
Fedora’s Kerosene Lantern provides the only light in the dim, spider-webbed kiva passageway, casting eerie shadows on the walls and illuminating the Bejeweled Cross as it is uncovered. The lantern’s glow heightens the dramatic reveal of the artifact, drawing the robbers’ (and Indy’s) attention. Its flickering light also creates a sense of urgency and tension, as the boys and robbers move through the confined space. The lantern is a practical tool, but it also serves as a narrative device, framing the Cross’s discovery and Indy’s theft in a way that emphasizes their significance.
Herman’s Scout Scarf serves as a physical anchor in this event, used by Indy to emphasize the urgency of his instructions. When Indy grabs the scarf and pulls Herman close, the gesture underscores the gravity of the situation—Herman must fetch help, or Indy’s plan will fail. The scarf is a mundane object, but in this moment, it becomes a symbol of trust and responsibility. Its red fabric (implied by its association with the Boy Scouts) contrasts with the dim, earthy tones of the kiva, drawing attention to the boys’ youth and the adult world they are being forced to navigate.
The Passageway Spider Webs create a tactile, oppressive atmosphere in the kiva, draping across the boys’ faces and hair as they move through the passageway. The webs snag on Indy and Herman, heightening the sense of claustrophobia and the untouched, ancient nature of the space. For Herman, the webs are a source of discomfort, reinforcing his reluctance to be there. For Indy, they are an obstacle to be brushed aside—his focus is on the Cross, not the environment. The webs also serve as a narrative device, slowing the boys’ movement and adding to the tension as they approach the robbers. Their presence underscores the kiva’s role as a liminal space, neither fully part of the modern world nor entirely separate from it.
The Pueblo Kiva Escape Rope is Indy’s means of escape after stealing the Cross. Hanging from the ceiling of the passageway, it provides a vertical route out of the kiva—though Indy’s clumsiness (snapping a wooden beam) betrays his position. The rope is sturdy but precarious, symbolizing the tenuous nature of Indy’s plan. Its presence highlights the kiva’s labyrinthine design, where escape is as much about physical agility as it is about quick thinking. The rope’s role is functional, but it also underscores the high stakes of Indy’s theft: one wrong move, and he’s caught.
The Kiva Passageway Wooden Beam is a structural element of the passageway that Indy accidentally snaps underfoot as he climbs the rope. The sharp crack echoes through the kiva, alerting the robbers to his presence and triggering the chase. The beam’s collapse is a turning point in the event, shifting it from a moment of opportunistic theft to a high-stakes pursuit. Its fragility symbolizes the precariousness of Indy’s situation—one misstep, and his plan unravels. The beam also serves as a practical obstacle, forcing Indy to move quickly and the robbers to react with urgency.
The Bejeweled Cross of Coronado is the artifact at the heart of this event. Unearthed by Roscoe, it is admired by Fedora and salivated over by the robbers, who see it as their ticket to wealth. Indy recognizes its historical significance and steals it, sparking the chase. The Cross is not just a MacGuffin—it is a symbol of the conflict between greed (the robbers) and preservation (Indy). Its theft marks Indy’s first moral stand, while its pursuit by Fedora foreshadows a lifelong antagonism. The Cross’s gleaming jewels, caught in the lantern light, emphasize its allure and the stakes of the conflict.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Pueblo Kiva Passageway is the primary setting for this event, a dim, labyrinthine space beneath the cliff dwelling. Its narrow walls, spider webs, and slithering snakes create a sense of claustrophobia and danger, amplifying the tension as Indy and Herman navigate toward the robbers. The passageway’s confined space forces the boys to move cautiously, while the robbers’ shouts echo ominously through the tight corridors. The kiva’s ancient, untouched atmosphere contrasts with the modern greed of the grave robbers, making their presence feel like a violation. For Indy, the passageway is both a challenge and an opportunity—its twists and turns allow him to steal the Cross, but its obstacles (like the rope and the beam) also threaten to betray him. The location’s role is multifaceted: it is a stage for discovery, a battleground for the chase, and a metaphor for the moral complexities of the event.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The Boy Scouts of America is invoked in this event through Herman’s role as a scout and Indy’s implicit connection to the organization (as a fellow scout). While the Scouts themselves are not physically present in the kiva, their values—loyalty, bravery, and a sense of duty—are tested in this moment. Herman’s reluctance to follow Indy into the passageway reflects the Scouts’ emphasis on safety and obedience, while Indy’s decision to send Herman for help (and his own impulsive theft of the Cross) highlights the tension between individual initiative and group rules. The organization’s presence is felt through Herman’s uniform (including his scout scarf) and his eventual obedience to Indy’s command to fetch Havelock and the sheriff. The Scouts’ role in this event is indirect but significant, as it frames the boys’ actions within a larger moral and institutional context.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
No narrative connections mapped yet
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Key Dialogue
"**Indy (hushed, urgent):** *'It’s the Cross of Coronado! Cortés gave it to him in 1521. That Cross is an important artifact. It belongs in a museum.'* **Context:** Indy’s whispered declaration to Herman reveals his **dual nature**—the wide-eyed wonder of a boy discovering history *and* the incipient moral code of a future archaeologist. His insistence that the Cross ‘belongs in a museum’ foreshadows his lifelong battle against looters, collectors, and later, the Nazis. The line also underscores the **stakes of the scene**: this isn’t just theft; it’s a violation of history itself. His tone is a mix of **awe and indignation**, hinting at the conflict that will define his adult life: the tension between adventure and responsibility."
"**Fedora (calm, authoritative):** *'Dig with your hands. Not with your mouth.'* **Context:** Fedora’s **ice-cold composure** contrasts sharply with the chaotic energy of his crew. His command—delivered with the precision of a man used to being obeyed—reveals his **role as the true leader** of the group. The line is deceptively simple, but it **encapsulates his character**: he’s a man who values **control, discipline, and hierarchy**, traits that will make him a formidable antagonist. The fact that he doesn’t join the frenzied chase after Indy (instead following at his own pace) suggests he’s playing a **longer game**—one that will intersect with Indy’s life in ways neither boy nor man can yet imagine. The dialogue also serves as a **thematic counterpoint** to Indy’s impulsive heroism, emphasizing Fedora’s **methodical, predatory nature**."
"**Indy (to Herman, urgent):** *'Run back and find the others. Tell Mister Havelock that there are men looting in the caves. Have him bring the sheriff.'* **Context:** This exchange is the **pivotal moment** where Indy’s **boyhood idealism** collides with the **reality of his choices**. He sends Herman for help, but his plan is **flawed from the start**: he assumes the law will side with him, unaware of the **corruption or complicity** that may lie ahead (foreshadowing the sheriff’s later betrayal). His tone is **authoritative yet uncertain**—he’s used to being the leader, but this is his first real test. The dialogue also **highlights his isolation**: he’s sending Herman away, choosing to face the robbers alone. This moment **plants the seed** for Indy’s lifelong pattern of **solo heroism**, a trait that will both define and endanger him in the years to come. The line also **sets up the chase**: by sending Herman away, Indy ensures there’s no one to help him when the robbers give pursuit."