In "Comanche Moon" by Larry McMurtry, characters Call and Gus are faced with the unsettling task of dealing with a dead body. Call suggests that they could cover the body with rocks, expressing a sense of discomfort with leaving it exposed. This conversation reflects a struggle between human decency and practicality in the harsh realities of their environment.
Gus responds with a stark reminder of nature's cycle, noting that the body will be consumed by buzzards, indicating a darker acceptance of mortality. The exchange highlights the characters' attitudes toward death and the often grim realities they encounter in their lives, showcasing McMurtry's exploration of survival and morality amidst the backdrop of the American frontier.