The story begins with the main protagonists, Fish-hound, a young black boy, as he goes fishing with his friend, Headeye. Headeye is convinced that he has supernatural powers because he owns a mojo bone.
He recounts the story of Ezekiel when he ventured to the valley of dry bones, where the bones rose up again. Moreover, Headeye prophesies the return of Noah’s ark. Though Fish-hound does not believe him at first, he soon sees a boat on the river. They both take a rowboat out to the boat, where they see an old man dressed in skins. On the boat, they find stacks and stacks of bones, thought to be members of the crew.
The old man tells them, “Son you are in the house of generations. Every African who lives in America has a part of his soul in this ark.” He acknowledges Headeye’s powers and a religious ceremony takes place for him. Both boys are bound to secrecy for what they have seen. In the end, Headeye states that he will be leaving, and Fish-hound does not mention the ark to anyone.
