Feliciano crosses into Morelos and visits Don Santos’ impressive house, and Don Santos tells his story to Feliciano. He was born to a creole Mexican father and a Black mother. After a household betrayal led to the death of his mother, Don Santos’ father sent him away. He then traveled to Texas, where he joined the sediciosos with Feliciano and Lupe. While there, his father and brothers were killed in Mexico by villistas, supporters of Mexican president Venustiano Carranza. After the sedicioso cause fell apart, Lupe and Don Santos returned to Mexico and joined the carrancistas, also supporters of Carranza, and became colonels. Eventually, a lawyer located Don Santos and informed him that he is the primary heir in his father’s will.

Don Santos tells Feliciano of his intention to smuggle desired but overly expensive goods across the border and asks his old comrade to help. Feliciano feels morally conflicted by this, but eventually agrees. He then talks to Don Santos about his dream of one day renting land and starting a farm.

After leaving Morelos, Feliciano recalls the events of his life without pride. He bemoans that this new endeavor in smuggling will add up to just one more shameful act, but he admits to himself that he will soon need money to fund Guálinto’s education.