Part Two, Section 1 (to page 85) Summary and Analysis

Gustavo is not heard from for several weeks. A traveling salesman eventually passes through Jalco with news that Gustavo has found work and a place to live. Ernie sees Henriqueta and Esther having serious conversations, but he and his cousins are kept away from earshot.

Catarino returns from work one day with a horse and mule. Ernie sees Henriqueta working long hours at her sewing machine, the Ajax, and he perceives of a dark and serious atmosphere in the cottage. Ernie feels a sense of adventure about his approaching move to Tepic, but his spirits are dampened when he learns that Relbmpago, Coronel, and the hens will be staying in Jalco.

The family rises before dawn one morning and proceeds with the preparations necessary for the journey. Esther, Jes's, and Catarino Junior say...