Chapter 5 Summary

At the opening of Chapter 5, it is revealed that Pocha is pregnant. Pocha and Mother Leonor notice that Captain Pantoja is especially cheerful. He tells his wife that his happiness comes from the fact that the Special Service has been in operation for six months and that he is pleased with the results.

Chino Porfirio tells Madame Chuchupe and Freckle that he has seen Captain Pantoja out on the town with the newest "specialist"—an infamous prostitute by the name of Olga Arellano Rosaura (known to all as "The Brazilian"). Chuchupe and the others discuss the Brazilian's reputation for driving men mad. Supposedly, two men killed themselves for love of the tantalizing young woman.

At a gathering of the Brothers of the Ark in the nearby town of Moronacocha, Mother Leonor witnesses the crucifixion of a young boy. The boy's death is...