Summary

In Part I, “The Seditionists,” Chapter 1, four Texas Rangers or rinches, rode down the road, meeting two Mexican men in a buggy. The rinches recognized them as outlaws Lupe and El Negro. Lupe was known for stealing money and cattle in the region. The rinches let them go, as they disbelieved he would join the Republic of the Southwest. They were certain they would catch Lupe one day while napping (11).

The rinches met Doc Berry on the road with a red-haired man, Gumersindo, who Doc assured them was “a good Mexican” (12). After leaving the rinches, Gumersindo begged Doc to drive faster as he was worried about his wife, María. When they arrived at the house, María had just given birth. Her brother Feliciano emerged, saying María was being sewn up. Gumersindo showed Feliciano the paper, saying “the duke of Austria...