Summary

In "Afternoon," "Amargo, Arizona Territory, 1893," Nora encounters Doc Hector Almenara. He accompanies her back to the house. He examines Missus Harriet, who Josie insists moved on her own. Nora reminds him she did not ask for him to call. Not unkindly, he remarks he is checking in on them, commenting on their clear thirst. After some visiting, he finally tells Nora he came per Emmett's invitation. When Nora explains Emmett went for water, Hector comments on the deceitfulness of watermen. Worried, Nora asks if he heard of any trouble along Emmett's projected route. Hector recalls a story of Martín Cruzado's violent trouble in the same territory, finally revealing Martín as the man who broke the "Sentinel" window. Hector explains Martín blames the "Sentinel" for continued unrest between neighboring townspeople, due to Emmett's refusal to print their rebuttal letters...