Part 3, Chapter 25 Summary

Meo takes Tom under his belt and gets him to help with the bean harvest - in the 'old way'. It is slow work, "the frijole takes its own time - grows one day at a time." They gather, thresh and winnow the beans, sorting them and storing them in bags. Tom asks Meo about his story, how he came to Red's spread. Meo does not answer directly but asks Tom about himself and learns Tom lived the 'old way' for many years. Tom tells him the 'old way' is dead. Meo's reply is that the mountains are still there. Tom tells Meo that he came to train with Red to learn to be the boss. Meo states that Tom is the boss on the horse - until Red tells him what to do. Tom is resigned, "I ride. I eat...