Chapter 5, 1927: November 23 Summary

Cruz visits corrupt friends in Mexico City where one friend tells Cruz that all the priests will be shot the following day, because he is sure that Cruz will keep the secret. While in the city, Cruz visits a brothel.

Cruz recalls meeting with the President and advising him to draft all the remaining rebels into the army and send them to die in a war. He remembers meetings where blustery American businessmen pressured the politicians to violently quash any rebellion. The businessmen threaten to withdraw their financial support from the country if their terms are not met.

As Cruz lies on his deathbed, Catalina and Teresa search fruitlessly for his will. Finally, they ask him where he has put it. Cruz pretends that he can't remember.

Chapter 5, 1927: November 23 Analysis

The Roman Catholic Church has long supported the existing power structure...