Chapter 8: Cerro Leon Summary

The United States minister, Charles Washburn, writes back to the U.S. Secretary of State describing the tyranny of the Lopez dynasty. People who do not conform are jailed for the smallest excuse. The rumor is that Franco is going to change the government to an empire. He is having people arrested on mere whims.

Franco starts massing troops on the border at Cerro Leon and training them to fight. He considers the Argentine Republic a threat that has to be dealt with. He is also worried about Brazil wanting more land. He rides a mule because it stands higher than the native Paraguayan horse and puts him up above his men.

Franco's oldest son, Pancho, is already showing some of his father's tendencies. He is aggressive and unemotional. He plays with his younger brothers Enrique, Federico and Carlos...