Chapter 13: Gran Chaco Summary

Ella takes Padre Fidel Maiz out to the small village of Caacupe. It is renowned for its statue where people leave their jewelry as a symbol of faith. A terrible hailstorm comes in, and the sky turns black. Padre Maiz says it is a sign that they should not have come. Ella makes some comments about beads being equivalent to jewels in the eyes of God. She then strips the statue bare and replaces the valuable jewelry with cheap beads.

A representative from England visits Franco to investigate the claim that many Englishmen are being held against their will. Franco protests, but he doesn't disclose the whereabouts of the Englishmen in question. He finally allows the representative to leave with the families of the Englishmen.

Benigno Lopez has returned from exile and is staying at his mother's, along with...