Chapter Six Summary

Dr. Don Pedro Barreda y Zaldivar is the examining magistrate for the First Criminal Division in the Superior Court of Lima. His secretary, Dr. Zelaya brings him the first case of the day, the accused rape of a minor named Sarita Huanca. The report states that Sarita Huanca was continually approached by Gumercindo Tello, another tenant in her tenement, with vulgar, lewd remarks and advances. One day the Gumercindo Tello comes to Sarita's home when her parents were out, asking to borrow kerosene to light his stove. Once allowed inside, Tello beat Sarita into submission and raped her. The arresting officers learn that he is a Jehovah's Witness and find him in the middle of a baptism. At the commissariat, Tello admitted knowing Sarita and her family but thought the accusation to be an incredulous test of faith.

When Dr. Zaldivar...