Chapter 4 Summary

The old gringo is riding into a camp. The soldiers there are watching him. Inocencio Mansalvo remarks when he first sees the old gringo that he has surely come to die. Pedro, 11 years old, gives due deference to Mansalvo as well as the old gringo. The Colonel states that he believes the old gringo to be a man of honor, so the guerrillas do not set upon him at once, but warily watch his every move.

La Garduna makes some remarks indicating that she is a prostitute who has attached herself to the troops of General Arroyo. The old gringo travels with them for a few days. As they get to know him and his vanities, they tease him for wanting a warm towel and a mirror to shave. Some think of him as a peacock, not well adapted for the life of...