Part I, I - IV Summary

I: There are strange noises outside a home. A woman and child live in the home, along with a man named Demetrio Macias. Demetrio suspects trouble and hides while arming himself with a rifle. The dog goes to investigate the noise and is shot dead. It turns out a sergeant and lieutenant have visited. They are drunk and aggressive. They loudly yell for food and a place to stay, and the woman scolds them as she drags the dog they shot back home. They see her and make sexually suggestive threats. They seem ready to bully themselves into the home, but Demetrio appears. They are cowed by him; they call him a "genuine man," and it is clear he has some sort of reputation with them. They leave without Demetrio having to say a word...