The revolutionaries leave the ranch. Pedro plans to put El Tilcuate at the head of his 300 men and have them join the revolutionaries, taking over the group from the inside. Pedro gives El Tilcuate money and tells him to find 300 men, promising land and a ranch to the man if he succeeds.

In the present, Juan and Dorotea continue to listen to Susana’s story. She shares her memories of a man and their close romantic relationship. Then, however, the man dies. Juan and Dorotea do not know the man’s identity. Susana continues, explaining how she was waiting for him to return when she was informed of his death. As she recounts her grief, her coffin groans.

In the past, Susana dreams. She is told repeatedly about the death of her husband, Florencio. She blames God for taking her husband and she does not know what to do with herself. Pedro watches his wife sleep, and he wants to help her. When he leaves her bedroom, however, his thoughts turn to other matters. Father Renteria visits Susana the next day. She is “naked and sleeping” (113) in her bed.

Pedro is told by his lawyer that El Tilcuate has been defeated in a battle between the revolutionaries and the Villistas, a rival group of soldiers.