The sheriff flicked a glance at Petra and came back to Don Felipe. “I understand that you told Ricardo Vega to stay off your land, otherwise he risked his life.”
Don Felipe made a dismissive expression. “I felt it necessary to use forceful words, to let him know I was serious, and that’s why I don’t regret it. He hasn’t come back.”
“But you did make the threat?”
“Of course I did. Why deny it?” He took another drag from the cigarette.
“Are you a man of your word?”
A look of disdain crossed over Don Felipe’s face. He said, “I, sir, am steeped in my honor. I am the master of this rancho which you are now on. I do not toss around my words in vain. And I believe this young Ricardo Vega knows it, and for that he has not come back but rather goes crying to you.”
The man of the law showed a stirring of dignity himself. “It is well that you have such a high opinion of yourself, but I did not come to chide you for your threat.”
“Then why do you all take the trouble to come here?”
“Because,” said the sheriff, “the young man Ricardo Vega is no longer alive….”