Power and the Glory: Section 2 Blog 1

The priest kept going on his mule, having been running for twelve hours, with the police everywhere trying to catch him. I followed him closely behind with great intent of finishing a fascinating and mystifying story. The policemen, trying to chase him into a place of no escape, pursued him intently. I managed to pull ahead of the policemen however, and followed closely behind the man. The police dropped behind, and both in tired spirits as it would seem, we prodded forward towards a small town. 

The priest quickly dismounted and went directly to the home of a woman whom he addressed as Maria. She must have known him, for she addressed him as "Father". I wondered how they knew each other. The villagers were cold towards him, and frightened by his presence in their town. It must have been that the lieutenant's threat to take hostages from the villages in which he is reported to have stayed ever loomed over their heads constantly. I followed closely behind the man and the woman called Maria, and listened intently to their awkward small talk. 

The priest then inquired after someone named Brigitta, with a small smile caressing his face. Maria replied coldly, and without change of expressions. The priest went into the home, and Maria instructed them to come before him. They kissed his hand, as was ritual, but it was odd that none of the townspeople came and did the same, but instead kept their distance, all while speaking in hushed whispers. 

He entered the house, where Maria brought him some brandy, and the child Brigitta appeared. Was this his daughter? She was about seven I should think, but much too old in mannerisms for her age. Her mother was very harsh and cold towards her, which seemed to anger the priest. Brigitta inquired of her father (whom I dont think she knew was her father), if he was el gringo, who had been accused of murder. She also refused to say her catechisms, which must have been a knife in the heart of this once-religious man. Their conversation was short and simple, however very meaningful. It was possibly the last interaction between father and daughter, because I knew that the lieutenant would stop at nothing to catch him. 

He was running out of time. Running out of time to mend his wrongs perhaps? A priest with a daughter? Who would have guessed? Well, after all, this is Mexico.