The House Of Crow Collection

8. The Rancho

Hector Camacho let his sombrero hang from his neck down his back from its chin strap. His forehead was bandaged where the gray had kicked him. Crow was sitting on the gray, which was casually munching at the sweet spring grass. Hector, Carlos, Crow, and LeRue, sat astride their mounts on a hill overlooking a lush green valley. There were longhorn cattle, as far as the eye could see.

Carlos stood in his stirrups, and with a sweeping motion of an extended arm said, “The rancho is about 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres). Our main income is derived from cattle and the hide industry. We will be making a trip to San Diego soon to sell our hides and tallow. You will be able to apply for citizenship there if you wish to stay. If you do, be aware that you will have to pledge allegiance to Mexico, and join the Catholic Church. After you do this, you will be on probation for a year, but then you can apply for a land grant.”

Crow looked over the valley. In his mind"s eye, he saw not cattle, but horses. Crow had learned that the Mexicans, although overrun with horses, paid well for fast, well-trained ones. "I think I see an opportunity here," he thought. “I might like to do that,” said Crow. “What do you think, LeRue?”

“I have my papers with me, showing that I"m already a citizen of Mexico and a Catholic. I too think I like this California. If you stay Isaiah, I will stay too.”

Unseen by the three, Hector"s green eyes, blazing with hatred, thought, "I think maybe these gringos should be dealt with as soon as possible."

Carlos, settling onto his saddle, said, “Come, we will check on el lugar de los cráneos.”

Crow looked questioningly at LeRue.

LeRue said, “The place of the skulls.”