Hernando asked Crow to take over Hector"s job of jefe. Crow suggested that Santiago would be a better choice. Santiago knew all of the men and had proven himself loyal to the Batista"s. “I wish to begin building my own place,” he explained. “You have given me permission to court Francisca, and I must build a home of my own.”
And so Crow and LeRue, with the guidance of Carlos, laid out the boundaries of what would be their ranchos. Crow took the box canyon location; LeRue the area near the lake. Crow was interested in using the canyon, with its water supply and abundant sweet grass, as a natural corral for horses. As partners, he and LeRue could use LeRue"s open pastures and water to run their horses.
Crow and LeRue set out the next morning with a borrowed wagon. It was filled with the to
