Back at the hacienda, he took Storm to the stable, leaving her with Carlos. The servant’s eyes revealed to Sam that he sensed what had happened. Sam did not have to explain. He went immediately to the room he had shared with Ramón. He wasted no time in finding his pack, filling it only with the clothing he had brought with him to the ranch. He took none of the things that Ramón had provided him. Taking off his clothing and throwing it on the bed, he donned the garb he had not worn since the day he had arrived at the hacienda. These were the clothes he’d worn on his trip west.
Sam went to the desk in the corner of the room. Taking out paper and pen, he wrote a note to Señor dela Vega. He knew he should speak with him in person, but his shame was too great. He could not face him. The older
