Xaw never thought of profiting from his ascendency over the others. The sacristan had passed the age of passion; he was alone, his wife long dead, and for his needs what he had was more than enough; he had no ambition for anything else. But with what delectation he enjoyed his prestige and the tribe’s deference!

For that reason, when he learned of Padre Manuel’s arrival in Chamula he felt a slight stab of jealousy. Was a Ladino going to dispute the rank that for so long he had usurped? His attitude toward the newcomer was devious and defensive. The incidents of the first days appeared to confirm the old man’s sad conjectures. Manuel was very vain about his authority, conscious of his hierarchical status and the importance of his mission.

But very quickly Xaw was able to convince himself that the presence of a priest should not be cause for alarm or concern. On the contrary. In the eyes of the Indians, Manuel Mandujano was the materialization of the Caxlán god. Incapable of representing him to themselves in abstractions, the Indians preferred to have that god before them, visible, in flesh and bone. Like all divinities, this one was incomprehensible. He thundered from the pulpit in a strange language, he handed down absurd mandates, he was moved for unknown reasons. He could be feared, yes, and worshipped. But love him, give themselves over to him, trust him? Never.

Thus the services of an intermediary were indispensable. And that was precisely what Xaw was there for. He translated the priest’s words to the others in his own very clumsy way; he explained entreaties and excuses to each side, mixing everything up and complicating it even further. And the result was that Padre Mandujano stopped being a rival and became a useful ally. Ah, if Xaw had not had such proximity to his person, if he were not so closely acquainted with the hollowness Padre Manuel covered over with his anger, if he did not witness every day the lethargies of Padre Manuel’s will, the weaknesses of his body, Xaw, too, would have believed in Padre Mandujano as in a god.

A healthy skepticism modified the sacristan’s attitude toward the priest. Of course Padre Manuel Mandujano could be judged, and judging him had become Xaw’s favorite pastime. Of course, too, Padre Manuel Mandujano could be deceived, and in cases of conflict with his parishioners, he could always be swayed towards the other side.