No, what they needed was a caudillo. A caudillo who was a Coleto to the marrow of his bones and an energetic, audacious and ambitious man. Who incarnated these virtues? The crowd found out when Leonardo Cifuentes, followed by other ranchers, passed through it to knock at the door of the Palacio Episcopal.

He was received immediately. And from the moment Leonardo Cifuentes and his retinue disappeared inside the bishop’s house, the crowd’s wait acquired a meaning. Now they became agitated, they gesticulated, and the murmur swelled to a bellow. Now they were proposing plans of attack against the indigenous communities and measures for defending their own city. Now each one felt himself to be the hero of a coming adventure, responsible for the lives of his fellow citizens, guardian of the community’s belongings.

When, after a lapse of time that seemed eternal to those who were waiting, Leonardo Cifuentes reappeared in the doorway, there was a sudden silence.

Leonardo stopped and behind him his companions did too. He knew then that he had to speak.

“His Excellency sends you his blessing,” he said. “Events have left him so shattered that he cannot come to be near his flock.”

An old woman sighed sympathetically. She felt strong, daring, protected. When had the Church ever abandoned them? During an uprising she had heard her grandparents talk about, the Virgen de la Caridad intervened between the Indians and the Caxláns, granting victory to the just. Now, who knew what miracles, what wondrous things would be seen!

“Each one must look out for himself and for everyone,” Leonardo continued. “The men by taking up arms, the women by exercising prudence, the virtue that Coletas are famous for throughout the region.”

Applause was heard. Chests expanded in pride at having been born in this valley encircled by high mountain crests, at descending from men who were famous for their daring exploits and the purity of their names, at speaking the language of the elect.

“Our elders will not be ashamed of us! By our deeds we will prove ourselves worthy of them!”

Leonardo’s last words were greeted with a chorus of Viva! and hats thrown into the air. The women covered their blushes with the fringes of their shawls. A boy tossed up a firecracker, causing fright and anger at first, then laughter from those nearby.

After that everyone went their separate ways. Leonardo and the ranchers went to the Ayuntamiento, where an urgent meeting of the “most prominent members” of the populace had been called. The rest went to their respective homes.