"I'm going to see to it," said Raul. "What made your father change his mind?" asked Gabriel eagerly. "I've decided to make these changes, now." Gabriel began to laugh softly, one hand on his knee. His glasses shook and seemed about to fall. "My dear boy, what's happened? Hadn't you better explain?" "I've decided to take over Petaca. I should have done it long ago." Gabriel blinked at Raul as if seeing him through smudged lenses. He trusted Raul, but he cleared his throat and knotted together the edge of his robe. "We're in for trouble," Gabriel said, drawing his feet underneath his chair and bending forward thoughtfully. "This will really upset the hacienda." "I don't want trouble; that's why I came to you." Gabriel sighed. He was willing to assume responsibility, but he could not see where he could help. He had looked forward to the young man's administration of the estate at the death of his father. Removing his glasses, he pinched his nose, and then put the glasses on again. "There's Pedro Chávez," he said. "You'll have to deal with him." "Angelina reminded me," Raul said. "Did you have to be reminded?" asked Gabriel. "Who else knows your decision besides Angelina?" "Salvador and Manuel." "Well, in a short time everyone will know." "Father doesn't know. Shall I tell him today?" "We'll tell him later. I see no reason to go to him now." "I think I should tell him today. He should hear it from me. "What precipitated your decision? I thought you would wait until..." He did not bother to finish the sentence; he was trying to consider problems dispassionately. "It's the shortage of corn. Father has refused to supply grain. Many are ill, but you know the situation better than I do. I won't wait any longer. Farias was sent to check the corn and fences along the del Valle line. I don't want any shootings and I don't want any trouble." Gabriel chuckled. "You don't want trouble," he said. "Now you'll have your hands full." "Maybe it won't be so bad." "Come--what about Pedro Chávez?" "I'll order him to leave the hacienda." Raul slapped the side of his boot with the palm of his hand. "I've had more than enough of Pedro." "I'm with you," cried Gabriel. "Let's get him out of here as soon as possible." Raul grabbed the priest's arm, and squeezed it. Gabriel's eyes glittered, and he stood up and said: "I remember the talks we've had in this room. I'll help you see that our people are treated right at Petaca. The Americans fought for their liberty.... Their war brought freedom! God will bless your decision, Raul. We'll work together." "I'll talk to my father," said Raul, rising. "Perhaps we should wait till Dr. Velasco comes," said Gabriel. "I'd rather not." "The shock may be too much for Don Fernando. I'd wait." Gabriel hesitated. "You're wrong. Father will fight. He won't give in to me, in spite of his stroke. Let's talk to him before Velasco comes. Come with me."