arranza? What's the difference? I love the revolution
like a volcano in eruption; I love the volcano, because it's a volcano,
the revolution, because it's the revolution!"

I

El Paso, Texas, May 16, 1915

My Dear Venancio:

Due to the pressure of professional duties I have been unable to answer
your letter of January 4 before now. As you already know, I was
graduated last December. I was sorry to hear of Pancracio's and
Manteca's fate, though I am not surprised that they stabbed each other
over the gambling table. It is a pity; they were both brave men. I am
deeply grieved not to be able to tell Blondie how sincerely and
heartily I congratulate him for the only noble and beautiful thing he
ever did in his whole life: to have shot himself!

Dear Venancio, although you may have enough money to purchase a degree,
I am afraid you won't find it very easy to become a doctor in this
country. You know I like you very much, Venancio; and I think you
deserve a better fate. But I have an idea which may prove profitable to
both of us and which may improve your social position, as you desire.
We could do a fine business here if we were to go in as partners and
set up a typical Mexican restaurant in this town. I have no reserve
funds at the moment since I've spent all I had in getting my college
degree, but I have something much more valuable than money; my perfect
knowledge of this town and its needs. You can appear as the owner; we
will make a monthly division of profits. Besides, concerning a question
that interests us both very much, namely, your social improvement, it
occurs to me that you play the guitar quite well. In view of the
recommendations I could give you and in view of your training as well,
you might easily be admitted as a member of some fraternal order; there
are several here which would bring you no inconsiderable social
prestige.

Don't hesitate, Venancio, come at once and bring your funds. I promise
you we'll get rich in no time. My best wishes to the General, to
Anastasio, and the rest of the boys.

Your affectionate friend,
Luis Cervantes

Venancio finished reading the letter for the hundredth time and,
sighing, repeated:

"Tenderfoot certainly knows how to pull the strings all right!"

"What I can't get into my head," observed Anastasio Montanez, "is why
we keep on fighting. Didn't we finish off this man Huerta and his
Federation?"

Neither the General nor Venancio answered; but the sa