Latour remembers a story another priest had told him about Father Junipero. Junipero had traveled with a companion across a vast desert, arriving at a monastery in good health with no provisions. The pair relates the story of the gracious hospitality of a young Mexican family consisting of a venerable man, his beautiful wife, an infant, and a pet lamb. Junipero and his companion eat well, sleep, and awaken to a table of food. The family, however, is gone. The brothers recognize the landmarks depicted by Junipero but have no recollection of a building or family living there. Latour recognizes the family in the story as the Holy Family and is charmed at the simplicity adopted by the Divine Family.
Latour's memories return to his decision to leave France for America with Vaillant. He remembers Vaillant faltering in his resolve and convincing his friend to travel as far as Paris. Latour's encouragement was the impetus Vaillant required to fulfill his pledge as a missionary in the New World. Latour marvels at his now-deceased friend's accomplishments despite his ill health and setbacks.
Among the setbacks faced by Vaillant is the interest due on loans for property he purchased for the Church. He is summoned to Rome to explain his complicated financial arrangements before a papal court. Vaillant returns to Colorado before he dies, and Latour travels to his funeral. Also attending the funeral is Father Revardy, who had served with Vaillant for more than twenty years. He is in Chicago when he hears of Vaillant's death, but he rushes back in ill health to attend the funeral of his friend. Revardy arrives halfway through the funeral and is immediately taken to the hospital afterward; he dies a few days later. Latour recalls that his friend inspired such devotion from men of all races.
Recognizing that he has outlived most of his oldest acquaintances, Latour is visited by Eusabio. Eusabio relates that he traveled to Santa Fe from Gallup in one day, whereas in the past it would have taken two weeks. Eusabio is not encouraged by the progress of civilization but is told by Latour that it is better to not know the future. When Eusabio leaves, Latour tells Bernard that he has seen two great wrongs righted in his lifetime: the end of slavery and the restoration of the Navajos to their rightful lands.
