The Mexican village that Latour is led to by his horses is called Aqua Secreta, or Hidden Water. He is hosted by the kindly Benito and his family. Benito tells Latour that the Virgin Mary must have led the priest from his path in order for him to baptize the village children and sanctify the marriages. Many of the marriages in the village have not been blessed by Catholic clergy due to the expense charged by the priest in Albuquerque.
The people of the village are distrustful of the American government. They believe that their land will be taken from them. Benito's eldest grandson, Jose, tells Latour that he does not consider the people of the village to be American, and that he considers Americans to be infidels. Latour disputes this belief, telling Jose that many Americans in the north are devout Catholics. Jose says that Americans destroyed Catholic churches in the war with Mexico. Because they are simple folk and cannot grasp new or contrary ideas, Latour cannot reassure them that the American government will not take away their land or their religion.
The following day, Latour performs Catholic sacraments of confession, baptism, confirmation, and marriage. A celebration is held afterward, and Latour sets out on a solitary walk. He witnesses the release of the goats to the pasture. He meditates by the river, thinking of the trials he faces when he returns to Santa Fe. The priest who had challenged his authority, Father Martinez, must be dealt with upon Latour's return.
Latour retires for the evening, contemplating that Father Vaillant would call Latour's discovery of Hidden Water a miracle. Before Vaillant is introduced, the reader is given a glimpse into the priest's view of the world. Latour believes Vaillant "must always have the miracle very direct and spectacular, not with Nature, but against it.
