Cather provides details of the natives of New Mexico. They are devout, but their religion has been corrupted by superstition because there have been no priests to instruct them on their faith. Even Josepha, the young woman confirmed by Latour, asks him if he elects to eat his mutton without chili because it is more pious. He assures her that is only because he is French, and that Frenchmen do not partake of spicy foods. The unavailability of a priest in the region has also caused the veneration of saints to be corrupted. Saint Santiago, for example, has become the patron saint of horses in the New World, despite the fact that the missionary never rode a horse in his life. Latour is told that Saint Santiago's blessing makes the mares more fertile. From the hidden waters, Latour derives strength. He sees Hidden Water as a miniature of his Vicarate and feels confident to tackle the troubles at Santa Fe and the rebellious Father Martinez at Taos.
Latour is developing a deep respect for the New Mexico natives. He admires their austerity, and their ability to remain devout despite the unavailability of a priest. He compares them to the Israelites.
