Latour returns after nearly a year with four young French priests and a Spanish priest, Father Taladrid, whom he sends to Taos. At the Bishop's request, Martinez resigns but continues to run the parish. Taladrid and Martinez are soon in conflict. Latour supports Taladrid, prompting Martinez and Lucero to organize their own church. Most of the parishioners follow Martinez and Lucero. Some are confused, so they attend both the schismatic church and the Masses held by Taladrid.
Lucero is a miser, a personality type so rare that the Mexicans find it amusing. Although he and Martinez are friends, they quarrel and talk about each other. Lucero says old age will deny Martinez his pleasure with women, but money is always good and avarice grows sweeter with age. Trinidad, who has learned to eat well with Martinez, starves with Lucero.
The quarreling grows so bad that Latour sends Vaillant to read them a letter that strips them of their priesthood. Soon thereafter, Martinez dies. His funeral service is performed by Lucero, who takes ill soon after. Despite his declining health, Lucero is able to kill a robber who has heard of Lucero's wealth.
