The Squatter and the Don

While Everett listens, Mathews tells Darrell about Clarence’s purchase of their land from Mariano. Darrell doesn’t believe Clarence would do so without informing him, arguing that any payment record must be an advance note of his promised payment to Mariano. This angers Darrell; he believes Mariano is attempting to force him into prompt payment. He takes a whip and approaches Mariano. Mariano won’t confirm that Clarence paid, citing the privacy of the deal, but Darrell accuses Mariano of “bribing” Clarence via his affection for Mercedes. When Mariano tries to walk away, Darrell strikes him with the whip. At the last second, Everett and Victoriano leap in the way, causing them to both be lashed.

Gabriel lassos Darrell before he can strike again. Darrell urges Webster to fetch his pistols, but Webster looks to Everett, not their father, for guidance. Everett signals not to retrieve the guns. Darrell’s horse follows Webster’s horse; Gabriel, fearing harming Darrell’s horse, also follows with the end of the lasso still in hand. Several of the Alamar vaqueros begin to laugh, though Victoriano hastily hushes them. Even so, Darrell is embarrassed and angry.

Gabriel remains polite despite Darrell’s insults, scolding Victoriano and Everett when they laugh at Darrell’s plight.