John Grady hitches rides to San Buenaventura, noting the kindness and companionship he’s given along the way by refugee workers and impoverished Mexicans. He makes his way back to La Purísima from there. Seven weeks have passed, and people are hesitant to invite him in until Antonio comes out. Don Héctor and Alejandra are gone. John Grady returns to his room in the barn, then goes to the house, where Maria the cook feeds him and tells him that Dueña Alfonsa will see him that evening. John Grady rides the racing stallion through the countryside all day, then talks to the vaqueros who are glad to see him but happy that Rawlins has gone home, as “a man leaves much when he leaves his own country” (226).

Dueña Alfonsa is not surprised that John Grady returned. She reveals that the officers came once before they arrested John Grady and Rawlins, and Héctor said he would investigate personally before turning the boys over, sure that they were innocent. Dueña Alfonsa confirms that she intervened on Alejandra’s behalf after their arrest and that Alejandra agreed to never see him again. John Grady says “You didnt have the right.