George Washington Gómez: A Mexicotexan Novel

María had previously taken Carmen and Maruca to the local grammar school for registration, but when Guálinto’s turn arrives, Feliciano decides to escort his nephew to the school himself. En route, Guálinto takes note of how all the men in Jonesville address his uncle as “Don Feliciano,” and he is proud to be the nephew of such a well-respected man.

Arriving at the school, Guálinto sees a portrait of George Washington, his namesake, for the first time. He is disappointed at the image, having expected a more masculine warrior in uniform and covered with medals. After registering for school, Guálinto is assigned to Miss Cornelia’s class. Miss Cornelia asks Feliciano what kind of name “Guálinto” is; Feliciano lies and says it is an “Indian” name.

On his first day of school, Guálinto arrives with Maruca, who abandons him almost immediately. Guálinto spots a large redheaded boy he knows as “El Colorado,” and is fearful of him.

In class, Guálinto meets Orestes Sierra, another boy from the Dos Ventidós and the son of a car mechanic. Orestes is old for his grade, having been forced to stay back a year due to a long illness. When Guálinto asks him about the class, Orestes admits that Miss Cornelia is a terror.