A judge in Texas tries to get a local Mexican janitor named Baille to sign some papers for a case he is handling. On several occasions, the judge drives out to the school where Baille works and lives, trying to get him to go back into town with him to sign the papers, but Baille refuses. The judge thinks that it has something to do with the fact that Baille came to the country on forged papers, and doesn't want to get caught up in any legal business. The judge tries to assure him that no harm will come of it, and promises that he personally will protect him. The judge has an affinity for Mexicans and their way of life, and appreciates the small mannerisms that Baille practices. The judge thinks he's convinced Baille to sign the papers, as he seems to have gone inside to change so they can go into town. While the judge looks over at a body of water on the property, Baille comes up behind him and tries to drown him. They struggle, but eventually the judge is frees himself. The judge forgives Baille immediately, as he knows why he must've attempted it, and says that he won't press charges against him. Baille begins to cry. The judge tells him to be ready tomorrow at ten, and that he will pick him up and take him to sign the papers. Before he can, though, the Sherriff tells the judge that a Mexican has drowned in the river with a pack of belongings, and comments on why they don't learn to swim, being that they're always crossing the border through the river. The judge drives out to visit Baille's house, finds clear signs of desertion, and knows that it is he who drowned. He observes how there is no light sources inside, only the doorway and a peephole, through which he can see the spot where he always parked his car. The scene reminds the judge of St. John of the Cross, who locked himself in the dingiest cell in the monastery, because when he looked out of the tiny window, he would see visions.