The Failed Incendiary Scheme

This flow traces the companions’ attempt to damage the church, their accidental failure, and the shift from arson to kidnapping.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

An Order to Damage the Church

An Order to Damage the Church Coercive intent Pencho Gavira tells Celestino Peregil to use force against the church or its defenders. He wants the Thursday service stopped, preferably in a way that appears accidental. Delegated responsibility Peregil passes the task to Don Ibrahim’s crew. The distance between Gavira’s words and the crew’s actions gives each man room to deny responsibility while increasing the risk of harm.

The Bottle Device

The Bottle Device A home-built plan Don Ibrahim prepares a gasoline bottle with a crude ignition mechanism. The crew intends to start a fire when they can establish an alibi elsewhere. Misjudged danger The device is handled in the companions’ home, where gasoline and cigarettes coexist. The plan’s slapstick ingenuity disguises how easily it could have caused a lethal fire.

The Accidental Ignition

The Accidental Ignition A careless movement The Potro puts a cigarette into the gasoline-soaked rag, and Don Ibrahim knocks over the bottle while trying to stop him. Fire spreads across the table and burns the men. A warning to the crew Niña extinguishes the flames with a siphon and blanket. The crew survives, but the mishap strengthens her belief that the attack is wrong.

A Change of Tactic

A Change of Tactic The church spared The companions refuse to burn the building after the accident. Don Ibrahim proposes removing Ferro from the parish temporarily instead. A new crime Peregil accepts the kidnapping plan and raises the payment. The shift avoids damage to the church but places Ferro directly in danger and deepens the crew’s legal exposure.

Fire Replaced by Chaos

Fire Replaced by Chaos A disastrous handoff Peregil fails to appear because his creditors intercept him. Quart, Macarena, and Gavira board the boat without a ransom and meet the captors face to face. Consequences for everyone A fight breaks out and the crew escapes. The church is not burned, but the failed operation leaves injuries, lost money, and Ferro’s confession to resolve.

after Gavira tells Peregil to make the problem disappear

the day before the threatened Mass

during the preparation meal

later that day, when Peregil demands results

during the midnight rescue on the Canela Fina