JOHN D. NESBITT
FOUR - TIME WINNER OF THE SPUR AWARD

Devon Frost is an artist who goes to a remote place called Tinaja, in New Mexico Territory, to draw old fallen-in buildings and to try to find his artistic vision.

In Tinaja, where everyone speaks Spanish, he hears of a picturesque old church on a large hacienda. The owner, Don Felipe, gives him permission to spend time at the site and sketch the church. The owner’s stepdaughter, Petra, comes to visit with him, and the stepfather trails her.

Before long, Ricardo, the son of the landholder of another large rancho, and a suitor of Petra's, is found on the plains of his family’s ranch. Don Felipe is a suspect, as is Carlos, Petra’s cousin and weepy would-be suitor. The stepfather’s jealousy and the girl's resentment smolder beneath the surface as Ricardo’s father and two brothers look for vengeance.

Devon is drawn into the conflict. Although he, too, finds Petra attractive, he can tell that her mind is not free. Nor is his search for his artistic vision perfect. However, he sees some things here at Rancho Agua Prieta, Dark Water Ranch, that have made a difference in how he sees life.