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Because he is heavily in debt, his entire estate goes under the hammer. Years later, when Gitano turns four, Don Alejandro has a fatal accident in a race. Weeks pass and then to his great joy, Leonardo receives a letter from Don Alejandro with a deed of gift attached.
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Meanwhile, Don Alejandro's manager has all the young animals branded with Alejandro's brand, including Gitano. Leonardo writes to Don Alejandro to ask him for an assurance in writing that Gitano belongs to Leonardo's family.ĭon Alejandro, at the time Leonardo writes, is in Europe, taking part in various car races and the letter is slow to reach him. But, no written confirmation exists of this gift or of Rosillo's ownership. Gitano's mother had been presented to Leonardo's father (Rafael Rosillo) as a gift from his employer (landowner Don Alejandro), in thanks to Rosillo for a great favor he had done for Don Alejandro. Leonardo, the young son of the cattle herder, takes the animal home, gives him the name "Gitano" and raises him lovingly.
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During a storm, a cow that has just calved is killed in the pasture.
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