One of the peasant farmers, Enrique, is tending his sick wife when Captain Grisham and his men arrive at his front door and forcibly conscript him to Colonel Montoya's depleted army.

Colonel Montoya is not feeling well and is furious to learn Dr Helm has used all his medicine treating others, but is promised by the evening he will have manufactured some more.

Opening the window to let in air he watches the doctor cross the square when Helm is attacked and knocked unconscious by Enrique, who then grabs the medicine.

That afternoon Tessa returns to Santa Helena and is shocked to see the funeral of Enrique, with Pira claiming he died from the fever even though well only the day before.

Tessa goes to Dr Helm, who is preparing more medicine, telling him of Marta's plight and he reassures her the fever takes five days to kill.

Suddenly Grisham enters the room surprised to see her, but he remembers the bargain about Enrique and his ardour is aroused and difficult for Tessa to cool.

Tessa runs to help quell the flames with the other townsfolk, with Grisham standing by amused, and the doctor tells her the medicine is destroyed.

The plan involves Tessa allowing Grisham to believe she has given in to his ardour and spike his drink with a drug that would make him sweat and show symptoms of the fever.

Shortly afterwards the Queen is observing Grisham's quarters and watches as he rides off into the desert and surprised to see Dr Helm following.