Colonel Augusto faced a terrible dilemma. Continuing the agreement would increase his chances of having more heirs but would also multiply the risks of exposure. Interrupting the agreement could raise suspicions about why the special medical treatments had suddenly ceased. João Crisóstomo, observing the deterioration of the situation, made a courageous decision.
During a private conversation with the Colonel, he suggested that the agreement be ended. He argued that the continuity of the encounters was causing unnecessary suffering to everyone involved and that the social risks had become unacceptable. The slave’s suggestion was received with fury by the Colonel—how could a foreman question his decisions? The anger revealed how much the situation had shaken the farmer’s emotional control.
For the first time since the beginning of the agreement, he showed signs of mental instability. Luís Carlos, who had developed the closest relationship with Dona Esperança due to the two weekly encounters, began to notice signs of deep depression in her.
During his visits, she cried constantly and talked about the life she had lost. The second pregnancy seemed to represent more of a burden than a joy. In October 1865, the first serious incident occurred. Antônio da Silva was found drunk near the stables, murmuring about children he cannot know and sins he cannot confess. The episode of drunkenness almost exposed the entire secret.
Other slaves heard fragments of his words and began to speculate about their meaning. The Colonel was forced to make a drastic decision. Antônio da Silva was sold to a coffee farmer in São Paulo, officially for disciplinary problems.
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