In this passage from "Blood Meridian," the Diegueños are depicted as a resilient group living in a harsh landscape. They show compassion to weary travelers by offering them water from a gourd, recognizing that such pilgrims must be facing extraordinary hardships. Their awareness of human suffering suggests their own experiences in a challenging environment where survival is a continuous struggle.

The Diegueños anticipate the arrival of catastrophic events like armies, disease, or other calamities that might disrupt their lives. Instead of panicking, they maintain a calm demeanor, reflecting a deep understanding of the relentless nature of their world. This sense of patience and acceptance in the face of potential horrors highlights their strength and resilience in a life marked by uncertainty and danger.