y for a report upon it."

"But that Commission hasn't been in operation for a long time,"
observed Pecson.

"That's exactly what they replied to Padre Irene, and he answered
that this was a good opportunity to revive it, and availing himself
of the presence of Don Custodio, one of its members, he proposed on
the spot that a committee should be appointed. Don Custodio's activity
being known and recognized, he was named as arbiter and the petition
is now in his hands. He promised that he would settle it this month."

"Hurrah for Don Custodio!"

"But suppose Don Custodio should report unfavorably upon it?" inquired
the pessimist Pecson.

Upon this they had not reckoned, being intoxicated with the thought
that the matter would not be pigeonholed, so they all turned to
Makaraig to learn how it could be arranged.

"The same objection I presented to Padre Irene, but with his sly smile
he said to me: 'We've won a great deal, we have succeeded in getting
the matter on the road to a decision, the opposition sees itself
forced to join battle.' If we can bring some influence to bear upon
Don Custodio so that he, in accordance with his liberal tendencies,
may report favorably, all is won, for the General showed himself to
be absolutely neutral."

Makaraig paused, and an impatient listener asked, "How can we
influence him?"

"Padre Irene pointed out to me two ways--"

"Quiroga," some one suggested.

"Pshaw, great use Quiroga--"

"A fine present."

"No, that won't do, for he prides himself upon being incorruptible."

"Ah, yes, I know!" exclaimed Pecson with a laugh. "Pepay the dancing
girl."

"Ah, yes, Pepay the dancing girl," echoed several.

This Pepay was a showy girl, supposed to be a great friend of
Don Custodio. To her resorted the contractors, the employees, the
intriguers, when they wanted to get something from the celebrated
councilor. Juanito Pelaez, who was also a great friend of the dancing
girl, offered to look after the matter, but Isagani shook his head,
saying that it was sufficient that they had made use of Padre Irene
and that it would be going too far to avail themselves of Pepay in
such an affair.

"Show us the other way."

"The other way is to apply to his attorney and adviser, Senor Pasta,
the oracle before whom Don Custodio bows."

"I prefer that," said Isagani. "Senor Pasta is a Filipino, and was
a schoolmate of my uncle's. But how can we interest him?"

"There's the _quid_," replied