s the theatre, and always attends dramatic productions
with a great deal of pleasure. The gobernadorcillo was very fond of
the theatre, and, with the advice of the curate, he had selected for
the fiesta the fantastic comedy: "Prince Villardo, or the Nails Pulled
Out of the Infamous Cave," a play full of magic and fireworks.

From time to time the bells ring out their merry sounds. Firecrackers
and the booming of little cannon rend the air. The Filipino
pyrotechnist, who has learned his art without a teacher of any renown,
displays his skill, setting up pieces representing towers, castles,
and the like. Already the small boys are running at break-neck speed
toward the outskirts of the town to meet the bands of music. Five
organizations have been hired, besides three orchestras.

A band enters the town playing lively marches, and is followed by
a lot of ragged and half naked pickaninnies: this one, perhaps, has
on his brother's shirt; that one, his father's trousers. As soon as
the music stops, these little tots know by memory the piece that has
been played; they whistle and hum it with great delight, showing at
this early age their musical talent.

In the meantime wagons and carriages arrive, bringing relatives,
friends, and strangers. Gamblers are also on hand with their best
fighting cocks and bags of money, ready to risk their fortunes on
the green cloth or in the cock-pit.

"The alferez gets fifty dollars a night," murmured a little, chubby
man when he heard of the recent arrivals, for there were already
many rumors that these people bribed the officer so that they might
not be interfered with by the law. "Captain Tiago," he added,
"is going to come and will be banker in the monte game. Captain
Joaquin brings eighteen thousand. There is going to be a liam-po,
[11] and the Chino Carlos is going to back it with ten thousand pesos
capital. Big bettors will come from Tanauan, Lipa, and Batangas,
as well as from Santa Cruz. It's going to be great! It's going to be
great! This year Captain Tiago will not skin us as he has in the past,
for he has not paid for more than three masses this year, and besides,
I have a mutya [12] of cacao. And how are all the family?"

"Very well, very well, thank you!" replied the visitors from the
country.

But the place where the greatest animation reigns, where there is
almost a tumult, is over there on the level piece of ground, a short
distance from Ibarra's house. Pulleys creak, an