beams, to form the tripod and
with three others to serve as supporters."

"O, pshaw!" replied the other, smiling in a peculiar way. "The more
apparatus we give ourselves, the greater effect we will produce. The
massiveness of it will make a bigger show and give it more
importance. They will say: 'What a lot of work has been done!' You
look at that crane that I am constructing. In a little while, I am
going to ornament it with banderolas, garlands of flowers and leaves,
and ... you will say afterward that you were right in hiring me,
and Senor Ibarra cannot wish for more than that!"

The man laughed. Nor Juan also smiled and shook his head.

As a matter of fact, the plan for the school had been approved by
everybody and all were talking about it. The curate had asked to be
allowed to be one of the patrons of the enterprise and he himself was
to bless the laying of the corner stone, a ceremony which would take
place on the last day of the San Diego festival, as it was considered
one of the great solemnities.

The dismal presentiments of the old Tasio seemed to have been
dissipated forever. One day Ibarra told the old man so, but the old
pessimist only replied: "Things may go well at first, but be on your
guard against masked enemies."

CHAPTER XV

AS NIGHT COMES ON.

Great preparations had also been made in the house of Captain Tiago. We
are already acquainted with the man. His love for pomp and his pride in
being a resident of Manila made it necessary that he should outdo the
residents of the province in the splendor of his celebration. There
was another thing, too, which made it necessary that he should try
to eclipse all others--the fact that his daughter Maria Clara and
his future son-in-law were also there. His prospective connection
with Ibarra caused the Captain to be often spoken of among the people.

Yes, as a matter of fact, one of the most serious newspapers in
Manila had printed an article on its first page, headed "Imitate
Him!" in which they offered Ibarra much advice and highly eulogized
him. The article spoke of him as "the illustrious and rich young
capitalist." Two lines below, he was termed "the distinguished
philanthropist," and, in the following paragraph, referred to as the
"disciple of Minerva who went to his Mother Country to salute the
real birthplace of arts and sciences." Captain Tiago was burning with
generous emulation and was wondering whether he ought not to erect
a co