will each receive a hundred, and
you double. Don Crisostomo is rich!"

"Agreed!" cried Bruno; "give us the money!"

"I knew you were like your father! Come this way, so that those who
killed him cannot hear us," said Jose. And drawing them into a corner,
he added as he counted out the money:

"Don Crisostomo has come and brought the arms. To-morrow night at
eight o'clock meet me in the cemetery. I will give you the final
word. Go find your companions." And he left them.

The brothers appeared to have exchanged roles. Tarsilo now seemed
undisturbed; Bruno was pale. They went back to the crowd, which was
leaving the circle for the raised seats. Little by little the place
became silent. Only the soltadores were left in the ring holding two
cocks, with exaggerated care, looking out for wounds. The silence
became solemn; the spectators became mere caricatures of men; the
fight was about to begin.

XLV.

A CALL.

Two days later Brother Salvi presented himself at the house of
Captain Tiago. The Franciscan was more gaunt and pale than usual;
but as he went up the steps a strange light shone in his eyes, and
his lips parted in a strange smile. Captain Tiago kissed his hand,
and took his hat and cane, smiling beatifically.

"I bring good news," said the curate as he entered the drawing-room;
"good news for everybody. I have letters from Manila confirming
the one Senor Ibarra brought me, so that I believe, Don Santiago,
the obstacle is quite removed."

Maria Clara, seated at the piano, made a movement to rise, but her
strength failed her and she had to sit down again. Linares grew pale;
Captain Tiago lowered his eyes.

"The young man seems to me very sympathetic," said the curate. "At
first I misjudged him. He is impulsive, but when he commits a fault,
he knows so well how to atone for it that one is forced to forgive
him. If it were not for Father Damaso----" And the curate flashed a
glance at Maria Clara. She was listening with all her being, but did
not take her eyes off her music, in spite of the pinches that were
expressing Sinang's joy. Had they been alone they would have danced.

"But Father Damaso has said," continued the curate, without losing
sight of Maria Clara, "that as godfather he could not permit; but,
indeed, I believe if Senor Ibarra will ask his pardon everything will
arrange itself."

Maria rose, made an excuse, and with Victorina left the room.

"And if Father Damaso does not pardon