t his cause was
almost lost--Simoun was against him.

"It's a peaceful rebellion, a revolution on stamped paper," added
Padre Sibyla.

"Revolution? Rebellion?" inquired the high official, staring from
one to the other as if he did not understand what they could mean.

"It's headed by some young men charged with being too radical and
too much interested in reforms, not to use stronger terms," remarked
the secretary, with a look at the Dominican. "Among them is a certain
Isagani, a poorly balanced head, nephew of a native priest--"

"He's a pupil of mine," put in Padre Fernandez, "and I'm much pleased
with him."

"_Punales,_ I like your taste!" exclaimed Padre Camorra. "On the
steamer we nearly had a fight. He's so insolent that when I gave him
a shove aside he returned it."

"There's also one Makaragui or Makarai--"

"Makaraig," Padre Irene joined in. "A very pleasant and agreeable
young man."

Then he murmured into the General's ear, "He's the one I've talked
to you about, he's very rich. The Countess recommends him strongly."

"Ah!"

"A medical student, one Basilio--"

"Of that Basilio, I'll say nothing," observed Padre Irene, raising
his hands and opening them, as if to say _Dominus vobiscum_. "He's
too deep for me. I've never succeeded in fathoming what he wants or
what he is thinking about. It's a pity that Padre Salvi isn't present
to tell us something about his antecedents. I believe that I've heard
that when a boy he got into trouble with the Civil Guard. His father
was killed in--I don't remember what disturbance."

Simoun smiled faintly, silently, showing his sharp white teeth.

"Aha! Aha!" said his Excellency nodding. "That's the kind we have! Make
a note of that name."

"But, General," objected the high official, seeing that the matter
was taking a bad turn, "up to now nothing positive is known against
these young men. Their position is a very just one, and we have no
right to deny it on the ground of mere conjectures. My opinion is that
the government, by exhibiting confidence in the people and in its own
stability, should grant what is asked, then it could freely revoke the
permission when it saw that its kindness was being abused--reasons
and pretexts would not be wanting, we can watch them. Why cause
disaffection among some young men, who later on may feel resentment,
when what they ask is commanded by royal decrees?"

Padre Irene, Don Custodio, and Padre Fernandez nodded in agreement.