ionary powers? Can't I do what I please for the better
government of these islands? What have I to fear? Can some
menial perhaps arraign me before the tribunals and exact from me
responsibility? Even though he had the means, he would have to consult
the Ministry first, and the Minister--"

He waved his hand and burst out into laughter.

"The Minister who appointed me, the devil knows where he is, and
he will feel honored in being able to welcome me when I return. The
present one, I don't even think of him, and the devil take him too! The
one that relieves him will find himself in so many difficulties with
his new duties that he won't be able to fool with trifles. I, my dear
sir, have nothing over me but my conscience, I act according to my
conscience, and my conscience is satisfied, so I don't care a straw
for the opinions of this one and that. My conscience, my dear sir,
my conscience!"

"Yes, General, but the country--"

"Tut, tut, tut, tut! The country--what have I to do Avith the
country? Have I perhaps contracted any obligations to it? Do I owe
my office to it? Was it the country that elected me?"

A brief pause ensued, during which the high official stood with bowed
head. Then, as if reaching a decision, he raised it to stare fixedly
at the General. Pale and trembling, he said with repressed energy:
"That doesn't matter, General, that doesn't matter at all! Your
Excellency has not been chosen by the Filipino people, but by Spain,
all the more reason why you should treat the Filipinos well so that
they may not be able to reproach Spain. The greater reason, General,
the greater reason! Your Excellency, by coming here, has contracted
the obligation to govern justly, to seek the welfare--"

"Am I not doing it?" interrupted his Excellency in exasperation,
taking a step forward. "Haven't I told you that I am getting from the
good of one the good of all? Are you now going to give me lessons? If
you don't understand my actions, how am I to blame? Do I compel you
to share my responsibility?"

"Certainly not," replied the high official, drawing himself up
proudly. "Your Excellency does not compel me, your Excellency cannot
compel me, _me,_ to share _your_ responsibility. I understand mine in
quite another way, and because I have it, I'm going to speak--I've held
my peace a long time. Oh, your Excellency needn't make those gestures,
because the fact that I've come here in this or that capacity doesn't
mean that I ha