the overturned
benches--it was a poor musician. The stage was crowded with actors
and spectators, all talking at the same time. There was Chananay
dressed as Leonor in _Il Trovatore_, talking in the language of the
markets to Ratia in the costume of a schoolmaster; Yeyeng, wrapped
in a silk shawl, was clinging to the Prince Villardo; while Balbino
and the Moros were exerting themselves to console the more or less
injured musicians. [112] Several Spaniards went from group to group
haranguing every one they met.

A large crowd was forming, whose intention Don Filipo seemed to be
aware of, for he ran to stop them. "Don't disturb the peace!" he
cried. "Tomorrow we'll ask for an accounting and we'll get
justice. I'll answer for it that we get justice!"

"No!" was the reply of several. "They did the same thing in Kalamba,
[113] the same promise was made, but the alcalde did nothing. We'll
take the law into our own hands! To the barracks!"

In vain the teniente-mayor pleaded with them. The crowd maintained its
hostile attitude, so he looked about him for help and noticed Ibarra.

"Senor Ibarra, as a favor! Restrain them while I get some
cuadrilleros."

"What can I do?" asked the perplexed youth, but the teniente-mayor was
already at a distance. He gazed about him seeking he knew not whom,
when accidentally he discerned Elias, who stood impassively watching
the disturbance.

Ibarra ran to him, caught him by the arm, and said to him in Spanish:
"For God's sake, do something, if you can! I can't do anything." The
pilot must have understood him, for he disappeared in the crowd. Lively
disputes and sharp exclamations were heard. Gradually the crowd began
to break up, its members each taking a less hostile attitude. It was
high time, indeed, for the soldiers were already rushing out armed
and with fixed bayonets.

Meanwhile, what had the curate been doing? Padre Salvi had not gone
to bed but had stood motionless, resting his forehead against the
curtains and gazing toward the plaza. From time to time a suppressed
sigh escaped him, and if the light of the lamp had not been so
dim, perhaps it would have been possible to see his eyes fill with
tears. Thus nearly an hour passed.

The tumult in the plaza awoke him from his reverie. With startled
eyes he saw the confused movements of the people, while their
voices came up to him faintly. A breathless servant informed him
of what was happening. A thought shot across his mind: i