ry about
him. He shook his long hair, and went on:

"Don't you see how everything is awakening? The sleep has lasted for
centuries, but one day the thunderbolt [136] struck, and in striking,
infused life. Since then new tendencies are stirring our spirits,
and these tendencies, today scattered, will some day be united, guided
by the God who has not failed other peoples and who will not fail us,
for His cause is the cause of liberty!"

A solemn silence followed these words, while the banka, carried along
insensibly by the waves, neared the shore.

Elias was the first to break the silence. "What shall I tell those
who sent me?" he asked with a change from his former tone.

"I've already told you: I greatly deplore their condition, but
they should wait. Evils are not remedied by other evils, and in our
misfortunes each of us has his share of blame."

Elias did not again reply, but dropped his head and rowed along until
they reached the shore, where he took leave of Ibarra: "I thank you,
sir, for the condescension you have shown me. Now, for your own good,
I beg of you that in the future you forget me and that you do not
recognize me again, no matter in what situation you may find me."

So saying, he drew away in the banka, rowing toward a thicket on the
shore. As he covered the long distance he remained silent, apparently
intent upon nothing but the thousands of phosphorescent diamonds
that the oar caught up and dropped back into the lake, where they
disappeared mysteriously into the blue waves.

When he had reached the shadow of the thicket a man came out of it
and approached the banka. "What shall I tell the capitan?" he asked.

"Tell him that Elias, if he lives, will keep his word," was the
sad answer.

"When will you join us, then?"

"When your capitan thinks that the hour of danger has come."

"Very well. Good-by!"

"If I don't die first," added Elias in a low voice.

CHAPTER LI

Exchanges

The bashful Linares was anxious and ill at ease. He had just received
from Dona Victorina a letter which ran thus:

DEER COZIN within 3 days i expec to here from you if the
alferes has killed you or you him i dont want anuther day to
pass befour that broot has his punishment if that tim passes
an you havent challenjed him ill tel don santiago you was
never segretary nor joked with canobas nor went on a spree
with the general don arseno martinez ill tel clarita its all
a hu