school teacher, a number, of past captains and lieutenants,
including even Captain Basilio, who was Sinang's father, and the
former rival of the deceased Don Rafael. Ibarra had said to him:
"The mere fact that we are parties to a law-suit does not mean that
we have to be enemies." So it was that the celebrated orator of the
conservative party had accepted the invitation to the picnic with
enthusiasm, and had even brought along three turkeys and put his
servants at the disposition of the young man.

The parish priest was received with respect and deference by all,
even by the alferez.

"But where did Your Reverence come from?" some one asked on seeing
his face full of scratches, and his habit covered with leaves and
pieces of dried branches. "Has Your Reverence fallen down?"

"No, I lost my way," replied Father Salvi, looking down and examining
his clothes.

Bottles of lemonade were opened, green cocoanuts were cut in two so
that those who were coming out of the bath might have the refreshing
milk to drink and the delicate meat to eat. The young women in addition
received rosaries of sampagas interwoven with roses and ilang-ilang,
which gave a beautiful fragrance to their loose hair. Some were
sitting or lying in hammocks which had been hung from the branches
of the trees; others were entertaining themselves in a game that
was going on around a large, flat stone. Playing cards, checkers,
dice and many other games were in progress.

They showed the alligator to the curate, but he seemed absorbed and
paid no attention until they mentioned the fact that the wide wound
in the animal's neck had been made by Ibarra. Then, too, the pilot,
the principal figure in the incident, had disappeared and could not
be found anywhere.

Finally Maria Clara came out of the bath, accompanied by her friends,
fresh as a rose when first it blooms, and when the dew on its divine
petals glistens like diamonds. Her first smile was for Ibarra; and
her first frown for Father Salvi. The latter noticed this, but he
did not even sigh.

It was now time to eat. The curate, the coadjutor, the alferez, the
gobernadorcillo, and some of the captains, together with the tenente
mayor sat down at the table over which Ibarra presided. The mothers of
the girls did not allow any one to eat at the table with their charges.

"Do you know anything yet, Senor Alferez, about the criminal who
assaulted Father Damaso?" asked Father Salvi.

"About what crimin