The alferez counted a minute.

When Tarsilo came up again, his face was livid and his features
contracted. He glanced at those standing around and kept open his
bloodshot eyes.

"Will you make a declaration?" asked the alferez again, with vexation.

Tarsilo shook his head and again they let him down. His eyelids were
almost closed and his eyes were gazing at the white clouds floating
in the heavens. He bent his neck to keep sight of the light of day,
but he was soon submerged in the water. That filthy curtain closed
from him the sight of the world.

A minute passed. The Muse saw large bubbles of air come up to the
surface of the water.

"He is thirsty," said she, laughing.

The water was again smooth.

This time a minute and a half had passed when the alferez gave
the signal.

Tarsilo's features were no longer contracted. The half opened lids
showed the white of his eyes. Muddy water, clotted with blood,
ran out of his mouth. The cool wind was blowing, but his body no
longer shivered.

Those present, pale and terrified, looked at each other in silence. The
alferez made a signal for them to take him down from where he was
hanging, and stepped aside for a few moments. Dona Consolacion a
number of times applied the lighted end of her cigar to the bare legs
of Tarsilo, but his body did not quiver. It put out the light.

"He has asphyxiated himself," murmured a cuaderillero. "See how his
tongue is turned, as if he wanted to swallow it."

The other prisoner, trembling and perspiring, contemplated the
scene. Like a madman he looked about him.

The alferez ordered the directorcillo to question him.

"Senor, Senor," he groaned. "I will tell you all that you wish."

"Good. Let us see! What is your name?"

"Andong, Senor!"

"Bernardo ... Leonardo ... Ricardo ... Educardo. Gerardo ... or what?"

"Andong, Senor," repeated the imbecile.

"Call it Bernardo or whatever you please," said the alferez, decided
not to bother more about it.

"What family name?"

The man looked at him frightened.

"What's your name? What do you add to the name Andong?"

"Ah, Senor! Andong Medio-tonto (half-fool), Senor."

Those standing around could not resist a laugh. The alferez himself
stopped short.

"What is your business?"

"Cocoanut tree pruner, Senor, and servant for my mother-in-law."

"Who ordered you to attack the cuartel?"

"Nobody, Senor."

"What's that; nobody? Don't you lie or we will put you in the well.