istress knows
very well that if she says to me, 'Caballuco, break your head,' I will
go there to the corner and dash it against the wall; the mistress knows
very well that if she tells me now that it is day, although I see that
it is night, I will believe that I am mistaken, and that it is broad
day; the mistress knows very well that she and her interests are for me
before my own life, and that if a mosquito stings her in my presence, I
pardon it, because it is a mosquito; the mistress knows very well that
she is dearer to me than all there is besides under the sun. To a man
of heart like me one says, 'Caballuco, you stupid fellow, do this or do
that.' And let there be an end to sarcasms, and beating about the bush,
and preaching one thing and meaning another, and a stab here and a pinch
there."

"There, man, calm yourself," said Dona Perfecta kindly. "You have worked
yourself into a heat like those republican orators who came here to
preach free religion, free love, and I don't know how many other free
things. Let them bring you a glass of water."

Caballuco, twisting his handkerchief into a ball, wiped with it his
broad forehead and his neck, which were bathed in perspiration. A glass
of water was brought to him and the worthy canon, with a humility that
was in perfect keeping with his sacerdotal character, took it from the
servant's hand to give it to him himself, and held the plate while he
drank. Caballuco gulped down the water noisily.

"Now bring another glass for me, Senora Librada," said Don Inocencio. "I
have a little fire inside me too."

CHAPTER XXII

"DESPERTA!"

"With regard to the guerillas," said Dona Perfecta, when they had
finished drinking, "all I will say is--do as your conscience dictates to
you."

"I know nothing about dictations," cried Ramos. "I will do whatever the
mistress pleases!"

"I can give you no advice on so important a matter," answered Dona
Perfecta with the cautiousness and moderation which so well became her.
"This is a very serious business, and I can give you no advice about
it."

"But your opinion----"

"My opinion is that you should open your eyes and see, that you should
open your ears and hear. Consult your own heart--I will grant that you
have a great heart. Consult that judge, that wise counsellor, and do as
it bids you."

Caballuco reflected; he meditated as much as a sword can meditate.

"We counted ourselves yesterday in Naharilla Alta," said Vejarruco