Chapter 56: - Page 7 of 7
Rumors and Beliefs
(English version of “Noli Me Tangere”)
The rustic took a seat near by, as if to wait patiently, but he dropped a piece of money and started to look for it with the aid of a candle under the senior sacristan’s chair. He noticed seeds of amores-secos on the pantaloons and on the cuffs of the sleeper’s camisa. The latter awoke, rubbed his one good eye, and began to scold the rustic with great ill-humor.
I wanted to order a mass, sir,
was the reply in a tone of excuse.
The masses are already over,
said the sacristan, sweetening his tone a little at this. If you want it for tomorrow—is it for the souls in purgatory?
No, sir,
answered the rustic, handing him a peso.
Then gazing fixedly at the single eye, he added, It’s for a person who’s going to die soon.
Hereupon he left the sacristy. I could have caught him last night!
he sighed, as he took off the bandage and stood erect to recover the face and form of Elias.