Chapter 49:

Elias meets Ibarra at the lakeside.  He narrates the conversation he has had with Capitan Pablo.  Elias says that, Ibarra, because of his education and position in society, can ask the Spanish government to implement radical reforms such as fewer privileges for religious corporations, security for a citizen and more respect for a man’s dignity.  Ibarra objects, saying that such institutions as the priesthood, religious corporations, and the Guardia Civil, are necessary evils that must be tolerated by the society.