Chapter 26: - Page 3 of 5

Basilio then recalled Simoun’s words: The day in which they can get rid of you, you will not complete your course.

Could he have known anything? he asked himself. We’ll see who is the most powerful.

Recovering his serenity, he went on toward the University, to learn what attitude it behooved him to take and at the same time to see about his licentiateship.  He passed along Calle Legazpi, then down through Beaterio, and upon arriving at the corner of this street and Calle Solana saw that something important must indeed have happened.  Instead of the former lively, chattering groups on the sidewalks were to be seen civil-guards making the students move on, and these latter issuing from the University silent, some gloomy, some agitated, to stand off at a distance or make their way home.

The first acquaintance he met was Sandoval, but Basilio called to him in vain. He seemed to have been smitten deaf.  Effect of fear on the gastro-intestinal juices, thought Basilio.

Later he met Tadeo, who wore a Christmas face—at last that eternal holiday seemed to be realized.

What has happened, Tadeo?

We’ll have no school, at least for a week, old man! Sublime! Magnificent! He rubbed his hands in glee.

But what has happened?

They’re going to arrest all of us in the association.

And are you glad of that?

There’ll be no school, there’ll be no school! He moved away almost bursting with joy.

Basilio saw Juanito Pelaez approaching, pale and suspicious.  This time his hump had reached its maximum, so great was his haste to get away.  He had been one of the most active promoters of the association while things were running smoothly.

Eh, Pelaez, what’s happened?

Nothing, I know nothing.  I didn’t have anything to do with it, he responded nervously.  I was always telling you that these things were quixotisms.  It’s the truth, you know I’ve said so to you?

Basilio did not remember whether he had said so or not, but to humor him replied, Yes, man, but what’s happened?