Chapter 13: - Page 3 of 3

Signs of Storm

(English version of “Noli Me Tangere”)

Ibarra walked rapidly with a far-away look in his eyes, while the aged servant followed him weeping.  The sun was setting, and over the eastern sky was flung a heavy curtain of clouds.  A dry wind shook the tree-tops and made the bamboo clumps creak.  Ibarra went bareheaded, but no tear wet his eyes nor did any sigh escape from his breast.  He moved as if fleeing from something, perhaps the shade of his father, perhaps the approaching storm.  He crossed through the town to the outskirts on the opposite side and turned toward the old house which he had not entered for so many years.  Surrounded by a cactus-covered wall it seemed to beckon to him with its open windows, while the ilang-ilang waved its flower-laden branches joyfully and the doves circled about the conical roof of their cote in the middle of the garden.

But the youth gave no heed to these signs of welcome back to his old home, his eyes being fixed on the figure of a priest approaching from the opposite direction.  It was the curate of San Diego, the pensive Franciscan whom we have seen before, the rival of the alferez.  The breeze folded back the brim of his wide hat and blew his guingón habit closely about him, revealing the outlines of his body and his thin, curved thighs. In his right hand he carried an ivory-headed palasan cane.

This was the first time that he and Ibarra had met.  When they drew near each other Ibarra stopped and gazed at him from head to foot; Fray Salvi avoided the look and tried to appear unconcerned.  After a moment of hesitation Ibarra went up to him quickly and dropping a heavy hand on his shoulder, asked in a husky voice, What did you do with my father?

Fray Salvi, pale and trembling as he read the deep feelings that flushed the youth’s face, could not answer; he seemed paralyzed.

What did you do with my father? again demanded the youth in a choking voice.

The priest, who was gradually being forced to his knees by the heavy hand that pressed upon his shoulder, made a great effort and answered, You are mistaken, I did nothing to your father.

You didn’t? went on the youth, forcing him down upon his knees.

No, I assure you! It was my predecessor, it was Padre Damaso!

Ah! exclaimed the youth, releasing his hold, and clapping his hand desperately to his brow; then, leaving poor Fray Salvi, he turned away and hurried toward his house.  The old servant came up and helped the friar to his feet.

Learn this Filipino word:

bilasá na