Chapter 45: - Page 5 of 6

The old man shook his head. You say that he is rich? The rich think only of increasing their wealth, pride and show blind them, and as they are generally safe, above all when they have powerful friends, none of them troubles himself about the woes of the unfortunate. I know all, because I was rich!

But the man of whom I speak is not like the others. He is a son who has been insulted over the memory of his father, and a young man who, as he is soon to have a family, thinks of the future, of a happy future for his children.

Then he is a man who is going to be happy—our cause is not for happy men.

But it is for men who have feelings!

Perhaps! replied the old man, seating himself. Suppose that he agrees to carry our cry even to the Captain-General, suppose that he finds in the Cortes ^[3] delegates who will plead for us; do you think that we shall get justice?

Let us try it before we resort to violent measure, answered Elias. You must be surprised that I, another unfortunate, young and strong, should propose to you, old and weak, peaceful measures, but it’s because I’ve seen as much misery caused by us as by the tyrants. The defenseless are the ones who pay.

And if we accomplish nothing?

Something we shall accomplish, believe me, for all those who are in power are not unjust. But if we accomplish nothing, if they disregard our entreaties, if man has become deaf to the cry of sorrow from his kind, then I will put myself under your orders!

The old man embraced the youth enthusiastically. I accept your proposition, Elias. I know that you will keep your word. You will come to me, and I shall help you to revenge your ancestors, you will help me to revenge my sons, my sons that were like you!