Chapter 57: - Page 8 of 8
Vae Victis!
(English version of “Noli Me Tangere”)
No one, sir!
What, no one? Don’t lie about it or into the well you go! Who ordered you? Say truly!
Truly, sir!
Who?
Who, sir!
I’m asking you who ordered you to start the revolution?
What revolution, sir?
This one, for you were in the yard by the barracks last night.
Ah, sir!
exclaimed Andong, blushing.
Who’s guilty of that?
My mother-in-law, sir!
Surprise and laughter followed these words. The alferez stopped and stared not unkindly at the wretch, who, thinking that his words had produced a good effect, went on with more spirit: Yes, sir, my mother-in-law doesn’t give me anything to eat but what is rotten and unfit, so last night when I came by here with my belly aching I saw the yard of the barracks near and I said to myself, ‘It’s night-time, no one will see me.’ I went in—and then many shots sounded—
A blow from the rattan cut his speech short.
To the jail,
ordered the alferez. This afternoon, to the capital!