The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home

CHAPTER XL 191
Ibarra had returned to look for Maria Clara. The frightened girls clung to him pale and trembling while Aunt
Isabel recited the Latin litany.
When the people were somewhat calmed down from their fright and had learned the cause of the disturbance,
they were beside themselves with indignation. Stones rained on the squad of cuadrilleros who were
conducting the two offenders from the scene, and there were even those who proposed to set fire to the
barracks of the Civil Guard so as to roast Doña Consolacion along with the alferez.
"That's what they're good for!" cried a woman, doubling up her fists and stretching out her arms. "To disturb
the town! They don't chase any but honest folks! Out yonder are the tulisanes and the gamblers. Let's set fire
to the barracks!"
One man was beating himself on the arm and begging for confession. Plaintive sounds issued from under the
overturned benches--it was a poor musician. The stage was crowded with actors and spectators, all talking at
the same time. There was Chananay dressed as Leonor in Il Trovatore, talking in the language of the markets
to Ratia in the costume of a schoolmaster; Yeyeng, wrapped in a silk shawl, was clinging to the Prince
Villardo; while Balbino and the Moros were exerting themselves to console the more or less injured
musicians. [112] Several Spaniards went from group to group haranguing every one they met.
A large crowd was forming, whose intention Don Filipo seemed to be aware of, for he ran to stop them.
"Don't disturb the peace!" he cried. "Tomorrow we'll ask for an accounting and we'll get justice. I'll answer for
it that we get justice!"
"No!" was the reply of several. "They did the same thing in Kalamba, [113] the same promise was made, but
the alcalde did nothing. We'll take the law into our own hands! To the barracks!"
In vain the teniente-mayor pleaded with them. The crowd maintained its hostile attitude, so he looked about
him for help and noticed Ibarra.
"Señor Ibarra, as a favor! Restrain them while I get some cuadrilleros."
"What can I do?" asked the perplexed youth, but the teniente-mayor was already at a distance. He gazed about
him seeking he knew not whom, when accidentally he discerned Elias, who stood impassively watching the
disturbance.
Ibarra ran to him, caught him by the arm, and said to him in Spanish: "For God's sake, do something, if you
can! I can't do anything." The pilot must have understood him, for he disappeared in the crowd. Lively
disputes and sharp exclamations were heard. Gradually the crowd began to break up, its members each taking
a less hostile attitude. It was high time, indeed, for the soldiers were already rushing out armed and with fixed
bayonets.
Meanwhile, what had the curate been doing? Padre Salvi had not gone to bed but had stood motionless,
resting his forehead against the curtains and gazing toward the plaza. From time to time a suppressed sigh
escaped him, and if the light of the lamp had not been so dim, perhaps it would have been possible to see his
eyes fill with tears. Thus nearly an hour passed.
The tumult in the plaza awoke him from his reverie. With startled eyes he saw the confused movements of the
people, while their voices came up to him faintly. A breathless servant informed him of what was happening.
A thought shot across his mind: in the midst of confusion and tumult is the time when libertines take
advantage of the consternation and weakness of woman. Every one seeks to save himself, no one thinks of any
one else; a cry is not heard or heeded, women faint, are struck and fall, terror and fright heed not shame, under
the cover of night--and when they are in love! He imagined that he saw Crisostomo snatch the fainting Maria