The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home
The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home
The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home
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CHAPTER XLV 207<br />
CHAPTER XLV<br />
<strong>The</strong> Hunted<br />
In the dim light shed <strong>by</strong> the moonbeams sifting through the thick foliage a man wandered through the forest<br />
with slow and cautious steps. From time to time, as if to find his way, he whistled a peculiar melody, which<br />
was answered in the distance <strong>by</strong> some one whistling the same air. <strong>The</strong> man would listen attentively and then<br />
make his way in the direction of the distant sound, until at length, after overcoming the thousand obstacles<br />
offered <strong>by</strong> the virgin forest in the night-time, he reached a small open space, which was bathed in the light of<br />
the moon in its first quarter. <strong>The</strong> high, tree-crowned rocks that rose about formed a kind of ruined<br />
amphitheater, in the center of which were scattered recently felled trees and charred logs among boulders<br />
covered with nature's mantle of verdure.<br />
Scarcely had the unknown arrived when another figure started suddenly from behind a large rock and<br />
advanced with drawn revolver. "Who are you?" he asked in Tagalog in an imperious tone, cocking the<br />
weapon.<br />
"Is old Pablo among you?" inquired the unknown in an even tone, without answering the question or showing<br />
any signs of fear.<br />
"You mean the capitan? Yes, he's here."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>n tell him that Elias is here looking for him," was the answer of the unknown, who was no other than the<br />
mysterious pilot.<br />
"Are you Elias?" asked the other respectfully, as he approached him, not, however, ceasing to cover him with<br />
the revolver. "<strong>The</strong>n come!"<br />
Elias followed him, and they penetrated into a kind of cave sunk down in the depths of the earth. <strong>The</strong> guide,<br />
who seemed to be familiar with the way, warned the pilot when he should descend or turn aside or stoop<br />
down, so they were not long in reaching a kind of hall which was poorly lighted <strong>by</strong> pitch torches and occupied<br />
<strong>by</strong> twelve to fifteen armed men with dirty faces and soiled clothing, some seated and some lying down as they<br />
talked fitfully to one another. Resting his arms on a stone that served for a table and gazing thoughtfully at the<br />
torches, which gave out so little light for so much smoke, was seen an old, sad-featured man with his head<br />
wrapped in a bloody bandage. Did we not know that it was a den of tulisanes we might have said, on reading<br />
the look of desperation in the old man's face, that it was the Tower of Hunger on the eve before Ugolino<br />
devoured his sons.<br />
Upon the arrival of Elias and his guide the figures partly rose, but at a signal from the latter they settled back<br />
again, satisfying themselves with the observation that the newcomer was unarmed. <strong>The</strong> old man turned his<br />
head slowly and saw the quiet figure of Elias, who stood uncovered, gazing at him with sad interest.<br />
"It's you at last," murmured the old man, his gaze lighting up somewhat as he recognized the youth.<br />
"In what condition do I find you!" exclaimed the youth in a suppressed tone, shaking his head.<br />
<strong>The</strong> old man dropped his head in silence and made a sign to the others, who arose and withdrew, first taking<br />
the measure of the pilot's muscles and stature with a glance.<br />
"Yes!" said the old man to Elias as soon as they were alone. "Six months ago when I sheltered you in my<br />
house, it was I who pitied you. Now we have changed parts and it is you who pity me. But sit down and tell<br />
me how you got here."