The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home

CHAPTER LIV 247
Ibarra glanced at him in surprise and, on seeing the gravity of his countenance, dropped the object that he held
in his hands.
"Burn everything that may compromise you and within an hour put yourself in a place of safety."
"Why?" Ibarra was at length able to ask.
"Put all your valuables in a safe place--"
"Why?"
"Burn every letter written by you or to you--the most innocent thing may be wrongly construed--"
"But why all this?"
"Why! Because I've just discovered a plot that is to be attributed to you in order to ruin you."
"A plot? Who is forming it?"
"I haven't been able to discover the author of it, but just a moment ago I talked with one of the poor dupes
who are paid to carry it out, and I wasn't able to dissuade him."
"But he--didn't he tell you who is paying him?"
"Yes! Under a pledge of secrecy he said that it was you."
"My God!" exclaimed the terrified Ibarra.
"There's no doubt of it, sir. Don't lose any time, for the plot will probably be carried out this very night."
Ibarra, with his hands on his head and his eyes staring unnaturally, seemed not to hear him.
"The blow cannot be averted," continued Elias. "I've come late, I don't know who the leaders are. Save
yourself, sir, save yourself for your country's sake!"
"Whither shall I flee? She expects me tonight!" exclaimed Ibarra, thinking of Maria Clara.
"To any town whatsoever, to Manila, to the house of some official, but anywhere so that they may not say that
you are directing this movement."
"Suppose that I myself report the plot?"
"You an informer!" exclaimed Elias, stepping back and staring at him. "You would appear as a traitor and
coward in the eyes of the plotters and faint-hearted in the eyes of others. They would say that you planned the
whole thing to curry favor. They would say--"
"But what's to be done?"
"I've already told you. Destroy every document that relates to your affairs, flee, and await the outcome."
"And Maria Clara?" exclaimed the young man. "No, I'll die first!"