The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home

CHAPTER LIV 248
Elias wrung his hands, saying, "Well then, at least parry the blow. Prepare for the time when they accuse
you."
Ibarra gazed about him in bewilderment. "Then help me. There in that writing-desk are all the letters of my
family. Select those of my father, which are perhaps the ones that may compromise me. Read the signatures."
So the bewildered and stupefied young man opened and shut boxes, collected papers, read letters hurriedly,
tearing up some and laying others aside. He took down some books and began to turn their leaves.
Elias did the same, if not so excitedly, yet with equal eagerness. But suddenly he paused, his eyes bulged, he
turned the paper in his hand over and over, then asked in a trembling voice:
"Was your family acquainted with Don Pedro Eibarramendia?"
"I should say so!" answered Ibarra, as he opened a chest and took out a bundle of papers. "He was my
great-grandfather."
"Your great-grandfather Don Pedro Eibarramendia?" again asked Elias with changed and livid features.
"Yes," replied Ibarra absently, "we shortened the surname; it was too long."
"Was he a Basque?" demanded Elias, approaching him.
"Yes, a Basque--but what's the matter?" asked Ibarra in surprise.
Clenching his fists and pressing them to his forehead, Elias glared at Crisostomo, who recoiled when he saw
the expression on the other's face. "Do you know who Don Pedro Eibarramendia was?" he asked between his
teeth. "Don Pedro Eibarramendia was the villain who falsely accused my grandfather and caused all our
misfortunes. I have sought for that name and God has revealed it to me! Render me now an accounting for our
misfortunes!"
Elias caught and shook the arm of Crisostomo, who gazed at him in terror. In a voice that was bitter and
trembling with hate, he said, "Look at me well, look at one who has suffered and you live, you live, you have
wealth, a home, reputation--you live, you live!"
Beside himself, he ran to a small collection of arms and snatched up a dagger. But scarcely had he done so
when he let it fall again and stared like a madman at the motionless Ibarra.
"What was I about to do?" he muttered, fleeing from the house.