The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home

CHAPTER LVII 259
In the dim light of the candle several human forms became vaguely outlined: men hugging their knees or
hiding their heads between them, some lying face downward, some standing, and some turned toward the
wall. A blow and a creak were heard, accompanied by curses--the stocks were opened, Doña Consolacion
bent forward with the muscles of her neck swelling and her bulging eyes fixed on the half-opened door.
A wretched figure, Tarsilo, Bruno's brother, came out between two soldiers. On his wrists were handcuffs and
his clothing was in shreds, revealing quite a muscular body. He turned his eyes insolently on the alferez's
woman.
"This is the one who defended himself with the most courage and told his companions to run," said the alferez
to Padre Salvi.
Behind him came another of miserable aspect, moaning and weeping like a child. He limped along exposing
pantaloons spotted with blood. "Mercy, sir, mercy! I'll not go back into the yard," he whimpered.
"He's a rogue," observed the alferez to the curate. "He tried to run, but he was wounded in the thigh. These are
the only two that we took alive."
"What's your name?" the alferez asked Tarsilo.
"Tarsilo Alasigan."
"What did Don Crisostomo promise you for attacking the barracks?"
"Don Crisostomo never had anything to do with us."
"Don't deny it! That's why you tried to surprise us."
"You're mistaken. You beat our father to death and we were avenging him, nothing more. Look for your two
associates."
The alferez gazed at the sergeant in surprise.
"They're over there in the gully where we threw them yesterday and where they'll rot. Now kill me, you'll not
learn anything more."
General surprise and silence, broken by the alferez. "You are going to tell who your other accomplices are,"
he threatened, flourishing a rattan whip.
A smile of disdain curled the prisoner's lips. The alferez consulted with the curate in a low tone for a few
moments, then turned to the soldiers. "Take him out where the corpses are," he commanded.
On a cart in a corner of the yard were heaped five corpses, partly covered with a filthy piece of torn matting.
A soldier walked about near them, spitting at every moment.
"Do you know them?" asked the alferez, lifting up the matting.
Tarsilo did not answer. He saw the corpse of the madwoman's husband with two others: that of his brother,
slashed with bayonet-thrusts, and that of Lucas with the halter still around his neck. His look became somber
and a sigh seemed to escape from his breast.
"Do you know them?" he was again asked, but he still remained silent.