I have observed that the prosperity or misery of each people is in direct proportion to its liberties or its prejudices and, accordingly, to the sacrifices or the selfishness of its forefathers." "And haven't you observed anything more than that ?" broke in the Franciscan with a sneer.

Since the beginning of the dinner he had not uttered a single word, his whole attention having been taking up, no doubt, with the food.

"It wasn't worth while to squander your fortune to learn so trifling a thing.

Any schoolboy knows that." Ibarra was placed in an embarrassing position, and the rest looked from one to the other as if fearing a disagreeable scene.

He was about to say, "The dinner is nearly over and his Reverence is now satiated," but restrained himself and merely remarked to the others, "Gentlemen, don't be surprised at the familiarity with which our former curate treats me.