With the music came the alcalde, the municipal officials, the friars, with the exception of Padre Damaso, and the Spanish employees.

Ibarra was conversing with the alcalde, of whom he had made quite a friend since he had addressed to him some well-turned compliments over his decorations and ribbons, for aristocratic pretensions were the weakness of his Honor.

Capitan Tiago, the alferez, and some other wealthy personages came in the gilded cluster of maidens displaying their silken parasols.

Padre Salvi followed, silent and thoughtful as ever.
"Count upon my support always in any worthy enterprise," the alcalde was saying to Ibarra.

"I will give you whatever appropriation you need or else see that it is furnished by others." As they drew nearer the youth felt his heart beat faster.