We'll take the law into our own hands! To the barracks!" In vain the teniente-mayor pleaded with them.

The crowd maintained its hostile attitude, so he looked about him for help and noticed Ibarra.
"Senor Ibarra, as a favor! Restrain them while I get some cuadrilleros." "What can I do ?" asked the perplexed youth, but the teniente-mayor was already at a distance.

He gazed about him seeking he knew not whom, when accidentally he discerned Elias, who stood impassively watching the disturbance.
Ibarra ran to him, caught him by the arm, and said to him in Spanish: "For God's sake, do something, if you can! I can't do anything." The pilot must have understood him, for he disappeared in the crowd.

Lively disputes and sharp exclamations were heard.

Gradually the crowd began to break up, its members each taking a less hostile attitude.