Now they commented on the movements of the engines, endeavoring to recall forgotten notions of physics, now they surrounded the young schoolgirl or the red-lipped _buyera_ with her collar of _sampaguitas,_ whispering into their ears words that made them smile and cover their faces with their fans.
Nevertheless, two of them, instead of engaging in these fleeting gallantries, stood in the bow talking with a man, advanced in years, but still vigorous and erect.

Both these youths seemed to be well known and respected, to judge from the deference shown them by their fellow passengers.

The elder, who was dressed in complete black, was the medical student, Basilio, famous for his successful cures and extraordinary treatments, while the other, taller and more robust, although much younger, was Isagani, one of the poets, or at least rimesters, who that year came from the Ateneo, [6] a curious character, ordinarily quite taciturn and uncommunicative.

The man talking with them was the rich Capitan Basilio, who was returning from a business trip to Manila.
"Capitan Tiago is getting along about the same as usual, yes, sir," said the student Basilio, shaking his head.

"He won't submit to any treatment.