Although his looks could not be read through the blue goggles, on the rest of his face surprise might be seen.

"Rather a good answer," he said.

"But I fear that he might get facetious and ask me when the water will be converted into steam and when into an ocean.

Padre Camorra is rather incredulous and is a great wag." "When the fire heats it, when the rivulets that are now scattered through the steep valleys, forced by fatality, rush together in the abyss that men are digging," replied Isagani.
"No, Senor Simoun," interposed Basilio, changing to a jesting tone, "rather keep in mind the verses of my friend Isagani himself: 'Fire you, you say, and water we, Then as you wish, so let it be; But let us live in peace and right, Nor shall the fire e'er see us fight; So joined by wisdom's glowing flame, That without anger, hate, or blame, We form the steam, the fifth element, Progress and light, life and movement.'" "Utopia, Utopia!" responded Simoun dryly.

"The engine is about to meet--in the meantime, I'll drink my beer." So, without any word of excuse, he left the two friends.
"But what's the matter with you today that you're so quarrelsome ?" asked Basilio.
"Nothing.