Page:The reign of greed (1912).pdf/279

 Upon hearing such talk, Basilio, although he liked Isagani very much, turned and left. He had to go to Makaraig's house to see about the loan.

Near the house of the wealthy student he observed whisperings and mysterious signals among the neighbors, but not comprehending what they meant, continued serenely on his way and entered the doorway. Two guards advanced and asked him what he wanted. Basilio realized that he had made a bad move, but he could not now retreat.

"I've come to see my friend Makaraig," he replied calmly.

The guards looked at each other. "Wait here," one of them said to him. "Wait till the corporal comes down."

Basilio bit his lips and Simoun's words again recurred to him. Had they come to arrest Makaraig?—was his thought, but he dared not give it utterance. He did not have to wait long, for in a few moments Makaraig came down, talking pleasantly with the corporal. The two were preceded by a warrant officer.

"What, you too, Basilio?" he asked.

"I came to see you—"

"Noble conduct!" exclaimed Makaraig laughing. In time of calm, you avoid us."

The corporal asked Basilio his name, then scanned a list. Medical student, Calle Anloague?" he asked.

Basilio bit his lip.

"You've saved us a trip," added the corporal, placing his hand on the youth's shoulder. "You're under arrest!

"What, I also?"

Makaraig burst out into laughter.

"Don't worry, friend. Let's get into the carriage, while I tell you about the supper last night."

With a graceful gesture, as though he were in his own house, he invited the warrant officer and the corporal to enter the carriage that waited at the door.

"To the Civil Government!" he ordered the cochero.

Now that Basilio had again regained his composure, he