An Eagle Flight
Copyright© 2024 by José Rizal
Free Thought.
Ibarra, who had gone home for a change of clothing, had just finished dressing when a servant announced that a peasant wished to see him. Supposing it to be one of his laborers, he had him taken to his work room, which was at the same time his library and chemical laboratory. To his great surprise he found himself face to face with the mysterious Elias.
“You saved my life,” said the man, speaking in Tagalo, and understanding the movement of Ibarra. “I have not half paid my debt. Do not thank me. It is I who should thank you. I have come to ask a favor.”
“Speak!” said his listener.
Elias fixed his melancholy eyes on Ibarra’s and went on:
“When the justice of man tries to clear up this mystery, and your testimony is taken, I entreat you not to speak to any one of the warning I gave you.”
“Do not be alarmed,” said Crisóstomo, losing interest; “I know you are pursued, but I’m not an informer.”
“I don’t speak for myself, but for you,” said Elias, with some haughtiness. “I have no fear of men.”
Ibarra grew surprised. This manner of speaking was new, and did not comport with the state or fortunes of the helmsman.
“Explain yourself!” he demanded.
“I am not speaking enigmas. To insure your safety, it is necessary that your enemies believe you blind and confiding.”
“To insure my safety?” said Ibarra, thoroughly aroused.
“You undertake a great enterprise,” Elias went on. “You have a past. Your grandfather and your father had enemies. It is not criminals who provoke the most hatred; it is honorable men.”
“You know my enemies, then?”
Elias hesitated.
“I knew one; the dead man.”
“I regret his death,” said Ibarra; “from him I might have learned more.”
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