The pessimist Pecson was not so enthusiastic. "Just so we don't get
that decoration on our ankles," he remarked, but fortunately for
Pelaez this comment was not heard in the midst of the applause.

When they had quieted down a little, Pecson replied, "Good, good,
very good, but one supposition: if in spite of all that, the General
consults and consults and consults, and afterwards refuses the permit?"

This question fell like a dash of cold water. All turned to Sandoval,
who was taken aback. "Then--" he stammered.

"Then?"

"Then," he exclaimed in a burst of enthusiasm, still excited by the
applause, "seeing that in writing and in printing it boasts of desiring
your enlightenment, and yet hinders and denies it when called upon to
make it a reality--then, gentlemen, your efforts will not have been
in vain, you will have accomplished what no one else has been able
to do. Make them drop the mask and fling down the gauntlet to you!"

"Bravo, bravo!" cried several enthusiastically.

"Good for Sandoval! Hurrah for the gauntlet!" added others.

"Let them fling down the gauntlet to us!" repeated Pecson
disdainfully. "But afterwards?"

Sandoval seemed to be cut short in his triumph, but with the vivacity
peculiar to his race and his oratorical temperament he had an
immediate reply.