the spot that a committee should be appointed. Don Custodio's activity
being known and recognized, he was named as arbiter and the petition
is now in his hands. He promised that he would settle it this month."

"Hurrah for Don Custodio!"

"But suppose Don Custodio should report unfavorably upon it?" inquired
the pessimist Pecson.

Upon this they had not reckoned, being intoxicated with the thought
that the matter would not be pigeonholed, so they all turned to
Makaraig to learn how it could be arranged.

"The same objection I presented to Padre Irene, but with his sly smile
he said to me: 'We've won a great deal, we have succeeded in getting
the matter on the road to a decision, the opposition sees itself
forced to join battle.' If we can bring some influence to bear upon
Don Custodio so that he, in accordance with his liberal tendencies,
may report favorably, all is won, for the General showed himself to
be absolutely neutral."

Makaraig paused, and an impatient listener asked, "How can we
influence him?"

"Padre Irene pointed out to me two ways--"

"Quiroga," some one suggested.

"Pshaw, great use Quiroga--"