"A fine present."

"No, that won't do, for he prides himself upon being incorruptible."

"Ah, yes, I know!" exclaimed Pecson with a laugh. "Pepay the dancing
girl."

"Ah, yes, Pepay the dancing girl," echoed several.

This Pepay was a showy girl, supposed to be a great friend of
Don Custodio. To her resorted the contractors, the employees, the
intriguers, when they wanted to get something from the celebrated
councilor. Juanito Pelaez, who was also a great friend of the dancing
girl, offered to look after the matter, but Isagani shook his head,
saying that it was sufficient that they had made use of Padre Irene
and that it would be going too far to avail themselves of Pepay in
such an affair.

"Show us the other way."

"The other way is to apply to his attorney and adviser, Señor Pasta,
the oracle before whom Don Custodio bows."

"I prefer that," said Isagani. "Señor Pasta is a Filipino, and was
a schoolmate of my uncle's. But how can we interest him?"

"There's the _quid_," replied Makaraig, looking earnestly at
Isagani. "Señor Pasta has a dancing girl--I mean, a seamstress."

Isagani again shook his head.