decision of the arbiter, approves the idea and felicitates the students
on their patriotism and their thirst for knowledge--"

"Well?"

"Only that, considering our duties--in short, it says that in order
that the idea may not be lost, it concludes that the direction
and execution of the plan should be placed in charge of one of
the religious corporations, in case the Dominicans do not wish to
incorporate the academy with the University."

Exclamations of disappointment greeted the announcement. Isagani rose,
but said nothing.

"And in order that we may participate in the management of the
academy," Makaraig went on, "we are intrusted with the collection
of contributions and dues, with the obligation of turning them over
to the treasurer whom the corporation may designate, which treasurer
will issue us receipts."

"Then we're tax-collectors!" remarked Tadeo.

"Sandoval," said Pecson, "there's the gauntlet--take it up!"

"Huh! That's not a gauntlet--from its odor it seems more like a sock."

"The funniest, part of it," Makaraig added, "is that Padre Irene has
advised us to celebrate the event with a banquet or a torchlight
procession--a public demonstration of the students _en masse_ to
render thanks to all the persons who have intervened in the affair."