We must now say that Mechacar, a shoemaker, a neighbor, and a rival of many years' standing of Señor José Maria Perinolo, who had known Sinforoso from his birth, and had often given him two or three beatings with the strap, when on his return from school he annoyed him by calling him by some contemptuous nickname, was in the gallery with his hands resting on the rail, and his face, alert and attentive, on his hands. No enthusiasm shone in those eyes under the lowering brows, as in those of the others; but envy, hatred, and malice were visible on the countenance. When the honeyed words of his rival fell upon his ears he felt powerless to stand the farce, and he called out in a rage:
"Stop that rubbish, you fool!"
[Indescribable indignation of the audience. All eyes were turned to the gallery. Voices were heard saying:]
"Who is this brawler? To the prison with him! Out with the fool!"
The president asked with terrible severity:
"Are we in a civilized town, or among Hottentots?"
The question thus formulated produced a profound impression upon the audience. Suarez, slightly pale, and in an agitated voice, finally said:
"If the meeting desire it, I am ready to sit down."
[No, no. Go on! Loud and prolonged applause for the orator.]
The indignation against the rude disturber increased to such a degree that sounds of threats were audible, and several shook their fists in the direction whence the voice had proceeded. Alvaro Peña, the Greek orator, more indignant than anybody, finally went up to the gallery and put Mechacar out of the theatre by force, amid the applause of the public.