“I prefer to fight even though I know we must lose. There is some satisfaction in punishing those who have treated us so unjustly, and every blow we strike will cause them to have the greater respect for the Filipino people in the future. If we could punish that Jesuit”—
“And Bishop Lonzello,” added Aglipay.
“To my mind there is nothing left us to do but fight,” added General Saguanaldo, visibly pleased. “We in the interior can conduct a guerrilla warfare that will cause the enemy to respect us, and make the new masters more inclined to do us justice. I trust, Señora Rizal, you will not desert us if we take this action.”
Mrs. Rizal arose. “I am with, you to the last,” she said. “I am not afraid to die, either, just as my husband died before me. If I may be asked to designate the service I am to perform, I would ask that the youth here and I be permitted to go among the people and arouse them with our songs and speeches. We can rally you a force, General.”
“Go, and God bless you. There is one question I would ask you if I may speak to you in private.”
General Saguanaldo and Mrs. Rizal stepped a few paces away.
“Have you seen Ambrosia?” he asked. “Is she well, and does she remain true to me?”
“Ambrosia has the strength of a man,” returned Mrs. Rizal, “in the cause of Filipino independence. She is true, and will ever be near you—in spirit.”
[1] Sierras—Saw used in Spanish countries, hence toothed or irregular. [↑]