Their gabble would have lasted longer if it were not for two ladies who passed between them. Balatong, as the young man who wore spectacles was called, started to mince along the busy street, scowling at Busyong and at Islao, who were suppressing their laughter as best they could, as he strutted before them. In a few moments Busyong and Islao began also to move about, and soon kept pace with two bald-headed men who happened to be walking the street in the same direction as theirs. Presently, one of the old men observed Balatong, who was peering at and caressing with a handkerchief one of his tapped shoes which had been stepped upon by a "brat," to use his own expression, as he had struggled along, distorting carefully his body to force a way through an idle crowd. Then in a sarcastic but indignant manner and forgetting what his companion was speaking about, the man said, "Oh, look at that Enigo. See how the lower edge of his long cloak flaps like a sail battered by the wind!"
"No," said the other old man, "that is not a cloak, but a plain coat."
"Well, I thought it was a cloak like those used by the people in the neighboring continent in time of cold weather. That's the reason why I said he was Enigo, for he uses a cloak now when it is warm, and I suppose he would use light clothes when it is cold."
"That is the fashion they say—and the latest one, too."
"Go to, the fashion!"
Meanwhile Busyong nudged Islao and whispered close to his ear, "Did you hear what these old men were talking about?"
Islao nodded, smiling.
Then the two old men climbed into a vehicle very much like a carretela, and drove away. Busyong and Islao went into a saloon of fresh drinks and asked for a refreshment similar to milkshake.
"The owner of this saloon is a woman, according to the signboard at the door," remarked Busyong.
"Yes," said Islao, smiling; "I am sorry to say."