Ibarra regarded the man in silence.
“You are not a peasant,” he said at last. “Who are you? Have you studied?”
“I’ve need of much belief in God, since I’ve lost faith in men,” said Elias, evading the question.
“But God cannot speak to resolve each of the countless contests our passions raise; it is necessary, it is just, that man should sometimes judge his kind.”
“For good, yes; not for evil. To correct and ameliorate, not to destroy; because, if man’s judgments are erroneous, he has not the power to remedy the evil he has done. But this discussion is over my head, and I am detaining you. Do not forget what I came to entreat; save yourself for the good of your country!” And he started to go.
“And when shall I see you again?”
“Whenever you wish; whenever I can be of use to you; I am always your debtor!”