This remark stopped the relatives of the prisoners. Twenty soldiers came out and surrounded the cart. Then came the prisoners.
The first was Don Filipo; he was tied. He greeted his wife with a smile. Doray broke into a bitter lamentation and two soldiers had to work hard to keep her from embracing her husband. Antonio, the son of Captain Tinay, next appeared, crying like a child—a fact which made the family cry all the more. The imbecile, Andong, broke out in a wail when he saw his mother-in-law, the cause of his misfortune. Albino, the former seminary student, came out with his hands tied, as did also the twin sons of Capitana Maria. These three youths were serious and grave. The last who came was Ibarra. The young man was pale. He looked about for the face of Maria Clara.
“That is the one who is to blame!” cried many voices. “He is to blame and he will go free.”
“My son-in-law has done nothing and he is handcuffed.”
Ibarra turned to the guards.
“Tie me, and tie me well, elbow to elbow,” said he.
“Tie me!”
The soldiers obeyed.
The alferez appeared on horse-back, armed to the teeth. Ten or fifteen more soldiers followed him.