Immediately the animation of the worthy President changed into an evil-omened silence.
As the two men followed the wall, the enormous, red moon rose over the town like a dying sun; the Cathedral tower looked very white against the dark blue sky.... They passed a tile-kiln, and Quentin, seeing that Don Paco was dispirited, said:
“I think we can be at ease now, for from here on there are no guards nor watchmen to spy on us.”
These words heartened the old man; a moment later, he was humming a piece from “El Domino Azúl,” which contained words to the effect that he did not want his dove so near the hawk.
Then, absolutely at ease, he commenced to say in a pompous voice:
“There are moments in the lives of cities as there are in those of individuals....”
“A speech! Don Paco, for Heaven’s sake! At a time like this!” exclaimed Quentin....
The old man, seeing that he could not continue his discourse, said familiarly:
“The things that have been accomplished in our lifetime, Quentin! When we first met, there in the Café de Pepon, on the Calle de Antonio de Morales, we were a mere handful of men with advanced ideas.... Today, you see how different it is. And all through my efforts, Quentin. I inaugurated the Reading Centre for workmen, and the Patrician Lodge ...; I was one of the Hatchet Club, and one of the founders of the Committee. I was always conspiring.”
“You are very brave,” said Quentin slyly.