“Here, old man,” cried one of the fellows present, “don’t get scared and leave us at this early stage of the game. Remember, we are out for revenge.”
“Come,” said the clear, sweet voice of the child Catalina. “You must leave the Governor’s house this very moment. Arise! Forward-march! Take this bottle, Señor Antonio Noriega, and when you step your foot on the public street, drink its contents. Then remember; you will live again, and you will see things not seen by the eye, and hear things not heard by the ear.”
The old man clutched the bottle tightly in his hand, and started down the steps at a lively pace.
Quietly and without a word the men followed. On reaching the door that led into the vestibule, the entire party were surprised on being commanded to surrender.
Antonio Noriega gave up his arms at the first command; but such was not the case with the others. For a few moments a hard fight was waged between the officers of law and the revolutionary party.
In the confusion and darkness, several offenders of law escaped from the house, but were closely pursued by officers. The others were taken in custody by the soldiers and policemen present, and conveyed to jail.
At the moment the old man stepped from the Governor’s Mansion onto the public street, Catalina Martinet cried: “Señor Antonio Noriega,” and he raised the small bottle to his lips and drained it empty. “Remember, remember.”
Different members of the revolutionary party cursed in an undertone, “Memory Fluid,” all occult science, its devotees, and the administrators of law in general.
As the last man disappeared from view, Catalina Martinet cried: “I will make them all live. I will get many vials, fill them with ‘Memory Fluid,’ and when the sun makes the day very bright, I will take them in a small basket, and go out amongst these people, who are alive, yet do not live, and as I hand a vial to each man who looks vicious, I will say: ‘Drink this and live.’ And when enough men drink the fluid, the war which is going to be will be stopped. Come, Juan, take me upstairs. I am sleepy and I want a bowl of milk.”
Juan had stood close by during the affray, possibly too frightened to move; and now that Catalina spoke to him, he moved forward and cried: “Your Honor, the child is not human. I must leave your service.”