Part 44 (2/2)
A minute pa.s.sed. The Muse saw large bubbles of air come up to the surface of the water.
”He is thirsty,” said she, laughing.
The water was again smooth.
This time a minute and a half had pa.s.sed when the alferez gave the signal.
Tarsilo's features were no longer contracted. The half opened lids showed the white of his eyes. Muddy water, clotted with blood, ran out of his mouth. The cool wind was blowing, but his body no longer s.h.i.+vered.
Those present, pale and terrified, looked at each other in silence. The alferez made a signal for them to take him down from where he was hanging, and stepped aside for a few moments. Dona Consolacion a number of times applied the lighted end of her cigar to the bare legs of Tarsilo, but his body did not quiver. It put out the light.
”He has asphyxiated himself,” murmured a cuaderillero. ”See how his tongue is turned, as if he wanted to swallow it.”
The other prisoner, trembling and perspiring, contemplated the scene. Like a madman he looked about him.
The alferez ordered the directorcillo to question him.
”Senor, Senor,” he groaned. ”I will tell you all that you wish.”
”Good. Let us see! What is your name?”
”Andong, Senor!”
”Bernardo ... Leonardo ... Ricardo ... Educardo. Gerardo ... or what?”
”Andong, Senor,” repeated the imbecile.
”Call it Bernardo or whatever you please,” said the alferez, decided not to bother more about it.
”What family name?”
The man looked at him frightened.
”What's your name? What do you add to the name Andong?”
”Ah, Senor! Andong Medio-tonto (half-fool), Senor.”
Those standing around could not resist a laugh. The alferez himself stopped short.
”What is your business?”
”Cocoanut tree pruner, Senor, and servant for my mother-in-law.”
”Who ordered you to attack the cuartel?”
”n.o.body, Senor.”
<script>