Chapter 14: - Page 9 of 9
In the House of the Students
(English version of “El Filibusterismo”)
Show us the other way.
The other way is to apply to his attorney and adviser, Señor Pasta, the oracle before whom Don Custodio bows.
I prefer that,
said Isagani. Señor Pasta is a Filipino, and was a schoolmate of my uncle’s. But how can we interest him?
There’s the quid,
replied Makaraig, looking earnestly at Isagani. Señor Pasta has a dancing girl—I mean, a seamstress.
Isagani again shook his head.
Don’t be such a puritan,
Juanito Pelaez said to him. The end justifies the means! I know the seamstress, Matea, for she has a shop where a lot of girls work.
No, gentlemen,
declared Isagani, let’s first employ decent methods. I’ll go to Señor Pasta and, if I don’t accomplish anything, then you can do what you wish with the dancing girls and seamstresses.
They had to accept this proposition, agreeing that Isagani should talk to Señor Pasta that very day, and in the afternoon report to his associates at the University the result of the interview.