"I thought it best to wait for you," said the alferez. "We have eight here," he went on, pointing toward the door of the prison; "the one called Bruno died in the night. Are you ready to examine the two unknown prisoners?" The curate sat down in the arm-chair. "Let us go on," he said. "Bring out the two in the cepo!" ordered the alferez in as terrible a voice as he could command. Then turning to the curate: "We skipped two holes." For the benefit of those not acquainted with the instruments of torture of the Philippines, we will say that the cepo, a form of stocks, is one of the most innocent; but by skipping enough holes, the position is made most trying. It is, however, a torture that can be long endured. The jailor drew the bolt and opened the door. A sickening odor escaped, and a match lighted by one of the guards went out in the vitiated air; when it was possible to take in a candle, one could see dimly, from the rooms outside, the forms of men crouching or standing. The cepo was opened. A dark figure came out between two soldiers; it was Tarsilo, the brother of Bruno. His torn clothing let his splendid muscles show. The other prisoner brought out was weeping and lamenting. "What is your name?" the alferez demanded of Tarsilo. "Tarsilo Alasigan." "What did Don Crisostomo promise you for attacking the convent?" "I have never had any communication with Don Crisostomo." "Don't attempt to deny it: what other reason had you for joining the conspiracy?" "You had killed our father, we wished to avenge him, nothing more. Go find two of your guards. They're at the foot of the precipice, where we threw them. You may kill me now, you will learn nothing more." There was silence and general surprise. "You will name your accomplices," cried the alferez, brandishing his cane. The accused man smiled disdainfully. The alferez talked apart with the curate. "Take him where the bodies are," he ordered. In a corner of the patio, on an old cart, five bodies were heaped under a piece of soiled matting. "Do you know them?" asked the alferez, lifting the covering. Tarsilo did not reply. He saw the body of Sisa's husband, and that of his brother, pierced through with bayonet strokes. His face grew darker, and a great sigh escaped him; but he was mute. "Beat him till he confesses or dies!" cried the exasperated alferez. They led him back where the other prisoner, with chattering teeth, was invoking the saints. "Do you know this man?" demanded Father Salvi. "I never saw him before," replied Tarsilo, looking at the poor wretch with faint compassion. "Fasten him to the bench; gag him!" ordered the alferez, trembling with rage. When this was done, a guard began his sad task.