The work which has given him literary fame is a four volume novel, written under the _nom-de-plume_ of Sancho Polo. These volumes bear special titles--_La Bola_ (The Local Outbreak), _La gran Ciencia_ (The Grand Science), _El cuarto Poder_ (The Fourth Power), and _Moneda falsa_ (False Money). These novels have their importance in Mexican literature. Victoriano Salado Álbarez, speaking of the notable advancement of the Mexican novel in recent years, says: “The works of Sancho Polo, precious studies,--initiated this truly fecund and permanent movement.” Luis Gonzáles Obregón says of these books: “These are notable for the correctness of their style, for masterly skill in description, most rich in precious details, for the perfect way in which those who figure in them are characterized, for the natural and unexpected development, as well as for many other beauties, which we regret not being able to enumerate here.” Emilio Rabasa’s active public life has prevented his following up his early success in literature. Since the Sancho Polo series, he has written but one brief novel, _La Guerra de tres años_ (The Three Years War). In 1888, in connection with the well-known publisher, Reyes Spindola, he founded _El Universal_ (The Universal), which is still published, and which really initiated a new era in Mexican journalism. The hero in the Sancho Polo novels is a youth named Juan Quiñones. Born and reared in an obscure village, he loves a pretty girl who lives with her uncle, a man of common origin and mediocre attainments. Don Mateo is, however, a rising man, and, as he mounts, his ambitions for his niece mount also. The boy has real ability, but is petulant and precipitate, throwing himself into positions from which there should be no escape, and learning nothing by experience. He passes through a series of remarkable experiences--a local outbreak, a State revolution, anti-governmental journalism in the capital city, a discreditable love affair--finally, of course, gaining the girl. THE DAY OF BATTLE. I attempted in vain to restrain and reduce the uneasiness and disquietude, by which I was possessed and which Minga and her mother but increased, now dragging me away from the window, now preventing me from drawing the bolt to open the door, now bringing me back from the courtyard whither I had desired to go to escape their oversight. “What a Don Abundio!” said Minga, jeeringly. “Trust him! But have no fear; he will not now let the girl go.” Nevertheless, I sent the old woman back to see Felicia, to beg her, if preparations for the journey were not immediately discontinued, to send me word by her servant. And the good old woman, who was brave and fearless, started out again, cautioning her daughter not to allow me to commit any imprudence.