SENOR PASTA Isagani presented himself in the house of the lawyer, one of the most talented minds in Manila, whom the friars consulted in their great difficulties.

The youth had to wait some time on account of the numerous clients, but at last his turn came and he entered the office, or _bufete_, as it is generally called in the Philippines.

The lawyer received him with a slight cough, looking down furtively at his feet, but he did not rise or offer a seat, as he went on writing.

This gave Isagani an opportunity for observation and careful study of the lawyer, who had aged greatly.

His hair was gray and his baldness extended over nearly the whole crown of his head.