It was the only time of the day in which he could see his friends; they either came to find him, or he went in search of them, going to the shoemaker's house or up into the tower.
They greeted him respectfully, listening to his words with the same attention as before; but he noted in them a certain air of proud independence, and at the same time of pity, as if, although grateful to him for having transmitted his ideas to them, they pitied him for his gentle character, so inimical to all violence.
"Those birds," said Gabriel to his brother, "are flying on their own account.

They do not want me, and wish to be alone." Wooden Staff shook his head sadly.
"God grant, Gabriel, that some day you may not repent of having spoken to them of things they cannot understand! They have greatly changed, and no one can endure our nephew, the Perrero.

He says that if he is not allowed to kill bulls in order to get rich, he will kill men to get out of his poverty; that he has as much right to enjoyment as any gentleman, and that all the rich are robbers.

Really, brother, by the Holy Virgin! have you taught them such horrible things ?" "Let them alone," said Gabriel, laughing; "they have not yet digested their new ideas, and are vomiting follies.

All this will pass, for they are good souls." The only thing that vexed him was that Mariano withdrew from him.