From Ilagan they proceeded to Aparri, cordially received everywhere, and finding the country in fact, as Aguinaldo always claimed in his proclamations of that period, seeking recognition of his government by the Powers, in a state of profound peace and tranquillity--free from brigandage and the like." Within sight of the banquet hall, within hearing of the music, lay a lighter on which were huddled eighty-four priests of the Catholic Church, many of them gray-haired old men, innocent of any evil conduct, who for weeks had suffered, mentally and physically, the tortures of the damned.
Of the events of this evening and the following day Father Malumbres says:-- "From the river the _convento_ could be seen profusely illuminated and the strains of music could be heard, an evident sign that they were engaged in revelry.

This gave us a bad start, as we came to fear that Villa had returned from the expedition undertaken to come up with two Americans who had crossed the Caraballo range and were thinking of coming down as far as Aparri.

It was late to announce to Villa our arrival at Ilagan, so that we were obliged to pass the night on the lighter.

In the morning our boat was anchored in front of the pueblo of Ilagan, where we were credibly informed that Villa had returned.

This accursed news made us begin to fear some disagreeable incident.
"Our Matias went ashore and delivered the official communication regarding our transfer to Villa, while we waited impatiently for his decision.