Summary
Highlights
The ceremony for laying the cornerstone of the school begins. The yellow-clad man, knowledgeable in machinery, prepares the equipment. Elias, disguised as a peasant, attends the event. As Ibarra is about to lay the cornerstone, a large stone suddenly falls. The machinery collapses, and chaos erupts, but Ibarra is miraculously unharmed, saved by Elias. The yellow-clad man, however, is found dead, crushed by the stone.
Ibarra prevents the immediate arrest of the foreman, advocating for due process. Later, a peasant, who reveals himself to be Elias, visits Ibarra. Elias discloses that the yellow-clad man intended to harm Ibarra, having tampered with the machinery. Elias intervened to save Ibarra, resulting in the yellow-clad man's demise. Elias explains that Ibarra has enemies due to his good intentions, similar to his ancestors.
Elias expresses his disillusionment with human justice, stating that God alone has the right to judge. He laments that justice is often blind and easily manipulated. He emphasizes the importance of good intentions and constructive actions over destructive ones, as mistakes can be irreversible. Elias, marked with scars, tells Ibarra that he has lost faith in humanity but holds onto his belief in God.
Elias bids farewell to Ibarra, promising to reappear whenever needed, citing a debt of gratitude. The scene shifts to a luncheon attended by prominent provincial figures, including Captain Tiago. Their meal is interrupted by a telegram, hinting at further developments and potential dangers that Ibarra must face.