Chapter V, pages 128-140 Summary

In September, it has been many weeks since any political demonstration occurred, but rumors abound among the group at Café Progreso, and as usual Don Jaime is bored with the spectacle.

During one of his regular fencing classes, Don Jaime lectures his students on how modern views of fencing as a sport diminishes its value as an art. While Don Jaime practices with a student, they hear a noise from the street. The students rush to the windows and see the Civil Guard fighting demonstrators. Neighbors shout from balconies. Don Jaime closes the shutters and orders his students to focus on fencing.

Later Don Jaime passes a woman on the stairs, and she informs him that a rival to the Spanish throne has landed, and the navy is on his side. On the way to Café Progreso...