The narrative unfolds with the appearance of a peculiar sentry in the Plaza Mayor of Mexico City, who is later identified as Gil Perez. This event coincides with the murder of the Governor of the Philippines, Don Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, creating an air of mystery. Gil, dressed in an unfamiliar uniform, is bewildered yet composed, claiming he was on duty in Manila just moments before. His confident demeanor raises suspicion, leading to his interrogation by the Captain of the Guard and subsequently the Viceroy. Despite the incredulity of his claims, Gil asserts that he was indeed in Manila and that the Governor had been killed, a fact that would soon be confirmed by a galleon arriving from the Philippines. The Viceroy, unable to comprehend the supernatural nature of Gil's sudden appearance, hands him over to the Inquisition, suspecting witchcraft. In prison, Gil remains unfazed, viewing his confinement as a welcome respite from military duties. The Inquisition deliberates on his fate, recognizing the oddity of his situation but ultimately deciding against severe punishment due to his apparent innocence. They conclude that he must have had dealings with the devil, yet they cannot justify executing him. The arrival of the galleon provides irrefutable evidence of Gil's truthfulness, confirming the Governor's death at the time he claimed. This revelation complicates the Inquisition's stance, leading them to declare him innocent but still a potential threat due to his mysterious connection to the devil. Consequently, they decide to send him back to Manila, where he must explain his absence. The story leaves several questions unanswered, particularly regarding the Inquisition's leniency and Gil's future upon returning to his post. The tale blends elements of the supernatural with the bureaucratic absurdities of colonial governance, ultimately exploring themes of truth, belief, and the intersection of the mundane with the extraordinary.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1896 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure