But suppose Margari were to make a clean breast of it?
Well he could repudiate the whole thing of course.

But then that wretched royal mandate?
He must either swear or pay the court fine every day.

It would be best perhaps to fly, to leave the capital of the magistrate behind him and set out on his travels.

Perhaps then they would forget all about it.

But then there was the law-suit! And suppose it should be decided in the meantime and decided against him! It was an absurd dilemma! To remain here was dangerous and to go away was also dangerous.