He knew the width of the net where witchcraft or blasphemy was in question.

He knew that, were Basterga seized, all in the house would be taken with him, and though men often escaped for the fright, it was seldom that women went free so cheaply.

The knowledge of this tied his tongue; and urgent as he felt the need to be, he could only glare helplessly at the magistrate.
Blondel, on his part, saw the effect of his words, and desperately resolved to force the young man to his will, he followed up the blow.
"If you would see her burn, well and good!" he cried.

"It is for you to choose.

Either break the spell, bring me the box, and set her free; or see the law take its course! Last night----" "Last night," Claude replied, hurt to the quick, "you were not so bold, Messer Blondel!" The Syndic winced, but merged his wrath in an anxiety a thousand times deeper.