Blondel had met Gentilis more than once, and marked him; and the lad's weak chin and shifty eyes, no less than the servility with which he saluted the magistrate had not been lost on the observer.

The youth, granted he was not under Basterga's thumb, was unlikely to refuse a request backed by authority.
As he reflected, the very person who was in his thoughts passed the window, moving with the shuffling gait and sidelong look which betrayed his character.

The Syndic took his presence for an omen: tempted by it, he rose precipitately, seized his head-gear and cane, and hurried into the street.

He glanced up and down, and saw Louis in the distance moving in the direction of the College.

He followed.