Three or four youths, bearing books, were hastening in the same direction through the narrow street of the Coppersmiths, and the Syndic fell in behind them.

He dared not hasten over-much, for a dozen curious eyes watched him from the noisy beetle-browed stalls on either side; and presently, finding that he did not gain, he was making up his mind to await a better occasion, when Louis, abandoning a companion who had just joined him, dived into one of the brassfounders' shops.
The Syndic walked on slowly, returning here and there a reverential salute.

He was nearly at the gate of the College, when Louis, late and in haste, overtook him, and hurried by him.

Blondel doubted an instant what he should do; doubted now the moment for action was come the wisdom of the step he had in his mind.

But a feverish desire to act had seized upon him, and after a moment's hesitation he raised his voice.
"Young man," he said, "a moment! Here!" Louis, not quite out of earshot, turned, found the magistrate's eye upon him, wavered, and at last came to him.