"You are ill, Messer Syndic," he said anxiously.

"Let me call some one." The Syndic could not speak, but he pointed to the table.

And when Blandano, unable to make out what he wanted, and suspecting a stroke of a mortal disease, turned again to the door, persisting in his intention of getting aid, the Syndic found strength to seize his sleeve, and almost instantly regained his speech.

"There!" he gasped, "there! The phial! Put it down!" Captain Blandano placed it on the table, wondering much.

"I was afraid you were ill, Messer Blondel," he said.
"I was ill," the Syndic answered; and he pushed his chair back so that no part of him was in contact with the table.