He was a stout man with a double chin and a weighty manner; honest, but slow, and the spokesman of the more wealthy burghers.

His neighbour Petitot, a man of singular appearance, lean, with a long thin drooping nose, commonly supported him.

Petitot, who bore the nickname of "the Inquisitor," represented the Venerable Company of Pastors, and was viewed with especial distaste by the turbulent spirits whom the war had left in the city, as well as by the lower ranks, who upheld Blondel.

In sense and vigour the Fourth Syndic was more than a match for the two precisians: but honesty of purpose has a weight of its own that slowly makes itself felt.

"That is not all," Baudichon repeated after a glance at his neighbour and ally Petitot, "I want to know----" "One moment, M.Baudichon, if you please," Fabri said, cutting him short, amid a partial titter; the phrase "I want to know" was so often on the councillor's lips that it had become ridiculous.