"I think, therefore, that it will be well, to leave it to Messer Blondel.

He is responsible for the safety of the city, and it should be for him to say what is to be done." "Yes, yes," several voices agreed.

"Leave it to Messer Blondel." "You assent to that, Messer Baudichon ?" "I suppose so," the councillor muttered reluctantly.
"Very good," said Fabri.

"Then, Messer Blondel, it remains with you to say what is to be done." The Fourth Syndic hesitated, and with reason; had Baudichon, had the Inquisitor known the whole, they could hardly have placed him in a more awkward dilemma.

If he took the course that prudence in his own interests dictated, and shielded Basterga, his action might lay him open to future criticism.