The Syndic had only to give the word, and the arrest would be made, the search instituted, the papers and casket seized.

Nay, if he did not give the word, it was possible that others might.
But when he thought of that step, that irrevocable step, he knew that he would not have the courage to take it.

For if Basterga had so much as two minutes' notice, if his ear so much as caught the tread of those who came to take him, he might, in pure malignity, pour the medicine on the floor, or he might so hide it as to defy search.

And at the thought--at the thought of the destruction of that wherein lay his only chance of life, his only hope of seeing the sun and feeling again the balmy breath of spring, the Syndic trembled and shook and sweated with rage and fear.
No, he would not have the courage.

He would not dare.