We rushed forward to stay the blow.
"See! see!" he exclaimed loudly, his voice arresting the man's arm in the very act of falling.

"He has a Mass Book! He has a Mass Book! He is not a heretic! He is a Catholic!" The fellow lowered his weapon, and sullenly snatched the books.

He looked at them stupidly with bloodshot wandering eyes, the red cross on the vellum bindings, the only thing he understood.

But it was enough for him; he bid the boy begone, and released him with a cuff and an oath.
Croisette was not satisfied with this, though I did not understand his reason; only I saw him exchange a glance with the lad.

"Come, come!" he said lightly.