To-morrow I will hear if he be penitent, and perhaps, if he be in a cooler temper----" But the young man, aghast at this sudden disgrace, could be silent no longer.

"But, sir," he broke in passionately, "I had no choice.

It was no quarrel of my beginning.

I did but refuse to drink, and when he----" "Silence, sirrah!" the Syndic cried, and cut him short.

"You will do well to be quiet!" And he was turning to bid his people bear their prisoner out without more ado when one of the merchants ventured to put in a word.
"May I say," he interposed timidly, "that until this happened, Messer Blondel, the young man's conduct was all that could be desired ?" "Are you of his company ?" "No, sir." "Then best keep out of it!" the magistrate retorted sharply.
"And you," to his followers, "did you hear me?
Away with him!" But as the men advanced to execute the order, the young man stepped forward.