It is in a steel box, it is true, but in one with three locks and three keys, sealed with the Grand Duke's private signet and with mine; and laid where the Treasurer himself cannot meddle with it." The Syndic sat up straight, and with his eyes fixed sullenly on the floor fingered his beard.

He was almost persuaded, but not quite.

Could it be, could it really be that the thing still existed?
That it was still to be obtained, that life by its means was still possible?
"Well ?" Basterga said, when the silence had lasted some time.
"The proof!" Blondel retorted, excitement once more over-mastering him.
"Let me have the proof! Let me see, man, if the woman be mad." But the scholar, leaning Atlas-like, against the wall beside the long low window, with his arms crossed, and his great head sunk on his breast, did not move.

He saw that this was his hour and he must use it.
"To what purpose ?" he answered slowly: and he shrugged his shoulders.
"Why go to the trouble?
The _remedium_ is in Turin.

And if it be not, it is the Grand Duke's affair only, and mine, since you will not come to his terms.