Fool, to have left his treasure unguarded for every thieving wench to take! Fool, thrice and again, for putting his neck back into the lion's mouth.

Stealthily Blondel pulled the handbell nearer to him and covered it with his cloak.

He would have added a weapon, but there was no arm within reach, and while he hesitated between his chair and the door of the small inner room, the outer door opened, and Basterga appeared and advanced, smiling, towards him.
"Your servant, Messer Syndic," he said.

"I heard that you had been inquiring for me in my absence, and I am here to place myself at your disposition.

You are not looking----" he stopped short, in feigned surprise.