But ere I began to eat, I asked Galeotto how this miracle had been wrought;
what magic powers he wielded that even the Holy Office must open its doors
at his bidding. With a glance at the servants who attended us, he bade me
eat, saying that we should talk anon. And as my reaction had brought a
sharp hunger in its train, I fell to with the best will in all the world,
and from broth to figs there were few words between us.
At last, our goblets charged and the servants withdrawn, I repeated my
inquiry.
"The magic is not mine," said Galeotto. "It is Cavalcanti's. It was he
who obtained this bull."
And with that he set himself briefly to relate the matters that already are
contained here concerning that transaction, but the minuter details of
which I was later to extract from Falcone. And as he proceeded with his
narrative I felt myself growing cold again with apprehension, just as I had
grown cold that morning in the hands of the executioners. Until at last,
seeing me dead-white, Galeotto checked to inquire what ailed me.
"What--what was the price that Cavalcanti paid for this?" I inquired in
answer.
"I could not glean it, nor did I stay to insist, for there was haste. He
assured me that the thing had been accomplished without hurt to his honour,
life, or liberty; and with that I was content, and spurred for Rome.
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