Pagina 379 di 1118

"Is this the Ferrer who helps in making the proclamations?" asked

our Renzo of one of his new neighbours, remembering the vidit

Ferrera that the doctor had shown him appended to the famous

proclamation, and which he had reiterated in his ears with so

great a degree of pertinacity.

"The same, the high chancellor," replied he.

"He is a worthy man, is he not?"

"He is more than worthy; it is he who has lowered the price of

bread, against the wishes of others in power, and now he comes to

carry the vicar to prison, because he has not acted justly."

It is unnecessary to say, that Renzo's feelings were immediately

enlisted on the side of Ferrer. He was desirous to approach near

him, but the undertaking was no easy one; however, with the

decision and strength of a mountaineer, he continued to elbow

himself through the crowd, and finally reached the side of the

carriage.