Following the guidance of Basil, they turned first this way and then
that, till soon in the gathering darkness they knew not where they were.
"What was the name of the street in which Sir Andrew had his lodging?"
asked Hugh, halting.
"Rue St. Benezet," answered Basil. "Forward, we have no time to lose."
"Did you tell Sir Andrew where we dwelt, master?" said Dick presently,
"for I did not."
"By my faith, Dick, no; it slipped my mind."
"Then it will be hard for him to find us if he has need, master, in this
rabbit warren of a town. Still that can't be mended now. I wish we
were clear of this business, for it seems to me that yon fellow is not
leading us toward the palace. Almost am I minded----" and he looked at
Basil, then checked himself.
Presently Dick wished it still more. Taking yet another turn they found
themselves in an open square or garden that was surrounded by many mean
houses. In this square great pest-fires burned, lighting it luridly. By
the flare of them they saw that hundreds of people were gathered there
listening to a mad-eyed friar who was preaching to them from the top
of a wine-cart. As they drew near to the crowd through which Basil was
leading them, Hugh heard the friar shouting:
"Men of Avignon, this pest which kills us is the work not of God, but of
the Jew blasphemers and of the sorcerers who are in league with them.
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