"My name is Benvenuto Cellini," replied the goldsmith.
"What do you wish?"
"To see a prisoner who is confined herein."
"What is his name?"
"Ascanio."
"Ascanio is in secret and can see no one."
"Why is he in secret?"
"Because he is charged with a crime punishable with death."
"An additional reason why I should see him," cried Benvenuto.
"Your logic is most extraordinary, Signor Cellini," said the man who was standing in the background, in a jeering tone, "and doesn't pass current at the Châtelet."