"Ay," said Hugh, "but first I would see this mad priest, an you favour it. Ralph can find us an inn."
"Oh, if you will," agreed Matteo resignedly. "Belike he will curse me in earnest this time."
A myriad torches illuminated the crowd that surged and swayed from wall to wall across the market-place. In the centre, upon a heap of faggots, stood the lean figure of the preacher, a crucifix in one hand. He shook the holy emblem at his listeners as if it was a weapon, and whenever he raised it in anger the people groaned and whined like beaten dogs. Those nearest to him continually snatched at his garments, content if they could kiss a fold of his robe or the sandals on his feet. It was to these that Messer Fulke addressed himself, as the comrades slowly forced their way through the throng.
"Ah, what fools ye be!" he shouted in his deep, ringing voice. "You seek virtue in my garments, say you? Well, I will not guarantee that you shall find what you seek there. But this I will warrant you: Behold!"
He leaned down and plucked at the cloak of a man in the front rank of those around him.
"On this I make the sign of the Cross—and it hath a virtue which shall assoil all sins."
He caught the cloak from its owner and tore it into strips, talking as he worked. From the strips he fashioned rude crosses, and the thousands in the square fought to claim one.
"Here I can assure you the peace of Heaven and forgiveness of sins," he proclaimed, as he cast the crosses to all within reach. "By the virtue they possess, if ye make good the obligation they carry with them, your sins shall be assoiled. But think not to lay aside the burden once assumed. There is a mighty task awaiting you, and Christ calls upon you to begin. Rich and poor, old and young, merchant and seigneur, serf and villein, all of ye hear Christ's call. Go forth in his service, and ye shall win everlasting life."
The crowd were in a frenzy, moaning and weeping and beating their breasts, calling upon saints, praying in the gutters.
"Show us a miracle, Messer Fulke," cried an hysterical voice from the fringes of the throng.