The Regent stroked his chin and turned to the Podestà, who was clearly taken aback.
'Why was this permitted?' he asked sternly.
The Podestà was ill-at-ease. 'I had no news of this man's arrest until long after sunrise. But in any case it is not usual to detain accusers.'
'To detain them, no. But to take certain precautions where the features are so peculiar.'
'Their peculiarity, highness, with submission, becomes apparent only in this flight.'
The Regent sank back in his chair, and his pale blue eyes were veiled behind lowered lids. 'Well, well! I interrupt the course of justice. The prisoner waits.'
A little bewildered, not only by the turn of events, but by the Regent's attitude, the Podestà addressed Bellarion with a little less judicial sternness.
'You have heard, sir, that your accuser is not here to speak in person.'
Again Bellarion laughed. 'I have heard that he has spoken. His flight is an eloquent testimony to the falsehood of his charge.'
'Sir, sir,' the Podestà admonished him. 'You are to satisfy this court. You are to afford us your own version of what took place that the ends of justice may be served.'