“Be assured, I shall read it,” Perlmutter said grandly. “Then it will have been worth my labor,” Nocci said. “Anyway, one of the hazards of research is the temptation to wander away from the highway, and while I was at the library, I traveled a side road that led to the Medici Pope Leo X. With the death of King Ferdinand in 1516, his seventeen-year-old successor, Charles V, encountered pres- sure to restrict the power of the Inquisition. In the great humanist tradition of the Medici family, Leo favored curtailing the Inquisitors. But Charles's advisors persuaded the young king that the Inquisition was essential to maintain his rule, and the persecution continued an- other three hundred years.”

"A sad chapter in human history. It's comforting to know that

Aguirrez had the courage to speak out, but the dark forces are strong."

“And none was darker than a Spaniard named Martinez. He sent a letter to the king urging him to support the Inquisition and expand its powers. As far as I can determine, the letter was forwarded to Leo for his comment and came to the library with the Pope's other pa- pers.” He shook his head. “It is the fanatical raving of a monster. Martinez hated the Basques, wanted them wiped from the face of the earth. I remember there was a mention of Roland, which I recall thinking was unusual in this context.”

“What was the nature of this reference?”

Nocci heaved a great sigh and tapped his head with his forefinger. “I can't remember. One of the consequences of growing old.”

“Perhaps you'll remember after more wine.”

“I trust the wine more than my memory,” Nocci said, with a smile. “The assistant curator at the library is a friend of mine. Please relax, and I will make a telephone call.” He was back in a few minutes. “She says she would be happy to produce the letter I mentioned for us any time we want to look at it.”

Perlmutter pushed his great bulk back from the table and rose to his feet. “I think perhaps a little exercise would do me some good.”

The trip to Florence took less than fifteen minutes. Nocci usually drove a Fiat, but in expectation ofPerlmutter's visit, he had leased a Mercedes, which more comfortably accommodated his guest's wide girth. They parked near the leather and souvenir stalls that abounded in the Piazza San Lorenzo and went through an entrance to the left of the Medici family's old parish chapel.