[017]
So away went the rogue, and did the errand to Messer Filippo, who
forthwith, being a hasty man, jumped to the conclusion that
Biondello, whom he knew, was making mock of him, and while an
angry flush overspread his face: "'Colour the flask, forsooth!'"
quoth he, "and 'Catamites!' God send thee and him a bad year!"
and therewith up he started, and reached forward to lay hold of the
rogue,
[018]
who, being on the alert, gave him the slip and was off, and
reported Messer Filippo's answer to Ciacco, who had observed what
had passed.
[019]
Having paid the rogue, Ciacco rested not until he had
found Biondello, to whom: "Wast thou but now," quoth he, "at
the Loggia de' Cavicciuli?"
[020]
"Indeed no," replied Biondello:
"wherefore
such a question?"[021]"Because," returned Ciacco, "I may tell
thee that thou art sought for by Messer Filippo, for what cause I know
not."
[022]
"Good," quoth Biondello, "I will go thither and speak with
him."
[023]
So away went Biondello, and Ciacco followed him to see
what course the affair would take.
