Chapter 25 Summary

This is the chapter in which Father Don Sulpico from Cosimo's days in Olivabassa re-appears, still up to his old schemes of cleansing the countryside of free-thinkers. He is part of a group of three meeting under the cover of trees, thinking they are hidden from prying eyes. Cosimo comes up above their heads and greets them quite politely, clever making sure he learns more about them than they about him. Introducing himself as a Freemason, he is able to learn they are an illegal branch set on putting up an armed chapter behind the back of the church. When his suspicions are confirmed that the Father is indeed among the three, Cosimo challenges the Father to resolve their dispute once and for all. Cosimo bests him by wit and strength alike and is regarded ever after as a Freemason.

As a result...