Section 12: Chapter 26 and 27 Summary

In chapter twenty-six, Vivaldi and Paulo are questioned separately, and Paulo asserts his master's innocence. After again denying the charges, Vivaldi is dismissed to his cell, but on the way, he observes the mysterious monk from villa Altieri. No one will tell him who the monk is. During his fourth questioning, Vivaldi is questioned about insulting Schedoni. The mysterious monk questions Vivaldi, but the vicar does not see the monk, though he hears his voice. Back in his cell, Vivaldi wonders about the monk. He awakes to the monk questioning him about Schedoni and a strange confession made at the church of the Black Penitents in Santa Maria della Pieta, but the monk refuses to reveal his identity. The monk says that tomorrow Vivaldi will witness many extraordinary things during his questioning and the monk will be present though...