Chapter 24 Summary

Severo does not like Fra Murta, but he must tolerate him, because a Cardinal does not have authority over an Inquisitor. Severo explains that he has not followed the usual procedures with the atheist, because they are performing a unique experiment that could shed light on whether knowledge of God is innate. Fra Murta understands, and he is eager to visit Sant Clara. Severo says they must first tell the nuns they are coming, and in the meantime Severo asks Rafal to have Fra Murta watched at all times.

Beneditx finds Palinor in the blacksmith shop, where they are discussing Palinor's idea of a machine that could use water to drive the smith's hammer. Beneditx has never thought about a smith's work, and he wonders if it is difficult.

Beneditx tells Palinor that he once thought nonbelievers did not want to follow the...