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The signor podestà, after ascertaining as well as he could, that

Renzo had not returned to the village, took with him the

constable of the place, and obeyed these injunctions, accompanied

by a large escort of notary, constable, and officers. The key of

the house was not to be found; the door was accordingly forced.

The report of this transaction spread around, and soon reached

the ears of Father Christopher. The good man was surprised and

afflicted; and not being able to gain satisfactory information

with regard to Renzo, he wrote to the Father Bonaventura for

intelligence concerning him. In the mean while the relations and

friends of Renzo were summoned to give in their testimony, with

regard to his depravity of character. To bear the name of

Tramaglino became a disgrace; the village was all in commotion.