BISHOP CAUCHON--"Yes; but that was only a slight success. The opposition that I had to overcome with many of the members of the University caused me to fear for the issue if it depended wholly upon them. I wished to have the process started by the University, and then continued before an ecclesiastical tribunal devoted to myself. After sedulous endeavors to reach the desired end I hit upon the right means. It is quite ingenious and worthy of us, whose mission it is to lead men by the nose. You may judge for yourself. Where was the Maid captured?" CANON LOYSELEUR--"In Compiegne." BISHOP CAUCHON--"To what diocese does Compiegne belong? Follow my reasoning closely." CANON LOYSELEUR--"To the diocese of Beauvais." BISHOP CAUCHON--"Who is Bishop of Beauvais by the grace of intrigues, the intervention of pretty courtesans and divine consent?" CANON LOYSELEUR--"You, monseigneur; you are in possession of the bishopric." BISHOP CAUCHON (rubbing his hands)--"So, there you have it! The Maid, taken on the territory of my diocese, falls within my jurisdiction. I am her judge. The University started the process, but will conduct it before an ecclesiastical tribunal chosen by myself. I have appointed to that tribunal the canons of the chapter of Rouen and the priests of the University of Paris who are faithful to me. I have above all placed in the tribunal a number of Norman beneficiaries whose interests place body and soul on the side of the English. I have also convoked a few young laureates of the college, but only such as are little versed in affairs. My choice of them flatters their pride and assures me their blind support. Among these I may name William Erard, Nicole Midi, Thomas of Courcelles, rising luminaries of theology and canon law. The tribunal is entirely my creature. It can begin operations to-morrow, according to inquisitorial laws. That subject, dear canon, brings me to the matter that concerns you personally. I mean the great service that you can render England. The Duke will not show his gratitude to you in the manner that Charles VII did to Joan. You will have honors and wealth." CANON LOYSELEUR--"What must I do, monseigneur?" BISHOP CAUCHON--"You are acquainted with the inquisitorial law. Its proceedings are simple, and go straight to the point. The sixteenth decretal formally sets forth: 'The judges of heretics have the faculty to proceed in a simplified manner, direct, without the noise of advocates, or form of judgment.'" CANON LOYSELEUR--"_Simpliciter et de plano, absque advocatorum ac judiciorum strepitu et figura_--The text is formal." BISHOP CAUCHON--"Whence it follows that myself and the inquisitor John Lemaitre will constitute a sufficient authority to apply to Joan the law against heretics. But in order to do that she must give us proofs of her heresy. There is where we run up against a grave difficulty, which it will be for you to remove." CANON LOYSELEUR--"How, monseigneur? What must I do?"