But this argument is based on error. The Inquisitor slapped him with a sentence of life in prison.54 It was, according to Abbot Bourdeaut, the “only punishment that could have been inflicted on him, as he had not been immersed in the homicides committed by Baron de Rays.” When imprisoned, Prelati’s skills at sleight of hand and his gift of gab without a doubt facilitated his escape. They even permitted him to gain the favor of René d’Anjou, who believed, like Gilles, that the Italian could make gold. Moreover, the “good King René” made him captain of La-Roche-sur-Yon, where we also find our old friend the priest, Etienne Blanchet, and, according to Bourdeaut, “a swarm of ancient servitors of Baron de Rais.” But Prelati, who recalled having been arrested September 15, 1440, has Geoffroy Le Ferron arrested in turn, as he was passing through La Roche. However, on his release, Le Ferron soon proves to be the stronger; he has the Italian hanged. Up to the end he thus pursued the career of an impostor and adventurer: he was in every respect undeserving of the scene on October 21st (pp.
