Jayme Mas was warden of the secret prisons: the man with the keys. According to the files, he was many other things too.
When he knew the inquisitors were coming to inspect the prison, he went the day before to warn the prisoners to hide «under their clothes the said instruments, the inkwell, paper and pens, and the books». He gave them all the paper they needed, and also «playing cards, backgammon and draughts». In the Holy Office's cells, people played cards.
He also took deposits. Before leaving prison, some prisoners handed him clothing and valuables «for him to keep». And on Sagell Street it was «commonly» said that in 1678, when Violante Martí was arrested, the warden had kept «much gold and silver» for her, and gave it back after her reconciliation.
The official in charge of guarding the prisoners of a tribunal that confiscated their property was, at the same time, the one keeping that property safe from confiscation. For a fee, of course.
