initial commit of ebook 13835HEADmain

8 files changed, 23055 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/13835-0.txt b/13835-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a58dc88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/13835-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,7421 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13835 ***
+
+THE AMULET.
+
+BY HENDRIK CONSCIENCE,
+
+AUTHOR OF "THE CURSE OF THE VILLAGE,"
+"THE HAPPINESS OF BEING RICH,"
+"VEVA,"
+"THE LION OF FLANDERS,"
+"COUNT HUGO OF CRAENHOVE,"
+"WOODEN CLARA,"
+"THE POOR GENTLEMAN,"
+"RICKETICKETACK,"
+"THE DEMON OF GOLD,"
+"THE VILLAGE INN-KEEPER,"
+"THE CONSCRIPT," "BLIND ROSA,"
+"THE MISER,"
+"THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER," ETC.
+
+Translated Expressly for this Edition.
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
+
+
+In the "Amulet," Hendrick Conscience has worked up an incident which
+occurred at Antwerp, in the 16th century, into a story of great power
+and deep interest. It was a dark and bloody deed committed, but swift
+and terrible was the retribution, strikingly illustrating how God
+laughs the sinner to scorn, and how the most cunningly devised schemes
+are frustrated, when He permits the light of His avenging justice to
+expose them in their enormity. On the contrary, it forcibly proves that
+virtuous actions, sooner or later, bear abundant fruit even in this
+world. If a man's sins bring upon his head a weight of woe, so do his
+good deeds draw down the benedictions of heaven and serve as a shield to
+protect him from his enemies.
+
+S.J.F.
+
+_Baltimore_.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.                                             PAGE
+ANTWERP                                                   9
+
+CHAPTER II.
+SIGNOR DEODATI                                           30
+
+CHAPTER III.
+THE PALACE OF SIMON TURCHI, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE      43
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION--THE ASSASSINATOR SLAIN      64
+
+CHAPTER V.
+VAN DE WERVE'S RECEPTION--SIMON TURCHI'S JEALOUSY
+AND HATRED                                               79
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+SIMON TURCHI WREAKS HIS VENGEANCE ON GERONIMO            96
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+GRIEF AT GERONIMO'S ABSENCE--TURCHI'S HYPOCRISY         112
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+SIMON TURCHI TRIES TO CONCEAL HIS CRIME                 128
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+GERONIMO RESURRECTED                                    143
+
+CHAPTER X.
+SIMON TURCHI'S ALARM--CRIME BEGETS CRIME                157
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+FOOD AT LAST--DEATH OF JULIO                            171
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+IS IT HIS GHOST?--THE GUILTY EXPOSED                    180
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+MARY VAN DE WERVE'S (NOW MADAME GERONIMO DEODATI)
+DEPARTURE FOR ITALY--THE PUNISHMENT OF SIMON
+TURCHI                                                  193
+
+
+
+
+THE AMULET.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Previous to the close of the fifteenth century, the direction taken by
+European commerce remained unchanged. America had not been discovered, and
+the only known route to India was by land.
+
+Venice, enthroned by her central position as queen of commerce, compelled
+the nations of Europe and Asia to convey to her port all the riches of the
+world.
+
+One single city, Bruges in Flanders, serving as an international mart for
+the people of the North and South, shared, in some measure, the commercial
+prosperity of Venice; but popular insurrections and continual civil wars
+had induced a large number of foreign merchants to prefer Brabant to
+Flanders, and Antwerp was becoming a powerful rival to Bruges.
+
+At this period two great events occurred, by which a new channel was
+opened to trade: Christopher Columbus discovered America, and Vasco de
+Gama, by doubling the Cape of Good Hope, pointed out a new route to India.
+This latter discovery, by presenting another grand highway to the world,
+deprived Venice of the peculiar advantages of her situation, and obliged
+commerce to seek a new emporium. Portugal and Spain were the most powerful
+nations on sea; countless ships left their ports for the two Indies, and
+brought back spices, pearls, and the precious metals for distribution
+throughout the Old World. This commercial activity required an emporium in
+the centre of Europe, halfway between the North and the South, whither
+Spaniards, Portuguese, and Italians, as well as French, English, Germans,
+Swedes, and Russians, could resort with equal facility as to a perpetual
+mart for all the commodities exchanged between the Old and the New
+World.[1]
+
+A few years before the commencement of the religious wars which proved so
+disastrous to the country, Antwerp was in a most flourishing condition.
+Thousands of ships of every form and size covered its broad river like a
+forest of masts, whose many-colored flags indicated the presence of
+traders from all the commercial nations of the globe.
+
+Portuguese gallions carried thither the gems and spices of the East;
+Spanish gallions the gold and silver of America; Italian vessels were
+laden with the delicate fruits and rich stuffs of the Southern countries;
+German vessels with grains and metals; and all returned to their own
+countries heavily freighted with other merchandise, and made way for the
+ships which were continually arriving, and which, according to
+contemporary chronicles, were often obliged to wait six weeks before they
+succeeded in approaching the wharf.[2]
+
+Small craft, such as _hers_, ascended the Scheldt, and even ventured out
+to sea in order to trade with the neighboring people. Transportation into
+the interior of the country was effected by means of very strong wagons,
+several hundred of which daily left Antwerp. The heavy vehicles which
+conveyed merchandise through Cologne to the heart of Germany were called
+_Hessenwagens_.[3]
+
+This extraordinary activity induced many foreigners to establish
+themselves in a city where gold was so abundant, and where every one might
+reasonably hope for large profits.
+
+At the period of which we speak, Antwerp counted among its inhabitants
+nearly a thousand merchants from other countries, each of whom had his own
+attendants; one chronicle estimates, perhaps with some exaggeration, the
+number of strangers engaged in commerce at five thousand.[4]
+
+Twice a day these merchants met on Change, not only for purposes of trade
+and for information of the arrival of ships, but principally for banking
+operations.
+
+To convey an idea of the amount of wealth at the disposal of the houses of
+Antwerp, it suffices to say that the king of Portugal obtained in one day
+in this city a loan of three millions of gold crowns, and Queen Mary of
+England contracted a debt of seventy millions of francs.
+
+One merchant, called the rich Fugger, left at his death legacies amounting
+to nearly six millions of gold crowns, a sum which for that period would
+seem fabulous, if the fact were not established by indisputable documents.
+
+This wealth and the presence of so many nations vying with each other had
+carried luxury to such a height that magistrates were frequently obliged
+to publish edicts, in order to restrain the lavish expenditure. This was
+not done on account of the foreign inhabitants of the place, but for the
+advantage of many noble families and the people of the middle classes, who
+were tempted by the example of others to a display of magnificence which
+might have seriously injured their fortunes.
+
+The greater part of the Italian merchants from Lucca, Genoa, Florence, and
+other cities beyond the Alps, were noblemen, and from this circumstance
+they were thrown into intimate intercourse with the noble families of
+Antwerp, all of whom spoke fluently three or four languages, and who
+particularly studied to speak with purity and elegance the soft Italian
+idiom.[5]
+
+In the _Hipdorp_, not far from the Church of St. James, stood an elegant
+mansion, which was the favorite resort of the élité of the Italian
+merchants. It was the residence of William Van de Werve, lord of Schilde.
+
+Although this nobleman did not himself engage in mercantile transactions,
+because the aristocratic families of Brabant regarded commerce as an
+occupation unsuitable to persons of high birth,[6] he was very cordial and
+hospitable to all strangers whose rank entitled them to admission to his
+home circle. Moreover, he was extremely wealthy, luxurious in his manner
+of living, and so well versed in three or four different languages, that
+he could with ease enter into an agreeable and useful conversation in
+either of them.
+
+The house of Mr. Van de Werve had still other attractions to noble
+foreigners. He had a daughter of extraordinary beauty, so lovely, so
+modest, notwithstanding the homage offered to her charms, that her
+admirers had surnamed her _la bionda maraviglia_, "the wonderful blonde."
+
+One morning in the year 1550 the beautiful Mary Van de Werve was seated in
+her father's house in a richly sculptured arm-chair. The young girl had
+apparently just returned from church, as she still held in her hand a
+rosary of precious stones, and her hood lay on a chair near her. She
+seemed to be engrossed by some pleasing thought which filled her heart
+with a sweet anticipation, for a slight smile parted her lips, and her
+eyes were upraised to heaven as if imploring a favor from Almighty God.
+
+Against the wall behind her hung a picture from the pencil of John Van
+Eyck, in which the great master had represented the Virgin in prayer,
+whilst she was still ignorant of the sublime destiny that awaited her.
+
+The artist had lavished upon this masterpiece the most ardent inspirations
+of his pious and poetic genius, for the image seemed to live and think. It
+charmed by the beauty of feature, the majestic calm of expression, the
+sweetness of the smile, the look full of love cast from earth to heaven.
+
+There was a striking resemblance between the creation of the artist and
+the young girl seated beneath in almost the same attitude. In truth, the
+youthful Mary Van de Werve was as beautiful as the poetical representation
+of her patroness. She had the same large blue eyes, whose expression,
+although calm and thoughtful, revealed a keen sensibility and a tender,
+loving soul; her golden hair fell in ringlets over a brow of marble
+whiteness, and no painter had ever traced a cheek of lovelier mould or
+more delicate hue; her whole being expressed that calm recollection and
+attractive gravity which is the true poetry of the immaterial soul, and
+which was comprehended only by the believing artists of the North before
+the material inspiration of pagan art had been transmitted to them from
+the South.
+
+Mary Van de Werve was most richly attired; but there was in her dress an
+absence of ornament which appeared strange at that period of extreme pomp
+and show. A waist of sky-blue velvet encircled her slender form, and a
+brocade skirt fell in large folds to her feet. Only on her open sleeves
+appeared some gold thread, and the clasp which fastened the chamois-skin
+purse suspended from her girdle was encrusted with precious stones.
+
+All her surroundings betokened her father's opulence: large stained-glass
+windows, covered with the armorial bearings of his ancestors, cast their
+varied hues upon the inlaid marble floor; tables and chairs of oak, slabs
+supporting exquisite statuary from the chisel of the most celebrated
+artists, were ranged along the walls; an ivory crucifix surmounted a
+silver basin of rare workmanship containing holy water. Even the massive
+andirons, which stood in the broad fireplace, were partly of gold and
+ornamented with the coat of arms.
+
+Her prayer was finished, or it might be that her thoughts had taken
+another turn; she arose and walked slowly towards the large window which
+overlooked the garden. She fixed her eyes upon the beautiful blue sky; her
+countenance was bright, as though a sweet hope filled her heart, and a
+rosy hue suffused her cheeks.
+
+An old man at this moment entered the room. Heavy moustaches shaded his
+lips, and a long beard fell upon his breast. There was something grave and
+severe in his imposing appearance and even in his dress; for although his
+doublet was of gold cloth, his whole body was enveloped in a long cloak,
+whose dark color was relieved by a lining of white fur.
+
+"Good morning, Mary," he said, as he approached the young girl.
+
+"May the blessing of God always be with you, dear father," she replied.
+"Come, see how lovely the sky is, and how brightly the sun shines."
+
+"It is charming weather; we might almost imagine ourselves in the month of
+May."
+
+"It is the eve of May, father." And with a joyous smile she drew her
+father to the window, and pointing to the sky, said: "The wind has
+changed; it blows from the direction of England."
+
+"True; since yesterday it has been south-east."
+
+"So much the better; the ships which have been kept out at sea can ascend
+the Scheldt with to-day's or to-morrow's tide."
+
+"And you hope," said Mr. Van de Werve, shaking his head, "that among these
+vessels will be found the _Il Salvatore_, which is to bring the old Signor
+Deodati from Lucca?"
+
+"I have so long implored of heaven this favorable wind," replied the young
+girl. "I thank the God of mercy that my prayer has been heard!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve was silent; his daughter's words had evidently made a
+disagreeable impression upon him.
+
+She passed her arm caressingly around his neck, and said:
+
+"Dear father, you are sorrowful; and yet you promised me to await
+tranquilly the arrival of Signor Deodati."
+
+"It is true, my child," he replied; "but, as the time approaches when I
+must come to a decision, my soul is filled with anxiety. We are the
+descendants of an illustrious family, and our style of living should be so
+magnificent as to reflect credit on our rank. The Signor Geronimo, whom
+you seem to prefer to all others, lives very economically; he dresses
+simply, and abstains from all that kind of expenditure which, being an
+evidence of wealth and chivalric generosity, elevates a man in the eyes of
+the world. That makes me fear that his uncle is either in moderate
+circumstances or very avaricious."
+
+"But, father, permit me to say that the Signor Deodati of Lucca is very
+rich and of high birth," replied the young girl, sadly. "Did not the
+banker Marco Riccardi give you satisfactory information on that point?"
+
+"And should he be miserly, Mary, will he accept the conditions I propose?
+I shall demand of him the renunciation of a considerable portion of his
+possessions in favor of his nephew Geronimo. Would it not be an insult to
+you, which your brothers would avenge, were your hand to be refused from
+pecuniary motives? I regret that you have so irrevocably fixed your
+affections on the Signor Geronimo, when you might have chosen among a
+hundred others richer and of higher estate. The head of the powerful house
+of Buonvisi had more claim upon my sympathy and yours."
+
+"Simon Turchi!" said the young girl, sorrowfully bowing her head.
+
+"What has this poor Signor Turchi left undone during the past three years
+to prove his chivalric love?" replied her father. "Festivals, banquets,
+concerts, boating on the Scheldt, nothing has been spared; he has expended
+a fortune to please you. At one time you did not dislike him; but ever
+since the fatal night when he was attacked by unknown assassins and
+wounded in the face, you look upon him with different eyes. Instead of
+being grateful to the good Turchi, you comport yourself in such a manner
+towards him, that I am induced to believe that you hate him."
+
+"Hate the Signor Turchi!" exclaimed Mary, as if frightened by the
+accusation. "Dear father, do not indulge such a thought."
+
+"He is a handsome, dignified gentleman, my child."
+
+"Yes, father; he has long been an intimate friend of the Signor
+Geronimo."[7]
+
+Mr. Van de Werve took his daughter's hand, and said, gently: "Geronimo may
+be finer-looking to a woman's eye; but his future depends upon his uncle's
+kindness. He is young and inexperienced, and he possesses nothing himself.
+The Signor Turchi, on the contrary, is rich and highly esteemed in the
+world as partner and administrator of the well-known house of Buonvisi.
+Think better of your choice, Mary; satisfy my desires and your brothers':
+it is not yet too late."
+
+Tears filled the eyes of the young girl; she replied, however, with a
+sweet resignation: "Father, I am your submissive child. Command, and I
+will obey without a murmur, and humbly kiss the venerated hand which
+imposes the painful sacrifice. But Geronimo! poor Geronimo!"
+
+At these words her fortitude forsook her; she covered her face with her
+hands, and wept bitterly; her tears fell like bright pearls upon the
+marble floor.
+
+For some moments Mr. Van de Werve contemplated his daughter with
+ever-increasing pity; then overcome by the sight of her grief, he took her
+hand, and tenderly pressing it, he said to her: "Cheer up, my dear Mary,
+do not weep. We will see what answer the Signor Deodati will return to the
+conditions I will propose to him. Geronimo is of noble birth; if his uncle
+will consent to bestow upon him a suitable fortune, your desires shall be
+fulfilled."
+
+"But, dear father," said the still weeping girl, "that depends upon the
+magnitude of your demands. If you ask impossibilities of the Signor
+Deodati--"
+
+"No, no, have no anxiety," said Mr. Van de Werve, interrupting her. "I
+will endeavor to fulfil my duty as a father, and at the same time to spare
+you any future sorrow. Are you satisfied now?"
+
+Mary silently embraced her father, and her eyes expressed such gratitude
+that Mr. Van de Werve was deeply moved, and said, tenderly:
+
+"Who could refuse you anything? Age, experience, prudence, all yield
+before one glance of your eye. Conceal your emotion; I hear some one
+coming."
+
+A servant opened the door, and announced, "The Signor Geronimo."
+
+The young nobleman thus introduced was remarkable for his fine form, and
+the graceful elegance of his manners and carriage. His complexion was of
+that light and clear brown which adds so much to the manly beauty of some
+Southern nations. The dark beard and hair, his spirited black eyes, gave a
+singular charm to his countenance, while his calm and sweet smile
+indicated goodness of heart.
+
+Although upon his entrance he strove to appear cheerful, Mary's eye
+detected a concealed sadness.
+
+The dress of Geronimo was simple in comparison with the rich attire of the
+other Italian nobles, his compatriots. He wore a felt hat ornamented with
+a long plume, a Spanish cloak, a cloth doublet lined with fur, violet
+satin breeches, and gray boots. His modest attire was relieved only by the
+sword which hung at his side; for the hilt glittered with precious stones,
+and the armorial bearings engraved upon it proved him to be of noble
+birth.
+
+"Che la pace sia in quelle casa!" (May peace be in this house!) he said,
+as he entered the hall.
+
+He bowed profoundly to Mr. Van de Werve, and saluted him most
+respectfully; but the traces of tears which he perceived on Mary's face so
+startled him that he interrupted his ceremonious greetings, and fixed his
+eyes inquiringly upon her. She had been weeping, and yet she smiled
+joyously.
+
+"Mary is naturally very susceptible, Signor Geronimo," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "I was speaking to her of her beloved mother, and she wept. You
+appear, and she smiles as though she knew no sorrow."
+
+The young girl did not await the conclusion of this explanation; before
+her father had finished speaking, she led her lover to the window, pointed
+to the weathercock, and said: "Look, Geronimo, the wind is from the west."
+
+"I noticed it last night," replied the young man, with an involuntary
+sigh.
+
+"Rejoice then, for to-day your uncle may be in sight of the city."
+
+"I do not think so; however, it is possible," said the young man, sadly.
+
+"How coldly you speak, Geronimo!" exclaimed the young girl, in surprise;
+"what cloud obscures your soul?"
+
+"I myself notice something extraordinary in your manner, signor," remarked
+the father. "You seem dejected; have you received bad news of your uncle?"
+
+Geronimo hesitated for an answer; then, as though endeavoring to drive
+away unpleasant thoughts, he said, in a faltering voice: "No, no, it is
+not that. I witnessed just now near the Dominican Convent something which
+touched me deeply, and I have not yet recovered from the shock. Have you
+not heard of a Florentine merchant named Massimo Barberi?"
+
+"Is he noble?" asked Mary. "I do not remember him."
+
+"No, a commoner, but a man highly esteemed."
+
+"I know him well," said Mr. Van de Werve. "I met him lately in company
+with Lopez de Galle, for whom he had attended to some financial affairs.
+What have you to tell us concerning him?"
+
+"Something terrible, Mr. Van de Werve. I saw the corpse of poor Barberi
+taken out of a sewer; he had two dagger-wounds in his throat. He was
+undoubtedly attacked and slain last night."
+
+"It is had to see so many murders committed in Antwerp," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "This is the fourth during the past month. The victims each time
+have been either Spaniards or Italians, and that vengeance or jealousy was
+the cause is sufficiently proved by the fact that in no case have the
+bodies been despoiled of their money or jewels. This custom of lying in
+wait, attacking and killing each other, often without cause, is an outrage
+both against God and man. And do you not yourself sometimes fear, Signor
+Geronimo, the assassin's dagger?"
+
+The young man shook his head.
+
+"For instance," continued Mary's father, "this is the eve of May, I need
+not ask if you intend to offer to Mary the homage of a serenade. It is the
+custom of your countrymen to pay this attention to young girls, and you
+would not omit this opportunity were it not for the advice of a man of
+experience. Geronimo, listen to the words of calm reason: do not rashly
+expose yourself to the danger of death; abandon your design this time.
+Many of your compatriots have aspired to Mary's hand; they have been less
+successful than you, and on this account they may harbor unkind feelings
+towards you."
+
+The young man received this advice with a smile which indicated its
+refusal.
+
+"It is difficult, sir, to speak of such things in the presence of the one
+who is to be the object of our homage. Permit me, however, the liberty to
+decide upon the manner in which I will acquit myself of my duty to this
+young lady."
+
+"But permit me, signor, to tell you," said the old man, in an offended
+tone, "that it does you no honor to reject the advice of a man of
+experience, in order to carry out an unimportant fancy. Rashness does not
+indicate courage, but rather an absence of good sense."
+
+"Father," exclaimed Mary, in a supplicating tone, "be not angry with
+Signor Geronimo; he will incur no danger."
+
+"Foolish confidence!" said the old man. "Why should Geronimo think himself
+less exposed to danger than others? That Geronimo should be rash is
+excusable; but, Mary, you deserve a severe reprimand for encouraging your
+friend in his perilous design."
+
+The young girl bowed her head at this reproof of her father, and murmured
+as if to excuse herself: "Geronimo has a relic, father."
+
+This revelation embarrassed the young man, and he glanced reproachfully at
+Mary.
+
+She said, caressingly:
+
+"Don't be displeased, Geronimo; show the relic to my father, and he will
+then know why you do not fear that any accident will happen to you."
+
+The young man felt that he could not refuse Mary's request. He drew from
+under his doublet an object suspended on a steel chain, and, approaching
+Mr. Van de Werve, he placed it in his hand.
+
+It was a flat medal of greenish copper, on which were engraven unknown
+letters and signs. A cross between two bent sabres, and beneath them a
+crescent, filled up the centre of the medal. At the foot of the cross was
+a gray stone, rudely inlaid. The whole was rough and heavy.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve examined this medal attentively for some time; he turned
+it over and over, as though he sought to comprehend the signification of
+this singular emblem.
+
+"A relic!" he murmured. "Here are two cimeters, a crescent, and cabalistic
+characters. It is a Mohammedan talisman, and, perhaps, an emblem shocking
+to our holy religion!"
+
+"You are certainly mistaken, sir," replied Geronimo.
+
+"Is not the cross placed above the crescent, and would not that signify
+that the faith of Christ has triumphed over the doctrines of Mahomet?"
+
+"But why do you call it a relic?"
+
+"Mary so named it, not I. It is an amulet, and if it has any power, it
+derives it from the gray stone beneath the cross. This stone is a
+_draconite_, taken, at the risk of life, from the head of a dragon in the
+country of the negroes."
+
+A half contemptuous smile curled the lips of the old man as he
+contemplated the talisman in silence. At last he said: "I remember, Signor
+Geronimo, to have read in Pliny curious details of the draconite and its
+extraordinary powers, but I also remember that the great naturalist
+forgets to tell us the inherent qualities of the stone. Alas! signor,
+would you trust in this talisman, and believe that it could protect you
+against the dagger of the assassin? The people of the South have a strange
+piety: in their superstition they confound what is holy with things which
+owe their efficacy, if they possess any, to the conjurations of
+sorcerers."
+
+The young noble colored slightly, and replied: "You are mistaken, sir, as
+far as I am concerned. For my justification allow me to tell you that this
+amulet belonged to a pilgrim; that it rested one entire night of Good
+Friday upon the tomb of our Lord at Jerusalem; but I will be candid, and
+say to you that I do not consider it possessed of the power to preserve me
+from danger. And yet I always wear it with the firm and unshaken
+conviction that it will protect me in a critical hour from some
+misfortune."
+
+"Perhaps it belonged to your deceased parents," said Mr. Van de Werve,
+struck by the singular explanation of the young man.
+
+"No, sir," replied Geronimo; "this amulet is to me a cherished souvenir of
+a day upon which God gave me the grace to perform a good action. I would
+willingly tell you how the amulet fell into my hands, and why I believe in
+its power to protect me, but it is a long story."
+
+"I would, nevertheless, be much pleased if you would satisfy my
+curiosity," said the old noble.
+
+"If you desire it," replied Geronimo, "I will comply with your wishes.
+
+"You know that five years ago, when I undertook for the first time the
+voyage from Lucca to Antwerp, I was made prisoner by Algerian pirates, and
+carried as a slave to Barbary. I was sold to a Moorish lord, who made me
+work in the fields until my uncle should send the ransom which would
+restore me to liberty. In the same field in which some light work was
+appointed me, I saw an old blind woman attached like a mule to a plough,
+and driven on by blows from a heavy stick. She was a Christian slave,
+whose eyes had been put out in wanton cruelty. I learned that she was an
+Italian by birth, a native of a small village in the environs of Porto
+Fiero, a seaport not far from Genoa. She had no relatives who could pay
+her ransom, and she had consequently been fastened to the plough like a
+beast of burden until death should come to deliver her. The frightful fate
+of this miserable slave so filled me with compassion, that I shed tears of
+grief and rage when I heard afar off her piercing cries as the rod of the
+overseer descended upon her. One day my indignation was so roused, when
+the pagan wretches had knocked her down and were treating her even more
+cruelly than usual, that I dared to defend her by force. Had not my master
+expected a large sum for my ransom, a frightful death would have been the
+punishment of my audacity. After being kept a few days in prison and
+harshly treated, I was sent back to the fields to work as before. The
+condition of the blind slave was not in the least changed; she was still
+inhumanly beaten. Her misfortunes pierced my heart, and I was maddened by
+my inability to protect from pagan cruelty a woman who was my sister by
+our common faith and a common misfortune. No longer venturing to have
+recourse to force, I sought other means to mitigate her sufferings. During
+the few hours of repose granted to us, or rather to our overseers, I
+hastened to the blind woman and shared with her the best of my food; I
+strove to fortify her by the hope that God would liberate her from this
+terrible slavery; I told her, that should I ever become free, I would
+procure her liberation, even were it necessary to renounce for years my
+own pleasures that I might amass sufficient for her ransom. I spoke to her
+of our country, of the goodness of God, and of the probability of my
+liberation. The poor blind woman kissed my hands, and called me an angel
+sent by God to illumine the darkness of her life by the sweet rays of
+consolation and piety. I was only a few months her fellow-slave. My uncle,
+learning my captivity through messengers I had employed, sent to Algiers
+an armed vessel to liberate me. Besides the amount of my ransom, he sent
+me means to transport some valuable merchandise from Barbary to Italy.
+When I took leave of the blind woman, I was so deeply touched by her
+sorrow, that I pondered upon the means of restoring her to liberty. It is
+true that in order to effect this, I would be obliged to employ a large
+portion of the money sent me by my uncle for the purchase of merchandise,
+and I was convinced that my uncle, who was inflexible in exacting fidelity
+to commercial regulations, would overwhelm me with his anger, but my heart
+gained the ascendency over my reason, and Christian charity triumphed.
+Listening only to my compassion, I ransomed the unfortunate woman, and
+with my own hands I unbound her chains. That was the happiest moment of my
+life."
+
+Mary and her father were both touched by the recital of the young man.
+
+"Oh, Geronimo," exclaimed Mary, "may God bless you for having been so
+compassionate to the poor Christian slave!"
+
+"You did well, Geronimo," said Mr. Van de Werve, "and I esteem and love
+you more for your generosity to the unfortunate blind woman. How happy her
+unexpected liberation must have made her!"
+
+"When I told her she was free, and that she could accompany me to her
+native land, she was almost wild with joy; she laughed and wept by turns;
+she cast herself upon the ground, and raising her hands to heaven, thanked
+God; she embraced my knees and watered my feet with her tears. Not knowing
+how to testify her gratitude, she drew this strange amulet from her bosom
+and presented it to me, conjuring me to wear it always. She told me that
+it possessed the power of protecting and saving the one who carried it on
+his person, when all human aid failed or was insufficient. As to the
+origin of the amulet, she only knew that it had been brought back from
+Jerusalem by one of her ancestors, who had made a pilgrimage thither in
+expiation of an involuntary homicide, and from that time it had been,
+religiously guarded in their family as a precious relic. She had no doubt
+of its power, and related many strange things to justify her faith. She
+maintained that she owed to the amulet her unexpected return to Italy."
+
+"Does she still live?" asked Mary.
+
+"When in sight of Italy, I put her on board of a boat bound to Porto
+Fiero; I gave her a small sum of money, and begged the boatman to attend
+to her comforts. Poor Teresa Mostajo--that is her name--I doubt not, is
+living peacefully in her native village, and prays much for me. This is
+the only reason why I attribute any virtue to the amulet; I believe in the
+protection of this sign because it has been sanctified by an act of
+Christian charity, and by the grateful prayers of the poor blind woman
+tormented by the pagans for the name of Christ."
+
+The old cavalier remained a moment silent, absorbed in thought. Then
+taking the hand of the young man, he said to him: "I did not know you
+before, Geronimo. I hope it may be in my power to prove to you how much
+your generosity ennobles you and elevates you in my esteem; but although
+your confidence in the amulet rests on so laudable a sentiment, I would
+not rely too much upon it. You know the proverb says: 'Help yourself, and
+Heaven will help you.'"
+
+"Do not suppose, Mr. Van de Werve, that on that account I would be guilty
+of any foolish imprudence. I know that the eye and sword are good
+sentinels. When I pass through the streets at night, I am always well
+accompanied, and my hand never leaves the hilt of my sword. Therefore have
+no anxiety on this point, and permit me to perform my duty to her to whom
+I owe homage and respect."
+
+At that moment the painted--glass windows trembled under the stroke of a
+large clock from some neighboring belfry. This suddenly turned Mary's
+thoughts into another channel.
+
+"The clock of St. James is striking ten," she said.
+
+"Father, will you walk with me to the dock-yard to see if any new ships
+have arrived?"
+
+"What is the hour of high tide?" her father asked Geronimo.
+
+"At noon," he replied.
+
+"Why need we go so soon to the dock-yard?" asked the old cavalier. "Many
+days may yet pass before the _Il Salvatore_ appears in the Scheldt. Do not
+fear, Mary, that the Signor Deodati will take us by surprise. Don Pezoa,
+the agent of the king of Portugal, has given orders that I shall be
+notified as soon as the galley we are awaiting is signaled in the river,
+at noon."
+
+He was interrupted by the entrance of a servant, who announced that the
+Chevalier John Van Schoonhoven,[8] the bailiff, desired to speak with him.
+
+Geronimo was about to withdraw, but Mr. Van de Werve said to him,
+cordially:
+
+"Remain, signor; I will send Petronilla, Mary's duenna as a companion for
+her; the interview with the Chevalier Schoonhoven may not detain me long.
+We will afterwards go to the dock-yard, and we will at least enjoy the
+fine weather. Stay, I beg you."
+
+Hardly had he left the hall when an old woman entered, and seated herself
+near the door. She drew a chaplet from her pocket, and commenced praying
+in a low voice. This was apparently an habitual act with her, for neither
+the young girl nor the young man took the least notice of the duenna.
+
+Mary approached her lover, and said, gaily: "Rejoice, Geronimo! My father
+has just promised not to propose very heavy conditions to your uncle."
+
+"I am most grateful for his kindness," said the young man, sadly.
+
+"What can be the matter?" asked Mary, surprised by his indifference. "I
+noticed you were depressed when you first came. Be more hopeful; perhaps
+the _Il Salvatore_ will ascend the Scheldt to-day."
+
+"God grant it may not arrive!" said Geronimo, heaving a deep sigh.
+
+"Do you then fear your uncle's arrival?" exclaimed Mary, in an agitated
+voice.
+
+"Do not speak so loud, Mary; your duenna must not hear what I am about to
+communicate to you. Yes; since yesterday morning I have dreaded my uncle's
+arrival. Previously I implored it of Heaven as the choicest blessing, and
+now the thought of it makes me tremble."
+
+"Have you then heard from your uncle?"
+
+"Alas! my friend, at the very moment when all seemed the brightest, when I
+was thanking God for a happiness which I thought already mine, a dark
+cloud comes to overshadow my life. I seem even now to hear my uncle's
+voice pronouncing the cruel sentence which condemns me to a life-long
+sorrow."
+
+The young girl turned deadly pale, and anxiously awaited an explanation
+of the mystery.
+
+"My beloved Mary," he whispered, "it is a secret which I can only confide
+to you in part, and which in strict honor I should perhaps conceal
+entirely. Four weeks ago a merchant, highly esteemed, was left by a
+curious train of circumstances without funds, and he begged me to lend him
+ten thousand crowns. Should I refuse his request, the credit of his house
+would be irretrievably ruined. His name I considered sufficient security
+for ten times the amount he wished to borrow. At all events, although it
+pained me to disobey my uncle's positive injunctions, I could not deny the
+assistance which was asked of me. I lent the ten thousand crowns, and
+obtained a receipt with a written promise of payment in one month.
+Yesterday the note fell due; my debtor asks a delay until to-morrow. I met
+him an hour ago, and he has not yet obtained the money."
+
+"But if your debtor is rich and powerful, you need not indulge your fears
+to-day; to-morrow, perhaps, he will fulfil his promise," remarked the
+young girl, with ill-concealed anxiety.
+
+"My fears may mislead me, Mary, but I am sure that my debtor's affairs are
+in a very bad condition. At his urgent entreaty I made no entry of the
+loan upon the books, in order to conceal the transaction from the clerks;
+but still I have not the amount in hand. O Mary! my uncle has an eagle eye
+in business affairs; he will at once discover the deficit of ten thousand
+crowns--a deficit resulting from my lending money: a thing he has always
+warned me against, and which, even recently, he strictly forbade. My uncle
+is a good father to me, but this act of disobedience is sufficient to
+deprive me forever of his favor. I foresee many future evils."
+
+"Why were you so imprudent, Geronimo? You ought to have refused so large a
+loan."
+
+"I could not possibly refuse, Mary."
+
+"But you hold an acknowledgment of the debt and a promise of payment.
+Summon this merchant before the magistrates; at Antwerp justice is
+promptly and impartially dealt to all."
+
+"Impossible!" replied the young man, in a plaintive voice; "my debtor is a
+man to whom I owe many obligations; a complaint from me would be the cause
+of irreparable ruin to him. Let us hope that he will succeed in procuring
+the ten thousand crowns. He told me even this morning that he would
+endeavor to give me bills of exchange on Spain."
+
+"But of whom are you speaking?" said Mary; "your language is so
+mysterious."
+
+"I will not tell his name. Be not offended by my reserve; there is between
+merchants a law of secrecy which honor forbids us to violate."
+
+Mary appeared to respect this law; but she was evidently absorbed in
+bitter reflections.
+
+Either the communication of his difficulties to his beloved had given him
+new strength, or the sight of her sorrow made him affect a confidence he
+did not feel, for he said to her in a cheerful manner:
+
+"Come, Mary, you must not yield to discouragement. Perhaps I exaggerate
+the danger. My debtor is a member of a house which equals any other in
+consideration and wealth. In a few days, to-day even, or to-morrow, he may
+acquit himself of the debt, and should my uncle arrive before the
+restitution, I will endeavor to delay his examination of the books."
+
+He took the young girl's hand, and exclaimed, with joyous enthusiasm: "O
+Mary, my beloved, may Heaven be propitious to our vows! May the
+benediction of the priest descend upon our union! We will pass in Italy
+the first months of our happy life; Italy--that earthly paradise where God
+has lavished all the treasures of nature, and man all the treasures of
+art."
+
+They heard Mr. Van de Werve's voice in the hall giving urgent orders to
+the servants.
+
+"Mary," said Geronimo, "your father is coming. I implore you not to
+divulge, in any manner, what I have told you. Keep my secret even from
+your father; remember that the least indiscretion might cause the ruin of
+an honorable merchant."
+
+"Make haste, Geronimo; Mary, prepare for a drive," exclaimed Mr. Van de
+Werve, as he entered the hall. "Signor Deodati has arrived; the _Il
+Salvatore_ is in sight. Don Pezoa has just sent me information to that
+effect, and he has placed his gondola and boatmen at our service. The
+weather is beautiful and calm; we will go to meet the _Il Salvatore_."
+
+Mary, as though forgetting in this unexpected news all that Geronimo had
+told her, ran joyfully and put on her hood before her duenna had time to
+approach her. Geronimo also looked happy, and prepared to meet his uncle
+without loss of time.
+
+In a few minutes all was ready; the horses were harnessed to the carriage,
+the great gate was flung open, and the equipage was driven rapidly through
+the street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SIGNOR DEODATI.
+
+
+On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle. Many
+ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were
+approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the
+breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was
+covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed
+to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.
+
+The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring
+their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position. The crews of the
+different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so
+energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained
+cables. From each arose a song wild and harsh as the sharp creaking of the
+capstan, but joyous as the triumphant shout of a victorious army. These
+chants, sung in every tongue of the commercial world by robust sailors,
+seemed, as they were wafted over the river to the city, like the long,
+loud acclamations of a vast multitude.
+
+The only sounds which could be heard in the midst of these confused cries
+were the voices of the captains speaking through the trumpets; and when a
+Portuguese gallion, coming from the West Indies, appeared before the city,
+a salvo of cannon rose like the rolling of thunder above all other sounds.
+
+The sun shone brightly upon this animated scene of human activity, and
+broke and sparkled in colored light up in the rippling waves of the broad
+river.
+
+Hundreds of flags floated in the air; gondolas and longboats furrowed the
+waters; from boat and wharf joyous greetings of friends mingled with the
+song of the sailors. Even the wagoners from beyond the Rhine, who had
+ranged their strongly-built wagons near the cemetery of Burg, in order to
+load them with spices for Cologne, could not resist the influence of the
+beautiful May-day and the general hilarity; they collected near the gate
+of the dock-yard, and entoned in their German tongue a song so harmonious
+and sweet, and yet so manly, that every other sound in their vicinity was
+hushed.
+
+At this moment an elegant vehicle passed the gate of the dock-yard, and
+stopped near the German wagoners as the last strain of their song died
+upon the air.
+
+A young man, and after him an old man and a young girl richly attired,
+alighted from the carriage.
+
+Those immediately around, merchants as well as workmen, stepped
+respectfully aside and saluted Mr. Van de Werve, whilst glancing
+admiringly at his daughter. Some Italians of lower rank murmured loud
+enough to reach Mary's ears: "_Ecco la bionda maraviglia_."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve ordered his people to await him at the gate of the
+dock-yard, and passed on, saluting those whom he met, to the place where
+the Portuguese flag indicated the gondola of Lopez de Galle, which was
+prepared to receive him. They threw a carpet across the plank upon which
+Mary was to step in passing into the gondola. Mary, her father, and
+Geronimo entered the boat; the six oars dipped simultaneously into the
+water, and, pushed by the strong arms of the Portuguese sailors, the
+gondola sped rapidly through the waves. Swift as a fish and light as a
+swan, it skimmed the surface of the Scheldt, and made many a turn through
+the numerous vessels until it had succeeded in finding an open way down
+the river. Then the sailors exerted all their strength, as if to show the
+beautiful young girl what they were capable of in their trade. The
+gondola, obeying the impulse given it by the oarsmen, bounded forward
+under each stroke of the oars, and gracefully poised itself on the waves
+caused by its rapid passage.
+
+Complete silence reigned in the gondola; the sailors looked with timid
+admiration upon the beautiful countenance of the young girl. Mary, with
+downcast eyes, was persuading herself that Geronimo's uncle would
+undoubtedly consent to their union. The young man was absorbed in thought,
+and yielded by turns to joy, hope, and fear. Mr. Van de Werve contemplated
+the city, and seemed to enjoy the magnificent spectacle presented by
+Antwerp when seen at a distance, and which, with its lofty towers and
+splendid edifices, rose from the river like another Venice.
+
+Suddenly Geronimo rose and pointed in the distance, exclaiming, joyously,
+"See, the _Il Salvatore!_"
+
+Mary, glancing around, eagerly asked: "Where? Is it the vessel bearing a
+red cross on its flag?"
+
+"No, Mary, it is behind the ships of war; it is that large vessel with
+three masts--on its flag is a picture of the Saviour: _Il Salvatore_."
+
+While the gondola rapidly sped on its way, the eyes of all were fixed upon
+the galley, in order, if possible, to distinguish the features of those
+who stood on deck.
+
+Suddenly Geronimo clapped his hands, exclaiming, "God be praised! I see my
+uncle."
+
+"Which is he?" inquired Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+The young man replied, joyously: "Do you not see standing on the
+forecastle five or six passengers who wear parti-colored dresses, with
+plumed hats? In the midst of them is a man of lofty stature, completely
+enveloped in a brown cloak. He has long white hair, and his silvery beard
+looks like snow-flakes resting on his dark mantle. That is my old uncle,
+Signor Deodati."
+
+"What a superb-looking old man!" exclaimed Mary, in admiration.
+
+"In truth," said Mr. Van de Werve, "as well as I can judge at this
+distance, his appearance is very striking."
+
+"My uncle inspires respect wherever he goes," said the young man,
+enthusiastically. "His sixty-five years appear on his brow as an aureola
+of experience and wisdom; he is learned, good, and generous."
+
+And waving his hat, he cried out: "Ah, he recognizes us! He salutes us; he
+smiles. At last I see him after four years of separation. My God, I thank
+thee for having protected him!"
+
+The young man's joy was so great that Mary and her father were also moved.
+
+"So lively an affection for your uncle does you credit, Geronimo," said
+Mr. Van de Werve. "God loves a grateful heart; may He grant you to-day the
+desires of your heart!"
+
+But the young man did not hear these words of encouragement; standing in
+the gondola, he waved to his uncle as if endeavoring to express to him by
+signs his joy at seeing him.
+
+The gondola approached the galley, which slowly ascended the Scheldt in a
+favorable wind and with a rising tide.
+
+The light boat soon gained the large ship. Before the ladder was lowered,
+Geronimo caught the cable of the galley, and ere Mary had recovered from
+her terror, he had reached the deck and was in his uncle's arms.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve mounted the ladder cautiously, and approached Signor
+Deodati, with whom he exchanged the most cordial salutations.
+
+Mary remained in the gondola; she saw Geronimo embrace his uncle
+repeatedly; she rejoiced to perceive that the eyes of the old man were
+filled with tears of emotion. She was still more happy when she saw the
+affability with which her father and Geronimo's uncle conversed together,
+as though they were old friends.
+
+Very soon the Signor Deodati descended into the gondola to accompany Mr.
+Van de Werve and Geronimo to the city.
+
+The Flemish cavalier introduced his daughter to the Italian noble.
+
+The old man gazed upon the ravishing beauty of the young girl in
+speechless admiration. Mary's lovely features were illumined by an
+enchanting smile which moved the old man's heart; her large blue eyes were
+fixed upon him with so soft and supplicating an expression that the Signor
+Deodati, extending his hand, murmured: "_E la graziosa donzella!_" (The
+beautiful girl!)
+
+But Mary, encouraged by his look of affection, and unconsciously urged by
+a mysterious instinct, extended both hands to the old man, who folded her
+in his arms and pressed her to his heart.
+
+Geronimo, overjoyed at the reception given to Mary by his uncle, turned
+aside to conceal his emotion.
+
+"_Iddio vi dia pace in nostra patria!_ May God grant you peace in our
+country, Signor Deodati!" said Mary, taking the old man's hand. "Come sit
+by me; I am so happy to know you. Do not think me bold; Geronimo has
+spoken so much of you, that I have long respected and loved you. And then,
+in our Netherlands we always welcome a stranger as a brother."
+
+Signor Deodati seated himself by her as she desired, and as the gondola
+returned to the city, the old man said, in surprise: "But you speak
+Italian like a native of Lucca. How soft and musical my native tongue
+sounds from your lips!"
+
+"There is my teacher," said Mary, pointing to Geronimo.
+
+"That is not true, my uncle. Her modesty causes her to mislead you. Miss
+Van de Werve speaks equally well both Spanish and French, nor is she
+ignorant of Latin."
+
+"Can that be so?" asked the elder Deodati, with an incredulous smile.
+
+"That is nothing extraordinary in our city of Antwerp," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "Most ladies of noble birth, and even merchants' daughters, speak
+two or three foreign languages. It is a necessity rather than a pleasure
+for us; for since the people of the South will not or can not learn our
+tongue, we are obliged to become familiar with theirs."
+
+The Signor Deodati, as though a new and sudden thought possessed his mind,
+seized his nephew's hand, and fixing his eyes affectionately upon him,
+said in a calm tone: "I am pleased with you, Geronimo. Young as you are,
+you have conducted prudently the affairs of a large commercial house; you
+have acted as an experienced man; in order to please me, you have denied
+yourself pleasures which are so seductive to youth. Taking the place of
+your father, I have kept a vigilant eye upon you, and it gladdens my old
+heart to know that I have in my successor a virtuous cavalier and a
+prudent merchant. I know your desires, my son. Be not disturbed, but
+hopeful. I undertook a long voyage only to recompense you, if possible,
+for your gratitude."
+
+He arose, and said to Mary: "I am loath to leave you, my dear young lady;
+but I have a few words to say privately to your father. You will excuse me
+more readily, as I yield my place to Geronimo."
+
+Saying this, he walked with Mr. Van de Werve to the extremity of the boat,
+where both seated themselves upon a bench.
+
+Trembling with fear, hope, and joyous anticipations, Mary and Geronimo
+watched the two parents, endeavoring to divine from the expression of
+their countenances the result of their conversation. At first both were
+perfectly calm; by degrees they grew more excited; the derisive smile on
+the lips of Mr. Van de Werve betrayed the bitterness of his feelings, as
+the Signor Deodati in a decided manner counted on his fingers. They were
+discussing the great affair--the dowry and inheritance. Their only thought
+was money!
+
+Geronimo turned pale as he saw his uncle shake his head with evident
+dissatisfaction; and Mary trembled as she noticed the displeased
+expression of her father.
+
+The private conversation lasted a long time, and still took no favorable
+turn; on the contrary, the two old men ceased speaking, as though
+displeased with each other.
+
+Signor Deodati addressed a question to Mr. Van de Werve, to which the
+latter replied negatively.
+
+Both then arose, and approaching Geronimo and Mary, sat down in silence.
+Their countenances betrayed vexation and mutual displeasure.
+
+The young man, with tearful eyes, looked inquiringly at his uncle. Mary
+bowed her head, but her heaving bosom gave evidence of the struggle of her
+heart.
+
+For some time there was a painful silence in the gondola. Mr. Van de
+Werve contemplated his daughter, who seemed overwhelmed by sorrow. Signor
+Deodati was deeply moved by Geronimo's earnest gaze.
+
+The Italian noble was the first to break silence. "Come, sir," he said,
+"let us make these young people happy."
+
+"With all my heart, signor; but what will you do? My daughter is descended
+from an illustrious house; she must live in the world in a manner to do
+honor to her birth; as her father, I have duties to fulfil which I cannot
+disregard."
+
+"Poor Geronimo!" said the Signor Deodati, in a tone of compassion, and
+with a deep sigh. "You would accuse me of cruelty, would you not? and this
+lovely young girl would hate the old man for his insensibility. It was not
+for that I crossed the seas in my old age."
+
+He reflected a few minutes, then extending his hand to Mr. Van de Werve,
+he said: "My lord, I wish to show my good-will. I accept entirely your
+conditions, and in recompense for my sacrifices I ask only your
+friendship. Shall our children then be happy?"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve grasped cordially the hand which was extended to him, and
+said to his daughter: "Mary, embrace this good gentleman; he will be your
+second father."
+
+Mary cast herself into the arms of the old man; a cry of joy escaped the
+lips of Geronimo; even the sailors, although they comprehended but little
+of what they saw, were touched.
+
+Whilst they were yet exchanging felicitations, the gondola swept around
+the point of land which had concealed the city from view, and Antwerp,
+with its thousand vessels, its lofty spires and noble edifices, lay spread
+out in all its majestic beauty before the eyes of Signor Deodati.
+
+A cry of admiration burst from his lips.
+
+"_O che bella citta!_ What a beautiful city!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What is that magnificent tower, which like sculptured lace lifts its
+beautiful spire proudly to heaven, and like a giant looks down upon all
+others? What are those singular buildings whose rounded cupolas and
+pointed roofs so far exceed in height the surrounding houses? Oh! let the
+gondola float with the current; your city enchants me, and I wish to enjoy
+the view for a few moments."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve gratified the curiosity of the Italian gentleman by
+pointing out to him the most remarkable buildings of the city, saying:
+"Before you now is the new city constructed at his own expense by
+Gillibert de Schoonbeke--a man to whom Antwerp owes its later increase and
+the creation of countless streets and houses.[9] Those large and massive
+towers, in which you may notice loopholes, and which stand immediately
+upon the Scheldt, were the ancient fortifications of the city. That small,
+graceful spire is the Convent of Faucon; it is called here, Our Lady of
+Valkenbroek. Yonder, near the river, is the church of Borgt, the oldest
+temple of our city; for in 642 a wooden chapel stood on the spot, and in
+1249 it was consecrated as a parish church, just as it now is.[10] That
+lofty edifice at the foot of the gigantic tower of Notre Dame is the
+entrepôt of Spain. Every nation has its own manufactories and magazines,
+where every one may claim the protection of his flag. The massive,
+unfinished tower belongs to the church of Saint James; the original plan
+was to elevate it above the spire of Notre Dame, but the work has been
+long discontinued for want of funds. Do you see, a little further on, that
+square building surmounted by a dome? It is the palace of Fugger, the
+Croesus of our times: he was elevated to the nobility by Maximilian on
+account of his wealth. Furnishing money to kings and nations, he sees gold
+daily pouring into his coffers, and if God does not interfere, the royal
+power will bow before that of the opulent banker. On the right you have
+the church of Saint Andrew, and near it the convent of Saint Michael,
+where our Emperor Charles stays when he visits his good city of
+Antwerp."[11]
+
+While the gondola was skimming over the surface of the water, and Mr. Van
+de Werve was explaining to Signor Deodati the various edifices which were
+worthy of remark, there stood upon the shore, at a corner of the
+dock-yard, a man who coolly followed the boat with his eyes, and who
+endeavored to comprehend what was passing in the gondola, and to discover
+what might be the emotions of the young man and the young girl who were
+seated within it.
+
+Notwithstanding the fine weather, the man was enveloped in an ample cloak,
+and wore a hat with broad brim, over which fell a purple plume. His
+doublet was of gold cloth, and his breeches were of brown satin. At his
+side glittered the jewelled hilt of a sword.
+
+He was of lofty stature, and his whole bearing indicated noble birth; his
+style of dress and black hair and eyes attested his Italian origin. The
+most remarkable thing about his person was a long narrow scar across his
+face, as though he had been wounded by a sharp blade. The mark was not
+disfiguring, particularly when his features were in repose; but when he
+was agitated by some violent passion or uncontrollable emotion, the edges
+of the scar assumed different hues, and appeared of a dull white mixed
+with red and purple.
+
+At the moment of which we speak his eyes were fixed upon the gondola with
+an expression of irritated jealousy, and his lips were strongly
+contracted. The color of the scar had changed with his increasing emotion,
+and it was of a deep red. He stood so near the water that his feet touched
+it, and thus he prevented any one from passing before him and witnessing
+the tumult of his soul.
+
+Even the peculiar expression of his countenance did not betray the current
+of his thoughts; but certainly he was preoccupied by no good design, for
+his whole demeanor bespoke a wild despair and burning jealousy.
+
+For some time he watched in the same attitude the course of the gondola,
+which drifted with the current, until he saw the oarsmen seize their oars,
+and he supposed they were about to land.
+
+Then his whole frame shook convulsively under his efforts to control his
+emotion. He became exteriorly calm, the scar on his cheek paled, and in an
+unconcerned manner, with a light step and bright smile, he walked along
+the wharf to the spot where he supposed the gondola would stop.
+
+Geronimo, who had seen him approaching, sprung upon the bank before the
+boat was moored, and ran to him with singular haste. He took his hand, and
+said in an undertone:
+
+"_Ebbene, caro mio Simone?_ Have you obtained the money, Simon? My uncle
+has arrived. Should he discover that the money-vault lacks so considerable
+a sum, you and I are both lost. But you have the money, have you not? You
+will give it to me to-day?"
+
+"Pity me, Geronimo," said the other, sighing. "Various fatal circumstances
+render all my efforts unavailing."
+
+"You have not the money?" murmured the young man, despairingly.
+
+"No; to-morrow, or perhaps day after to-morrow."[12]
+
+"Good heavens! suppose my uncle reproves me in anger. I implore you,
+Simon, to procure the amount. Do not cause my destruction!"
+
+"Oh!" muttered the other, in a hoarse, altered voice, "were I to be the
+cause of any misfortune to you, I would avenge you upon myself in a bloody
+manner."
+
+"No, no," said the young man, in a compassionate tone, "banish these
+horrible thoughts. I will wait; I will seek a delay, and endeavor to
+divert my uncle's attention for a few days. Alas! I am filled with
+anxiety: at the very moment, too, that my uncle has consented to my
+marriage with Mary!"
+
+Simon's face became fearfully contorted.
+
+"Your uncle has consented?" he said, in a stifled voice.
+
+"And Mr. Van de Werve?"
+
+"He agrees to it also. O Simon! pardon me my happiness. I know, my poor
+friend, that this news is most painful to you; but did we not loyally
+promise each other, that were one of us to succeed in our suit, it should
+not break our long-tried friendship?"
+
+"Fool! God has abandoned me!" muttered the other between his teeth.
+
+"There is my uncle with Mr. Van de Werve," said Geronimo.
+
+"Cheer up, Simon; hide your emotion. When I am my own master, I will aid
+you in your affairs. In the meantime put your trust in God."
+
+The man with the scar made a powerful effort to control himself, and
+advancing cheerfully to meet Mr. Van de Werve, he said to his companion:
+
+"My emotion was natural under the circumstances; now that the blow has
+fallen, it is all over. Pained as I am, Geronimo, I congratulate you
+cordially. If I could only obtain the money, and spare you anything
+disagreeable! I will do all in my power."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve joined them, and after the first salutations said to the
+old Deodati: "I am happy to present to you my friend, the Signor Simon
+Turchi, who is at the head of the house of the Buonvisi, and who
+frequently does me the honor to visit me."
+
+"Ah! I know him well," said Deodati, cordially taking Simon's hand. "The
+signor is from Lucca, and the son of an esteemed friend."
+
+"You are welcome this side of the Alps, Signor Deodati," replied Simon
+Turchi. "My father often spoke of your mutual friendship. May God grant
+you prosperity in Brabant!"
+
+"I am under many obligations to you, signor," replied the old Deodati,
+"for the affectionate interest you have shown in my nephew. That my
+business affairs have been as well transacted in this country as though I
+had been here myself, I am indebted to your experience and wise counsels.
+I know from Geronimo's letters that he is sensible of the favor and deeply
+grateful for it."
+
+Simon Turchi was about to disclaim the praise bestowed upon him, but the
+carriage drew near, and Mr. Van de Werve said:
+
+"I hope, signor, that you will honor us with your company this evening. We
+will pass together a few hours with our noble guest."
+
+Simon excused himself, saying that some important commercial affairs
+demanded his attention; but as Mary and Geronimo urged him to accept the
+invitation, he promised to see them, at least for a short time.
+
+They bade adieu as the carriage drove out of the gate of the dock-yard.
+
+Simon Turchi followed it with his eyes, immovable as a statue, until the
+sound of the rolling wheels was lost in the distance. Then he convulsively
+crossed his arms and dropped his head, as though the certainty of a
+terrible misfortune had overwhelmed him.
+
+He remained a long time plunged in thought; but he was startled from his
+reverie by a vehicle which dashed along near him, and by the call of the
+driver warning him of his danger. He stepped aside and looked around him,
+as though seeking a way of escape from the wharf and the crowd of workmen.
+He walked slowly towards the church of Saint Walburga, and around the wall
+enclosing the cemetery. He entered, wandered awhile among the tombs, until
+reaching an obscure spot, where he was concealed by an angle of the
+church, he paused.
+
+He pressed his brow with his hands, as if to shut out painful thoughts;
+the scar on his face frequently changed color, and at intervals his whole
+frame shook with emotion. At last, as if his reflections had assumed a
+determined form, he muttered:
+
+"The arm-chair? it is not completed! And then he would be too late. A
+dagger, a sword, an assassin lying in wait? If Julio were only more
+courageous; but he is a cowardly boaster. Why did I take into my service
+such a poltroon? He would not dare run the risk of striking a fatal blow;
+but I can force him to it, force him even to be bold. I need but pronounce
+his real name; but the murder of a friend is a frightful crime; and then,
+perhaps, to be discovered, betrayed--to die on a scaffold like a common
+felon--I, the head of the house of the Buonvisi!"[13]
+
+This thought made him shudder. After a few moments' reflection, he said,
+more calmly: "I will go to the bailiff Van Schoonhoven; he has espoused my
+cause with Mr. Van de Werve; he will, perhaps, be offended that Mary's
+hand has been disposed of contrary to his urgent solicitations. Perhaps he
+may have influence to prevent the marriage."
+
+An ironical smile curled his lip.
+
+"Fool that I am!" he muttered. "And the ten thousand crowns? and the
+disgrace of bankruptcy? Oh, the infernal thought! might I not take from a
+corpse the acknowledgment of the debt? I will go to Mr. Van de Werve's; I
+must speak with Geronimo; I must know where tins evening he--"
+
+The words died upon his lips, and a sudden terror shook him from head to
+foot.
+
+He had heard behind him the voice of a man who spoke in a low tone, and
+who seemed to be a spy.
+
+Could he have heard what Simon Turchi had so imprudently spoken in this
+solitary corner of the cemetery?
+
+Turning in his anguish, he saw two persons, three or four steps behind
+him, looking at him with a mocking air.
+
+Under other circumstances the Italian cavalier would certainly have called
+the unknown men to account for their insolent curiosity; but fear deprived
+him of all courage and energy.
+
+He dropped his head, concealed his face as far as possible, crossed the
+cemetery with long and rapid strides, and disappeared behind the wall of
+the enclosure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE PALACE OF SIMON TURCHI, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE.
+
+
+Not far from the bridge De la Vigne, Simon Turchi had a magnificent
+dwelling, where the offices of the commercial house of Buonvisi were
+situated; but he possessed also, at the extremity of the city,
+pleasure-grounds, where in fine weather he was accustomed to invite his
+friends and acquaintances to festivals, banquets, and concerts. His
+domains were near the church of Saint George, surrounded by grounds
+belonging to the hospital.
+
+Exteriorly it appeared to be only a wall of enclosure, shaded by lofty
+trees, and without openings. Against the horizon were seen two glittering
+weathercocks surmounting two small towers arising in the midst of foliage.
+Within there was, however, a vast garden diversified with winding paths,
+flowery parterres, hillocks, and grottos. Here and there, scattered among
+the thickets of verdure, appeared marble statues representing principally
+the gods of pagan mythology. In the centre of the garden was a pond, in
+which seemed to float a crowd of monstrous animals, such as dragons,
+basilisks, lizards, and salamanders. It was a fountain; and when the
+robinets were opened these monsters spouted the water in every direction
+from their eyes and mouths.
+
+But at the bottom of the garden and at some distance from the wall of
+enclosure was an antique pavilion of gray-stone, the walls of which were
+nearly covered with ivy, and which, in spite of their dark hue, presented
+a very picturesque appearance.
+
+With the exception of the small and narrow windows, which were protected
+by iron bars, and the staircase of slate which gave admittance, this heavy
+building presented nothing remarkable, unless it were two round turrets,
+which rose above the surrounding roofs and even above the gigantic trees
+in its vicinity.
+
+The garden had been evidently long neglected, for all the walks were
+covered with weeds, and in the flower-beds were the half decayed props
+which had supported the plants of the previous autumn. The statues were
+spotted by the dust and rain; a fine moss covered the monsters of the
+fountains, and the little water remaining in the pond was stagnant.
+
+These evidences of the absence of man, the sombre hue of the edifice, the
+shrubs growing untrimmed, but, above all, the complete silence, gave a
+mournful air of abandonment to the place, and in this solitude the soul
+was necessarily filled with painful reflections.
+
+It was already late in the afternoon; the sun was about to sink below the
+horizon, its slanting rays illumined only the weathercocks on the top of
+the towers. Within the thickets and at the entrance of the grottos, night
+already reigned. Not the slightest sound was heard in this place. The
+noise of the people at work in the city resounded in the air, the chiming
+of the church-bells was wafted from the distance over this solitary
+dwelling; but as no sound arose from the habitation itself, the distant
+hum from an active multitude rendered the silence of the spot all the more
+striking.
+
+Only at intervals a dull sound like the grating noise of a file seemed to
+issue from the old edifice; but it was so indistinct and so often
+interrupted that it was not sufficient to destroy the solitude and silence
+of the place.
+
+Suddenly two heavy strokes, as if from a hammer, resounded through the
+garden. Some one had knocked at the exterior door for admittance.
+
+A few moments afterwards a man appeared on the staircase of the pavilion,
+and descended into the garden.
+
+He was tall and slender; his hair and beard were red, and a red moustache
+covered his upper lip. His cheeks, though sunken and emaciated, were very
+red. His eyes were wild in their expression. His arms and legs were of
+extraordinary length; his movements were heavy and slow, as though his
+limbs had been dislocated and his muscles without strength.
+
+His dress denoted him to be a menial: he wore a vest of black leather, a
+red doublet and breeches of the same color, without embroidery or
+ornament.
+
+At this moment his sleeves were rolled up, and his thin arms were bare to
+the elbows. In his hand he held a file, and apparently he had been
+interrupted in some urgent work by the knock at the door. Having reached
+the outer door, he drew a key from his doublet, and asked in Italian:
+
+"Who knocks?"
+
+"Open the door, Julio; it is your companion Bernardo," was the reply in
+the same tongue.
+
+"Of course, on the way you stopped at the _Camel_, and drank some pots of
+Hamburg beer? Did you bring me as much as a pint?" asked the man with the
+red beard. "Nothing? have you nothing? I have worked until I am exhausted;
+I am dying of hunger, and no one thinks of me. Let me see the spring."
+
+Saying these words, he took from his companion's hands a bent steel spring
+and examined it attentively, closing and opening it as if to judge of its
+form and power of resistance.
+
+Bernardo was a deformed man of low stature; the projection on his back
+might be styled a hump--it was so prominent. His physiognomy denoted
+pusillanimity; but there was, at the same time, a malicious sparkle in his
+eye, and it was with a mocking smile that he contemplated the man with the
+red beard.
+
+The latter said to him in a commanding tone: "The spring appears to be
+good. Go bring me a pint of Rhenish wine from the Saint George."
+
+"You know well that our master has forbidden it. Let me go; the signor
+ordered me to return immediately to the factory."
+
+"Get me the wine, or I will break this spring in a thousand pieces over
+your hump."
+
+"Always threatening!" muttered Bernardo. "You know I am not wanting in
+good-will. I will go for the wine; give me the money."
+
+"Money? I have not a farthing in my pocket. Lend me the price of this
+pint."
+
+"My purse is empty, Julio; but yours? Our master gave you ever so many
+shillings yesterday. You told me so yourself."
+
+"Bah! the dice made way with the whole of it."
+
+"Hardened gambler!" said Bernardo, with a sigh. "You would risk your soul
+at the gaming-table if any one held out to you a gold coin."
+
+"Very likely!" replied Julio, in an indifferent tone; "my soul is hardly
+worth more."
+
+"What impious words! We are alone now, but there is One above who hears
+what we say. He will punish you, Julio."
+
+The red-haired man shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Continue your dissolute habits," resumed Bernardo; "lose your money in
+gambling, drown your senses in intoxication: at the end of this path there
+is a gallows, and behind it the devil, to whom all such souls are welcome.
+Adieu! reflect upon my words, and remember that the justice of God will
+one day demand an account of your life. Adieu!"
+
+Julio sprang towards the small door, locked it, and put the key in his
+pocket.
+
+"Cease this trifling," said the other, evidently ill at ease.
+
+"Open the door, Julio, or I will complain of you to our master."
+
+"What do I care for our master?" said the man, laughing.
+
+"You say, Bernardo, that I shall end my days on the gallows. No, no; the
+proverb says, that he who draws the sword shall perish by the sword. I
+have pierced so many with my dagger, that my turn must come to fall by the
+dagger. Last night, Bernardo, I had rare sport. I knocked down eight,
+wounded one in the arm, and as to three or four others whom I left
+extended on the ground, my dagger knows better than I what mischief was
+done them. Come in with me, and I will tell you all about it."
+
+"No, I have not time."
+
+"You must take the time. You shall not leave here until you have heard my
+adventures of last night."
+
+"It is always the same story over again. If I believed you, I would
+suppose that the cemeteries were too small to contain the bodies of all
+whom you have slain. Open the door, Julio, and let me go, I beg you."
+
+The other took his hand, and dragging him by force into the house, said:
+"I am here alone all day, with no one to whom I can speak one word; it is
+enough to paralyze my tongue. You shall listen to my adventures whether
+you wish it or not. Judge, Bernardo, by the recital of my great deeds what
+an honor it is to you to be the comrade of so intrepid a man. Be not
+ill-humored; you know it is useless to resist me. Don't laugh; were I to
+try it, I could toss you about like a ball; but you are my friend, and
+besides, you are too weak to contend with me. Therefore, fear nothing."
+
+They reached the house and entered a kind of parlor, where Julio threw
+upon the table the spring he held in his hand, and seating himself, he
+said to his companion:
+
+"Take a chair, Bernardo. You are about to hear some strange adventures. Do
+you know the ruffian Bufferio? He is a jolly fellow, who cares as little
+for the life of a man as for that of a fly. There is not a man in the
+parish of Saint Andrew who does not tremble at the sight of him. In a
+by-street there is a tavern in a large cellar, where one can hear the
+rattling of dice all night long, and they play for piles of gold--where it
+comes from, the devil only knows. Late yesterday evening I was passing
+through this street, when the noise of the dice fell upon my ear. You must
+know, Bernardo, that this sound is as enchanting music attracting me; it
+overpowers my will. I descended into the tavern and called for a glass of
+beer. I seated myself among the players, and challenged any of them to
+play against me. I won and lost; but at last good luck was on my side, and
+my pockets were so full that they could hardly bear the weight of the
+florins. To console the losers, I ordered the hostess to bring a pint of
+wine to each of them; but in spite of my generosity the villains looked at
+me angrily, and seemed to excite each other to take revenge upon me. They
+strove to pick a quarrel. They were like a band of thieves and assassins;
+but the rascals saw with whom they had to deal. My defiant look, my bold
+words, my intrepid countenance, kept them at a respectful distance from
+me. Suddenly the dreaded Bufferio entered the cellar. He had no sooner
+learned from his comrades how fortune had favored me than he challenged me
+to play with him. It was just what I wanted. I don't know how it happened,
+but I lost every game. Each time we doubled the stakes; a cold sweat
+bathed my brow as I saw florin after florin quietly put in the pocket of
+my adversary, until I had only one farthing left. This time fortune
+favored me; but Bufferio insisted that the dice had not been fairly
+thrown, and he swept the table of all the money staked. I sprang to my
+feet and called him a cheat. He instantly dealt me a heavy blow. Furious
+and thirsting for vengeance, I drew my dagger. Immediately twenty daggers
+glittered above my head. Perhaps, Bernardo, you think that I trembled? You
+do not know me; when I am thus in the midst of danger, an entire army
+could not terrify me; for in whatever other qualities I may be deficient,
+I do not lack courage and intrepidity. When I saw the villains about to
+rush upon me, I darted forward like a lion, and I cut about on every side
+so furiously with my dagger, that all, even to the gigantic Bufferio, fled
+from the cellar. I pursued them into the street; there the combat
+recommenced; but my adversaries fared badly. In a few moments Bufferio lay
+dead upon the ground between two of his comrades; the others, being badly
+wounded, had taken flight. I stood alone upon the field of battle, a
+triumphant conqueror! I remained in the same spot for a quarter of an
+hour, to see if any other enemies would present themselves, but the
+wretches had had enough for one night."
+
+Bernardo listened to this recital with an incredulous smile. When it was
+concluded, he silently shook his head.
+
+"Well! what have you to say of this adventure?" asked Julio. "Might it not
+be narrated in the chronicles as an heroic adventure?"
+
+"Certainly; in your place many others would have died of fright. But this
+morning I saw this Bufferio, whom you declare to be dead, walking alive in
+the public square."
+
+"Impossible; you are mistaken."
+
+"Perhaps so; but I know the ruffian well, for I have twice seen him in the
+pillory."
+
+"If he is not dead, he will certainly not be able to make his appearance
+in the streets for six months to come."
+
+"Of course, you took your money from Bufferio?"
+
+"How could I?"
+
+"Since he lay lifeless at your feet, why did you not recover the money he
+had stolen from you?"
+
+The red-haired man was at a loss for an answer; but after awhile he
+stammered out: "You are right. In the hurry of the struggle I did not
+think of it, and then I had not the time: the watchmen ran on hearing the
+noise of the affray, and you may imagine that I did not care to fall into
+the hands of the bailiff."
+
+"I do not understand you; it seems to me you mentioned having remained a
+quarter of an hour upon the spot," said Bernardo, with a slight smile. "I
+suppose, Julio, there was much blood shed."
+
+"It flowed in torrents."
+
+Bernardo eyed his companion from head to foot in great surprise.
+
+"I would like to ask you something, but you might not understand the joke,
+and you would be angry with me," he said.
+
+"Say candidly what you think," replied his companion.
+
+"I am extremely surprised, Julio, that there is not the smallest drop of
+blood, not the least spot, upon your clothes. With your permission, I will
+say you dreamed all that?"
+
+Julio sprang from his seat, gnashed his teeth, and looked at his
+companion as if ready to devour him.
+
+"What! you dare to laugh at me? Are you then tired of life? Fool! were I
+only to lay my hand upon you, you would be crushed to atoms."
+
+Bernardo arose also, and said, in a tone half ironical and half
+supplicating: "Pardon me, Julio; I believe all you told me, and I never
+doubted your marvellous courage. If sometimes I laugh at serious things,
+do not be offended; this kind of joking is usual with men."
+
+"If you were not so feeble and powerless a being, I would have already
+laid you at my feet," said Julio; "as it is, I long to plunge my dagger in
+your breast."
+
+"Leave it in its scabbard, Julio, and I will go to buy you a _stoop_[14]
+of Hamburg beer."
+
+"Ah, hypocrite!" exclaimed Julio, "then you have money. I will renew my
+friendship for you, if you will do me a favor. I am in absolute want of
+money; lend me a few shillings, and the first one who insults you, I
+promise you, shall be a dead man."
+
+"But, Julio, were I to give them to you, you would gamble with them at
+once."
+
+"No, you are wrong this time; I would pay for some things our master
+ordered me to buy yesterday."
+
+Bernardo drew a small purse from his doublet, and handed to his companion
+its scanty contents.
+
+"Here is all I possess," he said. "I fear they will go like the others."
+
+Julio thrust the shillings into his pocket, and muttered:
+
+"I do not deny that I may go this evening to the parish of Saint Andrew,
+to see if any one would dare play against me."
+
+"Julio, Julio, I pity you!" said Bernardo, sadly. "I do not wish to
+lecture you; but you have an unfortunate and aged mother who requires your
+aid. You are always talking of sending her assistance, and for six months
+past every farthing has been lost at play. Perhaps in the meantime your
+mother has suffered for want of food."
+
+This reproach seemed to affect Julio deeply. He looked down abashed, and
+then said, dejectedly: "Bernardo, never speak to me again of my mother.
+You touch the only sensitive spot in my heart. And yet you are right; I am
+a monster! Oh! this miserable play! I will do better in future. Go away
+now, and let me continue my work."
+
+"What are you making?" asked Bernardo. "This is the third spring you have
+ordered, and each time from a different locksmith."
+
+"It is a secret known only to my master and myself."
+
+"A secret?" said Bernardo. "Springs, a secret! What can it mean?"
+
+"Come with me, and I will show you. The signor may be angry if he chooses,
+I don't care. But, Bernardo, you must be as silent as one deaf and dumb."
+
+He conducted his companion to a room, and throwing open the door showed
+him a large arm-chair, which in form was like the other chairs around,
+excepting that from each arm extended two bent springs.
+
+"This is what I have worked at, without stopping, for four days. I wish
+the bewitched chair to the devil! I have already exhausted myself; but the
+new spring is good, and in a few minutes I will have finished."
+
+Bernardo examined attentively the unfinished chair, and looked frightened.
+
+"Heavens!" he exclaimed, "a chair for a trap! Do you entrap men here?"
+
+Julio nodded his head affirmatively.
+
+Pale from anxiety, Bernardo muttered: "May God preserve me! What crime is
+in contemplation? Does our master know anything of this terrible piece of
+furniture?"
+
+"Was it not from him that you received the order to bring me the springs?"
+
+The humpbacked man made the sign of the cross, and muttered a few
+indistinct words.
+
+Suddenly Julio laughed immoderately, and slapping him on the shoulder
+exclaimed: "Foolish boy! he already sees a victim in this chair, and the
+blood flowing as freely as in some old woman's story. Be at ease,
+Bernardo; this is done only to satisfy a caprice of our master. He intends
+to clean the garden and repair the fountain. He will place this arm-chair
+in an arbor near the fountain; the guest who seats himself in it will be
+caught, and the salamanders may throw the water upon him as long as they
+please. It is a mania of our master."
+
+"What a coward I am!" said Bernardo, laughing at his own fears. "Open the
+door now, Julio; I should have been at the factory long ago."
+
+They both left the house talking together, and they turned their steps
+towards the exterior door.
+
+The red-haired man soon returned alone. He removed the spring from the
+parlor-table, and took it with him to the room where he had terrified his
+companion by the revelation of his master's secret. He seated himself on
+the ground near the chair, and taking some tools he began to arrange the
+spring, and to try if it would produce the effect intended. Whilst thus
+occupied he laughed aloud, and said:
+
+"The stupid humpback! One could make him believe that cats laid eggs! He
+believed all I told him of Bufferio and his comrades as though they were
+gospel truths. The coward! To empty his pocket of its last farthing, it is
+only necessary to frighten him! I have two shillings. Night is coming on,
+and it is growing dark. Presently I will go to the tavern of the 'Silver
+Dice.' I will play at first with a few farthings, then for white pieces,
+at last for florins and even crowns! This time I will stop playing as soon
+as my pocket is full of money. Then at least I will send something to my
+poor mother. In what condition is she now? Perhaps she no longer lives on
+earth; that would be better for her. Poor and blind, and her only
+dependence a son who must conceal his true name in order to escape the
+gallows; a gambler, drunkard--in a word, a real jail-bird! Yes, if fortune
+favors me, I will send her something. The signor promised me to have it
+conveyed to Lucca. Ah! the spring is fixed. Let me see if the machine does
+its duty."
+
+He rose, placed his hand on the arm of the chair as if about to take his
+seat in it; suddenly he sprang aside, exclaiming: "Fool that you are, you
+were about to do a fine thing! I would have been caught by my own trap;
+and if the signor had forgotten to come this evening, I would have
+remained clasped in that traitorous chair. But don't I hear some one
+coming? A key grating in the lock of the garden gate? Yes, it is the
+Signor Turchi."
+
+Seating himself on the ground before the arm-chair, with his back turned
+to the door, Julio began to work with apparent eagerness; and in order to
+assume a greater air of indifference, he sang snatches of a well-known
+song.
+
+The door opened, and Signor Turchi stood upon the threshold. He remained
+for an instant motionless, contemplating in silence his servant, who
+continued his song as though unconscious of the presence of his master.
+
+Simon slowly approached him and laid his hand upon his shoulder; but
+before he could say a word, Julio drew his dagger from its scabbard, and
+springing to his feet, made a motion as if to stab his master.
+
+"_O cielo, è voi signor?_ Is it you, signor?" cried Julio. "You slip
+through the garden like a thief. It is almost dark; an accident might have
+happened."
+
+"Stop your foolish jesting, Julio. A man does not kill another without
+finding out with whom he is dealing."
+
+"Do you think so, signor? Why, if five or six men were to take me by
+surprise, not one would be left alive."
+
+"You speak as if the life of a man were of no more value than that of a
+bird."
+
+"Less, signor; it is not worth a farthing."
+
+"We will have proof of this," said Simon, in a peculiar tone, as he turned
+towards the door. "For years I have heard you boasting; this evening I
+will discover what you are--a brave man or a coward."
+
+Julio drew himself to his full height, put his arms akimbo, and was about
+to speak, but his master prevented him.
+
+"No useless words!" said Simon, imperiously, "Light the lamp, and come to
+my bed-room."
+
+He left the room without making any inquiry in regard to the chair, and
+ascended a winding staircase. Opening the door of a large room, he threw
+himself upon a chair, and rubbed his brow with his hands like a man
+tormented by painful thoughts.
+
+After awhile his hands fell upon his knees, and his eyes wandering in
+feverish agitation through the dim twilight, he muttered:
+
+"At last it is decided! the murder of a friend! He my friend? He is my
+mortal enemy! Has he not deprived me of Mary's love? Has he not destroyed
+all my hopes? Has he not devoted me to eternal infamy? His uncle has
+consented; he will become his partner, the proprietor of an immense
+fortune, the husband of Mary--of Mary, who was destined by her father to
+be my wife! He will be powerful, rich, and happy; he will be surrounded by
+every luxury; he will astonish the world by the magnificence of his style
+of living, and from the pinnacle of his grandeur he will cast an eye of
+lawful pride upon Turchi dishonored and ruined! Miserable dog that I am!
+Deodati will discover that I owe him ten thousand crowns. He will appeal
+to the courts of justice, and I will be condemned as a rogue; they will
+discover that I have spent more than I possessed. Outraged, despised,
+mocked, shall I fall forever into the abyss of misery and infamy? No, no;
+let him die! His death alone can save me. If he perishes as I have
+planned, I no longer owe him the ten thousand crowns; Mary becomes my
+wife, and I am master of her dowry. In that case I am still the powerful,
+honored chief of the house of Buonvisi! But time presses; to-morrow it may
+be too late! I hear Julio coming. Upon him rests all my hope."
+
+The servant entered and placed a lighted candle upon the table.
+
+"Now, signor," he said, "to what trial do you wish to subject my courage?
+However difficult it may be, it will not be beyond my strength."
+
+"Close the blinds; lower the windows," said Turchi; "sit down and listen
+attentively to my words. I am about to talk to you of an important
+affair."
+
+The red-haired man regarded his master with a malicious and incredulous
+smile, but he took the seat indicated to him without a word of comment.
+
+"Julio," said Simon, "I am dejected and undecided. There is a man who
+pretends to be my friend, but who has secretly been my bitter enemy. He
+has always artfully calumniated and deceived me, and injured me in my
+fortune and honor; he has pushed his machinations to such a degree that I
+will soon be condemned to eternal infamy and misery, unless, by a bold
+stroke of vengeance, I break through the snares he has laid for my
+destruction. Be calm, Julio; it does you honor to be inflamed with anger
+against the enemies of your master; but listen. I discovered, three days
+ago, that it was this treacherous friend who paid the assassins to inflict
+the wound of which I still bear the scar on my face. Thus, he first shed
+my blood and attempted my life; now he plans my ruin and dishonor. Julio,
+what would you do in my place?"
+
+"What would I do? Ask my dagger, signor; if it could speak, it would tell
+you of wonderful exploits."
+
+"Then you would not hesitate to undertake a difficult task?"
+
+"Hesitate! you insult me, signor. I would not hesitate were twenty swords
+brandished over my head."
+
+"Understand, Julio, that had I doubted your intrepidity, I would not have
+spoken to you of such grave affairs. I give you the highest proof of
+confidence by intrusting my vengeance to your hands. I will tell you who
+is my enemy, and where you can strike him secretly. Kill him, and you
+shall be liberally recompensed."
+
+This mission appeared unpalatable to Julio.
+
+"Yes," he stammered; "but that is not my way of acting. I will pick a
+quarrel with your enemy, and if he dares to raise a finger against me, he
+is a dead man."
+
+"Impossible; he is of noble birth."
+
+"And if I insulted him, his valets would fall upon me and beat me."
+
+"That is true. There is but one way, Julio; I will tell you where you can
+stab him at night without the least danger."
+
+"I? shall I treacherously kill your enemy? This gentleman has never
+injured me. Since how long has it been the custom for valets to avenge the
+grievances of their masters? It is your own affair, signor."
+
+"You value the life of a man as little as a farthing, you said," replied
+Simon Turchi, with bitter irony; "and now you allege the most puerile
+reasons as excuses. You are a coward, Julio."
+
+"I am not; but I do not choose to lie in wait and stab a man in the dark."
+
+"That is a feint, a subterfuge, to conceal your cowardice."
+
+"Since it is so simple and easy, why do you not deal the blow yourself,
+signor?"
+
+The scar on Simon Turchi's face became of a livid white; his whole frame
+trembled with rage; but by a strong effort he controlled his emotion, and
+after a few moments he said, with a contemptuous smile upon his lips:
+
+"Four years ago I took you into my service through pity; I have paid you
+well, excused all your faults, your intoxication, your passion for
+gambling; I have not dismissed you, although you have deserved it a
+hundred times; and now, when for the first time you can be useful to me,
+you have not the courage. I wished to try you. What I said was only a
+jest. To-morrow, Julio, you will leave my service. You are a liar and a
+coward."
+
+"Do not condemn me so severely, signor," said the servant, in a
+supplicating tone of voice. "I am willing to risk my life a thousand times
+for you; but to lie in wait for an unknown man and kill him
+deliberately--this is an infamous crime of which I am not capable."
+
+"Hypocrite!" exclaimed Simon Turchi; "you speak as though I were ignorant
+of your past history. If a price is set upon your head in the city of
+Lucca, if at this moment you are under sentence of death, is it not
+because you assassinated or helped to assassinate the Judge Voltaï?"
+
+These words struck Julio with terror. He replied, humbly:
+
+"Signor, I have already told you that in this affair I was more
+unfortunate than guilty. I was upon the spot where the murder was
+committed, and I was arrested with those who gave the fatal blow. Believe
+me, I knew nothing of their designs. I do not deny that in a contest or
+quarrel I spare no one; but up to this moment my dagger has never shed
+blood without provocation."
+
+Simon fixed his eyes upon his servant, and said in a menacing tone:
+"Suppose, in order to avenge myself for thy base ingratitude, I should
+make known to the superintendent of Lucca who is the man I have in my
+service? Suppose I were to tell him that the real name of Julio Julii is
+Pietro Mostajo? Who would be bound hand and foot and sent in the hold of a
+ship of war to expiate his crimes upon a scaffold in Italy?"
+
+Julio turned pale and trembled. He moved restlessly upon his chair, and
+complained in a low voice of the false accusations and injustice of men;
+but his master eyed all his movements in a scornful manner, until at last
+the servant, disconcerted, exclaimed impulsively:
+
+"Tell me what to do; I am ready!"
+
+"Will you accomplish my orders with unwavering will and without
+hesitation?"
+
+"I must do so, since you compel me to it! But fear nothing; my decision is
+made."
+
+"And suppose that Geronimo Deodati were my enemy?"
+
+"Geronimo Deodati!" exclaimed Julio, in indescribable terror. "Geronimo,
+your intimate friend? That noble and generous cavalier who loves you as a
+brother? He is as gentle as a girl!"
+
+"He is a false friend, a traitor."
+
+"Geronimo gave you the wound on your face?[15] He would betray you and
+seek your ruin? That is false, false! It is impossible!"
+
+"He is my mortal enemy. You shall kill him, I say!" exclaimed Simon
+Turchi, in a menacing voice.
+
+"Must I kill the Signor Geronimo? Ah! to what horrible crime would you
+urge me?" said Julio, in a plaintive tone.
+
+Simon seized his servant by the arm, shook him violently, and whispered
+hoarsely in his ear: "Pietro Mostajo, remember the superintendent of
+Lucca!"
+
+Julio, as if stupefied, said not a word.
+
+Simon arose and walked towards the door, saying: "It is well; I will go
+and deliver you up to justice."
+
+The terrified servant sprang after him, retained him, and said,
+supplicatingly: "I submit myself to your will, and accept the fate I
+cannot escape. I have never before committed a murder; you take his blood
+upon yourself, do you not, signor? Tell me when I must accomplish this
+horrible crime."
+
+"This very day, Julio."
+
+"To-day?--so soon?"
+
+"To-morrow would be too late."
+
+"Well, command; the sooner the better."
+
+"To-day is the eve of May. Geronimo intends to serenade Miss Van de Werve.
+Only two lute-players will attend him. He invited me to accompany him. I
+will go to bed at the factory under pretence of indisposition; all the
+servants will know that I have not left my dwelling. Do you put on the old
+Spanish cape which has been laid aside for five years; no one will then
+recognize you. You must be in Hoboken Street, near the Dominican Convent,
+before eleven o'clock. There is at that spot a well which Geronimo must
+pass both in going and returning. Hide behind the well until Geronimo
+approaches, then rush upon him and deal him a fatal blow; strike several
+times. The lute-players are cowards, and they will run away. Take from the
+dead body of Geronimo a pocket-book which you will find in a pocket on the
+left side of his doublet; there is in this pocket-book a writing which he
+took from me by a cheat. Leave the spot after having accomplished this,
+and return by the darkest streets; you will not be discovered. Above all,
+do not forget the pocket-book."
+
+Julio's countenance expressed stupefaction and terror. During the
+development of the frightful plot he kept his eyes fixed on his master's
+lips, and he continued to stare at him without moving.
+
+"Well," asked his master, "is not the project cunningly devised?"
+
+"It is astonishing, astonishing!" stammered the servant, lowering his
+eyes.
+
+"You are ready, I suppose, to strike the blow? But why do you hesitate?
+Are you afraid?"
+
+"No, no; but let me reflect a moment," said Julio.
+
+After a few minutes of silence, he looked at his master, and said:
+
+"With your permission, signor, I will say that the plan, as you have
+arranged it, appears to me to be fraught with danger to yourself. Suppose
+that Geronimo should perceive me too soon and defend himself; that by
+chance the lute-players should be men of courage; that I should be wounded
+or made prisoner: any of these events might occur. I would certainly be
+broken on the wheel or burned alive. That, however, would be of little
+consequence, if by my death I could be useful to you. But I am your
+servant, and known as such by all your acquaintances; and as I could have
+no motive of hatred or vengeance against a cavalier who has never spoken
+an unkind word to me, you would be at once suspected of having ordered the
+murder."
+
+"And you, I suppose, would betray me?" said Turchi, with bitter irony.
+
+"Betray you, signor? that would not save myself; but under torture my
+tongue might against my will pronounce your name."
+
+Simon strode up and down the room, muttering between his teeth with
+suppressed rage. His servant glanced at him stealthily, with an almost
+imperceptible smile of joy and triumph.
+
+At last Simon stood still in the middle of the room; the scar on his cheek
+was of a fiery red, and his eyes rolled around restlessly.
+
+"Shall I then be forever ruined? Nothing is left me in the world but
+misery and infamy! Julio, is the arm-chair progressing?"[16]
+
+"The arm-chair! Then the arm-chair was destined as a snare for Geronimo?"
+said the servant, stupefied. "What do you mean?"
+
+"No, no, the chair would come too late!" said Simon Turchi, in an agitated
+voice. "Talk no more about it; this evening you must lie in wait for
+Geronimo and kill him. It is decided; it must be done!"
+
+"I know a means to accomplish your purpose without danger either to you or
+me, signor," said the servant.
+
+"Ah, if what you say be true! Tell me this means of safety!"
+
+"There lives in the parish of Saint Andrew a man of giant stature and
+strength; he is named Bufferio; he will do anything for money; whether it
+be to beat, wound, or kill a man, it is all the same to him. He fulfils
+his mission to the satisfaction of his employers, and he never betrays a
+secret. He has five or six intrepid companions engaged in the same trade
+as himself; they may be relied upon. Give me money to pay this ruffian,
+and you need have no anxiety; Bufferio will think that I am acting from
+personal vengeance; besides, he does not know me. Thus neither of us will
+be suspected nor accused should the affair prove unsuccessful."
+
+Simon seemed surprised by Julio's words, and he remained a few moments in
+deep thought. By degrees a smile parted his lips; it was evident that the
+proposed plan met his approval. He opened his purse and put four gold
+pieces in Julio's hand.
+
+"Is that sufficient?" he asked.
+
+"You jest, signor," replied the servant. "Four gold pieces for the life of
+a nobleman!"
+
+Simon handed him four more.
+
+"Will that do?" he said.
+
+"It is not enough yet."
+
+"How much will be required?"
+
+"I do not know. Perhaps twenty crowns."
+
+"Twenty? I have only fifteen about me, with some small change."
+
+"Give me all, signor. If I had not enough I should be obliged to return
+without concluding the affair."
+
+Simon heaved a deep sigh and emptied the contents of his purse into
+Julio's hand.
+
+"You will bring me back what is left, will you not?"
+
+"Certainly; but I do not think much will remain."
+
+"Come, Julio, I am in a hurry to return to the factory. Fulfil your
+mission skilfully, and I will recompense you largely. But a thought
+strikes me. The pocket-book must not fall into the hands of Bufferio."
+
+"I had forgotten that," said Julio, embarrassed.
+
+"Ah! I have it!" said Simon Turchi, after a moment's reflection, "A little
+before ten o'clock you must go to the house of Geronimo and tell him I am
+ill with fever, and that I have sent you in my place to accompany him
+armed. Follow him closely, and when he falls, take the pocket-book from
+him. Tell Bufferio that it is an unimportant document."
+
+Julio made a movement of displeasure on receiving this new order. He had
+rejoiced in the idea of not being obliged to witness this wicked attack,
+and now he was commanded to take part in it. For fear of being subjected
+to something worse, he did not venture to make any remark.
+
+"Go now," said Simon Turchi, "and get the old Spanish cape. It may serve
+to disguise you from Bufferio. Gird on a sword also, that Geronimo may
+think you are armed for the purpose of defending him in case of attack."
+
+The servant took the lamp from the table and prepared to obey the order.
+
+"What are you doing?" said his master. "Are you going to leave me in the
+dark? Are you afraid to go without a light?"
+
+"I might knock my head against the beams, for I have forgotten where the
+cape was put."
+
+"You had it in your hands only three days ago. You are afraid in the dark,
+Julio. Take the lamp."
+
+The servant soon returned. He had the Spanish cape around his shoulders.
+It was a wide cloak, in which the whole body might be wrapped; and when
+the hood was drawn down it entirely concealed the face.
+
+The master and servant descended the staircase in silence and approached
+the little garden-gate. There Julio put the lamp upon the ground and
+extinguished it.
+
+The lock grated as the key turned; the door was opened and closed, and
+Simon Turchi and his servant disappeared in the dark and solitary street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION--THE ASSASSINATOR SLAIN.
+
+
+A black shadow gliding like an almost impalpable spot, might be seen
+moving along the street of Saint John.
+
+Thick clouds covered the sky. Not a star was visible. Here and there--at
+the corners of the streets and alleys--flickered a small lamp, lighted
+before an image of the Virgin; but these slight flames, far from
+diminishing the obscurity, shone in the foggy atmosphere as glowworms in
+the woods, which glitter but do not give light.
+
+Silence reigned in the deserted streets. If the inhabitants, behind their
+oaken windows, heard occasionally some sound interrupting the stillness of
+the night, it was the hurried step of some benighted artisan who made as
+much noise as possible with his feet in order to frighten away the
+robbers; or it was the slow tread of a highwayman, who, listening
+attentively and peering through the darkness, was on the watch for his
+prey; or it might be the watchmen, who cried the hour and made the
+pavement resound under the stroke of their halberds as if to give
+evil-doers a warning of their approach.
+
+The shadow gliding at this moment along the street of St. John was that of
+a man completely enveloped in a large cloak, his head so covered by the
+hood that his eyes alone were visible. As in passing before an image of
+the Virgin a feeble ray from a lamp fell upon him, one might have seen as
+he hurried along that his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
+
+Was this person an evil-doer, bent upon the commission of some crime, or,
+fearing danger, was he securing to himself the means of defence?
+
+However that may be, he pursued his way undisturbed and reached a narrow
+winding alley, from beneath the ground of which seemed to proceed the
+confused noise of many voices.
+
+The man stopped at the entrance of a cellar, to which admission was gained
+by a ladder, and listened to the joyous sounds which issued from within.
+
+He put his hand in his pocket and chinked some pieces of money.
+
+"The sign of the _Silver Dice_!" said he, sighing. "How merry they are!
+The dice are rolling upon the table. Shall I not risk a shilling? Only
+one?"
+
+Yielding to the irresistible temptation, he placed his foot upon the
+ladder; but a sudden thought seemed to arrest him. He sprang back,
+trembling, and hastened from the cellar. A little farther in the street he
+stopped and murmured in an anxious voice:
+
+"Heavens! what was I about to do? Risk the money upon dice? I would
+certainly have lost the whole. Pietro Mostajo, do not forget the
+Superintendent of Lucca! I am saved. Infernal temptation! I was about to
+stake my head. But, perhaps, I would not be unlucky. I might win a
+fortune. The temptation returns. No, no, I must go seek Bufferio, and I
+have no time to lose. He lives yonder: a low dark door beside the pump."
+
+As he said these last words, he proceeded down the alley, but soon stopped
+near the pump, and said in an undertone:
+
+"Bufferio lives here. How dark it is! I can hardly see the door; but I am
+not mistaken. Here the terrible ruffian has his lair. Strange, how I
+tremble! Perhaps it is a warning of some misfortune about to happen to me!
+Suppose they should take my money and murder me to conceal the theft. What
+shall I do? Shall I tell my master that I could not find Bufferio? Alas!
+the Superintendent of Lucca!"
+
+After a moment of anxious thought he walked towards the low door, saying,
+with a sigh:
+
+"Come, come; I can do nothing else. Of two evils choose the least!"
+
+Although his words indicated an energetic resolution, his hand trembled as
+he raised the knocker of the little door and twice let it fall.
+
+It gave out a deep hollow sound, as though it were the door of a vault for
+the dead.
+
+A long time passed, and no noise within gave evidence that his call was
+heeded.
+
+The visitor became still more terrified in the supposition, that no one
+was in the house, and that consequently he would be obliged to return,
+without concluding the affair, to his master, who would not believe him.
+
+In the little dark door was a small opening, protected by a grating.
+Behind the iron bars two eyes were fixed on the person who had knocked,
+and if he had been left apparently unnoticed, it was probably because two
+inquisitive eyes endeavored to pierce the darkness in order to recognize
+the untimely visitor.
+
+A harsh voice at last asked from behind the grating:
+
+"Who knocked?"
+
+The man in the cloak started back. The unexpected question so close to his
+ear made him tremble violently. However, he soon controlled himself and
+replied in Italian:
+
+"Woman, I do not understand the Flemish tongue. You must know Italian, as
+Bufferio is a Roman. Tell me if Bufferio is at home."
+
+"Who are you?" she replied, in Italian jargon.
+
+"Who am I? I come to arrange a secret affair with Bufferio, and I do not
+choose to tell my name."
+
+"You are an agent of the bailiff, and you wish to deceive me. Go on your
+way and leave me in peace. Bufferio is not at home."
+
+The man took some pieces of silver from his pocket and rattled them
+together.
+
+"You are mistaken, woman. I have need of the services of Bufferio for an
+important affair. He may gain a few crowns of gold. I come with the cash
+in hand: you understand."
+
+Two bolts grated in their rusty staples, and the door opened.
+
+"Enter, signor," said the woman, "and follow me."
+
+"I do not see you; it is as black as Erebus; where is the staircase?"
+cried out the other.
+
+"Follow me, signor. Give me your hand; I will precede you."
+
+She seized the hand of the visitor, and whilst guiding him to the
+staircase, she said:
+
+"Your hand trembles, signor. Are you afraid?"
+
+"I afraid!" said the other, in a faltering voice. "Afraid of what? The
+darkness makes me totter."
+
+"It may be, signor; but I thought your hand was cold and trembling. Here
+is the staircase; now follow me."
+
+The man ascended the staircase behind her, stumbling up the well-worn
+steps, striking his head and elbows against invisible objects, and
+grumbling and swearing as if to show that he was not agitated by fear.
+
+Having reached the first story, the woman opened a door and introduced her
+companion into a room lighted by the smoking flame of an iron lamp. She
+showed him a miserable chair, and said:
+
+"Sit down, signor, if you please, and wait a while. I will go call
+Bufferio, he is engaged at play in the neighborhood. Should any one knock
+at the door during my absence, pay no attention to it; I will lock the
+door on the outside and take the key with me."
+
+The man looked at her surprised and troubled. Her bony limbs, the gray
+locks which fell upon her cheeks, her large mouth and long teeth, made her
+appear to his eyes a hideous being, a worthy companion for Bufferio.
+
+He listened to the sound of her receding steps, until he heard the key
+grate in the lock of the door.
+
+Then he looked around him and examined with mistrust and surprise the
+apartment of Bufferio and the objects it contained.
+
+The room was neither well furnished nor clean: a table, three rickety
+chairs, an oaken bench, a few earthenware vessels near the fireplace, and
+a bed, constituted all the furniture. It was not, however, these common
+objects which fixed the gaze of the visitor. What he could not see without
+shuddering, was the number of strange arms suspended all around the walls
+of the room. In the midst of rusty swords, sharp daggers and knives of
+every size and shape, he saw short clubs with iron heads, steel chains
+like the bit of a horse, ropes with running knots, and various other
+articles whose use was inexplicable to him, although he was convinced that
+these singular instruments were intended for no good purpose.
+
+On the table, beside the lamp, was a large knife, and near it a piece of
+linen and some sand for scouring, showing that the woman had been occupied
+in cleaning these arms when the knock at the door interrupted her.
+
+All these instruments of murder filled with terror the heart of the man
+who was contemplating them. He turned his eyes away from them, trembling
+as he reflected upon the horror of his position. However, a few moments
+only were left him, for the door of the house soon opened and he heard
+steps on the staircase.
+
+The woman entered and said:
+
+"Bufferio will soon be here. When he has the dice in his hand, it is
+difficult to tear him away. Nevertheless, he will come. I think, signor,
+that he has drank deeply. Look well to yourself, and if you value your
+life, do not irritate him, for he would make as little scruple of
+maltreating you as he would of crushing a worm. Apart from that, he is the
+best man in the world."
+
+She seated herself at the table, took up the knife and linen, and
+continued her occupation, whilst observing the stranger with a suspicious
+eye.
+
+He had pulled the hood of the cloak over his face and seated himself in
+silence, fixing his eye vaguely upon space, like a man wearied by long
+waiting. He was deeply agitated, and from time to time his whole frame
+shook. Every time that he glanced towards the table he met the penetrating
+look of the frightful Megæra, who, while continuing to clean the blade of
+the large knife, considered him from head to foot, and seemed endeavoring
+to discover who he was and with what intention he had come.
+
+At last, no longer able to resist his feeling of anxiety, he rose and
+said:
+
+"Woman, show me the way out. I have not time to wait longer. I will return
+to-morrow, during the day."
+
+"I hear Bufferio whistling in the street," she replied.
+
+"He is even now placing the key in the door."
+
+The stranger, as if perfectly satisfied with this intelligence, fell back
+in his chair, with a suppressed sigh, and listened in an agony of fear to
+the heavy footsteps on the staircase.
+
+Bufferio appeared at the door, and looked distrustfully at the man who had
+interrupted him at his game.
+
+The ruffian Bufferio was of giant build. He was obliged to stoop in order
+to enter the door. His head was thrown back defiantly, and his hand rested
+upon the hilt of a dagger which was held by his girdle. A broad-brimmed
+hat shaded his face; his whole dress was of dark-brown cloth, scarcely
+distinguishable in the darkness of night. Under his prominent eyebrows
+twinkled very small eyes, and a cruel, withering smile played about his
+mouth.
+
+He made an imperious gesture to the woman and pointed to the door. She
+left the room grumbling, but gave no other evidence of dissatisfaction.
+
+The ruffian shut the door, took a chair, and said to the stranger, in a
+rough and coarse voice:
+
+"_Perche me disturba?_ Why do you disturb me? Who are you?"
+
+This question was very embarrassing to the stranger. He replied,
+stammering:
+
+"Is it necessary, Signor Bufferio, that you should know my name before
+doing me a service for which I will pay you liberally?"
+
+On hearing these words, the ruffian struck his forehead with his hand, as
+if he thought he recognized the voice of the visitor; but he did not stop
+to reflect longer.
+
+"Come tell me quickly what you want; they are waiting for me at the tavern
+of the _Silver Dice_, and I have no time to lose."
+
+"It is an affair of importance, Signor Bufferio."
+
+"Yes; my wife told me I might gain a few crowns of gold. Speak. Why do you
+beat about the bush in this manner? What embarrasses you? Do you think
+you are dealing with a dishonest man? Fear nothing. Not a hair of your
+head shall be touched in my house."
+
+This assurance restored the stranger's confidence, and he said, in a more
+steady voice:
+
+"Signor Bufferio, you must know that I have an enemy who insults and
+outrages me, and who threatens to drive me to ruin."
+
+"I understand. You wish to be avenged by my instrumentality."
+
+"Yes, signor. How many golden crowns do you ask for such a service?"
+
+"That depends upon the rank of the individual, and upon the kind of
+service you desire. A few blows with a stick, a scratch on the face, do
+not cost as much as a mortal wound."
+
+"The wound must be mortal, signor."
+
+"And who is your enemy? A nobleman or a common citizen? Rich or poor?"
+
+"He is a nobleman, signor, and the possessor of an ample fortune."
+
+"A nobleman? And who are you, who make yourself responsible for payment?"
+
+"I am a poor servant out of service."
+
+The ruffian smiled incredulously.
+
+"Ah!" said he, ironically, "a poor servant out of service! Come, throw
+back your hood. You have red hair; you often play at dice; your name is
+Julio; you live near the bridge _De la Vigne_ with the Signor Simon
+Turchi. Is not that true? You were trying to deceive me."
+
+Julio, thus unexpectedly recognized, was mute from astonishment, and,
+trembling from head to foot, stared at the ruffian, who did not appear in
+the least displeased, but said, in an encouraging tone:
+
+"Be calm; you need not be disturbed because I know who you are. My trade
+is to keep the most important affairs secret. Fear nothing, I will not
+betray you."
+
+It was some minutes before Julio had recovered himself sufficiently to
+speak.
+
+"I am sorry that you know my name," said he; "but no matter. I desire to
+know, Signor Bufferio, what price you demand for ridding me forever of my
+enemy?"
+
+"Your enemy?" said the ruffian, laughing. "A gentleman your enemy? You are
+still endeavoring to deceive me. You mean your master's enemy?"
+
+"No, my personal enemy, who has calumniated me to my master, and who has
+striven to have me ignominiously discharged."
+
+"And you offer me golden crowns? How long is it since servants became
+possessed of such treasures? You request to have a mortal wound inflicted
+upon a gentleman? Well, you must give me fifteen gold crowns."
+
+"Fifteen crowns!" exclaimed Julio, with assumed astonishment. "So large a
+sum! I do not own that much."
+
+"Then pay me twelve; but it must be in advance, before I strike the blow."
+
+"I will pay you immediately, before leaving."
+
+"Give me your hand, Julio; it is a bargain. Now tell me exactly what you
+or your master requires of me."
+
+"Not my master: I alone."
+
+"It is all the same. What am I to do, and when is it to be done?"
+
+"This very night, Bufferio."
+
+"To-night? This will oblige me to renounce my game with the Portuguese
+sailor; and yet I might have won some gold pieces there."
+
+"Listen, Signor Bufferio. To-night, at eleven o'clock, a young nobleman,
+accompanied by two lute-players, will come from the direction of the
+convent of the Dominicans; he will turn the corner at Prince Street, and
+will proceed towards the church of St. James. He will thus be obliged to
+pass before the stone well at the head of Hoboken Street. You will conceal
+yourself behind the well with two or three faithful companions, and as the
+young gentleman passes, you will attack and kill him."
+
+"The affair has been well planned," remarked the ruffian. "I could manage
+it by myself; but since you desire it, I will take with me a couple of my
+brave companions. How will I recognize the one I am to strike?"
+
+"His dress is entirely brown, and his cap is ornamented with a white
+plume; in the darkness you will be able to perceive only the white plume:
+that will be a certain sign."
+
+Bufferio shook his head doubtfully.
+
+"Have you nothing else to observe?" he asked.
+
+"I will merely inform you that I will accompany the young gentleman, and
+when he falls, I will take from his person a writing, which, if it were
+discovered, might involve me in great danger. You will recognize me by
+this Spanish cape, and I will cry out very loud, that you and your men may
+know that I am not an enemy."
+
+"Now where are the gold crowns?"
+
+"Do you accept the commission, Bufferio?"
+
+"I will fulfil it as though I were laboring for myself."
+
+Julio took from his pocket some gold crowns, then continued to draw them
+out one by one, until he held twelve in his hand. He endeavored to conceal
+from the ruffian that he possessed more than the sum agreed upon; but
+Bufferio must have suspected his intention, for he smiled, and said in a
+decided manner:
+
+"You have more gold crowns. I knew it from the first; people do not
+generally enter into such affairs with only the sum absolutely required.
+You need not deceive me. Give me the stipulated amount; I ask no more."
+
+As soon as the other had handed him the money, Bufferio approached the
+lamp, examined and weighed each piece of gold, and then said:
+
+"It is good coin. Have no anxiety, Julio, I will go for my comrades. There
+is but little time left--only a good half hour."
+
+Julio took leave of the ruffian, and was about to quit the room, but he
+stopped and said: "Signor Bufferio, you will not tell your companions who
+requested this service of you?"
+
+"I tell nothing to my companions. The proverb says, If you wish to lose
+your liberty, trust your secrets to others."
+
+"You perfectly understand what you have to do?"
+
+"Yes, yes. At eleven o'clock, behind the well in Hoboken. Street, a young
+gentleman with a white plume in his hat. Be quiet, I myself will deal the
+blow, and I will not miss the mark."
+
+"Adieu, Bufferio."
+
+"Adieu, Julio."
+
+The ruffian accompanied the servant to the lower story, opened the door of
+the street, and closed it behind him.
+
+When Julio found himself in the open air, he walked a short distance, then
+stopped, drew a long breath as if a heavy weight had fallen from his
+shoulders, and said, joyously:
+
+"Heavens! what an escape! I doubt if I am really alive. The difficult
+affair is at last concluded. The signor says that I am a coward. I would
+like to see him in that room with that infernal woman and the terrible
+Bufferio. Now I must go to Geronimo. My greatest difficulty is yet to
+come. If I get through it successfully, I may well say that I was born
+under a lucky star. But I cannot tarry, I have still a long distance to
+walk."
+
+He quickened his pace and soon reached the street on which the Dominican
+Convent stood; he passed the Abbey of Saint Michael and the Mint, and
+entered the grand square without being molested.
+
+On the way he kept his hand in his pocket, that he might enjoy the
+pleasure of passing the gold coin through his fingers. He muttered to
+himself that he had gained three gold crowns which his master would never
+see again, were he to live a hundred years. Once free from his present
+care and anxiety, he would take his seat at a gaming-table, where he would
+remain all day, and perhaps he could win heaps of gold.
+
+Absorbed in these thoughts, he reached Geronimo's residence and knocked at
+the door. It was soon opened, and he was conducted into a room on the
+ground floor, where the young gentleman, in his cap and cloak, seemed to
+be waiting the arrival of friends.
+
+"Peace be to this house!" said Julio, bowing. "Signor, I bring you a
+message which I would deliver with more pleasure were it less sad. My poor
+master is ill with fever, and is unable to leave his bed. He begs you to
+excuse him from accompanying you to-night to the serenade."
+
+Geronimo's countenance assumed an expression of deep compassion. The young
+man concluded that his own happiness, his approaching marriage with Miss
+Van de Werve, had touched the heart of his poor friend, and that his
+present state of health was the consequence of these painful emotions.
+
+"Did the fever attack him suddenly, Julio?" he asked. "Is he very ill?"
+
+"No, signor. It may not have any bad consequences; but he could not
+venture to expose himself to the cold and damp night-air."
+
+Geronimo seemed in deep thought.
+
+"Signor, my master did not send me solely to inform you of his
+indisposition; he directed me to accompany you to the serenade, and to
+protect you in case of danger. He knows how courageous I am, and that were
+five or six to attack you, I would not flee before them."
+
+"I accept your services, Julio. You always seemed to me to be a devoted
+servant. The lute-players have not yet arrived. Go to the kitchen and tell
+the cook to give you a pint of beer."
+
+Julio went to the kitchen, but found the cook asleep. He awoke him, gave
+him his master's order, and received the pint of beer.
+
+He expected, while drinking, to talk with the servant, and he had
+commenced speaking of quarrels, combats, knives, and the heroic deeds in
+which he had been the actor, but the servant had scarcely seated himself
+before he fell again into a deep sleep. Julio emptied his glass in
+silence, until a knock at the door and the sound of stringed instruments
+announced the arrival of the lute-players.
+
+Geronimo called him, and on entering the ante-chamber he found Geronimo
+ready to go out with the lute-players.
+
+Julio was troubled on remarking that these latter were armed. If these
+people were brave men, Bufferio and his comrades would have to deal with
+an equal number of adversaries. Who could foresee the termination of the
+struggle? However, he felt reassured on reflecting that Geronimo and the
+lute-players, being attacked unexpectedly, would not have time to defend
+themselves.
+
+They left the house together, passed the Dominican Convent, and soon
+reached Prince Street, at the upper end of which was the stone well behind
+which Bufferio was concealed, if he had been faithful to his promise.
+
+Up to that time Julio had walked in advance of the others, in order to
+appear bold and intrepid; he now commenced to fall back, and placed
+himself in the rear. His heart failed him; for, however well the plans
+had been laid, the blow might miss its aim, or might not cause death.
+
+They were within about one hundred feet of the well.
+
+The young gentleman, wholly ignorant of the danger which threatened him,
+was thinking of his unhappy friend, Simon Turchi, overpowered by a heart
+sorrow, tossing on a bed of suffering, while he was on his way to serenade
+his beloved Mary. He also, in his own mind, deplored the involved
+condition of Simon's business affairs, and determined to save him, even at
+the cost of great personal sacrifices, as soon as his marriage would
+render him independent.
+
+What would the young cavalier have thought had he known that at a few
+steps, distance from him, three assassins, hired by Simon Turchi, were
+lying in wait to kill him. But no, his mind was filled with compassion and
+affectionate feelings for his cruel enemy.
+
+The little band was not far from Hoboken Street; Julio gazed fixedly into
+the darkness to discover if any one was near the well.
+
+Suddenly he perceived a dark shadow advancing. Trembling in an agony of
+fear, and in order to make himself known to the ruffians, Julio suddenly
+drew his sword and exclaimed:
+
+"_Al assassino! Ajusto! ajusto!_ Murder! help! help!"
+
+But he had spoken too soon for the success of his designs; for, being put
+upon his guard by this exclamation, Geronimo drew his sword, and placed
+his back against the wall of the house that he might not be assailed from
+behind.
+
+The lute-players, screaming from fright, ran away, and Julio stood in the
+middle of the street brandishing his sword.
+
+All this had passed almost instantaneously after the first alarm given by
+Julio. The man whom he had seen coming from the well, followed by two
+companions, rushed to the side of the street where Geronimo had made a
+stand to defend himself. The assassin, who was in advance of the two
+others, fell upon Geronimo and gave him a sword-thrust which he supposed
+pierced his body; but a skilful movement parried the blow, and the
+aggressor himself fell with such force upon Geronimo's sword that the
+blade passed through his body.
+
+The assassin fell heavily, and in a plaintive voice, as though bidding
+adieu to life, exclaimed:
+
+"_O mojo!_ I die! Bufferio is dead!"
+
+Disregarding the villain who had fallen, the gentleman rushed upon the
+other two and wounded one in the shoulder. Convinced that they had to deal
+with a powerful and skilful adversary, they turned and fled, Geronimo
+pursuing them far beyond the well.
+
+Julio followed him, crying, vociferating, and striking with his sword in
+the dark, as though he were contending with numerous enemies. When
+Geronimo returned with the servant to the spot where he had left the dead
+body of the ruffian, he found three or four watchmen calling for help.
+Many heads were thrust from the windows, and one citizen even ventured out
+of his house with a lamp in his hand.
+
+The watchmen, having inquired as to what had taken place, examined the
+body to see if there were any signs of life.
+
+"Leave him!" said one; "it is Bufferio. God be praised! the man has at
+last met the fate which he deserved."
+
+In the meantime, Julio had commenced to boast. He related that he had to
+deal with two assassins at once, that he had wounded one in the face, and
+pierced the other with his sword. How the latter had been able to run
+away, was unaccountable; no doubt he would be found near at hand, dead or
+dying.
+
+The young gentleman, who really believed the story of Turchi's servant,
+thanked him for his assistance, and acknowledged that he owed his life to
+him, as he had given the warning of the approach of the assassins.
+
+The dead body was removed behind the well until the city authorities
+should order its burial.
+
+The head watchman approached Geronimo, and said to him:
+
+"Where do you live, signor? Two of my men will accompany you, lest some
+other accident might befall you. Do not refuse the offer. The villains who
+escaped might be on the watch for you, in order to avenge the death of
+their companions."
+
+"What shall I do?" said the gentleman to Julio. "I cannot give the
+serenade without the lute-players, and, besides, I could not sing after
+such emotion. But Miss Van de Werve is expecting it, and if I do not go,
+she will imagine that some accident has happened to me. It would be better
+for me to see Mr. Van de Werve, so as to remove any cause of anxiety. I
+accept your offer, watchmen, and I will liberally recompense the services
+you render me. I must return to Kipdorp, and you will do me the favor to
+wait a few minutes, in order to accompany me to my dwelling. Follow me."
+
+Geronimo, the watchmen, and Julio soon reached the residence of Mr. Van de
+Werve. He knocked, and was immediately admitted.
+
+The young gentleman again thanked Julio with the liveliest gratitude for
+his assistance, and promised to tell his master how courageously he had
+acted, and the eminent services he had rendered him.
+
+Julio bade adieu, and hastened to his master's dwelling. He was about to
+knock, but, to his great terror, the door was opened at once, as though
+some one were waiting for him.
+
+"Is it you, Julio?" asked a man, in the darkness.
+
+The servant recognized his master's voice, and entered the door.
+
+"Well," said he, in a stifled tone, "is he dead?"
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Who! Geronimo?"
+
+"On the contrary, Bufferio is dead. Geronimo ran him through the body."
+
+"Then you have not the pocket-book?"
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"And the gold crowns?"
+
+"I gave them to Bufferio."
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, you have betrayed me!" hissed the infuriated signor in
+the ear of his servant, shaking him convulsively by the arm. "Tell me
+quickly what has happened! Tremble, stupid coward! the Superintendent of
+Lucca shall know who you are!"
+
+"_Ebbene che sia!_" answered Julio. "Then the Signor Geronimo shall also
+know who hired Bufferio to assassinate him."
+
+A hoarse cry like a stifled groan resounded through the vestibule. The
+door was closed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+VAN DE WERVE'S RECEPTION--SIMON TURCHI'S JEALOUSY AND HATRED.
+
+
+Mr. Van de Werve, whose large fortune justified a lavish expenditure, was
+accustomed to receive at his residence every month the principal gentlemen
+of Antwerp, strangers as well as citizens. His love for art and science
+induced him to bring together the best artists and the most noted literary
+men of the day with the high-born, wealthy, and influential members of
+society at Antwerp; and his house had become the rendezvous of all that
+was excellent and celebrated in the city.
+
+Nearly the whole of the anterior part of the house was occupied by a vast
+hall, called the _Ancestral Hall_, because it was decorated by numberless
+souvenirs of his illustrious family. The walls, for a certain distance
+were sculptured in oak wood, so artistically designed, and so delicately
+wrought, that at the first glance it looked like embroidery in various
+colors. To produce this effect, the natural brown of the oak had been left
+in some places. All the rest shone with gold and silver, which was
+relieved by a beautiful scarlet, brilliant yellow, and the softest
+sky-blue. The many small figures scattered over the ornaments were highly
+gilded. From the wooden wainscot arose slight pillars, which, uniting in
+the Gothic style, supported the heavy beams of the ceiling. Six of these
+beams were visible: all were covered with highly colored sculptures. Their
+decorations harmonized with, those of the wainscot, and seemed an
+expansion of it, as though the architect wished the exquisite ornaments of
+the beams of the ceiling to be considered a luxuriant verdure, springing
+from trunks rooted in the oaken wainscot.
+
+The escutcheon of the Van de Werve family, together with the families
+allied to them, was artistically sculptured in the wood. The emblems and
+devices were in profusion: lions, wild boars, eagles, ermines, bands and
+crosses of gold, silver, green, and blue quartz, so numerous and
+sparkling, that when the noonday sun penetrated into the hall, the eye
+could with difficulty bear the dazzling magnificence.
+
+The armorial bearings of the Van de Werves, Lords of Schilde, painted in
+larger proportions than the others, were at the extremity of the hall.
+They consisted of a black boar on a field of gold, quartered by three
+chevrons of silver on black, surmounted by a helmet ornamented by
+mantlings of black and gold, and above this was a boar's head.
+
+Around these family arms shone a large number of escutcheons of smaller
+size; among others, the coat of arms of the Wyneghem, the Van Immerseel,
+the Van Wilre, the Van Mildert, the Van Coolput, the Van Bruloch, and the
+Van Zymaer, families the most nearly related to that of Van de Werve.
+
+Above the wainscot, within the niches formed by the pillars, hung the
+portraits of some of the most illustrious ancestors of William Van de
+Werve, as well as his own, in which he was represented as captain of a
+German company in the service of Charles V.
+
+The portraits did not occupy all the panels formed in the richly carved
+oak. In a large number appeared valuable paintings from the pencil of the
+most celebrated masters of Netherlands. The eye rested on the creations of
+the immortal brothers Van Eyck, the touching Quintin Massys, the
+intellectual Roger Van der Weydens, the spiritual Jerome Bosch, the
+laborious Lucas de Leyde, and others whose names were favorably mentioned
+in the world of art.
+
+In a corner of the room, beside the fireplace, stood a piano richly
+enamelled in woods of different colors, and upon it lay two lutes and a
+violin--a proof that the charming art of music was cultivated by the
+family of Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+From the ceiling were suspended six gilded chandeliers; on the mantelpiece
+were two candelabras; along the walls, where the pillars formed
+projections, numerous sconces were fastened; and when Mr. Van de Werve
+received his friends in the evening, the reflection of the numberless wax
+candles from the many gold and silver ornaments gave a princely air to the
+hall.
+
+Three days after the attempted assassination of Geronimo by the ruffian
+Bufferio, Mr. Van de Werve was to entertain his friends in the evening, it
+being the time appointed for their reunion. Although he had been deeply
+moved by the murderous assault, and his daughter Mary had scarcely
+recovered from the shock, he had not withdrawn the invitations, hoping
+that the social gathering might help to dissipate painful thoughts.
+
+At the appointed hour the dwelling of Mr. Van de Werve was in a blaze of
+light. The large double door was thrown open, and in the vast hall were
+crowds of domestics, the attendants of the guests who had already arrived.
+
+The large parlor was filled with persons of different conditions and ages.
+There were, however, only men present, for this evening was by a previous
+arrangement to be devoted to artists, men of letters, and notable men of
+commerce.
+
+The first salutations had been exchanged among the guests of Mr. Van de
+Werve; they had separated according to their pleasure in different groups,
+and were engaged in cordial and familiar conversation.
+
+Five or six of the more aged were seated near a table examining some new
+works which excited their admiration; others, whose more simple attire
+proclaimed them to be artists, were showing each other their designs;
+another party, evidently formed of young noblemen, surrounded Geronimo,
+and were asking particulars of the recent attempt upon his life.
+
+At the end of the room, not far from the fireplace, were collected the
+foreigners who were engaged in commerce at Antwerp. Although they had
+assembled for amusement, they were conversing, through habit, upon the
+expected arrival of vessels, and the price of gold and different kinds of
+merchandise. Among these foreigners was to be seen every description of
+costume, and every variety of tongue could be heard. The Spaniard found
+himself beside a native of Lucca, the Portuguese near the Florentine, the
+English with the Genoese, the German next to the Venetian; and, as on
+Change at Antwerp, they found means to understand each other.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve had at first remained near the door in order to welcome
+his guests as they entered; but supposing that the greater part of those
+invited had arrived, he left this place and was walking from group to
+group, joining in conversation for a few moments, and saying some pleasant
+words to each.
+
+The old Deodati had seated himself in an arm-chair apart. So many had
+welcomed him on his arrival at Antwerp, and he had been the object of so
+much polite attention, that, being fatigued from standing and talking, he
+was now seeking some repose.
+
+By his side was Simon Turchi, conversing familiarly and in a low tone with
+the old man. The hypocrite feigned an extraordinary affection for the
+venerable nobleman, and flattered him by every expression of respect and
+esteem. They had already spoken of the attempted assassination, and Simon
+Turchi had expressed his astonishment, for he did not believe that
+Geronimo had an enemy in the world. It was quite likely that Bufferio had
+made a mistake as to the individual, a thing which might easily have
+happened in so dark a night.
+
+While Simon Turchi, with apparent calmness, thus conversed with the old
+gentleman, he was evidently meditating some wicked design; for while
+talking, his eyes incessantly wandered to Geronimo, and he endeavored to
+divine from his countenance the subject of his conversation. He did not
+for one instant lose sight of Mary's betrothed.
+
+After speaking of the assassination, the old Deodati glanced around the
+room upon the different groups of guests, and he asked Turchi:
+
+"Who is the gentleman in purple velvet, who is the object of such marked
+respect from the merchants around him? I do not mean the tall old man, I
+am acquainted with him, he is the rich Fugger of Augsburg; I am speaking
+of the one who stands beside him."
+
+"He is a banker, signor," replied Simon Turchi. "He is very rich, and his
+name is Lazarus Tucher. The gentleman before him is the head of the house
+of the Hochstetter. The gentlemen conversing with him belong to the
+distinguished commercial houses of the Gigli, the Spignoli, and the
+Gualterotti. A little apart, and behind them, is Don Pezoa, the
+superintendent of the king of Portugal; he is speaking with Diégo d'Aro,
+and Antonio de Vaglio, superintendents from Spain. The gentlemen near them
+are Italian and Portuguese merchants, whose names I could tell you, for I
+know them all, but such details would not interest you."
+
+"I am indebted to you for your kindness, Signor Turchi," replied Deodati.
+"My nephew, Geronimo, would give me all this information, but he is
+surrounded by his young friends, and as he sees me with you, he is
+undoubtedly convinced that I could not be in better or more agreeable
+company. Have the kindness to tell me the name of the fine-looking old man
+seated near the table, and to give me some information regarding those who
+are listening to him with so much attention."
+
+"Around the table, signor, are the most learned men of Netherlands. That
+gray-headed orator is the old Graphæus, secretary of the city of Antwerp,
+and the author of several well written Latin works. The young man, on
+whose shoulder he leans, is his son, Alexander, who is also very learned.
+Before him is seated Abraham Ortelius, the great geographer, who is
+regarded as the Ptolemy of his age. Beside Ortelius is his friend and
+fellow-laborer Gerard, also a learned geographer, and one of the
+luminaries of the day. The only one whose dress indicates his Italian
+birth is Louis Guicciardini, a Florentine gentleman, who is here for the
+purpose of collecting materials for an extensive work on the Low
+Countries, and particularly on the powerful commercial city of Antwerp.
+The gentleman plainly dressed, with a black beard, holding a book in his
+hand, is Christopher Plantin; he is engaged in establishing at Antwerp a
+printing-press of great importance. Its dimensions are so large that it
+will occupy the ground on which several spacious houses now stand;
+hundreds of workmen will be employed all day in composing, correcting, and
+printing books in every civilized tongue. You must not fail, signor, to
+visit the building; even in its unfinished state it will cause you
+astonishment."
+
+"The Netherlands is a favored country," said the old Deodati. "If the
+climate is not as mild as in our own beautiful Italy, the men are bold,
+active, intelligent, industrious, and learned, and they possess all the
+qualifications requisite for the material prosperity and moral progress of
+a nation. I am surprised to see you, who are a foreigner, as well
+acquainted with the inhabitants as a native."
+
+"I have lived here many years," replied Turchi. "These gentlemen are
+frequent visitors at the house of Mr. Van de Werve, and I have seen them
+so often, that I know them as old friends. Look at the corner near the
+piano, where those collected together laugh merrily, jest, and chat
+socially. You may easily recognize them by their light playful manners as
+artists."
+
+"Yes. Is not that handsome man with noble features Frans Floris, the
+Flemish Raphael?"
+
+"Yes; he was presented to you yesterday by Mr. Van de Werve, and you may
+remember how enthusiastically he eulogized Italian art."
+
+"Near him is a singular-looking person; his very attitude is amusing, and
+his gestures force one to laugh."
+
+"He is Peter Breughel, a humorist, who so designs his pictures that they
+seem painted only by way of jest. He is, however, in good repute as an
+artist. I saw recently one of his pictures in which he represents the
+Saviour carrying his cross to Calvary. In this he represents pilgrims with
+their staves, Spanish soldiers in doublets, monks and nuns; there is even
+a statue of the Blessed Virgin suspended on a tree, and that at a time
+when there was no Christianity, no Saint James of Compostella, neither
+convents nor Spaniards."
+
+"That is indeed singular," said Deodati, smiling. "It seems to me that
+such conceits do but very little honor to the artist. Is it a custom among
+other artists in the Netherlands to sport thus with holy things?"
+
+"No; Signor Breughel is an exception. The other gentlemen in company with
+the Flemish Raphael are more serious men. Michael Coxie, whom you may
+distinguish by the gray doublet, excels in his portraits of women. The
+handsome young man standing behind him is Martin de Vos, a pupil of
+Floris; he evinces a high order of talent and gives promise of great
+perfection in his art. The others, as well as I can recognize them at this
+distance, are Lambert Van Noord, Egide Mostaert, William Key, Bernard de
+Rycke, and the two brothers Henry and Martin Van Cleef, all celebrated
+historical, fancy, or portrait painters. Near them is Master Grimmer, a
+famous landscape-painter; and the gentleman now speaking is a certain Ack
+of Antwerp, who has painted the large glass windows of the church of Saint
+Gudula at Brussels. The old man sitting apart near the piano is Christian;
+he has marvellous skill in playing on many instruments, but he excels most
+on the violin. You will probably hear him this evening."
+
+Simon Turchi continued to converse familiarly with the Signor Deodati, who
+was charmed with his intelligence, but still more with the kind
+consideration which made him refrain from joining in the general
+conversation in order to entertain an old man.
+
+Geronimo had several times approached his uncle, but each time the latter
+had playfully sent him away, telling him that the agreeable company of the
+Signor Turchi sufficed for him, and that he preferred a quiet
+conversation.
+
+In the meantime the conversation among the guests had become more general.
+Noblemen and bankers, merchants and literary men, manufacturers and
+artists, were mingling with each other; rank and condition were
+disregarded, and the animated conversation of the company resounded
+through the hall like the humming of a swarm of bees.
+
+At this moment the servants entered, bringing silver waiters on which were
+wines of every description, pastry, cakes, rare fruits, and other
+refreshments.
+
+They passed through the room offering the wines to the guests.
+
+"Gentlemen, a glass of Malmsey, Rhenish wine, claret, sherry, Muscatel?"
+
+Whilst these delicious drinks and delicacies were thus distributed,
+Geronimo never lost sight of Mr. Van de Werve, but observed him with an
+eye full of hope and expectation.
+
+When at last he saw Mr. Van de Werve leave the room, a bright smile
+illumined his face. Geronimo knew that Mr. Van de Werve sometimes
+gratified his friends and acquaintances by allowing his beautiful daughter
+to be present at their evening reunion for about an hour, and he had been
+impatiently awaiting the moment when the young girl would appear.
+
+Simon Turchi, although apparently so unmoved, had constantly watched
+Mary's betrothed, noticed the radiant expression of his countenance, and
+understood the cause.
+
+Mary was coming! Perhaps the whole company would know that his suit had
+been rejected, and that Geronimo had succeeded where the powerful
+administrator of the house of Buonvisi had failed!
+
+This thought deeply wounded his pride. He scowled at Geronimo, who was
+looking in another direction. Rage and jealousy goaded him almost to
+madness; he felt that the scar on his face, by its deepening hue, would
+betray his emotion, and to conceal it he covered his eyes with his hand.
+
+Deodati asked him with interest:
+
+"What is the matter, Signor Turchi? Are you ill?"
+
+"The heat is intolerable," said Simon, endeavoring to master his feelings.
+
+"Heat?" murmured Deodati; "it does not seem to me very warm. Shall I
+accompany you for a few moments to the garden, signor?"
+
+But Turchi raised his head, and smiling in an unconcerned manner, said:
+
+"Many thanks, signor, for your kindness. I feel much better. I had been
+looking too long at the large lustre, and its brilliant light made me
+dizzy. But let us rise, signor, there is the beautiful Mary, _la bionda
+maraviglia_!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve appeared at this moment at the door, and introduced his
+beloved child. A murmur of admiration ran through the assembly, and room
+was made for the father and daughter.
+
+The beauty of Mary surpassed all expectation. Her dress consisted of a
+flowing robe of silver-colored satin, with no other ornament than a girdle
+of gold thread. Her own blonde hair was arranged around her head in the
+form of a crown, in the centre of which were placed some white flowers
+fastened by choice pearls. But the admiration of the spectators was
+excited by her large blue eyes, her brilliant complexion, the dignified
+sweetness of her expression, the gentle, innocent, modest smile which
+mirrored on her face the peace and joy of her soul.
+
+Geronimo had never before seen Mary dressed in this style. On the
+contrary, she generally wore dark or unobtrusive colors. Decked as she now
+was in pure white, she had the appearance of a bride. It was, of course,
+by her father's request; but what did it mean? Did he intend by this to
+make it known that Mary was betrothed, and would soon be wedded? Such
+thoughts as these agitated Geronimo as the young girl accompanied her
+father into the room.
+
+The old Deodati rose and advanced to meet her. Simon Turchi took advantage
+of this movement to retire a short distance; for, as his eye fell on the
+beautiful girl, rage filled his heart as he reflected that this noble and
+pure woman would have been his wife had not Geronimo blasted the happiness
+of his life.
+
+The lightning-like glance of hate and envy which he cast upon Geronimo was
+a sinister menace of death. Happily for him, all eyes were turned towards
+the young girl, otherwise many a one might have read the dark soul of
+Simon Turchi and discovered the horrible design he had conceived.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve introduced his daughter to his guests. All expressed in
+courteous terms their admiration and their pleasure in her society.
+
+The noble young girl received the felicitations and compliments addressed
+to her with a gentle and dignified self-possession. There were in her
+manner and tone of voice a rare modesty and reserve, and at the same time
+an exquisite politeness. Still more astonishing was her rich and varied
+knowledge. Whether conversing with a Spaniard, Frenchman, Italian, or
+German, she spoke to each in his own tongue; but the beautiful Italian
+language assumed additional sweetness on her lips.
+
+When presented to the old Deodati, she took both his hands and spoke to
+him so tenderly and affectionately that, overcome by emotion, he could
+only say a few grateful words in acknowledgment.
+
+Passing by Simon Turchi, she said cheerfully:
+
+"God be praised, Signor Turchi, that your health is so soon restored! I am
+happy to see you here this evening. I am sincerely grateful to you,
+signor, for the friendship you manifest to the nephew of Signor Deodati.
+You have a good and generous heart, and I thank God for having given so
+devoted a friend to Geronimo and his uncle!"
+
+The gentle words of the young girl were intolerable torture to Turchi; the
+wound on his face, betraying his emotion, became of a deep-red color. And
+yet it was absolutely necessary for him to appear calm, and to reply
+cordially to the kind salutation of the young girl; for there were at
+least twenty persons near him and within hearing of what passed.
+
+By a powerful effort he mastered his emotion, referring it to the
+impression made upon him by her appearance. He spoke also of sacrifices,
+which, even when voluntarily made, painfully wound the heart; of a
+self-abnegation which could find its consolation in the happiness of a
+friend, but which failed not to leave a sting in the soul that had
+cherished fallacious hopes.
+
+Mary understood him, and was grateful for his kindness.
+
+"Thanks, thanks, signor," she said, warmly, as she passed on to salute
+other guests.
+
+When Mary approached the piano, and addressed a few kind words to Master
+Christian, many Italian gentlemen begged her to favor them with a
+_canzone_.
+
+With her father's permission, the young girl consented to gratify the
+guests. She hesitated awhile as to the language in which to sing, and was
+turning over the leaves of a book handed her by Master Christian. The old
+Deodati expressed a wish to hear a song in the language of the Low
+Countries, and begging pardon of the Italian gentlemen, Mary said she
+would sing a _Kyrie Eleison_ in her maternal tongue.
+
+Master Christian seated himself at the piano, to accompany her, and
+commenced a prelude.
+
+The first notes of the young girl were like a gentle murmur. By degrees
+her voice became firmer and stronger, until at the end of each strophe the
+word _eleïson_ rose like a sonorous hymn to heaven.
+
+The measure was remarkably slow, simple, and full of a tranquil melody.
+Mary evidently felt the peculiar character of this chant, for instead of
+endeavoring to add to the effect, she softened still more her singularly
+sweet voice, and let the words drop slowly from her lips, as if the
+songstress herself were ravished in contemplation and was listening to
+celestial music.
+
+At first the Italian gentlemen exchanged glances, as if to express the
+thought that this chant could not compare with the brilliant lively style
+of the Italian music. But this unfavorable opinion was not of long
+duration. They, like all others, soon yielded to the irresistible
+fascination of Mary's exquisite voice. They listened with such rapt
+attention that not the slightest movement was made in the room, and one
+might have heard the murmur of the leaves in the garden as they were
+gently stirred by the breeze of May.
+
+Mary had concluded her song and lifted her eyes to heaven with an
+expression of adoration. All who gazed upon her felt as though they were
+contemplating an angel before the throne of God. Even Simon Turchi was
+subdued by admiration, and he even momentarily lost sight of the hatred
+and jealousy which lacerated his heart.
+
+Mary thus sang:
+
+  Kyrie! Lo, our God comes,
+    Mankind to save from ill and bless:
+  What grateful joy should break our gloom
+    And fill our hearts with happiness!
+
+  Kyrie eleison!--God is born!
+    A virgin mother gives him birth;
+  And sin's dark bonds asunder torn,
+    Sweet heaven again inclines to earth.
+
+  Kyrie!--hear!--the sacred font
+
+    Pours forth its saving waters free--
+  And Thou impressest on our front
+    The sign that drives our foes away.
+
+  Christe!--anointed victim!--Thou,
+    Who in thy death bestowest life--
+  The healing remedy for woe--
+    Ah! earth with many a woe is rife.
+
+  Christe eleison!--brother dear--
+    Our liberator from all ill--
+  Strong in Thy virtue, free from fear,
+    And be our help to virtue still.
+
+  Christe eleison! God and man--
+    Our only consolation here--
+  Oh! do not leave us 'neath the ban
+    Of sorrow perilous and drear.
+
+  Oh! Kyrie, Father--Kyrie Son--
+    Kyrie Spirit--we adore
+  The Triune God--Thee, only One!
+   Grant we may praise Thee evermore!
+
+Silence reigned in the room some moments after the last sound had died
+away, and then arose a murmur of admiration, and the young girl was
+overwhelmed with felicitations.
+
+Whilst being thus complimented, Mary noticed Geronimo at a little distance
+from her. Desirous, perhaps, of escaping the praises lavished upon her,
+or, it may be, yielding to a real desire, she approached the young man,
+drew him towards the piano, and insisted upon his singing an Italian aria.
+
+Geronimo at first refused, but his uncle requested him to yield to the
+entreaties of the young girl. Taking up a lute, he hastily tuned it, and
+sang the first word of the aria _Italia!_ in such a tone of enthusiasm
+that it struck a responsive chord in every Italian heart. The notes fell
+from his lips like a shower of brilliant stars; his bosom heaved, his eyes
+sparkled, and his rich tenor voice filling the hall produced an
+indescribable effect upon the auditors. As his song proceeded, it seemed
+to gain in expression and vigor, and as he repeated the refrain _Mia bella
+Italia!_ for the last time, his compatriots were so carried away by their
+enthusiasm that, forgetful of decorum, all, even the most aged, waved
+their caps, exclaiming:
+
+"_Italia! Italia!_"
+
+Tears stood in the eyes of many.
+
+Geronimo was complimented by all present. His uncle called him his beloved
+son, Mary spoke to him in the most flattering manner, and Mr. Van de Werve
+shook hands with him cordially.
+
+As to Simon Turchi, he was overpowered; all he had just seen and heard was
+such a martyrdom; jealousy so gnawed his heart that he sank deeper and
+deeper into the abyss of hatred and vengeance. He stood a few steps from
+Geronimo, his eyes downcast, and trembling with emotion.
+
+No one noticed him. Had he attracted attention, his friends would have
+supposed that, like the other Italians, he had been moved by the chant of
+his compatriot.
+
+Turchi soon roused himself. Like a man who has taken a sudden resolution,
+he walked up to Geronimo, smiled pleasantly, and threw his arms around his
+neck.
+
+"Thanks, thanks, Geronimo!" he exclaimed. "You have made me truly happy by
+giving me additional cause to be proud of my country."
+
+While embracing him, he also whispered:
+
+"Geronimo, I wish to speak privately to you this evening. I will go to the
+garden presently; try to follow me; you will be pleased."
+
+Having said these words, he fell back as if to make way for Mr. Fugger,
+the rich banker, who wished to offer his congratulations.
+
+The servants reappeared in the hall with wines and various delicacies.
+
+Master Christian was tuning his violin. The guests, informed that this
+excellent artist was about to entertain them with his wonderful skill,
+drew near the piano.
+
+Geronimo, perplexed by the words of Simon Turchi, watched his friend and
+sought an opportunity to speak to him alone. He saw him leave the room,
+and as the entrance of the servants with refreshments, and the desire of
+the guests to approach Master Christian, had caused a stir among the
+company, the young man was enabled to rejoin Simon in the garden.
+
+The garden, situated in the rear of the house, although not large, was
+crossed by several winding paths, and along the wall were wide-spreading
+trees and blocks of verdure.
+
+When Geronimo entered the garden, he perceived several persons who had
+left the heated apartment to enjoy the fresh air, and who were walking in
+different directions.
+
+As he was seeking in the dim light to distinguish Simon Turchi, the latter
+approached from an arbor, took his arm and led him in silence to a retired
+part of the garden, where he seated himself on a bench, and said in low
+tone:
+
+"Sit down, Geronimo! I have good news for you."
+
+"Ah! have you succeeded in obtaining the money?"
+
+"I have been successful. But come nearer! no one must overhear us. A
+foreign merchant, whom I saved two years ago from dishonor and ruin, at
+the risk of my own destruction, will furnish me with the means of
+returning you the ten thousand crowns."
+
+"God be praised!" said Geronimo, with a sigh of relief. "He will not long
+delay, I hope, to fulfil his generous designs."
+
+"I will pay you to-morrow what I owe you."
+
+"To-morrow? how fortunate!"
+
+"But, Geronimo, I cannot bring you the money; you must come for it
+yourself."
+
+"It would be a trifle were I obliged to go to Cologne."
+
+"You need not go so far. Only go to my country-seat near the hospital.
+Silence! some one approaches!"
+
+After a moment's silence, Turchi resumed:
+
+"He has passed. You must know, Geronimo, that the foreign merchant desires
+his presence in Antwerp to remain unknown, and I have promised to keep him
+concealed in my garden for several days.[17] He wishes to assist me, but
+he is over-prudent and distrustful. I will sign the receipt for the sum he
+lends me. He requires, for greater security, that you sign it also."
+
+"What mystery is this?" said the young man. "I must sign with you for
+security! Who is this merchant? Is he a fugitive from justice?"
+
+"What has that to do with the affair? It is not my secret, Geronimo, and I
+promised to conceal his name. If you be saved from your present
+embarrassment, will you not have attained your object? It is true that you
+will be my security, but the ten thousand crowns will be in the money
+vault, and your uncle will not find one florin missing. Your only danger
+would arise from an inability on my part to meet the note. But you need
+fear nothing in that respect. In a few months my resources will be
+abundant. I take this step only to save you from a present imminent
+danger. You must know, Geronimo, that I would prefer to have you alone for
+my creditor."
+
+"Certainly, Simon, and I am most grateful to you for your kindness. Will
+this merchant give me the amount in coin?"
+
+"No, but in bills of exchange on Milan, Florence, and Lucca."
+
+"Good and reliable bills, Simon?"
+
+"You shall be the judge before accepting them. Fear nothing, you shall be
+fully satisfied."
+
+"Well, I will go. After Change, between five and six o'clock, will that
+answer?"
+
+"It makes no difference to me, provided I know the hour beforehand."
+
+"Expect me, then, to-morrow, between five and six o'clock. But let us
+return to the house. Our long absence might cause remark."
+
+Simon Turchi arose, but remained standing in the same spot, and said:
+
+"Geronimo, I have promised the merchant that none but yourself shall know
+of his presence in Antwerp. Say nothing, therefore, to your uncle, to
+Mary, nor to any one else. The least indiscretion might disarrange our
+plans, and be perilous to the stranger. Come alone, without any
+attendant."
+
+"I will do as you direct," said Geronimo, "but it will be impossible for
+me to remain until dark. My uncle will be seriously displeased if I go out
+again at night without a sufficient guard."
+
+"I will not detain you over half an hour."
+
+At that moment a servant from the house entered the garden looking for
+Geronimo.
+
+"Signor Geronimo," he said, "Mr. Van de Werve is inquiring for you, as
+Miss Van de Werve is about to retire from the company, and Signor Deodati
+wishes to return home. He is awaiting you."
+
+The two gentlemen followed the servant; on the way, Turchi again said in a
+low voice:
+
+"To-morrow, between the hours of five and six."
+
+The old Deodati was already at the door with five or six attendants. He
+was displeased by the long absence of his nephew, and was about to
+remonstrate with him. But, by Turchi's explanation, this want of attention
+was pardoned, and he was even permitted to bid a hasty adieu to Mary and
+her father.
+
+He returned almost immediately, and offering his arm to his uncle, he
+left Mr. Van de Werve's house.
+
+As he moved on, Simon Turchi glanced at him entreatingly, as if to insist
+upon secrecy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+SIMON TURCHI WREAKS HIS VENGEANCE ON GERONIMO.
+
+
+It was about five o'clock in the afternoon. Julio was seated in one of the
+rooms of his master's dwelling, his arms crossed upon his breast. Absorbed
+in deep thought, he had his eyes fixed on an arm-chair which stood near
+the only window in the room, and from time to time he shook his head with
+an expression of anxious doubt.
+
+The footsteps of a man in the room above interrupted his reflections; an
+ironical smile passed over his features as he muttered:
+
+"He calls me a coward, the dastard that he is! For one hour he has been
+running about from room to room as though pursued by invisible spectres.
+How cunningly he has devised the whole affair in his own interest. Julio
+is to kill poor Geronimo! Julio is to bury the body in the cellar! Julio
+is to do all by himself! When we deal with false people, we must be on our
+guard. His intention is clear enough to me; he wishes to secure means, in
+case of necessity, of accusing me alone of the crime. He may threaten and
+rage as much as he pleases; he shall deal the mortal blow him self, or
+Geronimo shall leave this place unharmed."
+
+Julio remained silent for a few moments, passed his hand across his brow,
+and said, looking at the chair:
+
+"Think that in one hour that infernal seat will hold a corpse! The corpse
+of the most noble, affable gentleman I have ever known. May his good angel
+prevent him from visiting this cut-throat place! Signor Turchi will kill
+him; but I must aid him.[18] What will be the end of this bloody tragedy?
+The scaffold for the master, and the gallows for the servant. This is the
+consequence of my disorderly life. Had I not gone, in a moment of
+intoxication, and without knowing it, to the place where Judge Voltaï was
+assassinated, I would not have been obliged to fly from my country, and
+Signor Turchi would not have it in his power to force me to become his
+accomplice in a frightful crime. The old cure of Porto-Fino said truly,
+that 'Sin is a labyrinth; if once we enter, we loose the thread which
+enables us to return to virtue.' Ah! would I were with my mother in Italy.
+Useless wish. It is too late; I am banished from my country, and a price
+set on my head."
+
+He reflected for a few moments, then, with a gesture of impatience, he
+resumed:
+
+"Come, come; of what good are all such thoughts? I am in his power, and I
+must yield to necessity; but once let the blow be struck, once let him
+commit a crime of which I can produce the proofs, then I will be master,
+and in my turn I will cry in his ears: 'Simon Turchi, fear the bailiff and
+the executioner!' At the present moment I am powerless; if I took any
+means to prevent the attempt, he might destroy all evidence of his
+criminal design, and deliver me up to the authorities of Lucca. I would be
+taken into Italy and broken on the wheel, in the very place where my poor
+old mother lives. I have always been a cause of sorrow to her; at least I
+will spare her this last disgrace. But the signor is coming down. He will
+reiterate his entreaties to me to strike the fatal blow; but I will not
+have the blood of this innocent gentleman on me."
+
+Simon Turchi was approaching. His face was very pale, but the scar which
+furrowed his cheek was of a more ashy hue. He did not tremble, but he
+walked precipitately, and he clasped his hands convulsively, like a man
+whose impatience can brook no delay.
+
+He noticed that his servant was in deep thought, his head bowed upon his
+chest, and it was only on his near approach that Julio suddenly roused
+from his preoccupation. He entered the room and said:
+
+"Julio, the hour is nigh. Of what are you thinking? Are you afraid?"
+
+"Afraid?" replied Julio, with a light laugh; "why should _I_ be afraid?"
+
+"True, true," murmured Simon, "since I alone shall shed his blood."
+
+"But," continued Julio, "if I have no cause for personal fear, would not
+love for my master fill me with painful thoughts? Signor, you are playing
+for dangerous stakes."
+
+"Who will know what has taken place here?"
+
+"Who? Is there not an eye above which sees all? And whilst here, in the
+deepest secrecy, you immolate a human being to your thirst for vengeance,
+will not God hear the cry of agony of the Signor Geronimo?"
+
+Julio saw, with a secret joy, that his words made his master tremble,
+although he tried to dissemble his feelings under an assumed
+insensibility.
+
+"What a good joke!" replied Simon; "Pietro Mostajo talking of God! My
+precautions are too well taken; when the cellar will be the depository of
+the secret, there will be none to tell it."
+
+"Do you think so, signor? When has such a murder ever remained concealed?
+It is not surprising that I bowed my head in thought. In imagination I saw
+such terrible things that I dare not tell them to you. Tears still fill my
+eyes at the thought."
+
+"What did you see?" asked Turchi, with increasing anxiety.
+
+"What did I see? The bailiff and his attendants. They bound a man's hand's
+behind his back; they dragged him through the streets like an odious
+criminal; the people cast filth and dirt upon the prisoner, and cried out,
+'Murderer!' What did I see? A scaffold, and on this scaffold an
+executioner and one condemned to death; then a sword glittered in the
+sunlight, it fell, a stream of blood flowed, and a head rolled in the
+dust."
+
+The servant stopped intentionally; but his master convulsively caught his
+arm, and said in a hoarse voice:
+
+"What then? What then?"
+
+"And then the crowd applauded and poured out maledictions upon the name."
+
+"Whose name?"
+
+"Yours, signor?"
+
+Simon Turchi was so overpowered by the picture thus presented of his
+probable end, that he uttered a cry of terror and sprang back, trembling.
+He cast down his eyes for a moment in silence.
+
+Julio contemplated the signor, thus overpowered by emotion, with a
+derisive smile. He had not called up this vivid scene solely as a means to
+induce his master to renounce his perilous enterprise; his motive was also
+to terrify him and to revenge himself for the violence he had been forced
+to endure from him.
+
+The impression made upon Simon Turchi by this highly-wrought prediction
+did not last long. He raised his head, and said, in a contemptuous manner:
+
+"Base hypocrite; it is your own fear which excites your imagination to see
+such things. The most courageous man would become cowardly with the
+cowardly. It is unfortunate for me that I need you, otherwise I would soon
+rid myself of your presence. But I, at least, will not recoil from the
+undertaking. Speak; tell me how far I may depend upon you. The clock will
+soon strike, and there is no time for hesitation."
+
+"We will see which of us will the more coolly perform his part of the
+task. You are mistaken, signor; fear does not disturb me. Sympathy for you
+suggested the train of thought, and I considered it my duty to place
+before your eyes once more the abyss into which you might fall."
+
+"Be silent; it is too late," exclaimed Simon Turchi, beside himself with
+rage. "Fool, do you desire my ruin--my eternal dishonor? Shall I let my
+enemy live? Shall I let him--him the husband of Mary Van de Werve--look
+down upon me from the height of his grandeur and felicity? No, no. I
+myself will be, must be, happy, rich, prosperous; and even should all
+escape my grasp; should the scaffold be my lot, the rage of vengeance
+which lacerates my heart must be satisfied.... Nothing, nothing, can
+restrain me; and, Julio, were you an obstacle in my path, I would pass
+over your dead body to strike a fatal blow at him who has poisoned my
+life. Do not attempt to thwart me, or I will crush you where you stand."
+
+At these words Simon Turchi placed his hand on the hilt of his sword; his
+face was scarlet, his lips trembled, and his eyes flashed.
+
+This threat did not disturb Julio, probably because he thought his master
+could not execute it. An ironical smile played upon his lips; he stepped
+back one or two paces, drew his knife, and said, mockingly:
+
+"It would be strange, signor, if Geronimo should find us engaged in a
+combat. It might save his life."
+
+"What! would you dare?"
+
+"Why not? Do you think Julio would permit himself to be led like a sheep
+to the slaughter?"
+
+"Listen! Ho comes!" exclaimed Simon Turchi, starting with terror.
+
+The repeated strokes of the knocker resounded through the court-yard where
+the little door gave entrance into the garden.
+
+"Julio, I ask you again," said Turchi, anxiously, "what reliance I may
+place upon you?"
+
+"I will do what I have promised--neither more nor less."
+
+"Then go open the door. Be guarded in your words, and show no disquietude.
+Bring him to this room; tell him that I am engaged with the foreign
+merchant; if he does not sit down at once, watch a favorable moment to
+lead him to the arm-chair. Then call me and I will do the rest."
+
+"You, then, are determined to make me entice the Signor Geronimo to sit
+down in the arm-chair?"
+
+Turchi replied in a threatening voice and with flashing eyes:
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, remember the Superintendent of Lucca."
+
+Julio left the building, went to the garden-gate and opened it.
+
+"Benvenuto, Signor Geronimo," he said, "what good luck brings you here on
+a visit to my master? It is a long time since we have seen you."
+
+"It is indeed a long time," replied the young noble with a genial smile,
+as he walked towards the house. "But the place looks so wild and uncared
+for. Did not the Signor Turchi speak of having the garden put in order?"
+
+"Yes; but for some time my master has been very melancholy, and nothing
+seems to give him pleasure."
+
+"I know it, Julio; but things will be better for him now."
+
+"Would that your words were true, signor!"
+
+"What a heavy sigh, Julio. You excite my fears. Is your master ill?"
+
+The servant felt the importance of self-control, if he would not arouse
+the gentleman's suspicions. He therefore said, in a careless manner:
+
+"Nothing is the matter, signor. My master is very well, and to-day is in a
+good humor. Ever since I saw Bufferio's sword lifted against you, I have
+suffered from an occasional sudden palpitation of the heart. I find relief
+only in a deep sigh."
+
+As they thus talked together, he conducted Geronimo to the room containing
+the large arm-chair.
+
+"Signor Geronimo," he said, "my master is up-stairs. I will inform him of
+your arrival. Please be seated."
+
+Julio left the room; but instead of ascending the staircase, he hid
+himself behind a door and listened attentively to hear the clasping of the
+springs of the chair.
+
+After having waited in vain, for a long time, he returned to the room, and
+said to the gentleman:
+
+"Signor, my master begs you to excuse him for a while. He is engaged
+transacting some business with the merchant of whom he spoke to you
+yesterday. They are preparing a writing for you. Have the kindness to wait
+a few moments."
+
+He now thought that Geronimo would, of his own accord, take the arm-chair,
+and with a beating heart he observed his movements. But he was
+disappointed, for the young cavalier stood at the window, gazing
+thoughtfully into the garden.
+
+Although Julio knew with what mistrust and impatience his master was
+counting each passing moment, he said to Geronimo, with assumed
+indifference:
+
+"It is at least half a mile from the Dominican Convent to this place, and
+you must be fatigued after your walk. Will you not rest in this arm-chair,
+signor?"
+
+"No, I thank you. I am not in the least fatigued. I love to look at those
+beautiful trees clothed in their fresh May verdure."
+
+An involuntary movement of impatience escaped the servant.
+
+"You need not remain here on my account, Julio," said Geronimo. "Go to
+your work; I will stay alone."
+
+"I have no urgent occupation, signor. If I still remain, contrary to your
+wish, it is to ask you a question; and yet I fear that you will be
+displeased at my boldness."
+
+"Not at all, Julio. Can I render you any service? It will give me pleasure
+to show my gratitude for the courage with which you defended me when I was
+attacked by the ruffians."
+
+"I had no reference to that. I heard you were about to marry the beautiful
+Miss Van de Werve. The news rejoiced me; but may your humble servant make
+free to ask you if it be true?"
+
+The name of his betrothed flushed his cheek with joy, and he answered,
+with a smile:
+
+"Yes, Julio, it is true."
+
+"How blessed you are, signor!"
+
+"Yes, Julio, God has bestowed upon me the greatest earthly blessing, for
+which I shall eternally thank him. On the solemn day of our nuptials you
+will have cause to rejoice."
+
+"I, signor?"
+
+"Yes, you, Julio. Miss Van de Werve wishes to recompense you herself for
+the assistance you gave me against Bufferio and his comrades. The day of
+my marriage you will receive a new cloak, a new doublet, new small-clothes
+of fine cloth and silk, such as a servant has never worn."
+
+Julio, touched by this proof of kindness, stammered his thanks
+indistinctly. He heard the young man speaking to him and telling him how
+richly he deserved such a present, but he paid no attention to the words;
+he was endeavoring to bring himself to the degree of audacity requisite to
+fulfil his master's orders. Geronimo stood immediately in front of the
+arm-chair.
+
+With bitter repugnance, but incited by the fear that no more favorable
+opportunity would present itself, he approached Geronimo as though to
+express his thanks anew. With one bound he sprang upon him, placed a hand
+on either shoulder, and pushed him forcibly into the chair.[19]
+
+The seat of the deceptive piece of furniture sank down; from the arms
+started two powerful springs, which caught the young man around the waist,
+and held him so tightly against the back of the chair that it was
+impossible for him to move.
+
+"Julio, Julio, what horrible jest is this?" he exclaimed. "Is it a trap?
+Do you act by your master's orders?"
+
+But the servant, without saying a word in reply, left the room, closing
+the door behind him.
+
+"Tell me, Julio," asked Turchi, descending the staircase to meet his
+servant, "is he caught?"
+
+"The chair has done its work," replied Julio; "go do yours. Lose no time;
+he might give an alarm which would betray us. The fear of death gives
+superhuman strength to a man's lungs. Signor, it seems to me that my head
+is not safe on my shoulders. How does yours feel?"
+
+But Simon Turchi heeded not this jest. He muttered a few indistinct words,
+drew his sword, and rushed down the steps to wreak his vengeance on the
+unfortunate Geronimo.
+
+The servant remained where his master left him, listened to his footsteps
+until he heard the door of the fatal room open and then close again.
+
+At first no sound reached his ear, but soon he heard Geronimo calling for
+help, and his master mocking and menacing him; at least he judged this by
+the tones of their voices, for he was too far off to distinguish the
+words. Urged by feeling rather than curiosity, he descended the staircase,
+and listened at the door of the room in which so horrible a crime was
+about to be committed.
+
+He heard Geronimo say, in an earnest, pleading tone:
+
+"Dear Simon, your mind is deranged. You, my friend, kill me! It is
+impossible. Put down that dagger; at least let me not die without
+confession. If it be the ten thousand crowns exasperating you, I make you
+a present of them; tear up in my presence the acknowledgment of the debt,
+and I will never speak to you of it again."
+
+"Mary, Mary Van de Werve!" howled Simon Turchi, with biting sarcasm.
+
+"I will renounce her hand and leave for Italy, and never again will I see
+a country so fatal to me, to her, to all that I love."
+
+"It is too late--too late. You must die!"
+
+"No, no, Simon; in pity to yourself do not imbue your hands in my innocent
+blood. God sees us; your conscience will torture you; never again will
+there be peace for you on earth, and your poor soul will be miserable for
+all eternity. No, Simon, do not kill me."
+
+Then came a frightful cry, as though he were crushed, and Julio heard a
+sound which seemed like that of a dagger against metal.
+
+This blow, however--if it were a blow--was not mortal, for Geronimo raised
+his voice with the strength of despair, and cried out:
+
+"Help! help! Simon, let me live! Mercy! mercy!"
+
+Then a mournful groan escaped his lips, while, as his voice died away, h
+prayed:
+
+"My God, my God, forgive him! I am dying."
+
+On hearing the conclusion of this horrible tragedy, Julio retired to the
+foot of the staircase. He had hardly reached it, when the door of the room
+opened, and his master appeared.
+
+Disfigured as Simon Turchi's countenance had been by the thirst for
+revenge, crime made it still more frightful. The signor could hardly have
+been recognized. His hair stood upright; his eyes rolled in their sockets;
+a hard, hoarse sound escaped his lips; blood dripped from his hands.
+
+He ran by his servant without speaking to him, ascended the staircase, and
+having reached his room he threw himself panting upon a chair.
+
+Julio, who had followed him, placed himself before him, and asked:
+
+"Well, signor, is the deed accomplished?"
+
+"It is; let me take breath," said Turchi, breathing heavily.
+
+After waiting a few moments, Julio resumed:
+
+"Did he offer any resistance, that you are so fatigued, signor?"
+
+"Resistance? No; but when I attempted the first time to pierce him to the
+heart, the blade of my dagger struck against metal, and grated harshly. He
+wears a breastplate, Julio. Could he have suspected my intentions?"
+
+Turchi's dagger had evidently struck the amulet which the young man always
+wore around his neck.
+
+"Possibly," replied Julio, "Geronimo may wear some guard on his breast; it
+is the place against which a poignard is always aimed, and no one is
+secure in the darkness of night from the assault of an enemy or an
+assassin; but what is there in this circumstance to move you so deeply?"
+
+"So much blood spouted from the wound. The sight of the blood, together
+with Geronimo's piteous cries, struck me with anguish and horror. I
+tottered so that I feared I would fall before completing the work; but
+happily I gained the strength to finish what I had commenced. I pierced
+his throat with my poignard, and hushed his voice forever."
+
+"And is he really dead?"
+
+"Not a drop of blood is left in his veins."
+
+Simon Turchi had recovered from his excessive emotion. He arose and said:
+
+"I must wash the blood from my hands, and efface the least spot that
+might betray me. Then I must go on Change and transact some business with
+people who will remember to have seen me there at that time. Later, I will
+call on Mr. Van de Werve. I must be seen in different places and speak
+with many people. Go down, Julio, and drag the corpse to the cellar. Then
+clear away every sign of blood. I need not tell you that your life, as
+well as mine, depends upon the care with which you perform this task."
+
+"I know it, signor. The blow has been struck, and I am not a man to
+neglect the precautions necessary to escape the gallows, if I can."
+
+"I have accomplished my task, Julio; go do yours."
+
+"Drag the corpse, by myself, into the cellar? No, no, signor; you must
+help me."
+
+"I have not the time, Julio. I must go immediately to the city."
+
+"It is of no consequence to me. I will not remain alone in this cut-throat
+place."
+
+"And what if I ordered you to do so?" exclaimed Turchi, trembling with
+anger.
+
+"You would do so in vain, signor. You will work with me until all is
+done."
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, do you dare to defy me, and that too at the very moment
+when the blood is boiling in my veins? Do as I command, or before night
+the authorities of Lucca shall know who you are."
+
+"Ah!" said Julio, with a scornful laugh, "Pietro Mostajo and the
+authorities of Lucca have lost their power over me. As long as I had no
+proofs of crime against you, I had cause to fear you; but would you dare
+now to reveal my real name, now that by one word I can deliver you into
+the hands of the executioner? Hereafter, signor, you will speak to me
+neither so harshly nor so haughtily. In this affair there is neither
+master nor servant. We are two men, guilty of the same crime. Draw your
+dagger, if you choose. Vain threat! Can you do without me?"
+
+Simon Turchi grit his teeth in impotent rage; but soon recovering himself,
+he took his servant's hand, and said beseechingly:
+
+"You are right, Julio; we are rather two friends than master and servant.
+Let me then, as friend and companion, implore a favor at your hands. You
+must see that it is important for me to go without delay to the factory to
+change my dress. For the safety of both of us I ought to leave immediately
+for the city, in order to prevent suspicion. Geronimo is not heavy; you
+can, without difficulty, drag him down stairs."
+
+The servant shook his head, but was evidently hesitating.
+
+"Come, Julio; I beg, I entreat you to do what the safety of both of us
+requires. You still hesitate, Julio? I will reward you generously. This
+very evening I will give you two crowns if you tell me you have done
+faithfully and carefully what I have requested."
+
+"Will you be here, signor, when I return from the cellar?"
+
+"I don't know, Julio; as soon as I have washed off the blood, I shall
+leave. Make haste, and possibly you may find me here. In all events I will
+wait for you this evening at the factory, and besides the two crowns, I
+will give you a whole bottle of Malmsey."
+
+"Agreed," said Julio; "I will do my best to please you."
+
+He descended the staircase, and when he reached the room where the
+horrible murder had been committed, he stood for a moment with his arms
+folded. He turned pale and shook his head compassionately.
+
+The poor Geronimo was extended in the chair, with his eyes closed. His
+head had fallen on the arm of the chair; his two hands were joined, as if
+in prayer for his cruel murderer. His garments were saturated with blood,
+and his feet rested in a pool of blood. There was a large wound in his
+neck and another in his breast; his face was not in the least stained, and
+although it was covered by the pallor of death, his countenance wore a
+sweet, tranquil expression, as though he had gently fallen asleep.
+
+"Poor Signor Geronimo!" said Julio, sighing heavily. "Beauty! generosity!
+wealth! all fallen under the blade of a wretch! What is man's life? He,
+however, will in heaven, with God, be indemnified for his horrible death.
+And we? But the present is not the time for reflections and lamentations;
+my pity will not restore this corpse to life. I must now close my eyes to
+the future, and fulfil my horrible task."
+
+He knelt behind the chair, passed his arm under it, and turned a screw.
+The springs opened and loosed their hold upon the inanimate body.
+
+Julio held it by the arms and dragged it through the hall until he reached
+a staircase conducting to a cellar. There he left the corpse, entered an
+adjoining room, and returned with a lamp. Holding the light in his hand,
+he descended until he reached a subterranean passage. Very deep under the
+ground, and at the end of this passage, was a kind of vaulted cellar
+closed by a heavy door. Julio opened the door, and by the light of the
+lamp examined a grave which had been dug in one corner of the cellar, and
+on the sides of which lay the earth which had been excavated.[20]
+
+After a rapid survey, he placed the lamp outside the door against the wall
+of the passage, and returned for the dead body.
+
+When he had carried his burden as far as the subterranean passage, he
+panted for breath and seemed overcome by fatigue. He, however, exerted all
+his strength in order to finish as soon as possible his painful task, and
+dragged the corpse into the cellar. There he let it fall upon the side of
+the grave already prepared for its reception. After resting a few moments,
+he was about to cast it into the grave and cover it with earth, but he
+desisted, saying:
+
+"Bah! the poor young man will not run away. Perhaps Signor Turchi has not
+yet left. At any rate, I will first wash away the blood stains, and then I
+will return to bury the body."
+
+He took the lamp and left the cellar, without closing the door.
+
+On reaching the room he found that his master had gone.
+
+The solitude disquieted him, particularly as it was now nearly dark, and
+he could hardly hope to finish before night cleaning the blood-stained
+floors and staircase.
+
+He appeared, however, to submit to necessity, and prepared for his work by
+getting water and brushes.
+
+The evening was far advanced, and still Julio was occupied in scouring.
+How it happened he could not understand, but new spots of blood were
+continually appearing, even in places that he had washed several times.
+This was particularly the case in the room where the murder had been
+committed. Do what he would, he could not efface the marks of blood. The
+sweat poured down his cheeks and he vented his rage in angry words against
+his master.
+
+It may have been fatigue, or perhaps the deepening shades of night
+rendered his nervous system sensitive to the slightest impression; for at
+the least sound of the wind through the leaves of the trees, at the least
+grating of the weathercock as it turned on its pivot, he stopped his work
+and looked anxiously around him.
+
+He succeeded, however, in stifling these emotions, and continued his labor
+on the fatal spot where the chair had stood.
+
+Finally he arose, took the lamp, examined attentively the whole floor, and
+said, with a kind of satisfaction:
+
+"At last I have finished! He who could discover a spot there could see
+through a stone. My arms are almost broken; I can scarcely straighten
+myself. Now for my last task! a grave is soon filled; in a half hour I
+shall be far from this accursed place."
+
+Saying these words, he left the room, and taking the lamp descended again
+the staircase leading to the cellar.
+
+When he had reached the middle of the subterranean passage, he suddenly
+stopped, turned pale from terror, and looked tremblingly around him. He
+thought he heard something, an unusual, mysterious sound, faint but
+distinct.
+
+Having listened for some time, he concluded that his imagination had
+deceived him. Summoning up all his resolution, he walked on towards the
+cellar, and through the open, door he saw the corpse of Geronimo lying as
+he had left it.
+
+As he was approaching the cellar, full of anxiety and slackening his pace,
+suddenly a human voice fell upon his ear. There was articulate sound, no
+spoken word, but only a hollow groan.
+
+Julio, in an agony of terror, dropped the lamp. The oil extinguished the
+flame, and thus left in total darkness he fled from the cellar as rapidly
+as he could by groping along the wall. His heart beat violently, and his
+limbs tottered under him.
+
+He recovered himself a little only after attaining a distant apartment and
+lighting a lamp. Here he remained a long time seated and buried in
+thought; various expressions of fear, anger, and even raillery flitted
+across his face.
+
+At last he arose, drew a knife from its scabbard, and trying its
+sharpness, murmured:
+
+"I cannot bury him alive! Therefore I am forced to deal the death-blow!
+No, no, I will not; I have even braved the vengeance of my perfidious
+master in order not to imbue my hands in his blood, and I will not now be
+guilty of it. But what can I do? I have no other alternative. I must
+either bury him alive or kill him! And I cannot stay here all night."
+
+He took up the lamp and slowly and silently he cautiously descended the
+stairs leading to the cellar; after some hesitation he entered; Geronimo's
+body still lay in the position he left it.
+
+Julio had taken this time a much larger lamp, and it lighted the whole
+cellar; he heard no sound from the breast of the unfortunate victim,
+although he saw plainly that life was not extinct, for there was a slight
+heaving of the breast.
+
+After listening a moment, Julio muttered, with a kind of joy:
+
+"No additional cruelty is necessary. He is in his death-agony, and he will
+soon die. I will shut the door and finish my work to-morrow. But my master
+will ask if all is done? He need know nothing of this circumstance. But I
+long to get away; and may the vengeance of God fall upon this spot
+to-night, and blot out all memento of it!"
+
+Shortly after he left the garden, and with rapid strides threaded the
+obscure streets to rejoin his master, and also to cast off his
+blood-stained garments.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+GRIEF AT GEROME'S ABSENCE--TURCHI'S HYPOCRISY.
+
+
+Mary Van De Werve was in her own apartment, kneeling before a silver
+crucifix; she seemed bowed down by a weight of woe. Her head rested upon
+her clasped hands. She had been weeping bitterly; for there were traces of
+tears upon the _prie-Dieu_.
+
+Had a stranger surprised the young girl in this attitude, he might have
+thought that sleep had overpowered her during prayer; but the gasping
+breath and heaving chest sufficiently attested that she had not sunk in
+sleep, but that she was plunged in an expressible sorrow.
+
+Behind her was seated an old woman, her duenna, with a rosary in her hand.
+She gazed upon the young girl with deep compassion; from time to time she
+shook her head, and wiped away the tears which dimmed her eyes whenever
+Mary's sighs became heavier.
+
+For some time the silence was unbroken; Mary even appeared somewhat
+calmer, when suddenly, influenced by some peculiarly painful thought, she
+extended her arms to heaven and cried out;
+
+"My God and my Saviour! through thy precious blood spare his life! Have
+mercy on him! reject not the prayer of my broken heart!"
+
+Again her head fell on her hands, as if this burning petition had
+exhausted her strength. The duenna approached her, took her arm,
+endeavored to lift her, and said, authoritatively:
+
+"My lady, you must rise and cease your prayer. God may be displeased with
+you for thus deliberately endangering your health. Come, obey me."
+
+Mary arose without reply, and took the seat offered her by the duenna. She
+was very pale, and her eyes were swollen from weeping.
+
+The duenna looked upon her with an eye of pity; she took her hand, and
+said, gently:
+
+"Mary, my child, you cannot continue this; such an excess of sorrow would
+shorten your days. And what pain to the poor Geronimo on his return, to
+find you condemned to a short and suffering life! Through love for him, I
+beg you to control yourself."
+
+"On his return?" repeated Mary, raising her tearful eyes to heaven.
+
+"Why not?" replied the duenna. "Why despair before being certain of the
+evil you dread? More extraordinary things have happened."
+
+"Already five days--five centuries of suspense and fear! Ah! Petronilla,
+what a frightful night I passed! I saw Geronimo extended on the ground,
+the pallor of death on his face, a large wound was in his breast, and his
+lifeless eyes were fixed on me as if with his last breath he had bade me
+adieu."
+
+"These are illusions caused by grief, Mary."
+
+"More than twenty times I saw him thus; in vain I strove to shut out the
+horrible vision; day alone brought me relief."
+
+The duenna took her hand, and said, tenderly:
+
+"You are wrong, Mary, to cherish your grief in this manner. Your dreams at
+night were but the reflection of your thoughts by day. I, too, saw
+Geronimo in sleep more than once."
+
+"You, too, Petronilla, you saw Geronimo?" exclaimed the young girl, with
+emotion, as though she feared the confirmation of her own terrific dream.
+
+"Why not, Mary; do I think of him less than you?"
+
+"You saw him dying, did you not?"
+
+"On the contrary, I saw him return joyfully and cast himself into the arms
+of his uncle and embrace your father. And you, my child, I saw you
+kneeling on this same _prie-Dieu_, thanking God that your dreams were
+false and deceiving."
+
+Mary smiled as she listened to the duenna's consoling words, but scarcely
+had Petronilla ceased speaking than she suspected the artifice.
+
+"You deceive me through friendship and compassion," she said, sadly. "I am
+grateful to you, my good Petronilla; but tell me to what cause you can
+attribute Geronimo's absence. Come, call upon your imagination; find a
+possible, probable explanation."
+
+Disconcerted by this direct interrogation, the duenna shook her head.
+
+"There is no plausible reason," said Mary.
+
+The old Petronilla, in the greatest embarrassment, stammered out a few
+words as to an unexpected journey, secrets he might be unable to divulge;
+she even suggested that his friends might have prevailed upon him to join
+in a party of pleasure; but all these were such vague suppositions that
+Mary plainly saw in them an acknowledgment that she could find no
+reasonable explanation of Geronimo's absence.
+
+Mary's tears flowed faster.
+
+"Oh, Petronilla!" she exclaimed, in heart-rending tones; "the light of my
+life is forever extinguished. Geronimo, so young, so good, so noble, so
+gifted, the unfortunate victim of a mysterious murderer! Frightful
+thought! and no room for hope! Mercy, my God, mercy! My heart is breaking;
+never more will I see him in this world."
+
+And uttering a cry of anguish, she covered her face with her hands.
+
+"I acknowledge, Mary," said the duenna, dejectedly, "that Geronimo's
+absence is inexplicable; but why look on the worst side and accept it as
+truth? You know that during the last four days every possible effort has
+been made to discover Geronimo. Mr. Van Schoonhoven, the bailiff, has
+pledged his honor to find him dead, or alive."
+
+Mary wept in silence, and heeded not the words of the duenna.
+
+"Perhaps, my child," the old woman resumed, "this very day the doubt which
+has caused you so much suffering for five days may be cleared up. Do not
+close your heart against all hope. I remember that once an individual was
+sought for weeks, and found alive when there seemed almost a certainty of
+his death. The bailiff was speaking of it this morning to your father, and
+I recollect having heard my parents relate it. It happened to a banker,
+Liefmans, who was considered very wealthy."
+
+The young girl regarded the duenna with an air of doubt.
+
+"They found him after several weeks of absence? Had he gone on a journey
+without giving notice to any one?"
+
+"No; he was discovered in the cellar of a house in the little by-street of
+Sureau. Robbers had laid in wait for him in the darkness of night, and
+cast him bound into a subterranean cave, in order to obtain a heavy
+ransom. The agents of the bailiff discovered him and liberated him
+unharmed. If God has so decreed, why may not the same have happened to the
+Signor Geronimo? You are silent, Mary. You cannot deny that a similar
+train of circumstances may have been the cause of his disappearance. Is it
+not so? but you yield to despair, and even in the act of begging
+consolation from Almighty God, you reject obstinately every motive of
+consolation."
+
+"Pity me, dear Petronilla," answered the young girl; "your kind words are
+a solace to me, but I dare not open my heart to the whisperings of hope.
+If I accepted your explanations, and afterwards heard of Geronimo's death,
+it would be double suffering to me. No, no, rather let me encourage the
+feeling that there is no room for hope."
+
+"It is impossible to make any impression upon her," said the duenna, in a
+disappointed manner, and as if she were resolved to cease her efforts and
+to abandon the young girl to her grief.
+
+The silence was broken by the sound of voices in the hall.
+
+"I hear the voice of the Signor Deodati," said the duenna; "perhaps he
+brings tidings."
+
+Mary rose quickly to descend; but Petronilla wished to detain her, saying:
+
+"My child, in pity to a sorrowing old man, restrain your grief. Control
+yourself, Mary, for yesterday each word you uttered pierced the heart of
+the poor Deodati like a dagger. It would be cruel and guilty in you to
+cause his tears to flow anew; at his age such affliction wears down the
+strength and shortens life."
+
+"No, Petronilla, I will hide my feelings, and I will appear hopeful. I saw
+that the old man was overpowered by anxiety and trouble. Trust me,
+Petronilla, and let me go; I must know from the Signor Deodati if he has
+received any information."
+
+The duenna accompanied the young girl to the door of the room where Mr.
+Van de Werve and Signor Deodati were conversing together, but she let her
+enter alone.
+
+As soon as Mary's eye fell on the old man, and she read in his face the
+sorrow of his soul, she uttered a stifled cry of anguish. She cast her
+arms around his neck, and rested her head on his shoulder.
+
+The Signor Deodati, deeply moved, seated her by his side, and said, with
+tender compassion:
+
+"My poor Mary, we have no tidings yet of our Geronimo. Are we not unhappy?
+Why did not God recall me to himself ere this? Did I leave Italy and come
+hither to drink the bitter dregs in my chalice of life? Could I weep like
+you, Mary, I might find some relief, but old age has dried up my tears.
+Alas! alas! where is my poor Geronimo, the child whom God gave me, to
+close my eyes on the bed of death? I would give my fortune to save him,
+and the little that remains to me of life to know that he still lives."
+
+Tears filled Mr. Van de Werve's eyes as he contemplated his daughter and
+the desolate old man; but he controlled his emotion, and said:
+
+"Mary, I requested you to stay in your own apartment, because you cannot
+moderate the expression of your sorrow. You have disregarded my desire. I
+willingly pardon you, my child; but if you wish to remain longer with
+Signor Deodati, you must exercise some self-control; otherwise I shall
+send for your duenna to take you away."
+
+He then added, in a more gentle manner:
+
+"Now, Mary, I beg, I supplicate you, comprehend the duty devolving upon
+you. Be courageous, and do your best to console our unhappy friend."
+
+With a heroic effort Mary raised her head, and although still weeping,
+said:
+
+"You are right, father. We grieve as though there were no room for hope;
+but--but--"
+
+So great was the violence she was doing herself that she could scarcely
+draw her breath; but conquering this emotion, she resumed:
+
+"Ah! signor, we cannot know. God is so good, and Geronimo has so pure a
+heart!"
+
+"God is indeed good, my child; but his designs are impenetrable. If I
+could only imagine some probable cause to explain my nephew's absence. But
+nothing--nothing!"
+
+"The bailiff gave us, this morning, a reason for supposing that Geronimo
+may yet return to us unharmed."
+
+"You speak of the banker Liefmans, do you not, father?"
+
+"Yes, my child. He disappeared suddenly. A fortnight had passed in useless
+inquiry; his parents had the service for the dead offered for him, and he
+was found alive and well in a cellar, where some robbers had imprisoned
+him, in order by it to obtain a large sum of money."
+
+"And the same may happen, to Geronimo!" said Mary, with a confidence she
+did not feel, in order to aid her father in his kind intentions.
+
+Signor Deodati shook his head incredulously.
+
+Mary took his hand tenderly, and said, cheerfully:
+
+"We must hope, signor. Perhaps the Lord in his mercy will grant that our
+fears may not be realized. Would we not for the remainder of our lives
+offer our grateful prayers to heaven?"
+
+"Yes, yes; during our whole lives. And I would go in my old age to Our
+Lady of Loretto to express my boundless gratitude to the Madonna. But
+suppose he has fallen under the assassin's sword?"
+
+Mary shuddered at the thought, but she interrupted the old man.
+
+"Signor, Geronimo possessed an amulet which had rested on the tomb of our
+Lord. He was convinced that it would preserve him from a violent death,
+and he always wore it around his neck."
+
+"I know the circumstances under which the amulet was given him," replied
+Deodati. "I myself had some faith in this talisman, because it was the
+recompense of a good action; but we have no proof that the woman who gave
+it to Geronimo had any certain knowledge of its efficacy. However, Mary,
+we will still hope. Your sweet voice has mitigated my sorrow. May my poor
+nephew be restored to me. The happiness I expected in my old age may yet
+be a reality. You, Mary,--pure image of piety, goodness, and love,--you
+will be my child! And when old Deodati will be called to leave this world,
+he will see you and Geronimo by his dying bed, like two angels, pointing
+out to his expiring goal the path to heaven. Oh! no, no; this would be too
+much happiness. My mind wanders. And yet, Mary, let us hope!"
+
+The young girl was deeply moved by the picture of that happiness which she
+had thought was lost to her forever. Her eyes were suffused with tears;
+her limbs trembled, and had not a stern look from her father reminded her
+of her duty, her oppressed heart would have found relief in sobs.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve thought it better to change the conversation, and said to
+Deodati:
+
+"Let us not forget, signor, that we are men, and that it becomes us to
+bear up courageously under a painful suspense, and in a manner to which a
+young girl might be unequal. Have you heard nothing since the morning?
+Have you not seen Signor Turchi?"
+
+"I spoke to Signor Turchi about an hour before 'Change," said the old
+gentleman, more calmly. "The good Turchi! he seemed even more dejected
+than we. Within the last five days, he has lost so much flesh that one
+would scarcely recognize him. He does not give himself a moment's repose.
+From morning until night he is running about from place to place, seeking
+Geronimo as though he were a beloved brother."
+
+"Truly," said Mary, "his is a generous heart. Poor Simon! I have sometimes
+been unjust to him; but it is in affliction that we learn who are our true
+friends. For the rest of my life I will respect and esteem him."
+
+"He will meet me here, presently," replied Deodati. "He may have some
+particular communication to make to me, for he seemed to desire a private
+conversation. The arrival of some merchants of his acquaintance prevented
+him from speaking to me. I almost quarrelled with Signor Turchi."
+
+"Quarrelled!" said Mr. Van de Werve, in astonishment.
+
+"Yes; but it was to his praise, at least. He told me that it was his
+intention to offer a large reward to the first person who would bring
+certain tidings of Geronimo."
+
+"How grateful I am for his generous friendship!" said Mary.
+
+"Of course," continued the old man, "I would not permit it. Whilst
+thanking him for his kindness, I told him that I would offer the reward
+myself. I left Signor Turchi in company with the merchants, and went to
+the town-hall for the purpose; but when I arrived there, I found a decree
+of the burgomaster already issued, promising three hundred florins for any
+information of Geronimo.[21] I spoke with the bailiff at noon. He told me
+that, notwithstanding the most active search, no trace had yet been
+discovered of Bufferio's wife, nor of his companions. All of them must
+have left the country immediately after the ruffian's death. But this
+afternoon the bailiff expects to hear the result of several important
+researches ordered by him this morning. If he receives any communication
+of consequence he will come himself to impart it to us. I hear the clock
+strike five. Signor Turchi will soon be here."
+
+During this explanation Mary remained immovable--her eyes cast down. She
+had probably heard only confusedly what had just been said, for her
+thoughts were evidently far away.
+
+It was only when the servant threw open the door and announced Signor
+Turchi that the young girl, aroused from her reverie, rose hastily and
+went eagerly to meet him, as though she expected him to be the bearer of
+important news.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve and Deodati also met him at the door; Mary involuntarily
+took both his hands in hers, and all three regarded him inquiringly.
+
+"Alas! my friends, I know nothing," said Turchi, in a voice which seemed
+but the echo of a bruised and broken heart. "All my efforts have proved
+unsuccessful. I have vowed before God to spare no expense or trouble in
+order to discover what has become of my unfortunate friend; but so far
+impenetrable darkness covers the terrible secret. What shall we do? Let us
+hope that the bailiff and his officers may be more fortunate than myself,
+who have only my anxiety and affection to guide me."
+
+The words of Simon Turchi effaced the last lingering hope from Mary's
+heart, and she seated herself, exhausted from previous emotion.
+
+Turchi drew a chair beside her, regarded her with an expression of
+profound compassion, and said:
+
+"My poor Mary, your affliction is intense! I know by my own sorrow how
+your loving heart is suffering from this terrible suspense!"
+
+The young girl lifted her eyes to his face, and she saw the tears running
+down his cheeks. Then she began to weep bitterly, and sobbing, she said:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, Simon! I will beg Almighty God to recompense your
+affection and generosity."
+
+Simon's countenance at this moment presented a singular appearance, from
+the remarkable contrast between the pallor of his cheeks and the deep
+scarlet which marked the margin of the scar on his face. The hypocrite
+could shed tears at pleasure and assume an expression of extreme sorrow,
+but the scar was not submissive to his will, and in spite of him its
+deepening red betrayed the wicked joy of his heart at the gentle and
+affectionate words of the young girl.
+
+These words encouraged him to hope that he might fully attain the prize
+for which he strove. He had, it is true, taken from his murdered friend
+the proof of the debt of ten thousand crowns; true he had, as he supposed,
+buried all evidence of his crime in the subterranean vault; but this did
+not satisfy him. In order to feel that he had received the price of the
+frightful assassination, in order to remain rich, powerful, and honored,
+he required the hand of the beautiful Mary Van de Werve. He well knew that
+a long time must elapse before the consummation of his hopes; still, from
+the very day that he had committed the murder, he commenced to lay his
+schemes, weigh his words, and so direct his plans that sooner or later he
+would certainly take Geronimo's place in Mary's heart. He felt secure of
+the consent of the young girl's father. It was on this account that he
+feigned excessive sorrow, and gazed upon Mary with tearful eyes, as though
+the sight of her grief pierced him to the heart.
+
+He took Mary's hands in his, and said:
+
+"Do not yield, to despair, Mary; all hope is not lost. Last night a
+thought--a strange thought--occurred to my mind. And if I be correct,
+there are still well-founded reasons for expecting Geronimo's return."
+
+"Speak, Simon," said Mary, anxiously. "Tell us this thought."
+
+Signor Turchi cast down his eyes in feigned embarrassment.
+
+"Impossible, Mary; it is a secret which I have no right to divulge."
+
+"Alas! is even this consolation refused me?" she exclaimed, despairingly.
+
+"This is unkind, Simon," said Mr. Van de Werve. "Why do you cheer us up
+and awaken our curiosity only to cast us down by your silence? Give no
+names; but at least give us some idea of the reasons we have for hope."
+
+Simon Turchi shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Ah, signor," said Deodati, reproachfully, "you are ungenerous. This
+morning before 'Change you were about to confide the secret to me, when
+you were interrupted by the approach of friends. Tell it to me now."
+
+Simon glanced expressively at Mary, as if to convey the idea that her
+presence prevented him from complying with the old man's request.
+
+"Mary," said Mr. Van de Werve, "I beg you to go to your room. These
+varying emotions are more than you can bear; if I learn anything of
+interest, I will, my child, communicate it to you at once."
+
+The young girl rose without reply, but she glanced reproachfully at Simon
+Turchi.
+
+"Do not blame me, Mary," he said; "I am deeply grieved to cause you pain;
+only rest assured that what I do is caused by affection for Geronimo and
+yourself."
+
+Without noticing this excuse the young girl obeyed her father, and slowly
+left the room.
+
+"Now," said Mr. Van de Werve, "what is the secret you wish to impart to
+us?"
+
+"I am greatly embarrassed," replied Simon Turchi, shaking his head
+doubtfully; "my intention was to speak only to Signor Deodati of the
+affair; perhaps it would be indiscreet in me to reveal to you also, Mr.
+Van de Werve, a secret which, under different circumstances--"
+
+"For the love of God, abandon these useless evasions!" said Signor
+Deodati, roused to a high pitch of excitement by his impatience. "Why
+should not Mr. Van de Werve know that which, in your opinion, would give
+us a clue to my nephew?"
+
+"Since I am forced to speak," said Turchi, with a sigh, "approach and
+listen."
+
+As soon as Deodati and Mr. Van de Werve had drawn their chairs nearer to
+him, Simon said in an undertone, as if he feared his words might be
+overheard:
+
+"Have you not remarked, Mr. Van de Werve, that for some time past Geronimo
+has been disturbed and anxious; that even in the midst of cheerful
+conversation he appeared absent-minded; in a word, that some great trouble
+seemed weighing upon him?"
+
+"I have noticed it," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"And you, Signor Deodati?"
+
+"I have also remarked it. But what do you infer from this?"
+
+"About a month ago I interrogated Geronimo as to the cause of his
+melancholy, and he informed me in confused, vague terms, that he had lost
+a considerable sum at play_."
+
+"At play!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, overpowered by astonishment.
+
+"Was Geronimo a gambler?" exclaimed Deodati, with ill-suppressed
+indignation.
+
+"It is the custom at Antwerp to play for money, and often for considerable
+sums of money," continued Simon Turchi. "I never remarked that my friend
+Geronimo had a passion for play. However that may be, I could never
+discover to whom he had lost the amount, nor would he tell me how much it
+was. His melancholy and agitation were caused by the circumstance I have
+just mentioned. He was tortured by the certainty that his uncle would
+discover, upon examination, the loss of a large amount, which was not
+accounted for on the books. I proposed to advance him the deficit, but he
+absolutely refused, because he preferred to meet his uncle's just anger
+rather than deceive him."
+
+This revelation was stunning to the old Deodati. Nothing could have more
+keenly wounded the honorable, high-toned nobleman than the thought that
+Geronimo had been so dishonest and ungrateful as to use the funds of the
+establishment in gambling.
+
+Trembling with emotion, he asked:
+
+"You say the sum is considerable. What is the amount?"
+
+"I have no idea, signor. Perhaps you might discover it by an examination
+of the books."
+
+There was a short silence. Mr. Van de Werve's eyes were fixed upon the
+ground. Signor Deodati passed his hand across his brow, and was absorbed
+in painful thoughts.
+
+Simon watched for a few moments, with an inquisitive eye, the effect of
+this revelation upon his two companions, trying to penetrate their very
+souls. Then he said to Deodati:
+
+"You look on the bad side of the affair, signor. If there were not a
+brighter, reverse side, I would have considered the confidence of my
+friend sacred, and guarded his secret until death. Up to this time we all
+feared, nay, considered it certain, that Geronimo had fallen under the
+assassin's steel. Now I begin to think that, in order to escape his
+uncle's anger, he has left the city and country."
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"Impossible?" repeated Turchi, "he would have gone ere this, had I not
+persuaded him that he would obtain his uncle's pardon. Even on the day of
+your arrival, Signor Deodati, when Geronimo met me in the dock-yard on the
+bank of the Scheldt, he begged me to inquire for an English vessel which
+would leave on that or the next day, and secretly to engage his passage on
+board. You may well know that I combated this foolish project, and I left
+him only when he promised me to abandon the idea."
+
+"Could he so lightly sacrifice my daughter's love?" said Mr. Van de Werve.
+"Were his expressions of affection for her only hypocrisy? No, no; nothing
+can induce me to believe that."
+
+"His love was real," replied Turchi, "and its very depth, perhaps, blinded
+his judgment. He thought that the discovery of his losses at the
+gaming-table would inevitably deprive him of all hope of Mary's hand. My
+poor friend! he wished to fly from the fate which threatened him, that he
+might not witness the affliction of his beloved uncle."
+
+No one replied to Simon's remarks, and he said, with hypocritical
+surprise:
+
+"How sad you both are! You should rather rejoice at my revelation. Is it
+not a happiness to think that Geronimo, although guilty of a fault, is
+still alive, and not to be forced to believe that he is forever lost to
+our affection by a frightful death?"
+
+Old Deodati arose and said:
+
+"My friends, I must leave you; my mind is troubled; I am ill. Besides, I
+wish to discover by the books the truth or falsity of Signor Turchi's
+statement. Do not attempt to detain me, I beg you. Adieu! May God guard
+you!"
+
+Simon Turchi prepared to accompany the old man; but whilst they were
+speaking together the bailiff, Messire John Van Schoonhoven, suddenly
+entered, and without the formality of a salutation, he exclaimed:
+
+"Gentlemen, I have news!"
+
+Turchi trembled and turned pale; but as the unexpected announcement of the
+bailiff had startled the others, his emotion was not attributed to terror.
+
+"For the love of God be calm, gentlemen, and do not anticipate too much. I
+do not know what has become of the unfortunate Geronimo, but I have just
+cause to hope that we will soon find him--at least we have a clue.' I have
+learned, beyond doubt, that on the day of his disappearance, about five
+o'clock in the evening, he was seen beyond the Square of Meir. A monk from
+the Dominican Convent, who knows him well, saluted him and noticed the
+direction he went. Acting upon this information, one of my most
+intelligent subordinates has been tracing him. A banker saw him pass
+through the quarter of the Jews. This is all I know at present, but these
+facts are sufficient to determine the direction of our researches, and may
+perhaps lead to a fortunate issue. By early dawn to-morrow I will collect
+all the agents at my disposal; I will divide them into small bands, and I
+will order them to search every house, cellar, and garden in a certain
+part of the city, and that in the most thorough manner, without leaving a
+spot unexamined.[22] I myself will superintend the work, and will visit in
+person each hand of workmen to see that my commands are properly
+executed."
+
+Simon Turchi had covered his face with his hands, in order to conceal his
+terror.
+
+Surprised by his emotion, the bailiff said:
+
+"What have I said, Signor Turchi, to excite so much feeling?"
+
+"Ah, you know not how much suffering you cause me," replied Simon. "I
+thought I was about to learn from your lips that my friend was safe, and
+what do you promise me if your search proves successful? Only his dead
+body!"
+
+"It is true," said the bailiff. "It is no use to deceive you. My opinion
+is that he has been assassinated in some by-street near the hospital
+grounds, or in one of the dark alleys between the parishes of Saint George
+and Saint Andrew. But I am determined to discover the truth. Dead or
+alive, I will find him, even if it be necessary to tear up the pavements
+of all the cellars, and dig up all the gardens to the depth of ten feet.
+The whole city is in a state of excitement; the people complain of the
+authorities of Antwerp as though we were accomplices in the crime. This
+affair shall be brought to light, I pledge my honor and my name."
+
+"I thank you for your zeal and solicitude," stammered Turchi. "May God
+direct your steps! How we will all bless you, if you restore Geronimo
+alive to us."[23]
+
+"I have little hope, little hope, signor; but all things are possible,"
+said the bailiff, shaking his head.
+
+Deodati took his hand, and said:
+
+"Messire Van Schoonhoven, I am most grateful to you. Excuse me for the
+remaining longer in your honorable company; but I am indisposed, and I
+must return home. May God protect you, signor."
+
+"And are you going also, Signor Turchi?" asked the bailiff.
+
+When Simon gave him to understand, by a glance of the eye, that he could
+not let the old man go alone, he took his hand affectionately, and said:
+
+"I understand, signor; you are right. Adieu, until to-morrow."
+
+Turchi offered his arm to Deodati, and supported his tottering steps. They
+took leave of Mr. Van de Werve, who accompanied them to the door, and
+admiring Simon Turchi's kindness, he followed them with his eyes as long
+as they were in sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+SIMON TURCHI TRIES TO CONCEAL HIS CRIME.
+
+
+After having accompanied Deodati to his residence, Simon Turchi went to
+his own dwelling near the bridge _De la Vigne_.
+
+He was greatly excited, either by extreme anxiety or by a feverish
+impatience; for he descended to the ground-floor, entered his office,
+pretended to be looking for some papers, went up stairs again, paced the
+room, opened the window, looked up and down the street, closed the window
+petulantly, and at last, stamping his foot, he angrily exclaimed:
+
+"The miserable gamester! he is in some tavern drinking, gambling, amusing
+himself, while I am here on burning coals, almost overpowered by anxiety
+and terror! Julio, Julio, if I escape the fate which now threatens me, I
+will have my revenge for your ingratitude!"
+
+Again he went to the window, and again he was disappointed. Thoroughly
+discouraged, he threw himself upon a chair, heaved a heavy sigh, and after
+a moment's silence exclaimed in accents of despair:
+
+"Alas! alas! is it then true that my crime cannot remain concealed? Who
+was it, to my great misfortune, who sent the Dominican brother just to the
+spot to meet Geronimo, and thus furnished the bailiff with a clue to the
+murder? Who put the Jewish banker on his track, so that the constables
+might be led to my garden? Who suggested the idea to the bailiff to search
+the cellars? Was it chance? But chance is blind, and does not proceed
+with such precision to the fulfilment of a purpose. How frightful if God
+himself conducted justice! if the Supreme Judge, who cannot be deceived,
+has condemned me to an infamous death! How vain then all hope, all effort
+to escape!"
+
+Overpowered by these reflections, Simon Turchi bowed his head upon his
+breast; his hands worked convulsively, and at intervals heart-rending
+sighs escaped him.
+
+Confusedly arose before him a horrible vision: he saw the scaffold
+erected; he beheld the sword of the executioner glitter in the sunlight;
+he heard the shouts of the populace calling down the vengeance of heaven
+upon his guilty head and devoting his name to eternal infamy; he seemed to
+feel the mysterious stroke from the uplifted blade, for his frame shook
+violently, and he uttered a piercing cry of anguish.
+
+He thrust his hand into his doublet, and drew from it slowly a small phial
+half filled with a yellow liquid, and held it before him with a shudder of
+disgust and horror.
+
+"Poison, deadly poison!" he muttered. "He who has the courage to take a
+few drops will sleep a sweet sleep from which there is no awakening. And
+is this my only refuge from the ignominy of the scaffold? Instead of
+wealth and happiness, is a miserable death to be the price of my crime?
+No, no; I must chase away these horrible thoughts."
+
+He replaced the phial in his doublet, and abandoned himself again to his
+dark reflections; but at last he conquered, in a measure, his dejection,
+and he said, less despairingly but still sorrowfully:
+
+"And yet everything was going on so smoothly! I had recovered my note; the
+possession of the ten thousand crowns enabled me to conceal for the
+present the ruined condition of my affairs; Mary did not appear
+indifferent to me, and Geronimo being out of the way, I was certain of
+succeeding with her in the course of time. I would in that case become
+rich and powerful; her dowry would be sufficient to save me from poverty
+and a humiliating discovery. Alas! why do the people accuse the
+magistrates of want of zeal? Things more surprising than the
+disappearance of Geronimo have happened lately without any disturbance
+among the populace. It was the public feeling that forced the bailiff to
+make extraordinary efforts to discover what had become of him; it will be
+the cause of my destruction! Can there be a mysterious impulse to this
+unwonted excitement of the multitude? Vainly then would I struggle to
+escape! Would it not be God himself pursuing me?"
+
+The recurrence of this thought struck terror to the soul of Simon Turchi,
+and he buried his head in his hands. Suddenly he started up, and although
+his lips twitched convulsively, he said, in a firm, strong voice:
+
+"Ah! ah! fatality is a spur which inspires the most cowardly with coinage.
+Avaunt, foolish fears! I must struggle on to the end. The bailiff seeks a
+corpse; he pledges his honor to discover one. Let him find it! Suppose he
+should find it elsewhere than in my summer-house? in a sewer, for example?
+Ah! anxiety had clouded my mind! Still, still, I have means for triumph!
+Oh, if Julio-would come! Could I only imagine in what tavern the rascal is
+gambling, I would send Bernardo for him."
+
+Saying these words, he approached the window and looked out.
+
+"There comes the loiterer! He walks as composedly as if nothing weighed
+upon his conscience! He cares not for the preservation of my honor and my
+life; since the death of Geronimo he hates and despises me. I must appear
+angry and indignant, for should he suspect the fear and anxiety torturing
+my soul, he would be insolent, and perhaps would laugh at my anguish."
+
+As Julio approached the house, Simon attracted his attention by loud
+talking, and having succeeded in this, he made signs of his impatience and
+anger until Julio reached the door. He then closed the window, and
+assuming an expression of rage he turned to meet his servant.
+
+When Julio on entering saw his master standing with folded arms and
+menacing countenance, a slight and ironical smile flitted across his face.
+
+"Wretch!" exclaimed Simon, "did I not order you to await me here after
+Change? Look well to yourself, or I will avenge myself by your blood. You
+laugh! beware, or I will crush you like a worm!"
+
+"Come, come, signor, why give way to such useless anger? It is not long
+since Change. It is not my fault that you have been obliged to wait."
+
+"Have you not been going from tavern to tavern, gambling, as you have been
+doing the last five days?"
+
+"Yes, truly. I was intolerably thirsty; but if I was not here in time, you
+must blame the clock of Notre Dame; it could not have struck right, I am
+sure. So be calm, signor: you know that your anger makes no impression on
+me. Make haste and tell me what you want me to do. We lose precious time
+in this nonsensical sort of talk. I left some friends to come and receive
+your orders, and I must add that I intend returning to them as soon as I
+have fulfilled your commands. You need not shake your fist at me, nor get
+into a passion; it will do no good."
+
+The disrespectful language of his servant wounded and provoked Turchi; but
+perhaps seeing how useless it was to give expression to his feelings, he
+suddenly changed his manner. Tears filled his eyes; grief was depicted
+upon his countenance, and seating himself, he sighed and said:
+
+"Forgive me, Julio, for my harsh words; they were spoken in impatience. It
+is too early yet for you to do what I wish, and I was wrong to complain of
+your long absence."
+
+The servant, surprised at his master's humble language, regarded him
+distrustfully.
+
+"Is there any danger?" he demanded.
+
+Turchi took his hand, and said, piteously:
+
+"Alas! Julio, my friend, to-morrow, in all probability, we will be cast,
+manacled, into a dungeon, there to await an infamous death."
+
+"Is it not your own fear, signor, which inspires such a thought?" asked
+Julio, trembling.
+
+"No; I have heard a terrible piece of news. Geronimo was seen in the
+Quarter of the Jews, and he was met going towards the Hospital Grounds.
+The bailiff has determined to search to-morrow morning all the cellars in
+that vicinity, and even to dig the ground on the spot where my garden
+lies. The police agents are to proceed at daybreak to the Hospital
+meadows, and as they cannot fail to remark that the earth has been newly
+turned up, they will certainly discover what they seek. You pushed
+Geronimo into the arm-chair; you buried his body; consequently you will
+accompany me to the scaffold, unless, in your capacity of servant, they
+may choose to hang you or break you on the wheel. O Julio! does not this
+information awaken you to a sense of our perilous condition?"
+
+"From whom did you learn all that?" asked the affrighted servant.
+
+"From the bailiff himself."
+
+"From his own lips?"
+
+"Yes, my friend, from his own lips. In spite of your courage and coolness,
+I think I may say that you have no stronger desire than myself to die by
+the hand of the executioner."
+
+Julio put his hand to his throat and said, dejectedly:
+
+"The affair looks serious. I seem to be strangling; I feel the rope around
+my neck. It is all your fault, signor. Why did you murder your best
+friend? Did I not warn you that so frightful a crime would come to light?"
+
+"Call it crime, if you will; but at least my just vengeance is satisfied,
+and now neither complaints nor recriminations can recall the past nor
+shelter us from danger."
+
+"But, signor, what can we do to escape punishment?"
+
+"There is a means, easy and certain. There is a means; but, Julio, it
+requires good will and resolution. May I rely upon you for this last
+effort?"
+
+"What would not one be willing to do in order to escape this gallows or
+the wheel?"
+
+"Then listen to me. I told you that the bailiff would search the cellars.
+If he finds the corpse in my house, we are both ruined."
+
+"Certainly, signor."
+
+"But suppose it be found in another place, far from this spot, who would
+suspect us of the murder?"
+
+"An excellent thought!" exclaimed Julio, joyfully. "We must carry the dead
+body to a distant street and leave it there."
+
+"Not so. They would naturally suppose that it had been removed to that
+spot from some other place. A better plan is to throw it into the sewer in
+the Vleminck Field. The officers of justice will then conclude that
+Geronimo fell under the hand of some unknown assassin."
+
+"That is still better! Ah! signor, you frightened me without cause. I
+place very little value on my life, and yet the thought of a certain death
+shatters my nerves. Now I am myself again. But how shall we manage to
+transport Geronimo's body to the Vleminck Field?"
+
+"It was for that purpose, Julio, that I was waiting so impatiently for
+you," said Simon Turchi; "it was because I needed your aid to execute a
+project which will save us both. Nothing is easier. You will disinter the
+body, and you will throw it into the sewer."[24]
+
+"Alone?" said the servant, in a tone which prognosticated a refusal.
+
+"Why not alone, since you are able to do it?"
+
+"It is very easy, signor, for you to say: 'Take the body on your shoulders
+and traverse three or four streets.' Signor Geronimo is heavier than you
+suppose, and I doubt if by the exertion of all my strength I could carry
+it twenty steps."
+
+Simon Turchi took his servant's two hands in his, and said,
+supplicatingly:
+
+"Julio, my friend, be generous; it is not a difficult task for one like
+yourself. Reflect that it is our only means of safety; it is as much for
+your interest as mine. I will recompense you largely, and I will be
+grateful to you all my life."
+
+"Well, signor, if you say so, I will try it; but I am afraid it will turn
+out badly. I shall be obliged to rest on the way, and that will take more
+time than will be prudent. And then how shall I be able each time to
+replace the body on my shoulders? It requires two to transport it with
+sufficient rapidity."
+
+"Two?" said Turchi, "You know well that we can confide our secret to no
+one."
+
+"To escape death, one would submit to anything. Suppose you help me
+yourself, signor?"
+
+"I!" replied Turchi, shuddering, "I carry a dead body through the streets!
+I, a nobleman! No, no; better a dungeon and death!"
+
+"What a strange sentiment of honor!" muttered the astonished servant.
+"Would to God, signor, that you had sooner remembered that you were a
+nobleman, we would not thus be seeking, in mortal anguish, the means to
+save our lives. Consider the affair as you will, you must confess that if
+I carry the corpse alone, ten chances to one we shall be discovered."
+
+While the servant thus spoke, Turchi seemed preoccupied by torturing
+thoughts. After a moment he said, with a sigh:
+
+"Alas! there is no other means; it is dangerous, but necessity demands it.
+Julio, go to the summer-house, and I will send Bernardo this evening to
+help you."
+
+"What" said Julio, ironically, "will you reveal your secret?"
+
+"No; I will command him, under penalty of his life, to do whatever you
+order him; threaten to stab him at the least show of resistance, and he
+will obey you."
+
+"Impossible! Signor Bernardo is a good, pious man. He would inform upon
+us. I might as well put the halter around my neck. I will have none of his
+aid."
+
+Simon Turchi, in despair at the failure of all his efforts to succeed in
+his design, paced the floor impatiently. Suddenly he stopped before his
+servant, and with sparkling eyes he said, in a suppressed voice:
+
+"Julio, there must be an end to all this hesitation. We have no choice,
+and whatever may be the means, we must not deliberate in presence of the
+death which menaces us. Stab Bernardo, and throw him into the sewer above
+the body of Geronimo."[25]
+
+"Oh, signor, murder Bernardo!" exclaimed Julio, in horror. "And do you
+suppose that he would not defend himself? that he would not give the
+alarm? In that case, your servant would be recognized, and thus they would
+put them on the track of the criminals. Your mind wanders."
+
+Grinding his teeth in his agony, Turchi tossed his arms convulsively, and
+at last said, hoarsely:
+
+"You will not undertake it alone? You have not the wish to succeed. Coward
+that you are, for what are you fit but to boast and drink and gamble in
+the taverns? Would that I had never seen you! Leave the corpse in the
+cellar; let the bailiff discover it there; we will see which of us will
+meet the more courageously an infamous death!"
+
+A prey to the keenest emotion, he fell back in his chair, and while
+uttering bitter invectives against his servant, he tore his hair in real
+or feigned despair.
+
+The sight of-his master's desolation seemed to make some impression upon
+Julio; he regarded him compassionately, and at last said, kindly:
+
+"Come, signor, calm yourself. All is not lost, and if my good-will can
+save you, I will show you that Julio has the courage and resolution to
+carry him through a difficult enterprise. Since you think I am able to
+take the corpse alone to the sewer, I will attempt it. Perhaps I may
+overrate the difficulties. Be calm, and rely upon my word."
+
+The signor knew that once having made up his mind, his servant would
+unhesitatingly execute what he had undertaken, and he comprehended by his
+manner that his promise was seriously made. He pressed his hand, and said,
+joyfully:
+
+"Thanks, Julio, I owe to you my honor and my life. I will never forget it,
+and when once the sword, now hanging over my head, is removed, I will
+reward you magnificently. Go now to the country-house, disinter the body,
+and carry it up to the ground-floor. This will give you less work later.
+Fill the grave thoroughly, and as far as possible destroy all appearance
+of the earth having been recently dug."
+
+Julio apparently let his master's words fall unheeded on his ear; he
+suddenly struck his forehead with his fist, as if an unwelcome idea had
+forced itself upon him.
+
+"What is the matter?" asked Turchi, anxiously.
+
+"Fool that I am!" exclaimed Julio.
+
+"Speak lower," said Simon. "What troubles you?"
+
+"Did you not notice, signor, how bright it was last night? It is clear
+weather, and the moon is full! How could I carry a dead body to the sewer
+with such light to betray me? It is impossible; I cannot think of it."
+
+These words forced from Simon a cry of anguish. He seemed crushed under
+the fate which was visibly pursuing him. The cowardice and ill-will of his
+servant had not cast him into despair like this last obstacle; for he well
+knew that either by threats or promises of reward he could overcome
+Julio's resistance; but what could prevent the moon from shining? It was
+clear that no way remained of removing Geronimo's body from the cellar,
+and the officers of the law would infallibly discover where the murder had
+been committed.
+
+It was then true that for him there was no escape from ruin; that a
+mysterious power opposed all his plans; perhaps God himself was
+interposing to prevent him from saving his life.
+
+The supposition made him shudder; nevertheless he tortured his mind to
+discover some plank of safety; a thousand tumultuous thoughts presented
+themselves. Might they not bury the body in a retired spot of the garden,
+plunge it in the basin of the fountain, or conceal it under the stones of
+the grotto? But none of these plans could be accomplished without leaving
+traces which would lead to certain discovery.
+
+Suddenly a happy idea seemed to occur to him, for his face brightened; he
+arose and said:
+
+"Julio, you must leave the country; it is your only means of safety."
+
+"I leave the country!" said Julio; "and you, signor?"
+
+"Would that I could accompany you! but I cannot say as you can: 'Where my
+body is, there is all I have and all I care for.' I must of necessity
+remain here: I have many interests to detain me."
+
+Julio was astonished by the advice.
+
+"Where shall I go? In Italy a price is set upon my head; I dare not be
+seen beyond the mountains. It is too late for me to leave for England;
+there are no vessels ready to sail. What could I do in Germany, ignorant
+of the language of the country and without means of subsistence?"
+
+"Save your life, Julio; go to Germany," said Turchi. "I will give you
+money, plenty of money."
+
+The deep red of the scar on his master's face, his expression of cunning,
+his evident satisfaction, made Julio suspect some deception. He was
+unable at first to imagine his secret design; but a light suddenly broke
+upon his mind, and recoiling with horror and anger, he exclaimed:
+
+"What an odious trap you are setting for me! You intend to accuse me of
+the murder in my absence? And while poor Julio, charged with a double
+crime, finds no resting-spot upon earth, you will enjoy here in entire
+security, in the midst of wealth and honor, the price of the innocent
+blood which you have shed. No, no, I will bring no new anathema on my
+head."
+
+"You are silly, Julio," said Simon Turchi, disdainfully. "Should we be
+arrested to-morrow, and the truth known, would you not be equally punished
+for having treacherously pushed Geronimo into the chair?"
+
+"Yes; but all would know that I neither conceived the crime, nor profited
+by its commission."
+
+"A fine consolation, to contend on the scaffold!" said the signor
+ironically, repressing his impatience. "But I will speak to you plainly
+and without reserve. I will state my conditions; if you refuse them, then
+all is at an end between us. Each of us is at liberty to save himself even
+at the sacrifice of the other. The worst part of the whole is that I might
+feel myself obliged, for my own security, to make known to the authorities
+of Lucca who you are."
+
+The servant regarded his master with an expression of disgust and
+aversion.
+
+"These are my conditions," said Simon. "You will leave immediately for
+Germany, and reach the Rhine as soon as possible. I will give you two
+hundred crowns. Procure a carriage and horse at the very first village,
+and do not stop until you are in a place of safety. To prevent any
+detention on the way, I will give you a letter to Signor Mazzuchelli, a
+banker at Cologne. If on the journey you are asked why you have undertaken
+it, say that you are on urgent business for your master, and if necessity
+require it, show the letter; but once in Cologne, do not present the
+letter to Mazzuchelli. Two hundred crowns! that is a fortune, Julio. With
+that you can live luxuriously for two or three years. And what difference
+will it make whether you know the language of the country or not. Money
+understands and speaks all languages."[26]
+
+"And when the two hundred crowns are spent, what will become of me?" said
+the servant.
+
+"I will not forsake you, Julio," said Turchi. "Whenever you need money,
+inform me of it, and I will send you enough to keep you from want. But you
+must change your name and simply notify me that you need money to continue
+your business. And your new name? It seems to me that 'Marco Castagno'
+would answer. What say you?"
+
+Julio shook his head doubtfully, muttering between his teeth. Although the
+promise of two hundred crowns was seductive, he hesitated to accept his
+master's proposition.
+
+"Why deliberate so long?" said Simon. "I offer you a certain means of
+escaping the gallows, and you hesitate! Moreover, I secure you a life of
+ease, independent, without cares, the free, joyous life of a lord, and yet
+you refuse."
+
+Julio seemed to have come to a decision.
+
+"Will you give me two hundred crowns?" he demanded.
+
+"Two hundred crowns in coin."
+
+"Before my departure?"
+
+"Immediately."
+
+"Give them to me. I am in a hurry to depart."
+
+"I will go for them," said Turchi, leaving the room.
+
+Julio seated himself and rested his head upon his hands. But he had not
+long for reflection; his master returned after a short absence.
+
+Simon Turchi held a purse in his hands. He went to the table and counted
+out four piles of gold pieces.
+
+The sight of so much money made an impression on Julio, and he approached
+the table. Joy sparkled in his eyes, and whilst he contemplated the
+shining pieces, he nodded his head with an air of satisfaction.
+
+"You see," said Simon, "that the sum is correct, and you will not find the
+gold heavy to carry. Now put it in your doublet. Going down stairs I
+reflected upon your good-will, and I considered whether I might not avoid
+accusing you of the murder of Geronimo, and my friendship for you
+suggested a means. Now that I am sure of being able, under any
+circumstances, of exculpating myself, it is not necessary for me to bring
+any accusation against you. Besides, Julio, I dislike to be separated from
+you. If in two or three months I could bring you back without danger, I
+would be delighted."
+
+"I would be well pleased, signor," said Julio, with a sigh.
+
+"In order to secure this chance to ourselves, Julio, you must, before
+leaving, go to the country-house, level, as far as possible, the earth in
+the cellar, throw sand and dust upon the grave, and then fill the cellar
+with fire-wood and empty casks."
+
+"But, signor, that would take time."
+
+"That is of no consequence. At this hour there are too many people passing
+through the city gates. It is better for you to pass the night at the
+pavilion, and to-morrow morning, as soon as the gates are open, you will
+leave. At daybreak you will be certain of meeting no one who would notice
+what direction you had taken. I suggest this for your own sake, Julio, not
+mine; for suppose the officers of the law should search my summer-house,
+those precautions would divert their attentions from the cellar, while
+otherwise they would infallibly discover that the earth had been recently
+dug. Perhaps, through respect for me, the bailiff may exempt my lands from
+search. In either case I will wait until the impression made by the murder
+has worn away. I will say nothing of you, except that you left me in
+consequence of a sharp rebuke, and that I do not know what has become of
+you. As soon as the present excitement subsides and the search is
+abandoned, I promise to recall you. Now will you go to the pavilion and
+accomplish faithfully what I advise?"
+
+"I will."
+
+"Do not forget your new name."
+
+"Marco Castagno? It is easily remembered."
+
+"Yes; Marco Castagno, and you are travelling on business. I had nearly
+forgotten the letter of recommendation. Wait here an instant; do not come
+down-stairs. I will write it at once."
+
+When Julio was left alone he put his hand in his pocket, chinked the gold
+coins, and drew out a handful for the pleasure of contemplating them; but
+he soon returned the money to his doublet, and fell into deep thought.
+
+"If," he muttered, "I could only set off at once! Here I am obliged to
+pass a whole night in that accursed pavilion! The signor thinks that
+Geronimo has been buried for five days, and his corpse is still above
+ground. To fill up the grave is not much. Suppose I let that alone, and
+leave this evening with the money? No, no; I will execute faithfully what
+I promised. My master is so generous to me, I will show him that I am not
+ungrateful."
+
+"Here is the letter of recommendation," said Simon Turchi, entering the
+room. "It is in the name of Marco Castagno. Forget your other names, and
+be prudent, remembering that the least indiscretion might cost our lives.
+Go to the pavilion, Julio. I bid you adieu, with the hope of soon seeing
+you again at Antwerp."
+
+"Shall I not take my clothes, signor, or a traveling cloak?"
+
+"No; the cloak you have on will suffice. Were you seen with any baggage,
+your intention might be suspected. Appear indifferent. You can buy
+whatever you may need."
+
+The servant extended his hand to his master, and going to the door, said:
+
+"Adieu, signor; if you do not refuse to aid me when I am in want, I will
+keep your secret faithfully."
+
+"Do your work in the cellar carefully, Julio. I wish you a pleasant
+journey."
+
+Julio descended the staircase and walked slowly down the street.
+
+His master opened the window and watched him until he was out of sight.
+
+Simon Turchi drew a long breath, as though the weight of a mountain had
+been removed from his heart. A smile lighted up his face, and he said in
+an accent of intense joy:
+
+"He has gone! Now I have nothing to fear. The bailiff may find the body;
+Julio committed the crime; I know nothing of it; I am as innocent as a
+lamb. Ah! I thought I was lost. Now I must arrange my plans as though I
+were certain of the discovery of the body. I feel new strength; hope and
+certainty animate my heart. Mary, Mary, your name, your fortune, your love
+will be mine. My life will yet be crowned with grandeur, wealth, and
+happiness."
+
+And in feverish excitement he closed the window.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+GERONIMO RESURRECTED.
+
+
+The clock in the steeple of Saint George struck seven, and night was
+coming on, when Julio opened the garden-gate of his master's country-seat
+and walked with a light step towards the house.
+
+He kept one hand wrapped in his cloak, as if to conceal some object; the
+other was in his pocket, turning over the gold pieces given him by Simon
+Turchi. Joy sparkled in his eyes, as he said to himself:
+
+"God be praised! I resisted the temptation. They urged me to drink and
+play at the 'Swan,' but my gold coins reminded me that I had a serious
+duty to perform. After work comes the recompense. What I hold in my hand
+will indemnify me for the thirst I have suffered and for the time lost. It
+is the very best Spanish wine--as dear as if it were melted silver, and as
+strong as if it were liquid fire."
+
+On entering a room in the house, he drew two bottles from his doublet and
+one from under his cloak, placed them upon the table, and looked at them
+longingly.
+
+"No, no, not now; presently! Business first. Your bewitching smile cannot
+seduce me. Patience, my friends; an hour hence we will become acquainted.
+To fill up a grave and roll some empty casks into the cellar is a small
+matter. But it is getting so dark that I can no longer distinguish the
+image of the emperor on the gold pieces; I must light the lamp."
+
+Taking a wooden box from the mantelpiece, he drew out a flint and struck
+it. It was some time before the tinder took fire, and Julio laughed at his
+own failures; but at last he succeeded in his efforts, and a large lamp
+made the whole room bright with its rays.
+
+Julio approached the table and said:
+
+"Now at least I can gratify the desire which has irritated my nerves
+during the last hour. To possess two hundred crowns, to be as rich as a
+banker, to feel my pockets weighed down by gold, and still unable to feast
+my eyes on the treasure! Now I am alone; there is no one to ask whence it
+came. The time has arrived. I may enjoy my wealth without anxiety!"
+
+He drew an arm-chair to the table, reclined in it comfortably, with
+extended limbs, and placed the gold coin by handfuls under the light of
+the lamp.
+
+After searching his pocket and doublet and convincing himself that all the
+crowns were spread out before him, he heaped them up and ran his hands
+through them as if to enjoy the sparkle and jingle of the gold. He held
+his breath, for fear of losing the least sound; with eyes wide open he
+contemplated the brilliant treasure.
+
+For a long time Julio remained, with a smile of happiness upon his lips,
+in mute admiration, and, perhaps scarcely aware of what he was doing, he
+ranged the crowns in a line and counted them; then he separated them into
+piles of twenty pieces each; then he tossed them from hand to hand, until,
+wearied of this amusement, he looked at them musingly. At last he
+exclaimed in a joyous outbreak:
+
+"Two hundred crowns! What will I do with them? How will I spend them?
+Shall I drink Malmsey, Muscatel, the very best, such as brings pleasure to
+the heart? But at that rate I shall soon see the end of my money. Shall I
+play for florins and crowns? That would be an excellent means, certainly,
+of either becoming a hundred times richer or of losing every farthing.
+Strange! how fearful and avaricious money makes me! I do not even care to
+play; no, I will not do it. I will dress like a nobleman: in satin,
+velvet, and silk; I will drink and eat of the most exquisite dishes; I
+will Jive in luxury and abundance, as though the world were a terrestrial
+paradise. Ah, what a glorious life!
+
+"But what a cowardly wretch I am! My only anxiety is to know how to spend
+or rather squander this treasure, and at this moment there lives, far from
+me, one who perhaps is stretching out her hand to me to beg an alms! My
+poor mother! she may even need bread. Were she to curse her ungrateful
+son, would he not have deserved it a hundred times? I am afraid of myself!
+With ten crowns, with the twentieth part of what I am going to throw away
+in dissipation, she might be saved from misery for more than a year. Why
+did I not give twenty crowns to my master to send to her? Suppose I return
+to the factory to execute this good thought? Impossible! Signor Turchi
+would be enraged; besides, I have no confidence in him. I will inquire,
+when in Germany, if she still lives, and if she be in want I will send her
+money."
+
+He took up twenty crowns, one by one, from the table, counted them,
+regarded them wistfully, and said, as he dropped them into his pocket:
+
+"Twenty crowns! that is a large sum; but it may make my blind old mother
+happy. I will put her portion by itself."
+
+His eye again rested on the glittering coin. The sight appeared to deject
+him.
+
+"How visibly it has diminished!" he said, sighing. "I believed my treasure
+inexhaustible, and by one thought the twentieth part has disappeared. Will
+it not go as fast in Germany? Will not gambling and drinking deprive me of
+the whole in a few months and leave me in misery? What sombre thoughts! A
+moment ago, and everything wore a smiling aspect; now, my mind is tortured
+by fear and anxiety. But why need I be troubled? When I have spent the two
+hundred crowns, Signor Turchi will send me more. But it is not well to
+rely too much upon that; his head may fall under the axe of the
+executioner. In that case I would be as badly off myself. The discovery
+would drive me from Germany into Netherlands or Italy. Instead of living
+in luxury, I would infallibly fall into the lion's jaw, and the gallows or
+the wheel would be my well-merited fate. But if the murderer of Geronimo
+be not discovered, I can return quietly, and my master would receive me
+kindly for fear I would betray his secret. That depends in a great measure
+upon my care in acquitting myself of the task entrusted to me. I will
+accomplish it loyally and well. The sight of this gold no longer gives me
+pleasure. A full cup of wine first, and then to work bravely!"
+
+He uncorked one of the bottles and half emptied it; then muttering a few
+words as to the strength and energy imparted by the liquor, he took the
+lamp, and fixing his eye on the bottle, said:
+
+"It will take me only a few minutes to throw the body into the grave and
+fill it up; but the rest of the work will require more than an hour. That
+is a long time to be separated from you, is it not? To keep me company, I
+will take the half-empty bottle; that will not hinder me from doing my
+duty properly; on the contrary, it will give me courage and strength. Now
+to work!"
+
+He re-corked the bottle, put it inside of his doublet, took the lamp, and
+slowly descended the staircase.
+
+The passage leading to the cellar in which Julio had thrown Geronimo's
+body was rather long, and he had time to feel the effect of the wine, and
+it so raised his spirits that he commenced jesting about hid past anxiety,
+and on nearing the cellar he sang the first notes of a joyful song.
+
+But the words expired upon his lips, he trembled in every limb, and turned
+ashy pale.
+
+A voice answered him from the cellar.
+
+Immovable from terror, Julio fixed his eyes upon the door, and strove to
+comprehend the words which fell indistinctly upon his ear.
+
+"Heavens!" he exclaimed, "it is Geronimo; he lives!"
+
+Shuddering, he withdrew a short distance down the passage, and was for a
+time as motionless as a statue. At last, with deep emotion, he said:
+
+"What can this mean? The signor said at the first thrust his dagger met
+metal, but that the wound in his neck was deep. Suppose it were merely a
+flesh-wound? What shall I do? Shall I let him live?"
+
+He was painfully undecided.
+
+"Impossible!" he said. "It would be the death-warrant of both my master
+and myself. I must choose between his death and ours. Implacable fatality
+urges me on--in truth, I have no choice. One blow, and all is over! I must
+not hesitate; my knife is sharp."
+
+He drew his dagger from its scabbard, examined the blade, tried it with
+his finger. He shuddered, and a cry of horror escaped him.
+
+"Fatal position!" he exclaimed. "To kill a man in cold blood! an innocent
+man! What harm has poor Geronimo ever done me? Stab him! My heart fails
+me--I cannot perpetrate such a cruelty. And yet, and yet I must! The crime
+horrifies me, but I have no alternative. Only by the sacrifice of his life
+can my master escape the scaffold, and I the gallows. Fate irresistibly
+pursues me; I am the slave of necessity--I must follow whither it leads!"
+
+With staggering step and in a blind frenzy, Julio ran down the passage,
+caught his dagger between his teeth, put the key in the lock, and turned
+the light so that it might fall upon his victim.
+
+He stopped trembling in the middle of the cellar, and pity filled his soul
+as his eye rested on Geronimo. He had indeed drawn his dagger to complete
+the horrible crime; but now, touched and moved by compassion, he
+considered the unfortunate young man, who extended to him his suppliant
+hands and begged for help.
+
+Geronimo was kneeling on the side of the grave which had been dug to
+receive his corpse. His face was partly covered with clotted blood; the
+portion visible was excessively pale, and his cheeks were so sunken that
+those few days of suffering had left only the skin to cover his bones. His
+eyes, rolling wildly, were sunk in their sockets; his neck, weakened by
+the wound, could not support his head, which fell upon his right shoulder.
+His clothes were blood-stained and covered with dirt. It was evident that
+in his struggle against death he had dragged himself around the tomb to
+try, if possible, to escape it.
+
+"Whoever you may be," cried out Geronimo, "for the love of God, one drop
+of water!"
+
+His voice was weak, but capable of moving the hardest heart.
+
+Julio shook his head, without speaking.
+
+"Water! water!" repeated the young man. "I am burning up, consumed by
+thirst. Water! water! one drop of water! Save me from a frightful death!"
+
+Moved by pity and forgetting, as it were, his own situation, Julio thrust
+his hand under his doublet, drew out the bottle, uncorked it, and without
+speaking gave it to the wounded gentleman. He uttered a cry of joy, seized
+the bottle with feverish energy, and kissed with transport the hand which
+presented him the saving beverage.
+
+Julio, with palpitating heart, watched the unfortunate Geronimo, as with
+trembling joy he placed the bottle to his lips, as if the contents were
+imparting to him a new life.
+
+And indeed, after having quaffed a deep draught, Geronimo appeared to have
+new strength; for a sweet smile appeared upon his face, his eyes sparkled
+with gratitude, and lifting his hands to Julio, he said:
+
+"May God bless you! you have saved me from a frightful death. May Heaven
+hear my prayer and reward you on the day of judgment for all the good I
+may have done in my life. The light blinded me; I could not see. Are you
+not Julio?"
+
+This recognition struck Geronimo with terror, and in a feeble and
+discouraged voice he said:
+
+"Julio, Julio, you pushed me into the chair!"
+
+Then seeing the dagger in Julio's hands, he shuddered.
+
+"A dagger in your hand! Ah! you come to kill me?"
+
+"Yes, signor," replied Julio, sadly, "I come to take your life; but do not
+suppose I fulfil this fatal mission without emotion; on the contrary, my
+heart bleeds for you, and I feel an indescribable repugnance to deal the
+fatal blow."
+
+"Ah! you are not merciless; you will have pity on me," said Geronimo.
+
+"Impossible!" replied Julio. "Fatality governs us both; it has irrevocably
+condemned you to death, and me to inhumanity. All prayer, all supplication
+is useless; nothing can save your life. I beg you, signor, not to increase
+the difficulties of my task; accept with resignation a fate you cannot
+escape."
+
+A sharp cry escaped Geronimo, as these unfeeling words convinced him that
+all hope was lost.
+
+"My God!" he exclaimed, "is it then true that this dungeon is to become my
+tomb? Must I die without confession? Shall my body lie in unconsecrated
+ground? Oh, mercy! mercy!"
+
+"Necessity is a merciless law, signor," replied Julio, "and I have more
+cause than you to complain of its harshness. You, at least, will receive
+in heaven the recompense of your innocent life, while I must commit here a
+crime from which I recoil with horror, but which is forced upon me by an
+irresistible power, and for which my poor soul will stand accused before
+the judgment-seat of God. But do not cherish a deceitful hope; there is no
+hope for you. Before I depart from here, that grave must receive your
+body. That I did not immediately on entering fulfil my sad mission is
+partly owing to the fact that an uncontrollable compassion paralyzed my
+arm, but still more, to my desire to afford you time to say some prayers.
+Therefore prepare your soul for its last passage. I will wait patiently
+even for a quarter of an hour. Pray with a tranquil mind--I will not
+strike without giving notice."
+
+Saying these words, Julio put down the lamp replaced his dagger in its
+scabbard, and seated himself on a block of wood which was in a corner of
+the cellar.
+
+Geronimo, overwhelmed by Julio's insensibility, bowed his head upon his
+breast. For some time he neither spoke nor moved, seeming to accept his
+fate with complete resignation. But the terror of death again possessed
+him.
+
+"Impossible!" he exclaimed. "You will not kill me, Julio? I conjure you,
+by your soul's salvation, not to imbrue your hands in my blood!"
+
+And the unfortunate young man endeavored to drag his feeble body to
+Julio's feet; but the latter drew his dagger in a threatening manner.
+
+Geronimo uttered a cry of despair, crawled back to the side of the grave,
+and fell exhausted on the ground, where he bewept his sad fate.
+
+His stifled sobs were so heart-breaking that Julio's soul was stirred
+within him, and without being conscious of it, he wiped away the tears
+which fell from his eyes.
+
+In a voice full of compassion he said:
+
+"Come, signor, be calm, and submit with resignation to the irrevocable
+decree of fate. When one has lived like you in the fear of God, honorably
+and loyally, death is but the passage to a better life."
+
+A cry of indignation mingled with the convulsive sobs of the young
+gentleman.
+
+"I understand you," said Julio; "you think that my pity is a cruel irony;
+you believe me to be inhuman. Even in the tomb you might justly call down
+maledictions on the head of the murderer who of his own will and choice
+would deprive you of life. But, alas! signor, I have neither will nor
+choice in the matter. To-morrow the officers of justice will search this
+house and cellar."
+
+"To-morrow!" exclaimed Geronimo, a new hope-springing up in his heart.
+
+"If I let you live, they would infallibly find you here," pursued Julio.
+"This hope inspires you with joy; vain hope! signor, for should it be
+realized, my master would perish on the scaffold, and I would expiate my
+crime on the gallows!"
+
+"Julio," said Geronimo, beseechingly, "I will remove all suspicion from
+you; I will declare you innocent; I will reward you magnificently."
+
+"It would be useless, signor. The law knows no mercy. My master would
+betray the part I had in the deed; and do you think the judges would
+pardon me for having pushed you into the chair?"
+
+"Save me, spare my life, Julio; and if necessary for your acquittal, I
+will kneel to the bailiff, I will appeal to the emperor himself."
+
+"There is another reason, unknown to you, signor," replied Julio,
+bitterly. "I am a fugitive, condemned to death by the laws of Italy. My
+master alone knows my real name. The least infidelity on my part would
+make him deliver me into the hands of those who for five years have been
+seeking me. Think you, then, that it is in my power to spare you? It is my
+own and my master's death you demand. And what a death! For him, the axe
+of the executioner and eternal infamy to his family; for me, the rack, the
+wheel, the gallows. Do not blame me then, signor; do not contend against
+implacable fate; employ your last moments in prayer, or tell me that you
+are ready to receive the mortal blow. Nothing can save you; that open tomb
+tells you a sad but pitiless truth. Again I beg you, signor, lift up your
+heart to God, and do not force me to make use of sudden violence."
+
+"Die so young and guiltless!" lamented Geronimo. "Never again to see the
+light of heaven! O Mary, my beloved! how you will deplore my fate! My poor
+uncle! sorrow will bring your gray hairs to the grave!"
+
+The accents of despair made Julio shudder; but he said, in a cold manner:
+
+"Are you ready, signor?"
+
+"A moment more, one moment for prayer!" said Geronimo.
+
+He joined his hands and uttered a fervent prayer; but although he
+apparently accepted his fate with resignation, it was equally evident that
+his soul struggled against the death which was hanging over him.
+
+By degrees, however, prayer brought resignation and consolation to
+Geronimo, for the nervous trembling of his limbs ceased and his voice
+became more distinct and calm.
+
+Julio fixed his eyes on Geronimo, and his heart was touched when he
+thought he heard him ask pardon of God for his enemies; but when the lips
+of the young man pronounced his own name in ardent supplication, and he
+distinctly heard his unfortunate victim praying for the soul of his
+murderer, Julio dropped his knife, and said, with a deep sigh:
+
+"My courage has forsaken me! I have not the strength to accomplish this
+cruel act."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Geronimo, as Julio pronounced these words, "it is a voice
+from heaven speaking to your heart. Hearken to it. Have pity on me! spare
+my life!"
+
+Julio was too absorbed in his own thoughts to heed Geronimo. In accents of
+despair he muttered:
+
+"Frightful situation! Beside the very grave I have dug for him, he prays
+for my soul! And can I shed his blood? But there is no help for it. I
+must--I must!"
+
+The young gentleman remarked the struggle in Julio's soul, and he mustered
+up all his strength to approach him; but Julio, seeing Geronimo's design,
+picked up his knife, took the lamp, and left the cellar, saying:
+
+"It is useless, signor. Fate is more powerful than we are; and struggle as
+we may against its inevitable decrees, they must be accomplished! The
+sight of your sorrow has deprived me of all courage. I go to regain
+strength. I will soon return. Be prepared, for this time I will act
+without delay!"
+
+He closed the door and walked slowly down the passage. Having reached his
+room, he stamped with anger, uttered desperate words, struck his forehead
+with his fist, vented his impatience, because he could see no solution of
+his difficulties. He paced the room like a madman, fought the air,
+stopped, resumed his walk,--until exhausted he threw himself into a chair.
+Sorrow, anguish, and rage, by turns were depicted on his countenance. He
+lamented the necessity of the murder, and complained in bitter terms of
+his sad fate. But in vain he tortured his brain--not a ray of light came
+to illumine his darkness. The pitiless "I must do it!" was the invariable
+refrain.
+
+By chance his eye fell upon the two bottles which he had placed upon the
+table, and as if the sight had inspired him with a sudden resolution, he
+seized one of the bottles, uncorked it, and putting it to his lips, drank
+a long draught, stopped a moment for breath, then emptied the bottle.
+
+He remained some time immovable as if to test the influence of the wine on
+his mind, swallowed half of the second bottle, drew his dagger, took the
+lamp, and descended the stairs, saying:
+
+"Now my courage will not fail me! No more words: a single blow and all
+will be over! I must strike him in the back; he wears a cuirass on his
+breast."
+
+Opening the door of the cellar, he placed the lamp on the ground without
+speaking, and raising his dagger, he walked directly towards Geronimo, who
+lifted his hands imploringly.
+
+Within a few steps of his victim, Julio, with an exclamation of surprise,
+stopped suddenly as if immovable. His eye fell upon an object which
+Geronimo held in his hand and extended to him, as though it had power to
+turn aside the mortal blow.
+
+It was a flat copper medal, in the centre of which was a cross and other
+emblems, and attached to it was a bright steel chain.
+
+Julio, forgetful of what he was about to do, sprang forward, seized the
+strange medal, examined it closely, and said, in astonishment:
+
+"This amulet in your hands, signor! What does it mean? How came you by
+it?"
+
+Geronimo, whose every thought was fixed upon death, was too much startled
+by the sudden transition to reply immediately.
+
+"Speak, tell me whence comes this amulet? Who gave it to you?"
+
+"From Africa--from a blind woman," answered Geronimo, almost
+unintelligibly.
+
+"In Africa? And the woman's name?" said Julio, beside himself with
+impatience.
+
+"Mostajo. Teresa Mostajo!"
+
+"Teresa Mostajo! You are then the liberator of my poor blind mother!"
+
+"Then you will spare my life! God of mercy, I thank thee, there is still
+hope!"
+
+But Julio heeded not the words of the young man.
+
+"This amulet," he said, "recalls my native village. I see again my father,
+mother, friends. I see myself as I was before dissipation led me to sin
+and vice. This amulet, brought by my grandfather from Jerusalem, protected
+my father against many dangers, saved my mother's life; and you, signor,
+you owe to the same amulet escape from a violent death, for it turned
+aside my master's dagger from your breast. Strange and mysterious power
+which thus shields the victim from his executioner!"
+
+"Julio," said Geronimo, "keep me not in suspense. Say that you will not
+take my life. Be merciful to the man whose name is blessed by the lips of
+your mother!"
+
+"Fear not, signor; rather than shed one drop of your blood, I would pay
+the penalty of my guilty life on the gallows. But I must reflect upon our
+peculiar situation, for my mind is not clear; perhaps I may discover a
+means of escape. Do not disturb me, I beg you."
+
+He withdrew to the corner of the cellar where he had been previously
+seated, and remained motionless for some time, without giving any sign of
+the agitation of his mind.
+
+Geronimo regarded him at first with a look of joyful anticipation; by
+degrees, however, his face wore an expression of sadness and surprise; it
+seemed to him that Julio had fallen asleep. He was mistaken, however, for
+Julio arose after a while, and said:
+
+"Now I see my way clearly. I will save you, signor; but in doing that, I
+might as well avoid securing a halter for myself. You must have patience
+until to-morrow. It is now about nine o'clock in the evening, and the
+time, I know, will be very long to you. But you must submit to a condition
+which is necessary for the preservation of my own life. To-morrow, at
+daybreak, I shall quit the city and country. Before leaving, I will set
+you at liberty. Do not attempt to shake my resolution; let me go now,
+signor, and expect with confidence your deliverance."
+
+Geronimo joined his hands, and said, feebly:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, and may the good God show you the mercy you have shown to
+me! I have yet a favor to implore, a benefit to ask."
+
+"Speak, signor, what do you wish?"
+
+"It is long since I awoke from my death-like stupor. I know not how long,
+and I am tormented by hunger and thirst; you have kept life in me by the
+wine so kindly bestowed, but now my body demands nourishment. Give me
+bread."
+
+"Bread!" said Julio, "there is not a mouthful of food in the house."
+
+But seeing Geronimo's eyes fixed in supplication upon him, he added:
+
+"It is not late; perhaps I may find some shop still open. I will return
+presently; remain quiet, and have no anxiety, signor."
+
+He took the lamp, left the cellar, closing the door after him, and
+ascended to his room. There folding his arms, he began to muse:
+
+"How strange! the young merchant who, at the risk of his own life,
+defended my mother from her Moslem master, who paid her ransom, and
+liberated her from slavery--that merchant was Geronimo! By some mysterious
+influence the amulet protected his heart from the blade of his vindictive
+enemy; and when I am about to shed his blood, behold, the amulet paralyzes
+my arm. It is incomprehensible!"
+
+The current of his thoughts changed. Seizing the half empty bottle, he
+drank its contents.
+
+"Strange," said he, "how the bad effects of liquor are controlled by the
+emotions! I have taken enough to deprive me of consciousness, and I feel
+my mind as clear as though I had not touched a drop. This last draught,
+however, has mounted to my brain. So it is decreed that my master, Simon
+Turchi, must die upon the scaffold? It is disagreeable for both of us, but
+I could not help it. I shall not know what to do when the two hundred
+crowns are spent; necessity will force me to seek other resources, even at
+the risk of the gallows, and in all probability the fatal noose will
+encircle my neck. Bah! if it is predestined, who can prevent it? My master
+and I will receive only what we deserve. But I am forgetting the starving
+young gentleman; I must go out to procure him some food. It will be a fine
+opportunity to drink a pint of wine at the _Swan_; that cannot be closed
+yet, for gamblers do not keep early hours. Only one pint in passing! not
+more, for if my reason became clouded, I cannot answer for the
+consequences; but there is no need to fear that, for my life is at stake.
+I will return in half an hour."
+
+He extinguished the lamp, and hastily traversed the garden.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+SIMON TURCHI'S ALARM--CRIME BEGETS CRIME.
+
+
+Some time after the hour of Change, Simon Turchi had returned home, and
+was apparently preparing to go out again, for he had changed his doublet
+for one of a darker color, and his cloak lay on a chair beside him.
+
+The signor was in high spirits; he carried his head proudly, a radiant
+smile illumined his countenance, and from time to time he rubbed his hands
+with an air of triumph. Julio had left for Germany! Nothing could have
+prevented his departure, for he had not been seen in the city. Simon
+Turchi has therefore no cause for fear, for if, contrary to expectation,
+his garden be searched and the corpse of Geronimo be discovered, the
+murder could easily be fastened upon Julio.
+
+Already, by vague remarks to his servants and acquaintances, Turchi had
+prepared the way for making the accusation in case of necessity. He had
+exhibited great anxiety at Julio's absence the night before and during
+that day. He said that he had sharply reproved his servant for his
+dissipated habits and his neglect of duty. Julio had left him in evident
+anger.
+
+The servants, who could not comprehend their master's anxiety, thought
+that he might be in some tavern, drowning his feelings with drink and
+awaiting the night to return home. To this Turchi answered that he had
+remarked for some time Julio's strange manner, that he seemed so
+absent-minded, was often heard to sigh and weep--in a word, something
+weighty appeared pressing on his conscience.
+
+Early in the morning he sent Bernardo to the pavilion to see if Julio were
+there. Bernardo reported that there was no evidence of his having been
+there, except two empty bottles upon a table. Simon pretended that he had
+the bottles placed in the room, and Bernardo thought no more of the
+affair.
+
+Simon Turchi would have satisfied himself by personal examination if Julio
+had thoroughly performed his work before his departure, but he feared to
+excite attention by his appearance in that direction; or, perhaps, he
+might even be obliged to assist at the search of his garden, should the
+bailiff refuse to exempt it. He determined to go to the cellar at
+nightfall, when the search must be interrupted, to examine the
+arrangements made by Julio. When therefore twilight was commencing to
+replace the glare of day, and Simon was certain of not meeting the
+officers of the law, he threw his cloak around his shoulders, turned with
+a light step and joyous heart the corner of the street, and took the
+direction to the square of Meir.
+
+He had gone but a short distance, when he met Messire John Van
+Schoonhoven.
+
+A smile lighted up Turchi's countenance. He was delighted to be
+accidentally brought into the bailiff's company, as he would thus learn
+the result of the researches already made.
+
+After a polite salutation, Messire Van Schoonhoven said:
+
+"I am happy to meet you. I was on my way to your house."
+
+"To my house?" said Turchi. "Have you news of my friend?"
+
+"No, signor; I wish to see you concerning an affair which, although not
+serious, necessitates a conversation with you. I would have spoken to you
+on this subject this evening when at Mr. Van de Werve's, but the place was
+inappropriate to such discussions."
+
+"Return then with me," stammered Turchi, with ill-disguised anxiety.
+
+"Where were you going, signor?" said the bailiff.
+
+"I was going to take a walk along the Scheldt, in order to seek some
+diversion to the grief I feel for the disappearance of the unfortunate
+Geronimo."
+
+"What I have to say, signor, need not interfere with your walk. I will
+accompany you a part of the way and enjoy with you the evening breeze."
+
+The bailiff turned and walked by Turchi's side.
+
+Looking around, to assure himself that they were not overheard, Messire
+Van Schoonhoven said:
+
+"The affair in question would not require so many precautions were I not
+bailiff and you my friend. But in consequence of these two reasons, my
+mission becomes painful, and I must claim in advance your forbearance. You
+know that my agents are searching every house, building, and garden in the
+vicinity of the Hospital Grounds where Geronimo was last seen. The
+greatest part of this quarter has been carefully examined without any
+result."
+
+Simon Turchi perfectly understood the bailiff's design, and although his
+heart beat painfully, he mastered his emotion, and said in an indifferent
+tone:
+
+"And you think, Messire Van Schoonhoven, that my garden should be searched
+in like manner? It is very natural. No one is above the law--the knight
+and the peasant are there equal."
+
+"Believe me, signor, that the thought of so disrespectful a conduct
+towards an honorable nobleman, and that nobleman my friend for years,
+would never have occurred to me. But the search became a necessity without
+any fault of mine. The presence of at least twenty of my agents in that
+quarter attracted the curious. A crowd followed those engaged in the
+search, and when it was noticed that your summer-house was the only one
+exempted, the magistrates were openly accused of injustice. The people
+were told that this was done by my order; but so great was the commotion
+that the affair reached the ears of the burgomaster and the constables,
+and these gentlemen waited on me, urging me to visit your garden likewise,
+so as to remove all cause of complaint."
+
+"This explanation is wholly unnecessary, at least as far as regards
+myself," interrupted Simon Turchi. "I desire you to search my
+country-house as you do all the other dwellings in the vicinity."
+
+They were not far from the bridge of Meir, and they ceased speaking, as in
+so frequented a place they were in danger of being overheard. Farther on,
+Turchi said:
+
+"I acknowledge, however, that I am hurt and irritated by the disrespect
+and audacity of the populace. One might be tempted to suppose that they
+considered me capable of killing my best friend! My blood boils at the
+idea of such a suspicion!"
+
+Simon gladly availed himself of the opportunity thus offered of
+attributing to a just indignation the cruel anxiety which tortured him. He
+had anticipated the announcement just made him by the bailiff, and in
+consequence had taken suitable measures to screen himself in case of
+discovery; but now a terrible doubt as to the result of the search, and as
+to the confidence which might be reposed in his statements, arose in his
+mind. The least unforeseen accident, the slightest oversight in his
+arrangement, might be his ruin.
+
+"It is scandalous!" he exclaimed, shaking his fist. "To express publicly
+the opinion that a nobleman could so far degrade himself as to become a
+secret assassin! I will know who my insolent calumniators are, and I will
+then see if justice has power at Antwerp to protect an innocent stranger
+against the defamation of the people!"
+
+"Calm yourself, signor," said Messire Van Schoonhoven; "I comprehend your
+well-founded indignation; but you are mistaken if you think the
+perquisition ordered by the burgomaster and constables be, in your regard,
+aught but a condescension to the clamors of the multitude. As for myself,
+I beg you not to be displeased with me for accomplishing my duty."
+
+"You need offer no excuse, messire," said Simon, speaking more calmly. "It
+is but proper and natural to search my garden. I am irritated solely by
+the insolence of the people. Do your duty, and continue to honor me with a
+friendship of which I am proud, and of which I will always strive to be
+worthy."
+
+"When will it be convenient to you, Signor Turchi, to have the officers
+visit your house?" asked the bailiff.
+
+"The time is perfectly indifferent to me."
+
+"But appoint an hour; I would regret causing you any inconvenience or
+trouble."
+
+Simon Turchi reflected a moment, and said:
+
+"To-morrow morning urgent affairs demand my attention; come then about
+noon."
+
+"Suppose we say two o'clock?"
+
+"Very well; between two and three."
+
+"I will call for you to accompany me, signor. Do not be disturbed by this
+domiciliary visit; it implies no suspicion, but, as I said before, it is a
+simple condescension to the populace. Shall I have the honor of meeting
+you this evening at the house of Mr. Van de Werve?"
+
+"I do not know, messire. Mary's excessive grief affects me so much that it
+haunts me day and night. Would that I could offer the least consolation to
+the afflicted young girl! But of what use is it to mingle my tears with
+hers, when there is no ray of hope to illumine the darkness of her
+despair?"
+
+Messire Van Schoonhoven pressed Simon's hand.
+
+"Your sincere friendship for Geronimo does you honor, signor," he said.
+"Were he your own brother, you could not be more deeply grieved. And how
+great is your generosity! Geronimo was your friend, but he was at the same
+time an obstacle to the accomplishment of the dearest wish of your heart.
+Through affection for him you have sacrificed your fondest hopes of
+happiness. But the inexplicable disappearance of Geronimo spreads out
+before you a brighter future. Time will alleviate the bitterness of Mary's
+sorrow, and who so well as yourself, signor, could restore her to
+happiness--you who possess her father's confidence and esteem?"
+
+"Speak not of such things," said Simon. "I would gladly yield all the
+happiness the future might have in store for me to see my friend once more
+unharmed. But alas! alas!"
+
+"That does not prevent me, signor, from cherishing the hope that, if
+Geronimo is really dead, you may one day receive the reward of your
+sincere friendship and your magnanimous generosity. To-morrow at two
+o'clock! May God be with you, signor!"
+
+"And may He protect you, messire!"
+
+Simon Turchi watched him until he was lost to sight, and then glanced
+around in order to note the degree of darkness. He drew his cloak closely
+around him, and walked rapidly down a side street, which soon brought him
+before the gate of his own garden. Unlocking the door, he traversed the
+walk rendered almost invisible by the darkness.
+
+Beaching the house, he lighted a lamp and ascended the stairs to a room,
+which, in better times, he was accustomed to use as a bed-room, when
+occasionally he passed the night at the pavilion.
+
+Casting his cloak upon a chair, he seated himself near a table, evidently
+a prey to distracting thoughts. He drew a phial from his doublet, and
+fixed his eyes upon it. By degrees, however, the clouds seemed to pass
+from his mind. He replaced the phial in his doublet, and said, calmly:
+
+"Why am I so terrified? Did I not expect the search? Have not my
+precautions been well taken? What have I to fear? Julio is already at
+such a distance that he cannot be overtaken. If the corpse be found in the
+cellar, I will impute the crime to Julio. My explanation will be such that
+there will be no room for suspicion. But suppose it should be known! O
+torturing doubt! What a desperate game! Wealth, honor, power, and the hand
+of Mary Van de Werve, against my life and the honor of my family! Triumph
+and happiness on the one hand; disgrace and death on the scaffold on the
+other! Suppose I go to the bailiff, and accuse Julio of the murder? That
+would put me above suspicion. But no; the search will be superficial, mere
+matter of form for the sake of appearances. If Julio as arranged things
+properly, they will merely cast a glance into the cellar. My presence will
+be a restraint upon the officers, and will prevent them from pushing their
+search so far as to imply a suspicion. If they do not find the body, as is
+probable, the affair will forever remain secret, and I will have in future
+no cause for alarm. I must take courage and descend into the cellar, to
+see how Julio performed the task assigned him before his departure."
+
+He approached a large wardrobe, took from it a bottle, poured out a large
+glass of wine and drank it. Lighted by the lamp, he descended the
+staircase and approached the cellar; but before proceeding through the
+subterranean passage, he hesitated and stepped back:
+
+"Singular!" he said; "I am overpowered by fear! I recoil in terror before
+that dark cave, as though the dead could arise from the grave to take
+revenge. What! I had the courage to stab him while living, and yet I
+tremble upon approaching the spot where lie his inanimate remains! Away
+with this childish terror!"
+
+However bold his words, the Signor Turchi did not become calm, and his
+heart beat violently as he again slowly approached the entrance to the
+cellar. He hesitated an instant, as he looked down the long, dark passage,
+but was about to proceed, when a noise outside the building made him shake
+with fear.
+
+"What can it be? Am I not mistaken? Some one unlocks the garden-gate! Will
+I be found here? Am I betrayed?"
+
+After a moment of torturing doubt he fled from the cellar to his room, his
+hair bristling with terror.
+
+"They open the door of the house! They are within! They come! Great
+heavens! What can it mean?"
+
+A man appeared on the threshold of the room in which Simon Turchi had
+taken refuge.
+
+"Julio! it is Julio!" exclaimed Simon, in despair.
+
+The servant reeled under the influence of liquor. His cheeks were flushed,
+his eyes wandering, and while the smile upon his lips indicated a
+disagreeable surprise at the presence of his master, it also said plainly
+that he feared not Simon's anger. He held in his hand a small wheaten
+loaf, but he hid it hastily under his doublet as if unwilling for Turchi
+to see it.
+
+Casting upon him a look of fury, Simon Turchi sprang to his feet, clenched
+his fist, and exclaimed in a rage:
+
+"This is too much! Infamous traitor! cowardly rascal! whence do you come?
+Does hell itself bring you here for the destruction of both of us? Speak,
+base drunkard, and tell me why you are here! Quick, or I will stretch you
+dead at my feet. I thirst for your blood."
+
+Julio drew his knife from the scabbard and stammered, in a voice
+indistinct from intoxication:
+
+"Wait awhile, signor. Wine, good wine has dulled my senses. You want to
+kill me? It would be very fortunate for one of us to die here--the
+executioner would have less work. But which of us must first render our
+account before the supreme tribunal, my knife and your dagger will decide.
+I am ready."
+
+"Insolent wretch!" cried Turchi, grinding his teeth, "my own safety and
+yours compel me to a painful circumspection; but beware how you brave me!
+Tell me why you are not on your way to Germany."
+
+"You ask me something that I don't know myself. But let me see. Just as I
+was about to leave I went to the _Swan_, and drank a few pints of wine.
+This morning, when I awoke, I was seated before a table at the _Silver
+Dice_. How I came there, I cannot tell. It was then too late for me to
+pass the gate. I determined to wait until to-morrow, and I came here to
+take a night's rest before setting out on the journey."
+
+"And you played at dice?" said Turchi.
+
+"I think I did; for the rattling of the dice still sounds in my ears."
+
+"And the money? the two hundred crowns?"
+
+"Be quiet, signor, on that point. I ask you for nothing. What business is
+it of yours that I have spent or lost a few pieces of gold, provided I
+leave for Germany to-morrow at daybreak?"
+
+Simon Turchi was like one frenzied.
+
+"Yes," he exclaimed, "and at the first tavern you meet on the way you will
+drown your senses with drink, and you will squander my money."
+
+"Not so, signor; rely upon me--I will leave to-morrow morning at daybreak,
+and if I drink on the way it will only be to quench a burning thirst."
+
+Simon Turchi's eye shone with a sudden and mysterious light, excited by
+some secret thought. He became calm, and shrugging his shoulders, said
+quietly, as though he submitted with resignation to the contradictions
+which he could not avoid:
+
+"I ought, Julio, to punish your want of fidelity. If the bailiff had come
+here to-day, as I expected, your culpable neglect of duty would have
+placed us both in the hands of justice. Fortunately the visit will not be
+made before noon to-morrow. As your negligence has had no evil
+consequences, I fully pardon you, upon condition that you leave the city
+before sunrise, and that you travel without stopping until you reach the
+Rhine."
+
+"Never fear this time, signor," replied Julio. "I will pass the night
+here, and at early dawn I will be beyond the city gate. In the first
+village I will buy a horse, and I will make such speed that he who would
+catch me must needs have wings."
+
+He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, and said:
+
+"I am overpowered by fatigue and sleep. If you have no other directions to
+give, permit me, signor, to go to bed, that I may be ready for the
+morning."
+
+"Then I may rely upon you, Julio?"
+
+"Have no anxiety about my journey; the rising sun will not find me at
+Antwerp."
+
+"Are you certain?"
+
+"As certain as I am that a halter hangs over my head, and over yours
+something quite as disagreeable."
+
+This jest of his servant made Turchi convulsively contract his lips, but
+he restrained any expression of feeling, and arose, saying:
+
+"Julio, would you like a glass of good Malmsey?"
+
+"Ah, signor," replied the servant, "I was just thinking that a cup of
+Malmsey would relieve my parched throat, when, lo! my desire finds an echo
+in your heart."
+
+"One single glass--a parting bumper."
+
+"One or many, signor, as you wish--either will be welcome; but the
+excellent wine locked in the cupboard of your room will be particularly
+acceptable."
+
+"Well, Julio, come with me, and we will drink to the happy termination of
+your journey."
+
+He arose, traversed a passage, and ascended to the upper story. The
+servant followed him staggering, and trying to steady himself by the wall.
+
+Having reached his bed-room, Turchi drew a second chair to the table, and
+said:
+
+"Sit down, Julio; here is a bottle already opened. If I did not fear its
+effects, we would empty it in honor of your departure."
+
+Julio sat down, and held the bottle before the lamp.
+
+"Bah!" he exclaimed, "it only contains about four glasses. You need not
+trouble yourself about that quantity."
+
+Signor Turchi took two large glasses from the cupboard, placed them on the
+table, and filled their to the brim.
+
+"A pleasant journey to you, Julio," he said, "and may you arrive safely at
+your destination."
+
+They both emptied their glasses at one draught, but the servant pushed his
+glass to his master, saying:
+
+"Oh, the divine liquor! it is a cooling balm to my burning throat. One
+more glass, signor, I beg you."
+
+Simon filled the glasses again, and said:
+
+"Yes, but on condition that you wait awhile before drinking it."
+
+Hoping that his obedience might procure him a third glass, Julio resisted
+the temptation to gratify himself at once.
+
+In the meantime, Turchi contemplated his servant with a peculiar
+expression. There was a malicious sparkle in his eye, and a smile of
+triumph on his lips. He evidently had some purpose in thus watching Julio;
+but what could be his secret design?
+
+At last he pretended that he was about to take the wine, but by a quick
+movement he upset it.
+
+With an exclamation of impatience he raised the glass, and said:
+
+"It is a sin to spill such wine. Now I have no more in which to drink your
+health. Get another bottle, Julio, from the cupboard; it is perhaps the
+last time that we shall drink together. On the third shelf, the bottle
+with the long neck."
+
+Julio arose with difficulty from his chair, and staggered to the cupboard.
+
+Simon Turchi thrust his hand in his doublet, and drew out a very small
+phial. He hastily poured nearly the whole contents into Julio's glass, and
+immediately concealed the phial; and although he trembled in every limb,
+he said, calmly:
+
+"A little higher, Julio--to the left; that is the right bottle."
+
+The servant brought the bottle to his master, who uncorked it; but as he
+was about to pour out the wine, he said:
+
+"Empty your glass, Julio; this is a different wine, and the mixture would
+spoil both."
+
+Julio drank the wine, but no sooner had he swallowed it than he exclaimed:
+
+"What was in my glass? It had a strange, bitter taste. Did you put poison
+in it?"
+
+"What a silly idea!" said Turchi, turning pale.
+
+"You are capable of such a deed, signor."
+
+"The lees gave the bad taste, Julio. Take another glass, and it will pass
+away."
+
+Emptying his glass again, Julio said:
+
+"You are right; it is gone. I never tasted anything in my life more
+disagreeable."
+
+Turchi watched his servant narrowly. With assumed carelessness he said:
+
+"Take care, Julio, to be up by daybreak. Go on foot to the village of
+Lierre; buy a good horse there, and make all possible haste to reach
+Diest; that is the shortest route, and you will be more likely to escape
+notice than on the highway. Once in Cologne, you are out of danger; but be
+careful not to remain there. Merchants from Antwerp frequently visit that
+city; you might possibly be recognized and arrested. You must leave the
+territories of the emperor. When the affair is forgotten, and when by my
+marriage with Miss Van de Werve I will have acquired a considerable
+fortune, I will send for you, and you will live with me as a friend rather
+than a servant. You shall spend your days in pleasure, and you will never
+have cause to regret what you have done for me. But, Julio, you do not
+answer? Is not such a fate desirable?"
+
+"I am overpowered by sleep," stammered Julio, almost unintelligibly.
+
+A triumphant smile flitted across Turchi's face.
+
+"To-morrow at two o'clock," he continued, "the officers of justice will
+make a domiciliary visit here, but the bailiff will permit no search which
+intimates a suspicion. Since you have filled the cellar with fire-wood and
+empty casks, the bailiff will be satisfied that all is right. Perhaps,
+Julio, I may be able to recall you in two or three months."
+
+Julio's head had fallen upon the table, but from time to time he started
+and muttered some indistinct words, showing that he was not in a deep
+sleep. Without once removing his eye from him, Simon continued to speak,
+although he was convinced that Julio no longer heard his words.
+
+Suddenly Julio groaned. His head and limbs fell as though he had been
+struck by death; but the heaving of the chest and the deep scarlet of the
+cheeks proved that he was in a heavy sleep.
+
+Simon quietly contemplated him for a while longer with a smile of
+satisfaction. Then he arose, approached his servant, shook him violently,
+and cried out:
+
+"Julio, Julio, wake up!"
+
+Julio did not stir.
+
+"It succeeds according to my wishes," he said. "The poison is doing its
+work. He is deaf and insensible; he reposes in an eternal sleep. Life will
+be extinguished by degrees until sleep makes way for death. But I must not
+tarry. I must act quickly and forget nothing. And first the money!"
+
+He searched Julio's pocket, and found in it one hundred and twenty crowns.
+After counting them on the table, he exclaimed:
+
+"Eighty crowns spent already! It is impossible. He has either lost them at
+the gaming-table, or been robbed while he was sleeping in the tavern."
+
+Still doubtful, he examined his garments, and found in a purse under his
+girdle the twenty crowns which he had destined for his mother.
+
+"Ah, ah!" said Simon, laughing; "I had not all; I hear the sound of gold."
+
+He put the twenty crowns with the rest of the money, and having satisfied
+himself that no more remained on the person of Julio, he was about to
+transfer the crowns to his pocket, when a sudden idea occurred to his
+mind.
+
+"If I leave all this money on his person, they might think he had been
+paid to commit the deed; if I leave nothing, there will be no reason to
+conclude that he killed the Signor Geronimo to rob him. I wonder how much
+money Geronimo generally carried about him. I should suppose five or six
+crowns, or perhaps ten. I will leave six crowns and all the small change.
+And the keys? He must keep them, or, of course, he could not have entered
+without my knowledge. But should he be roused to consciousness by the
+death-agony, he might have sufficient strength to get out. I will leave
+him all the keys but that of the outer building. Iron bars render the
+place secure; he could not even enter the garden. Now I will put the phial
+in his doublet--no, in the pocket of his girdle; it will be as easily
+found. I will remove the bottles and everything which could indicate the
+presence of two persons."
+
+He locked up the bottles and glasses, arranged the chairs, and wiped up
+the wine which had been spilled on the table and the floor.
+
+While thus engaged, he muttered to himself:
+
+"I must not remain longer. I myself must go to the bailiff and accuse
+Julio of the murder. Shall I go this evening? No; they might come and find
+him alive, and a powerful antidote might perhaps rouse him from sleep.
+To-morrow, then--to-morrow morning. But how shall I explain the affair?
+When and how did he reveal his crime? Night will suggest a means. All is
+done. I will go home and appear calm and cheerful."
+
+He threw his cloak around his shoulders, took the lamp from the table, and
+walked to the door. There he stopped for a moment to contemplate his
+victim and precipitately descended the staircase. At the foot of the steps
+he extinguished the light, traversed the garden, opened the gate, and
+disappeared in the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FOOD AT LAST--DEATH OF JULIO.
+
+
+When Julio left the cellar for the purpose of procuring bread, Geronimo
+cast himself on his knees, full of gratitude to God, to return thanks for
+the unexpected deliverance.
+
+Julio had said "soon," but an hour passed, then another, then many more,
+and he came not.
+
+A painful doubt began to take possession of Geronimo's mind. Had an
+accident happened to Julio? Had he perhaps cruelly abandoned his victim?
+Had he set out for Germany with the certainty that hunger would kill him
+whom the dagger had spared?
+
+The unfortunate cavalier had no means of measuring the flight of time.
+What in the immutable darkness of his prison seemed to him a century,
+might in reality be only a few hours, and the promised bread would soon
+appear to his eyes as the star of safety--in a quarter of an hour, in a
+minute--that very instant.
+
+By such reflections Geronimo sought to endure patiently the pangs of
+hunger. He put his ear to the keyhole and ceased breathing that he might
+catch the slightest sound. Alas! hour after hour passed in unbroken
+silence. Although Geronimo knew not whether it was day or night, his
+increasing sufferings were to him a sure indication of the passage of
+time. For a while he encouraged himself by the thought that Julio would
+not bring him the promised bread until dawn, and that he would give him at
+the same time food and liberty.
+
+This hope by degrees diminished, and at last vanished entirely. The
+suffering young man could not longer deceive either his body or his mind;
+it became evident to him that the hour which he had hoped would restore
+him to freedom had long passed.
+
+He had been abandoned--devoted to a cruel martyrdom, a frightful death! He
+was then to die in the midst of the torments of hunger--to die slowly in
+indescribable suffering, and fall into the yawning grave prepared for him!
+
+Struck with terror by the conviction thus forced upon him, the unfortunate
+cavalier arose despairingly and ran panting and crying around the cellar,
+as though he could thus escape the death which menaced him.
+
+The pain of his wounds was increased by this violent and feverish
+agitation. His breast heaved under his difficult respiration, but the
+gnawing hunger which agonized him made these sufferings seem light.
+Falling to the ground from exhaustion, he commenced, as soon as he had
+gained a little strength, his struggle against the tortures of hungry. At
+times his despair was cheered by the thought that even yet Julio might
+come. But Julio was plunged by the influence of poison into a mortal
+sleep, and in all probability would appear before Geronimo at the
+judgment-seat of God.
+
+Hoping against hope, the young man seated himself on the ground. The
+violence of his sufferings seemed to abate and leave him at rest for a few
+moments. His thoughts wandered to all he loved upon earth, but the respite
+was of short duration. Soon the agony he endured drew from him piercing
+cries. During his long martyrdom no torment had equalled the present. It
+seemed as though he were being devoured by flames, or as if molten lead
+were coursing through his veins.
+
+He writhed in convulsions, beat his breast, and in heart-rending accents
+called upon God for help. But nothing relieved his horrible sufferings.
+
+He filled the air with his groans and screams, he beat the door with blind
+fury, tore the flesh from his fingers in his useless efforts to make an
+opening in his prison-walls, and ran from side to side as though the pangs
+of hunger had driven him mad.
+
+At last, exhausted and convinced that there was no escape, that he must
+soon enter into his last agony, he threw himself upon the ground, bowed
+his head and joined his hands in prayer, begging for resignation to meet
+the death which would end his cruel martyrdom. His mind now appeared
+clear, and he was perfectly conscious, for after a while he shed a torrent
+of tears. His lips moved, giving utterance to confused sounds, but by
+degrees his words became more distinct, and fixing his eye in the darkness
+on the spot where he knew the grave had been dug, he said:
+
+"No more hope! All is over. I must die! The grave yawns to receive me.
+Alas! what a place for my mortal remains! Forgotten, unknown, concealed by
+the darkness of a horrible crime! Not a tear will fall upon the tomb of
+the unfortunate victim; not a cross will mark the spot where I lie; not a
+prayer will be whispered over my body! Death approaches. Ah! I must not
+thus cling to life; I will pray and lift my hands in supplication to God.
+He alone--"
+
+He stopped under the influence of a sudden emotion.
+
+"Heavens! did I not hear a noise?"
+
+He listened breathlessly for a time to catch the indistinct sound he
+thought he had heard; but he was mistaken.
+
+"Why should I hope, when hope is no longer possible? Let me rather seek
+strength in the consideration of the better life which awaits me. The
+death I endure will purify me from all my sins. If God, in His
+impenetrable designs, has appointed this to be my earthly fate, He will,
+in His mercy, take into account before his judgment-seat what I have
+innocently suffered here below. Consoling hope, which, encourages me to
+look with confidence into eternity!
+
+"And yet my life was so happy! Everything in the world smiled upon me; my
+path was strewn with roses; the future spread out before me like a
+cloudless sky resplendent with stars. God had not only given me health,
+fortune, and peace of heart, but also the hope of uniting my fate with
+that of a lovely young girl. Mary Van de Werve! the incarnation of all
+that men admire and heaven loves: virtue, piety, modesty, charity, beauty,
+love! Alas! alas! must I leave all that? Must I say a last adieu, renounce
+my hopes, and never see her again? Die and sleep forever in an unknown
+tomb, while she lives!"
+
+A cry of anguish escaped him. But it was caused rather by his train of
+thought than by the adieu he had just spoken, for he added, in a suppliant
+voice:
+
+"Pardon, O Lord, pardon! Thy creature clings to life; but be not angry
+with the weakness of my nature. Should I die by the terrible death of
+starvation, I humbly accept Thy holy will, and I bless Thy hand which
+deals the blow! God of mercy, grant that I may find grace with Thee!"
+
+Calmed by this invocation, he resumed, with less emotion and in a tone
+which proved that his soul had received consolation:
+
+"And if I be permitted in my last hour to offer to Thee my supplications,
+I pray Thee, O God of mercy, to spare my uncle, and let not my misfortune
+deprive him also of life. He was my father and benefactor; he taught me to
+live in the fear of Thy holy name. By the cruel sufferings which I endure,
+by my terrible death, have pity on him! Let Thy angels also guard and
+protect the pious and pure young girl who is before Thee as an immaculate
+dove! Jesus, Saviour of mankind, on the cross you prayed to your heavenly
+Father for those who crucified Thee. Demand not an account of my blood
+from my enemy. Pardon him, lead him back to the path of virtue, and after
+death grant him eternal rest! My strength fails; the sweat of death is on
+my brow. O my God! in this, my last hour, grant me the grace to die with
+Thy love alone in my heart, and Thy holy name alone upon my lips!"
+
+The last words of this prayer had scarcely fallen from his lips, when he
+cried aloud, arose trembling, and eagerly fixed his eyes upon the opposite
+wall, upon which a faint streak of light flickered.
+
+"O my God! what means this?" he exclaimed. "Light? light? a voice? Is some
+one coming? Is there still hope? I shall not die! Cruel dream! Frightful
+illusion! But no, it is indeed a light; it becomes brighter. I hear a
+human voice. Alas! this suspense is worse than death!"
+
+Tottering from weakness, and supporting himself by the sides of the wall,
+he gained the door, and trembling between hope and fear, he put his eye to
+the keyhole in order to discover who was approaching his person.
+
+He saw in the distance a man with a lamp in his hand; but his gestures
+were so strange, and his countenance so singular, that he was at a loss to
+know whether it were a human being, or only a creation of his own
+disordered brain.
+
+Still he heard confused sounds in the passage; a voice seemed to complain,
+curse, and call for aid.
+
+By degrees the mysterious apparition drew nearer, and Geronimo recognized
+the servant of Simon Turchi; but why was Julio writhing in such horrible
+convulsions? Why was his face so horribly contorted? Why did he threaten
+and rage in such harsh accents?
+
+A horrible conviction forced itself upon Geronimo's mind. Julio had sought
+in drink the courage necessary to accomplish the work which fate exacted
+of him. He had thus drowned his senses, and had come now to slay his
+victim without mercy.
+
+The thought for the moment roused his fears; but he remembered that he had
+just offered to God his life in expiation of his sins. He retired to the
+other side of the cellar, knelt by the side of the grave, and with a smile
+upon his lips and his eyes lifted to heaven, he calmly awaited the fatal
+blow.
+
+He heard Julio trying to insert the key in the lock as if his hand were
+unsteady. He noticed that there was no finger in his tone of voice; on the
+contrary, the cries which escaped him were rather those of alarm and
+distress; but before he had time for reflection the door opened.
+
+Julio put down the lamp as if his strength had entirely failed him, and
+fell upon the ground, exclaiming in a supplicating voice:
+
+"O signor, help, help! I am poisoned! A burning fire consumes me! Take
+pity on me! For the love of God, deliver me from this torture!"
+
+"Poisoned!" exclaimed Geronimo, hastening to Julio. "What has happened to
+you? The mark of death is on your face!"
+
+"Simon Turchi gave me last night poisoned wine, in order to destroy the
+witness who could prove your death by his hand. He made me pay Bufferio to
+assassinate you. He wishes to marry Mary Van de Werve, and he desires to
+remove any cause of fear that his happiness may be disturbed. Ah! the
+poison consumes me!"
+
+"Tell me, Julio, what I can do for your relief."
+
+Saying this, he knelt by Julio, and threw open his doublet to give him
+air:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, O my God! here is bread!" exclaimed Geronimo, almost wild
+with joy, and snatching with feverish haste the small loaf which Julio had
+concealed, and which he had entirely forgotten since his fatal stupor.
+
+The young man, absorbed in satisfying his devouring hunger, no longer
+heeded Julio's complaints, but having soon appeased its cravings, he took
+his hands, saying:
+
+"I bless you, Julio, and may the omnipotent God reward you in heaven. Tell
+me what I can do to save you. Set me at liberty, and I will fly for
+physician and priest. The keys--quick, the keys!"
+
+"Alas!" said Julio, in a hopeless voice, "my cruel murderer took from me
+the keys of the door. We are shut up in the building. But I cannot die
+thus, consumed by poison, without confession, without hope of pardon for
+my soul! Go up-stairs, signor, call aloud, break open the door, wrest the
+iron bars from the windows. Collect all your strength, take pity on me and
+help me!"
+
+Geronimo seized the keys, and, lighted by the lamp, he hastily traversed
+the subterranean passage, and mounted the staircase.
+
+The gray dawn was appearing in the east, but to the eyes of the young man
+so long accustomed to utter darkness it was almost as bright as noonday.
+
+Convinced that Julio's condition demanded immediate aid, Geronimo hastily
+tried all the keys in the exterior door, pulled all the bolts, endeavored
+to wrench the door from the hinges, and worked with so much energy that at
+last he fell from weakness.
+
+Taking a short rest, he arose, threw up the windows, shook the iron bars,
+ran up-stairs and called aloud for help. But all his efforts were
+useless--the pavilion was too far removed from any habitation to permit
+him to indulge the hope that his voice, weak as it was, could be heard.
+
+In running through the building--almost maddened by despair--to seek an
+outlet, he entered the kitchen, where he perceived a vessel full of water.
+The sight filled him with joy. Perhaps water, taken in large quantities,
+might deaden the effects of the poison and save Julio's life. At any rate,
+he had no other remedy, and as it was his only hope, he grasped at it as
+if it were an inspiration from heaven.
+
+Filling a pitcher, he ran with it to the cellar, and radiant with joy,
+approached Julio, who had barely strength to ask in a feeble voice:
+
+"Is the priest coming? Will the doctor be here? Ah! it is too late!"
+
+"Drink," said Geronimo, holding the pitcher to his lips; "the water will
+cool the inflammation and refresh you."
+
+Julio took the water.
+
+"Thank you, signor; it is useless, the water does me no good."
+
+"Take more, I beg you, Julio,--as much as you can."
+
+Julio obeyed mechanically and nearly emptied the pitcher. His respiration
+became very labored, and the sweat ran in big drops from his brow.
+
+"Do you feel better, Julio?" asked the young man.
+
+"A little better; the heat is not so burning."
+
+"There is still hope!" exclaimed Geronimo, joyfully. "Take courage, Julio;
+have confidence in the mercy of God. When all human aid fails us, then God
+gives his omnipotent assistance."
+
+"But," said Julio, "my heart beats so feebly, my limbs are benumbed.
+Signor, I am dying. The poison is killing me."
+
+"Die? Julio! You have delivered me from death, and shall I be powerless to
+save you? What shall I do? O my God, what can I try?"
+
+"Think no more of it, signor," said the dying man. "I feel that there is
+no hope. Alas! I was partly the cause of your bitter sufferings: I pushed
+you into the chair; I intended to kill you, the deliverer of my blind
+mother! Take pity on me! Let not your just malediction follow my poor soul
+into eternity. Pardon me, signor, pardon!"
+
+"Speak not thus, Julio. But for you, that yawning grave would now cover my
+corpse. Shall I refuse pardon to you who spared my life? No; I will pray
+for you, I will give alms for the repose of your soul. Have confidence in
+the goodness of God."
+
+"Confidence?" said Julio, in a dying voice. "I shudder to think of the
+judgment which awaits me. In this, my death agony, I see with frightful
+clearness. I dare not hope in God's mercy. I have done nothing to merit
+it. A dark veil is before my eyes."
+
+The death-rattle was in his throat.
+
+Geronimo passed his arm around his neck and raised his head, and seeing
+Julio's eyes fixed upon him, he said, tenderly and fervently:
+
+"Julio, listen to me! You say you dare not hope in the mercy of God' Have
+you forgotten that Jesus Christ shed his blood to redeem fallen man? Do
+you not know that there is joy before the angels when a sinner, by sincere
+repentance, escapes the eternal enemy of man and enters triumphant into
+heaven? You repent, do you not? You sincerely repent?"
+
+Julio bowed affirmatively.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Geronimo, "if I cannot save your body from death, at least
+let me keep your soul from eternal torments. Oh! if I could thus repay the
+debt of gratitude I owe you! Julio, were God to prolong your life, would
+you renounce evil and return courageously and sincerely to the path of
+duty and virtue? You say yes? You implore God's mercy, do you not? You
+have confidence in the inexhaustible treasure of his goodness? Then,
+Julio, raise your dying eyes to heaven, direct your last thoughts to Him
+who is the source of all mercy, and with full confidence let your soul
+wing its flight to the supreme tribunal. Already from the highest heaven
+God absolves the repentant sinner!"
+
+A triumphant hope illumined the countenance of Julio as he endeavored to
+raise his eyes to heaven.
+
+"Saved--his soul is saved!" exclaimed Geronimo, transported with a pious
+joy.
+
+A slight convulsion passed over the limbs of Julio, his muscles became
+paralyzed, his head fell heavily on Geronimo's shoulder, and drawing his
+last breath, he murmured, almost unintelligibly:
+
+"Mercy! O my God!"
+
+"He is dead!" said Geronimo. "May thy soul receive my fraternal embrace in
+its passage to eternity! May this mark of reconciliation weigh in the
+balance of eternal justice!"
+
+He bent over the dead; but as if contact with the corpse had deprived him
+of his little remaining strength, he fell as it were lifeless. Not a limb
+moved, his arms dropped motionless, his eyes closed, it seemed that his
+soul had also taken its flight to heaven to accompany the soul of Julio
+before God's judgment seat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+IS IT HIS GHOST?--THE GUILTY EXPOSED.
+
+
+It was scarcely eight o'clock in the morning when Signor Deodati was on
+his way to the residence of Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+The old merchant was walking very slowly, with his eyes cast down. From
+time to time he shook his head, as if disturbed by painful thoughts. His
+countenance expressed dissatisfaction rather than sorrow; indeed, it might
+even be said to indicate angry and bitter feelings.
+
+The servant who opened the door ushered him into a parlor and went to call
+his master. Deodati threw himself into a chair, covered his face with his
+hands, and was so absorbed in thought that he was not aware of Mr. Van de
+Werve's entrance.
+
+"Good morning, signor," said the Flemish noble, saluting him. "Your early
+visit encourages me to hope that you have news of our poor Geronimo."
+
+"Bad news, Mr. Van de Werve, bad news," said the old man, with tearful
+eyes. "Sit down near me, for I have not power to raise my voice."
+
+"I notice, signor, that you are very pale. Are you ill?"
+
+"My emotion has its origin in something worse than illness. Day before
+yesterday Signor Turchi asserted in your presence that Geronimo had lost a
+considerable sum at play, and that he had fled the country to escape my
+just indignation. Great as was my confidence in Turchi, I could not credit
+the truth of this revelation. I determined to seek in my nephew's accounts
+the marks of his ingratitude, or rather the proofs of his innocence. I
+passed a portion of the night in calculating over and over again; for the
+invariable result was so frightful that my mind and heart refused to
+accept the evidence of my senses. The sum lost in gambling by my nephew is
+incredible."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, "then the Signor Turchi was not
+mistaken in his suspicions?"
+
+"Ten thousand crowns!" said Deodati sighing.
+
+"Ten thousand crowns!" replied Mr. Van de Werve. "Impossible! That is a
+fortune of itself."
+
+"And yet it is true. There is a deficit of ten thousand crowns in the
+money vault of the house, and there are exactly ten thousand crowns
+unaccounted for on the books. Not a line, not a mark refers in any manner
+to the employment or destination of this sum. Evidently it must have been
+used otherwise than in the business transactions of the house, and as
+Geronimo himself told the Signor Turchi that he had lost a considerable
+amount at play, I am forced in spite of myself to admit the painful truth.
+Ten thousand crowns! Can neither virtue nor fidelity be found upon earth?
+A child whom I treated as my own son, whom I loved with blind affection,
+and over whose welfare I would have watched as long as I lived. And this
+is the return for all my love! Ah! signor, this ingratitude is like a
+dagger in my heart."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve gazed abstractedly as if in deep thought. Then he said,
+seriously:
+
+"You are truly unhappy, signor, and I commiserate your sorrow. How can it
+be possible? All is deceit and perfidy. Geronimo seemed the soul of virtue
+and loyalty; he lived with so much economy and conducted himself so
+honorably, that to those who knew him not he might have appeared either a
+poor man or a precocious miser. And this tranquil, modest, prudent young
+man loses at the gaming-table ten thousand crowns, the property of his
+benefactor! His laudable course of conduct was but a base hypocrisy!"
+
+"And nevertheless," murmured the old Deodati, "my unfortunate nephew had a
+pure and loving heart! Might not his blindness have been the effect of one
+solitary and momentary error? Perhaps so. Man sometimes meets fatal
+temptations which attract him irresistibly, but to which he yields only
+once in his life."
+
+"Why then did he fly, and thus acknowledge his guilt? No, signor, no
+excuse can palliate such misdeeds. I burn with indignation at the thought
+that such signal favors have met with such cold and base ingratitude. The
+idea of your affliction restrains me from speaking of the outrage done my
+daughter. Fortunately, the reputation and social position of my family is
+such as to screen it from the consequences of such an act. But, signor, I
+hope you will agree with me that there can no longer be a question of an
+alliance between my daughter and your nephew. He may return and obtain
+your pardon, but that will not change my determination. From this day
+forward the Signor Geronimo is as a stranger whom we have never known."
+
+Deodati regarded the irritated nobleman with tearful eyes, and seemed to
+deprecate the inflexible decree.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve took his hand, and said in a calmer manner:
+
+"Be reasonable, signor, and do not let yourself be blinded by affection.
+What a dishonor to my name, were I to permit a man with so tarnished a
+reputation to enter my family! Could I confide the happiness of my good
+and noble child to one who was not withdrawn from a culpable love of play
+by life-long benefits? Could I accept as my son a man whom I could not
+esteem, whom on the contrary I would despise for his ingratitude to you?
+Acknowledge with me that such a union is impossible, and let us talk no
+more of it. Be still my friend, however, as long as you remain at
+Antwerp."
+
+The merchant shook his head, and after a few moments' silence, he replied:
+
+"Alas! I ought to admit that there is no hope of realizing this honorable
+alliance. What happiness Geronimo has staked on the cast of a die! I thank
+you, Mr. Van de Werve, for your proffered friendship, but I shall not
+remain at Antwerp. To-day I shall beg Signor Turchi to settle up the
+affairs of the house in this city. Now that I have no one in the world to
+care for, none for whom to work and amass money, I shall retire from
+commerce. I have ordered the _Il Salvatore_ to be provisioned, and I shall
+set sail by the first favorable wind."
+
+"You are right, signor. By returning to your own beautiful country, you
+will the sooner forget this misfortune."
+
+"God knows when I will revisit my country!" replied the old man.
+
+"Are you not going to Italy?" demanded Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"No, sir; but to England."
+
+"In search of your nephew? Signor Turchi led us to suppose that he had
+sought refuge in that island. I admire your unbounded love for a man so
+little deserving of it; but, signor, you require rest. Follow my advice:
+go to Italy, and do not shorten your life by the sorrows which may await
+you in England."
+
+"The advice is no doubt good," replied Deodati; "but I cannot follow it.
+However guilty he may be, Geronimo is the only son of my deceased brother,
+whom I promised on his death-bed to watch over his child as if he were my
+own. Were I to abandon Geronimo entirely, he might be pushed by want and
+misery into the path of vice, perhaps of infamy. I will fulfil my duty to
+the last. If I love him less than formerly, at least I will save him from
+utter ruin."
+
+"What generosity!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, in admiration. "You travel
+about in search of your nephew; you endanger your health. I foresee that
+he has but to speak to obtain pardon. And this great sacrifice, this
+magnanimous affection meets with such a return! It is frightful!"
+
+"No, sir," replied Deodati, "I will not pardon Geronimo. He will never be
+the same to me. Should I find him, or should he return to me, I will give
+him an income sufficient to keep him from want; that being done, I shall
+renounce the world and retire into a cloister, to await there in solitude
+and peace the time when it may please God to call me to himself."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve heard the street-door open, and said eagerly to the old
+merchant:
+
+"Signor, my daughter is at church and may return at any moment. I beg you
+not to speak of these things in her presence. Since the disappearance of
+Geronimo, she does nothing but weep and pray; no consideration alleviates
+her sorrow, nothing consoles her. If she were suddenly to lose all hope,
+it might cause her death. Heavens! Signor Turchi, what has happened to
+him?"
+
+He arose hastily and regarded in astonishment Simon Turchi, who entered
+and attempted to speak, but the words seemed to die upon his lips; for he
+stood trembling in the centre of the room, uttering unintelligible sounds.
+He was pale as death.
+
+Deodati arose also, and looked inquiringly at Turchi.
+
+The latter said, hurriedly:
+
+"I went to the house of the bailiff; he was not at home. He has been sent
+for, and he will be here immediately with his officers to accompany me to
+my garden. Oh! I have terrible news to communicate; but my mind wanders, I
+am losing my senses. I can tell nothing, particularly to you, Signor
+Deodati. Unhappy old man! Why did God reserve such a trial for your old
+age?"
+
+"Another misfortune? Speak, Simon, speak," said Deodati, in suppliant
+tones, and trembling from anxiety.
+
+Turchi fell, as if from exhaustion, upon a chair, and said, in a voice
+broken by sobs:
+
+"No, signor, ask me nothing; I could not break your heart by such stunning
+tidings. Alas! alas! who anticipated such a misfortune? My unhappy friend!
+my poor Geronimo!"
+
+A torrent of tears fell from his eyes, and while Deodati and Mr. Van de
+Werve begged him to tell the cause of big extraordinary emotion, he
+stammered:
+
+"Oh! let me be silent; despair tortures my heart. I can tell no one but
+the bailiff; he will soon be here. If I could but doubt! But no, it is too
+true; there is no more hope! May the God of mercy receive his poor soul
+into heaven!"
+
+"Of whom do you speak?" exclaimed Deodati. "His soul? Whose soul?
+Geronimo's?"
+
+Steps were heard in the vestibule. Simon Turchi went to the door, and
+said:
+
+"Here is the bailiff! He will know the secret which is breaking my heart."
+
+The bailiff entered the room, looked around in surprise, and at last said
+to Simon Turchi, who continued to talk confusedly:
+
+"You have sent for me in all haste, in order to make a terrible
+revelation; I am here with my officers. Have you discovered Geronimo's
+assassins? Speak, Simon, and tell us what you know."
+
+"So horrible is this secret, messire, that my tongue refuses to tell it.
+Ah! if I could forever--"
+
+"Calm yourself, signor," said the bailiff, with perfect self-possession.
+"What have you learned?"
+
+"But--but I must be alone with you. The news I have to communicate must
+not be revealed before Signor Deodati."
+
+The old man said, with tearful eyes:
+
+"You are cruel, Signor Simon! What could you say more terrible? You speak
+of Geronimo's soul; you announce his death, and yet you leave me in this
+horrible doubt. Speak, I conjure you."
+
+All that Simon Turchi had said was only a deception practised upon his
+auditors, in order to make them believe that grief had affected his mind,
+and to prepare the way for his revelation.
+
+At last he appeared to yield to necessity, and said:
+
+"God grant that the frightful news may not afflict you as it did me!
+Listen! you know that two days ago my servant Julio left my service
+because I severely reproved his irregularities. This disquieted me,
+because I had noticed that he was pursued by some secret remorse. Just
+now, hardly a half hour ago, I left my residence, and was going towards
+the Dominican church to pray for my poor friend. On the way I thought of
+my servant Julio, and feared that in his despair he might have taken his
+life. When I was near the bridge, I heard my own name timidly pronounced.
+I turned and saw Julio. I commenced to reproach him with his absence, but
+putting his finger on his lips, he whispered:
+
+"'Signor, I beg you to follow me; I have a secret to reveal to you.'
+
+"His manner and tone of voice were so peculiar that I accompanied him to a
+retired spot. His revelation caused me such intense grief that I could
+hardly stand, and I was obliged to support myself against the wall as I
+received the confession of the penitent assassin."
+
+A cry of horror escaped Deodati. Eager to hear the remainder, Mr. Van de
+Werve gazed fixedly upon the narrator. The bailiff was more calm--he
+listened attentively and nodded his head, as if he foresaw the conclusion
+of Turchi's narrative.
+
+"I hardly dare continue," he said. "My soul revolts--but I must disregard
+my feelings," and in a more tranquil manner, he resumed:
+
+"Shuddering with horror, I heard Julio say:
+
+"'Master, I have committed a frightful murder. Remorse pursues me as a
+malediction from God. I shall put an end to my guilty life. In an hour I
+shall be in eternal torments, but I wish the body of my victim to be
+buried in holy ground. Go to your pavilion. In the lowest cellar, at the
+extremity of the subterranean passage, you will find the corpse of Signor
+Geronimo buried.'"
+
+Tears fell fast from the eyes of Signor Deodati, and sobs convulsed his
+frame.
+
+Turchi continued:
+
+"'Signor Geronimo!' I exclaimed, in terror. 'Have you killed my poor
+friend?'
+
+"'Yes, I put to death Signor Geronimo. I needed money to spend at the
+taverns, and you would not give it to me. I killed him in order to get the
+money he might have about him. Adieu! This very day all will be over with
+me.' Before I had sufficiently recovered from the shock to think of
+seizing Julio, he had disappeared. Probably, to-day--"
+
+"Heavens!" exclaimed Simon Turchi, "I hear Miss Van de Werve."
+
+"For the love of God, not a word in her presence," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+Mary entered the room, looking around anxiously. She had seen the officers
+at the door, and she seemed to inquire of her father the cause of their
+presence.
+
+She remarked her father's pallor and embarrassment. Simon Turchi looked
+down, as if in despair. Deodati covered his face with his hands.
+
+A cry of anguish escaped the young girl, and she glanced in turns at her
+father, Deodati, Turchi, and the bailiff; but they each seemed anxious to
+avoid her eye.
+
+"Go to your room, Mary," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"Give me this proof of affection. Ask nothing."
+
+The young girl, struck by these evidences of some misfortune, ran to her
+father and exclaimed, joining her hands:
+
+"Speak, father, and tell me what has happened. Leave me not in this
+terrible suspense. Tell me that they have not found Geronimo's dead body.
+Alas! he is dead! Is it not so?"
+
+Throwing her arms around her father's neck, she wept bitterly, conjuring
+him to tell her the cause of their emotion.
+
+Without giving her any explanation, Mr. Van de Werve attempted to lead his
+daughter out of the room; but she, like one crazed by grief, released her
+hand from her father's, fell upon her knees before Turchi, and exclaimed:
+
+"By the love you bore him, signor, take pity on me and tell me what has
+happened to him. Let me not leave the room under the frightful conviction
+that he is dead!"
+
+Turchi remained silent, gazing upon her with an expression of profound
+sadness.
+
+"You, too, are implacable, inexorable!" she said, rising.
+
+"But you, at least--his uncle, his father--will be more merciful."
+
+She ran to the weeping merchant, gently forced his hands from his face,
+and conjured him, in piteous accents, to give her some information which
+would relieve the torturing suspense.
+
+The old Deodati, still weeping, threw his arms around her neck, and
+murmured:
+
+"God bless you, my child, for your love. Let us pray for him!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve had left the room to call Petronilla. He returned with
+her, and said to his daughter:
+
+"Mary, go with your duenna. You must not remain here longer."
+
+The young girl seemed not to hear her father's words, for she was
+immovable as if petrified by grief.
+
+He added, in an impatient, severe tone:
+
+"Mary, leave the room. I wish it; I command it. Obey me."
+
+She arose and walked slowly towards the door. Tears flowed down her
+cheeks; she supported her trembling limbs by leaning on the arm of her
+duenna. Mr. Van de Werve feared she would lose consciousness before
+reaching her own apartment.
+
+All, with the exception of the perfidious Turchi, were moved by compassion
+for the unhappy young girl.
+
+As the duenna opened the door to let her mistress pass out, strange sounds
+were heard in the vestibule.
+
+Mary started, and stepped back into the room, as though in presence of
+some apparition.
+
+"It is his ghost, his spirit," she exclaimed, "arisen from the grave to
+demand vengeance upon his murderers!"
+
+She gazed with intense emotion, then added, in accents of the wildest joy:
+
+"He smiles upon me; it is himself! He lives! It is Geronimo!"
+
+Pronouncing this cherished name, she fell insensible in the arms of her
+attendant, who, assisted by the bailiff, carried her to an armchair.
+
+Signor Geronimo entered. His face was as pale and fleshless as that of a
+skeleton. The wound he had received in his neck appeared like a large spot
+of clotted blood--his garments were disordered, soiled, and blood stained.
+He seemed really a spectre just arisen from the tomb.
+
+As soon as Turchi recognized his victim, he recoiled, uttering a cry of
+terror; and imagining that God had permitted a miracle in order to punish
+his crime, he extended his trembling hands to Geronimo, as if to implore
+pardon.
+
+The young man cast upon him a look of disgust and contempt, and exclaimed:
+
+"You here, assassin? Tremble, for the Supreme Judge will demand of you an
+account of my blood and of Julio's death."
+
+A murmur of surprise and terror ran through the room; all eyes were fixed
+on Simon Turchi, who seemed crushed by Geronimo's words.
+
+Having thus addressed Turchi, Geronimo rushed into his uncle's arms and
+embraced him in a transport of joy.
+
+"Oh, unexpected happiness!" he exclaimed. "It is permitted me to see my
+uncle again in this world! I know you have suffered; you have suffered as
+a father deprived of his only child! No more sorrow now. I will repay you
+for your tender affection; I will love you; I will show my gratitude; I
+will venerate you. Ah! bless the God of mercy, who has saved me from the
+fangs of that tiger thirsting for my blood! But Mary, where is Mary? Ah!
+there she is! My beloved friend, what has happened?"
+
+He ran to the insensible young girl, knelt before her, and endeavored to
+recall her to consciousness by every endearing epithet.
+
+In the meantime Mr. Van de Werve aided the duenna in her exertions to
+restore animation. Taking advantage of this, Simon Turchi walked towards
+the door with the intention of making his escape; but the bailiff
+discovering his design, drew his sword and placed himself in the doorway.
+
+Then Simon Turchi understood the fate awaiting him. He bowed his head and
+covered his face with his hands. He trembled in every limb, and his breast
+heaved with sighs of anguish. Every expectation of escape by flight, or by
+making an appeal for pardon, vanished as he beheld the indignant
+expression of the bailiff.
+
+Mary at last recovered from the faint into which she had fallen. She
+looked around her in surprise, as if ignorant of what had happened; but
+when Geronimo's voice fell in joyous accents on her ear, a bright smile
+irradiated her countenance, and she exclaimed:
+
+"It is not a dream! He lives! I see him once more! Geronimo! Geronimo!"
+
+The young noble was too overpowered to do more than call the name of his
+beloved.
+
+Only a few minutes had elapsed since Geronimo's entrance; all were too
+much moved to express their surprise in words. But the bailiff resolved to
+put an end to this harrowing scene by the performance of a painful duty.
+
+He said, in an imperative manner:
+
+"Signor Geronimo, be pleased to interrupt for a moment the expression of
+your happiness. By the authority of the law I ask you what has happened,
+and why you stigmatize the Signor Turchi as an assassin. Approach, and
+obey my order."
+
+Turchi, foreseeing that his frightful crime was about to be revealed,
+writhed convulsively and was covered with shame and confusion. He dared
+not look upon his accuser.
+
+"Declare the truth," ordered the bailiff.
+
+"Five or six weeks ago," said Geronimo, "Simon Turchi told me that
+unforeseen circumstances made it an imperative necessity for him to raise
+the sum of ten thousand crowns, adding that if he did not succeed in
+obtaining it immediately, the credit of his house would be gone, and that
+he himself would be irretrievably ruined. He needed the sum, he said, only
+for one month. I lent him the ton thousand crowns, and at his earnest
+solicitation, in order to conceal the knowledge of this loan from the
+clerks, I made no entry upon the books of the transaction, but was
+satisfied with an acknowledgment in writing of the debt."
+
+Old Deodati made an exclamation of joy, ran to his nephew, and embraced
+him affectionately.
+
+"God be praised! Dear Geronimo, you restore me to life. That wicked man
+tried to persuade me that you had lost ten thousand crowns at play. You
+were too virtuous, too grateful for that, my beloved boy!"
+
+"Observe the respect due the law, Signor Deodati. Continue your statement,
+Signor Geronimo."
+
+"What an odious falsehood!" said the young man.
+
+Then turning to the bailiff, he continued:
+
+"When we last met in this house, Signor Turchi told me that a foreign
+merchant, who wished to remain unknown, would repay me the ten thousand
+crowns. I was to go to his country-house alone, and secretly to return the
+note I held, and receive reliable bills of exchange upon Italy. When I
+went, Julio, Simon Turchi's servant, pushed me into a chair prepared as a
+trap, in which my body was caught and held immovable by steel springs.
+Then Simon entered with a dagger in his hand; he took from me the note,
+and destroyed it in my presence. He attempted to stab me in the breast,
+but the blow was warded off by a copper amulet which I wore around my
+neck. I then received in my neck what I considered a mortal wound; I felt
+my blood flowing freely, and I bade, as I supposed, an eternal adieu to
+life."
+
+Old Deodati, without being aware of it, had drawn his sword from the
+scabbard as if he were about to pierce Turchi to the heart; but he was
+restrained by a look of severity from the bailiff, although he continued
+playing with the hilt, and muttering in an undertone menaces against the
+murderer.
+
+"I awoke to consciousness," continued Geronimo, "in a dark dungeon; I was
+lying beside a grave which had been dug to receive my remains. When Julio
+returned to bury my corpse, he found me living. He was about to kill me,
+but he recognized the amulet I wore around my neck, and I was saved. The
+old blind woman who gave me the amulet as a recompense for delivering her
+from the hands of the Moslems was Julio's mother. Last night Signor Turchi
+gave poisoned wine to Julio, who died in my arms, declaring to me that
+Signor Turchi hired Bufferio to assassinate me. I labored for hours before
+I succeeded in obtaining egress from the garden. Now behold me saved from
+a frightful death through the miraculous protection of God, and restored
+to all that is dear to me on earth!"
+
+The bailiff's voice was heard, issuing his commands, in the vestibule.
+Turchi comprehended the order. He cast himself on his knees, extended his
+hands, and weeping, cried out:
+
+"Oh! Messire Van Schoonhoven,--Geronimo,--I have been guilty of a
+frightful crime. I deserve your hatred, your contempt and death; but have
+pity on me! Spare me the shame of the scaffold; do not cover my family
+with eternal infamy. Exile me to the ends of the earth; but pardon,
+pardon, deliver me not to the executioner!"
+
+Five officers of justice appeared at the door.
+
+"What are your commands?" asked the chief.
+
+"Bind the signor's hands behind his back!"
+
+"Heavens! bind my hands like a thief!" exclaimed Turchi.
+
+"Bind the hands of a nobleman?" repeated the chief in surprise.
+
+"Execute my order immediately! This nobleman is an infamous robber and a
+cowardly assassin. Cast him in the deepest dungeon; he shall pay the
+penalty of his crime upon the scaffold."
+
+The command was promptly obeyed, and Turchi, in spite of his resistance,
+was dragged from the room followed by the bailiff.
+
+Mary and Geronimo wept with joy. Deodati claimed their attention saying:
+
+"My dear children, let us fulfil a sacred duty of gratitude. God has so
+visibly protected innocence that the feeling of His presence in our midst
+overpowers me. Your hopes will become a reality. Let us pray!"
+
+He knelt before the crucifix, bowed his head and joined his hands.
+
+Geronimo and Mary knelt beside the old man, Mr. Van de Werve behind them.
+
+For a long time they lifted their grateful hearts in thanksgiving to the
+God of goodness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MARY VAN DE WERVE'S (NOW MADAME GERONIMO DEODATI) DEPARTURE FOR ITALY--THE
+PUNISHMENT OF SIMON TURCHI.
+
+
+It was six o'clock in the morning.
+
+The height of the sun indicated that the warm season of summer had
+replaced the mild month of May. It was apparently a festival day at
+Antwerp, for through all the gates people poured from the surrounding
+country into the city. The streets were filled with persons of all ages,
+who, talking and laughing, hastened to the centre of the city, as though
+they anticipated some magnificent spectacle.
+
+Before Mr. Van de Werve's residence was a compact mass of citizens who
+seemed impatient at the delay. Through a sentiment of respect, they were
+perfectly quiet, speaking in very low tones, and making way to afford a
+passage through the crowd every time that a cavalier or any notable
+personage presented himself for admission into the house.
+
+The attraction to the centre of the city must have been very powerful, for
+the greater part of those who passed neither stopped nor turned their
+heads. Some approached, and learning upon inquiry as to the cause of the
+gathering, that Miss Van de Werve was about to leave for Italy, they
+immediately resumed their walk, as if the sight of this departure were no
+equivalent to the imposing spectacle they were going to witness. A few,
+however, remained in order to discover the real object of so large a
+concourse of people.
+
+An old gray-headed peasant, after having listened to the conversation
+going on among the peasants, recognized in the crowd a man from his own
+village, who had been residing for some time in the city, near the church
+of Saint James, and who consequently, he thought, must be better informed
+than the others in regard to Miss Van de Werve.
+
+He elbowed his way through the crowd until he reached his friend, struck
+him on the shoulder, and said:
+
+"What is going on here, Master John, to collect such an assembly? I heard
+some one say that Miss Van de Werve was about to leave for Italy."
+
+"Ah! Master Stephen," said the other, "call her Madame Geronimo Deodati."
+
+"Is she married?"
+
+"One would say, Master Stephen, that our village is at the other end of
+the world. Even the children of Antwerp bless this marriage as a striking
+proof of God's justice."
+
+"I did hear, friend John, that God had visibly avenged virtue and punished
+crime. The assassin dies by a frightful death, and the victim becomes the
+husband of the noblest and wealthiest young lady in the marquisate. Do you
+know her, Master John?"
+
+"Do I know her? She passes my house twice every day in going to church. I
+furnish the family with bread, and I have frequent opportunities of
+speaking with this amiable young lady."
+
+"I would like to see her," said the old man, "but if I wait, I shall
+arrive too late at the public square."
+
+"You need not fear," replied Master John. "The executioner's car will not
+leave the prison for an hour to come."
+
+The peasant hesitated as to what he should do.
+
+"Are you sure that the young lady will leave at once?"
+
+"Immediately, Master Stephen. Mr. Van de Werve urges the departure--he
+wishes to be out of the city before the executioner commences his work."
+
+"Why," said the peasant, "did they wait until to-day? In their place I
+would have gone long ago."
+
+"Ah!" replied Master John, "here is another evidence of God's intervention
+in these terrible affairs. The vessel which bears them to Italy has been
+ready to sail for a week. During all that time the wind blew constantly
+from the south-west; it changed to the east only last night, so that their
+departure before was impossible. But the tide is high now and will
+commence to ebb at the very hour fixed for the death of the assassin. You
+see that God himself willed Mr. Van de Werve to remain here until his
+vengeance was accomplished."
+
+"Does she go to Italy to reside?"
+
+"Oh, no; she only goes on a wedding trip. She will return in the course of
+a year, when the impression of the perfidy and cruelty of Simon Turchi
+will be less painful. Back, back, Master Stephen, they are coming!"
+
+From the crowd arose a joyous shout. Each was anxious to approach Madame
+Deodati. Those who did not know her desired to see the noble young woman
+whose name was so painfully connected with the bloody history of Simon
+Turchi, and who was esteemed a model of pure virtue, fervent piety, and
+ideal beauty. The neighbors and those who had the honor of knowing her
+collected in order to salute her, to bid her a respectful and cordial
+adieu, and to wish her a happy voyage.
+
+Mary Van de Werve, now Madame Geronimo Deodati, appeared at the door
+accompanied by her husband. As soon as the people perceived her, loud and
+long acclamations greeted her; they waved their caps, clapped their hands,
+rent the air with their cries of joy, and strove to obtain a glance of the
+angelic features of the beautiful lady and the noble countenance of her
+husband, who had been so miraculously preserved, by the providence of God,
+from the hands of his cruel enemy, Simon Turchi.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve walked by his daughter's side; the old Deodati was near
+his beloved nephew Geronimo. Then followed Mary's two married brothers and
+a large number of her father's near relatives and friends, as well as many
+Italians, Portuguese, and Spaniards, who wished to escort Geronimo to the
+ship.
+
+When Mary heard the benedictions and joyous shouts of the people, and saw
+all eyes fixed upon her with looks of love, the blood mantled to her
+cheeks, and she modestly cast down her eyes. But immediately raising them,
+she saluted the crowd as a mark of her gratitude for their kindness. The
+multitude, at a sign from Mr. Van de Werve, opened a passage for the
+party, and they proceeded to the Scheldt amid acclamations testifying the
+love and respect they inspired. Their drive resembled a triumphal
+procession. The old Deodati was deeply moved. He seemed rejuvenated. A
+sweet smile was upon his lips, and he looked proudly upon Geronimo. Thus
+full of the thought of their future happiness, they reached the dock-yard.
+In the middle of the Scheldt was the _Il Salvatore_, decked with flags and
+rocking upon the waves as if conscious of the precious treasure about to
+be confided to it.
+
+A part of the sailors were occupied in unmooring the vessel; even the
+harsh grating sound of the capstan could be heard on the wharf. The rest
+of the crew manned the masts, and they waved their caps in the air,
+shouting:
+
+"_Benvenuto! benvenuto! Viva, viva la nostra signora!_"
+
+At the same time the sound of five or six cannon from the _Il Salvatore_
+boomed over the waters, prolonged by the echoes from either side as it
+floated down the river. The multitude replied by three cheers, and the
+last reverberation of the cannon was lost in the _vivas_ of those on the
+shore and ships.
+
+In the meantime parents and friends were bidding adieu. Many tears were
+shed, and it was with tearful eyes that Mary Van de Werve received upon
+her brow her brothers' kiss.
+
+The _Il Salvatore_ weighed anchor; the sails caught the wind, and the
+vessel floated majestically down the river with the tide.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve, Deodati, and their two happy children, entered the bark
+which awaited them. Petronilla seated herself beside her mistress. They
+exchanged a last adieu, and the eight oars fell simultaneously in the
+water. The bark, under the strokes of the robust oarsmen, cut the waves in
+a rapid course.
+
+At this moment Geronimo's eyes were filled with tears. Lifting his eyes to
+heaven, he said:
+
+"Blessed be Thou, my God, for all the sufferings Thou hast sent me;
+blessed be Thou for Thy infinite goodness. I thank Thee for the wife it
+has pleased Thee to give me; she will be my companion in my much loved
+country. A thousand thanks for all Thy benefits!"
+
+The bark had reached the galley. A ladder was lowered, and, aided by the
+sailors, the party ascended the deck. The pilot gave the signal, the sails
+were unfurled, the ship rocked for a moment as if courting the breeze,
+and then it rapidly cleaved the waves.
+
+The cannon again boomed from the _Il Salvatore_, and again the
+acclamations of the crowd rent the air.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sounds had hardly died away when the spectators, as if impelled by one
+thought, immediately retired, and made all speed to reach the central part
+of the city.
+
+The crowd which left the wharf so precipitately soon arrived at the grand
+square, but they found it already occupied by so compact a mass of human
+beings, that it was impossible for them to penetrate it. As far as the eye
+could reach, there was a sea of heads; all the windows were crowded with
+women and even children; the roofs swarmed with curious spectators; the
+iron balustrades seemed to bend under the weight of the children who had
+climbed upon them.
+
+A solemn silence reigned in the midst of the vast multitude. Not a sound
+was heard save the slow and mournful tolling of the death-bell, and at
+intervals a scream so piercing, so frightful, that those who listened to
+it turned pale and trembled. Every eye was fixed upon a particular spot,
+whence clouds of smoke curled in the air, and from which escaped the cries
+of distress.
+
+What passed that day on the grand square of Antwerp is thus related by
+Matthew Bandello, Bishop of Agen, who lived at that period, and who wrote
+from the testimony of an eye-witness:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Upon the appointed day, Simon Turchi was enclosed in the same chair and
+driven on a wagon through the streets of Antwerp, the good priest
+accompanying him and exhorting him. When they reached the grand square,
+the chair was removed from the wagon. The executioners lighted a slow
+fire, which they kept alive with wood, but in such a manner that the
+flames should not rise too high, but sufficed to roast slowly the unhappy
+Turchi. The priest remained as near to him as the heat permitted, and
+frequently said to him:
+
+"'Simon, this is the hour for repentance!'
+
+"And Simon, as long as he could speak, replied:
+
+"'Yes, father.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Simon Turchi evinced great repentance and much patience, and he accepted
+with resignation the painful and infamous death to which he was condemned.
+When it was certain that he was dead, his body, partially consumed, was
+conveyed outside the city gates and attached to a stake by an iron chain.
+The dagger with which he had stabbed Geronimo was thrust into his side.
+The stake was so placed on the public road that it could be seen by all
+who passed, in order that the punishment inflicted for murder might serve
+as a warning to others, and prevent the commission of infamous crimes.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+ENDNOTES
+
+
+[Footnote 1: "All the foreign merchants who resided at Bruges, with the
+exception of a few Spaniards, established themselves here about the year
+1516, to the great disadvantage of Bruges and to the advantage of
+Antwerp."--Le Guicciardini, _Description of the Low Countries_. Arnhem,
+1617, p. 113.]
+
+[Footnote 2: C. Schibanius, in his _Origines Antwerpien Sum_, says that he
+has often seen in the Scheldt twenty-five hundred vessels, many of which
+were detained at anchor for two or three weeks before being able to
+approach the wharf.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The stables, and coach-houses used by this company for
+transportation still exist at Antwerp. Although they are now occupied as
+barracks, they preserve their original name--_Hessenhaus_.]
+
+[Footnote 4: See the statistics of population given by Schibanius in the
+_History of Antwerp_, by Mertens & Torfo, Part IV., ch. v.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The inhabitants of Antwerp are experienced and skilled in
+commercial affairs, and although they may not have left their own country
+the greater part of them, even the women, can speak four, five, and
+sometimes seven different languages.]
+
+[Footnote 6: "The nobles of Netherlands do not engage in commerce like the
+Italian noblemen from Venice, Florence, Genoa, and Lucca."--L.
+Guiccardini, _Description of the Low Countries_, p. 140.]
+
+[Footnote 7: "Two well-known Italian merchants, both of noble birth,
+natives of Lucca, who were great friends." Van Mertens, _History of the
+Low Countries_, Vol. I.]
+
+[Footnote 8: The bailiff (schoat) was the representative of the prince in
+the prosecution of crimes. He alone, and his agents by his orders, could
+make arrests, except in cases of flagrant crime or of persons lying in
+wait. This high functionary was also called the _margrave_, because the
+margrave of the Low Countries was, in virtue of that office, the bailiff
+of the city of Antwerp.]
+
+[Footnote 9: "It is estimated that three thousand new houses were either
+erected by himself, or by others through his assistance."--Mertens &
+Torfo, _History of Antwerp_.]
+
+[Footnote 10: This church was demolished at the commencement of this
+century. The spot upon which it stood is now called the "_Plain of Saint
+Walburga_."]
+
+[Footnote 11: In the _History of Antwerp_, by Mertens & Torfo, Part IV.,
+chapter iii., is found a view of the city, from the banks of the Scheldt,
+as it was in 1556, and details concerning the principal edifices.]
+
+[Footnote 12: "Geronimo went to Simon and demanded payment of the sum
+lent, and for which he held a note. Turchi made various excuses, and put
+off payment from day to day."--_Matteo Bandello._]
+
+[Footnote 13: "A fierce desire of vengeance took possession of Simon, and
+he sought to kill Geronimo."--_Matieo Bandello._]
+
+[Footnote 14: A measure of four pints.]
+
+[Footnote 15: "One night, when passing through the streets, he received
+from the hands of an enemy an ugly wound in the face. He suspected
+Geronimo of having inflicted it; in which he was mistaken, for the author
+of the attack was afterwards discovered."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 16: "After Simon Turchi had determined to revenge himself, and
+after long consideration, he ordered a large wooden arm-chair, to which
+were attached two iron bars, so arranged that whoever should sit down in
+it would be caught by the legs below the knees, and would be unable to
+move."--Van Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 17: "Geronimo, a merchant from Lyons desires to see you, but as
+he does not wish to be known at Antwerp now, he is concealed in my garden.
+He begs that you will meet him there."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 18: "This chair being made, he told one of his servants, named
+Julio, who was proscribed in Italy, and under sentence of death."--Van
+Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 19: "And the said Julio pushed Geronimo into a large arm-chair,
+which sprang and closed."--_Origin and Genealogy of the Dukes and
+Duchesses of Brabant_. Antwerp, 1565; p. 308.]
+
+[Footnote 20: "In the cellar ... in a grave which had been prepared by the
+said Julio to bury Geronimo after the commission of the murder."--_Origin
+and Genealogy of the Dukes and Duchesses of Brabant_.]
+
+[Footnote 21: _Order and Proclamation of Messire Van Schoonhoven, bailiff,
+and of the Burgomaster, Constables, and Council of the city of Antwerp_:
+
+"It having come to the knowledge of the bailiff, burgomaster, and
+constables of this city that Geronimo Deodati, a merchant of Lucca, went
+out yesterday afternoon, about four o'clock, from his residence in this
+city, near the Convent of the Dominicans, and that he was seen for the
+last time beyond the Square of Meir, and since then he has not been heard
+of, and we know not what has become of him, so that there is great
+suspicion that the said Geronimo has been maltreated, or even put to
+death; therefore, the magistrates of the same city do proclaim that he who
+first will give information as to what has become of the said Geronimo,
+will receive the sum of three hundred florins."--_Extract from the "Book
+of Laws of the City of Antwerp_."]
+
+[Footnote 22: "The bailiff said that the magistrates had determined to
+search all the stables, cellars, and gardens, to discover whether the
+ground in any of these places had been recently dug."--E. Van Meteren,
+_History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 23: "Simon Turchi was known to be a perverse and immoral man; in
+a word, he was a compound of every vice and every evil
+inclination."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 24: "Go and do what I have commanded you. Disinter the body,
+take it on your shoulders and cast it into the sewer which is in the
+square where the three streets meet."--_Simon Turchi_.--_Matteo
+Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 25: "I will send Bernardo to help you, and I will order him to
+obey you, whatever you may command. When you have thrown the body into the
+sewer, you can, by a quick movement, push Bernardo in also. The sewer is
+deep, and whoever falls into it is immediately drowned."--_Matteo
+Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 26: "Simon Turchi begged Julio to take the crime upon
+himself."--Van Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Amulet, by Hendrik Conscience
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13835 ***
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..74c86a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #13835 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/13835)
diff --git a/old/13835-8.txt b/old/13835-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7f97707
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/13835-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,7809 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Amulet, by Hendrik Conscience
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Amulet
+
+Author: Hendrik Conscience
+
+Release Date: October 22, 2004 [EBook #13835]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AMULET ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Valerine Blas and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+THE AMULET.
+
+BY HENDRIK CONSCIENCE,
+
+AUTHOR OF "THE CURSE OF THE VILLAGE,"
+"THE HAPPINESS OF BEING RICH,"
+"VEVA,"
+"THE LION OF FLANDERS,"
+"COUNT HUGO OF CRAENHOVE,"
+"WOODEN CLARA,"
+"THE POOR GENTLEMAN,"
+"RICKETICKETACK,"
+"THE DEMON OF GOLD,"
+"THE VILLAGE INN-KEEPER,"
+"THE CONSCRIPT," "BLIND ROSA,"
+"THE MISER,"
+"THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER," ETC.
+
+Translated Expressly for this Edition.
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
+
+
+In the "Amulet," Hendrick Conscience has worked up an incident which
+occurred at Antwerp, in the 16th century, into a story of great power
+and deep interest. It was a dark and bloody deed committed, but swift
+and terrible was the retribution, strikingly illustrating how God
+laughs the sinner to scorn, and how the most cunningly devised schemes
+are frustrated, when He permits the light of His avenging justice to
+expose them in their enormity. On the contrary, it forcibly proves that
+virtuous actions, sooner or later, bear abundant fruit even in this
+world. If a man's sins bring upon his head a weight of woe, so do his
+good deeds draw down the benedictions of heaven and serve as a shield to
+protect him from his enemies.
+
+S.J.F.
+
+_Baltimore_.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.                                             PAGE
+ANTWERP                                                   9
+
+CHAPTER II.
+SIGNOR DEODATI                                           30
+
+CHAPTER III.
+THE PALACE OF SIMON TURCHI, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE      43
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION--THE ASSASSINATOR SLAIN      64
+
+CHAPTER V.
+VAN DE WERVE'S RECEPTION--SIMON TURCHI'S JEALOUSY
+AND HATRED                                               79
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+SIMON TURCHI WREAKS HIS VENGEANCE ON GERONIMO            96
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+GRIEF AT GERONIMO'S ABSENCE--TURCHI'S HYPOCRISY         112
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+SIMON TURCHI TRIES TO CONCEAL HIS CRIME                 128
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+GERONIMO RESURRECTED                                    143
+
+CHAPTER X.
+SIMON TURCHI'S ALARM--CRIME BEGETS CRIME                157
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+FOOD AT LAST--DEATH OF JULIO                            171
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+IS IT HIS GHOST?--THE GUILTY EXPOSED                    180
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+MARY VAN DE WERVE'S (NOW MADAME GERONIMO DEODATI)
+DEPARTURE FOR ITALY--THE PUNISHMENT OF SIMON
+TURCHI                                                  193
+
+
+
+
+THE AMULET.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Previous to the close of the fifteenth century, the direction taken by
+European commerce remained unchanged. America had not been discovered, and
+the only known route to India was by land.
+
+Venice, enthroned by her central position as queen of commerce, compelled
+the nations of Europe and Asia to convey to her port all the riches of the
+world.
+
+One single city, Bruges in Flanders, serving as an international mart for
+the people of the North and South, shared, in some measure, the commercial
+prosperity of Venice; but popular insurrections and continual civil wars
+had induced a large number of foreign merchants to prefer Brabant to
+Flanders, and Antwerp was becoming a powerful rival to Bruges.
+
+At this period two great events occurred, by which a new channel was
+opened to trade: Christopher Columbus discovered America, and Vasco de
+Gama, by doubling the Cape of Good Hope, pointed out a new route to India.
+This latter discovery, by presenting another grand highway to the world,
+deprived Venice of the peculiar advantages of her situation, and obliged
+commerce to seek a new emporium. Portugal and Spain were the most powerful
+nations on sea; countless ships left their ports for the two Indies, and
+brought back spices, pearls, and the precious metals for distribution
+throughout the Old World. This commercial activity required an emporium in
+the centre of Europe, halfway between the North and the South, whither
+Spaniards, Portuguese, and Italians, as well as French, English, Germans,
+Swedes, and Russians, could resort with equal facility as to a perpetual
+mart for all the commodities exchanged between the Old and the New
+World.[1]
+
+A few years before the commencement of the religious wars which proved so
+disastrous to the country, Antwerp was in a most flourishing condition.
+Thousands of ships of every form and size covered its broad river like a
+forest of masts, whose many-colored flags indicated the presence of
+traders from all the commercial nations of the globe.
+
+Portuguese gallions carried thither the gems and spices of the East;
+Spanish gallions the gold and silver of America; Italian vessels were
+laden with the delicate fruits and rich stuffs of the Southern countries;
+German vessels with grains and metals; and all returned to their own
+countries heavily freighted with other merchandise, and made way for the
+ships which were continually arriving, and which, according to
+contemporary chronicles, were often obliged to wait six weeks before they
+succeeded in approaching the wharf.[2]
+
+Small craft, such as _hers_, ascended the Scheldt, and even ventured out
+to sea in order to trade with the neighboring people. Transportation into
+the interior of the country was effected by means of very strong wagons,
+several hundred of which daily left Antwerp. The heavy vehicles which
+conveyed merchandise through Cologne to the heart of Germany were called
+_Hessenwagens_.[3]
+
+This extraordinary activity induced many foreigners to establish
+themselves in a city where gold was so abundant, and where every one might
+reasonably hope for large profits.
+
+At the period of which we speak, Antwerp counted among its inhabitants
+nearly a thousand merchants from other countries, each of whom had his own
+attendants; one chronicle estimates, perhaps with some exaggeration, the
+number of strangers engaged in commerce at five thousand.[4]
+
+Twice a day these merchants met on Change, not only for purposes of trade
+and for information of the arrival of ships, but principally for banking
+operations.
+
+To convey an idea of the amount of wealth at the disposal of the houses of
+Antwerp, it suffices to say that the king of Portugal obtained in one day
+in this city a loan of three millions of gold crowns, and Queen Mary of
+England contracted a debt of seventy millions of francs.
+
+One merchant, called the rich Fugger, left at his death legacies amounting
+to nearly six millions of gold crowns, a sum which for that period would
+seem fabulous, if the fact were not established by indisputable documents.
+
+This wealth and the presence of so many nations vying with each other had
+carried luxury to such a height that magistrates were frequently obliged
+to publish edicts, in order to restrain the lavish expenditure. This was
+not done on account of the foreign inhabitants of the place, but for the
+advantage of many noble families and the people of the middle classes, who
+were tempted by the example of others to a display of magnificence which
+might have seriously injured their fortunes.
+
+The greater part of the Italian merchants from Lucca, Genoa, Florence, and
+other cities beyond the Alps, were noblemen, and from this circumstance
+they were thrown into intimate intercourse with the noble families of
+Antwerp, all of whom spoke fluently three or four languages, and who
+particularly studied to speak with purity and elegance the soft Italian
+idiom.[5]
+
+In the _Hipdorp_, not far from the Church of St. James, stood an elegant
+mansion, which was the favorite resort of the élité of the Italian
+merchants. It was the residence of William Van de Werve, lord of Schilde.
+
+Although this nobleman did not himself engage in mercantile transactions,
+because the aristocratic families of Brabant regarded commerce as an
+occupation unsuitable to persons of high birth,[6] he was very cordial and
+hospitable to all strangers whose rank entitled them to admission to his
+home circle. Moreover, he was extremely wealthy, luxurious in his manner
+of living, and so well versed in three or four different languages, that
+he could with ease enter into an agreeable and useful conversation in
+either of them.
+
+The house of Mr. Van de Werve had still other attractions to noble
+foreigners. He had a daughter of extraordinary beauty, so lovely, so
+modest, notwithstanding the homage offered to her charms, that her
+admirers had surnamed her _la bionda maraviglia_, "the wonderful blonde."
+
+One morning in the year 1550 the beautiful Mary Van de Werve was seated in
+her father's house in a richly sculptured arm-chair. The young girl had
+apparently just returned from church, as she still held in her hand a
+rosary of precious stones, and her hood lay on a chair near her. She
+seemed to be engrossed by some pleasing thought which filled her heart
+with a sweet anticipation, for a slight smile parted her lips, and her
+eyes were upraised to heaven as if imploring a favor from Almighty God.
+
+Against the wall behind her hung a picture from the pencil of John Van
+Eyck, in which the great master had represented the Virgin in prayer,
+whilst she was still ignorant of the sublime destiny that awaited her.
+
+The artist had lavished upon this masterpiece the most ardent inspirations
+of his pious and poetic genius, for the image seemed to live and think. It
+charmed by the beauty of feature, the majestic calm of expression, the
+sweetness of the smile, the look full of love cast from earth to heaven.
+
+There was a striking resemblance between the creation of the artist and
+the young girl seated beneath in almost the same attitude. In truth, the
+youthful Mary Van de Werve was as beautiful as the poetical representation
+of her patroness. She had the same large blue eyes, whose expression,
+although calm and thoughtful, revealed a keen sensibility and a tender,
+loving soul; her golden hair fell in ringlets over a brow of marble
+whiteness, and no painter had ever traced a cheek of lovelier mould or
+more delicate hue; her whole being expressed that calm recollection and
+attractive gravity which is the true poetry of the immaterial soul, and
+which was comprehended only by the believing artists of the North before
+the material inspiration of pagan art had been transmitted to them from
+the South.
+
+Mary Van de Werve was most richly attired; but there was in her dress an
+absence of ornament which appeared strange at that period of extreme pomp
+and show. A waist of sky-blue velvet encircled her slender form, and a
+brocade skirt fell in large folds to her feet. Only on her open sleeves
+appeared some gold thread, and the clasp which fastened the chamois-skin
+purse suspended from her girdle was encrusted with precious stones.
+
+All her surroundings betokened her father's opulence: large stained-glass
+windows, covered with the armorial bearings of his ancestors, cast their
+varied hues upon the inlaid marble floor; tables and chairs of oak, slabs
+supporting exquisite statuary from the chisel of the most celebrated
+artists, were ranged along the walls; an ivory crucifix surmounted a
+silver basin of rare workmanship containing holy water. Even the massive
+andirons, which stood in the broad fireplace, were partly of gold and
+ornamented with the coat of arms.
+
+Her prayer was finished, or it might be that her thoughts had taken
+another turn; she arose and walked slowly towards the large window which
+overlooked the garden. She fixed her eyes upon the beautiful blue sky; her
+countenance was bright, as though a sweet hope filled her heart, and a
+rosy hue suffused her cheeks.
+
+An old man at this moment entered the room. Heavy moustaches shaded his
+lips, and a long beard fell upon his breast. There was something grave and
+severe in his imposing appearance and even in his dress; for although his
+doublet was of gold cloth, his whole body was enveloped in a long cloak,
+whose dark color was relieved by a lining of white fur.
+
+"Good morning, Mary," he said, as he approached the young girl.
+
+"May the blessing of God always be with you, dear father," she replied.
+"Come, see how lovely the sky is, and how brightly the sun shines."
+
+"It is charming weather; we might almost imagine ourselves in the month of
+May."
+
+"It is the eve of May, father." And with a joyous smile she drew her
+father to the window, and pointing to the sky, said: "The wind has
+changed; it blows from the direction of England."
+
+"True; since yesterday it has been south-east."
+
+"So much the better; the ships which have been kept out at sea can ascend
+the Scheldt with to-day's or to-morrow's tide."
+
+"And you hope," said Mr. Van de Werve, shaking his head, "that among these
+vessels will be found the _Il Salvatore_, which is to bring the old Signor
+Deodati from Lucca?"
+
+"I have so long implored of heaven this favorable wind," replied the young
+girl. "I thank the God of mercy that my prayer has been heard!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve was silent; his daughter's words had evidently made a
+disagreeable impression upon him.
+
+She passed her arm caressingly around his neck, and said:
+
+"Dear father, you are sorrowful; and yet you promised me to await
+tranquilly the arrival of Signor Deodati."
+
+"It is true, my child," he replied; "but, as the time approaches when I
+must come to a decision, my soul is filled with anxiety. We are the
+descendants of an illustrious family, and our style of living should be so
+magnificent as to reflect credit on our rank. The Signor Geronimo, whom
+you seem to prefer to all others, lives very economically; he dresses
+simply, and abstains from all that kind of expenditure which, being an
+evidence of wealth and chivalric generosity, elevates a man in the eyes of
+the world. That makes me fear that his uncle is either in moderate
+circumstances or very avaricious."
+
+"But, father, permit me to say that the Signor Deodati of Lucca is very
+rich and of high birth," replied the young girl, sadly. "Did not the
+banker Marco Riccardi give you satisfactory information on that point?"
+
+"And should he be miserly, Mary, will he accept the conditions I propose?
+I shall demand of him the renunciation of a considerable portion of his
+possessions in favor of his nephew Geronimo. Would it not be an insult to
+you, which your brothers would avenge, were your hand to be refused from
+pecuniary motives? I regret that you have so irrevocably fixed your
+affections on the Signor Geronimo, when you might have chosen among a
+hundred others richer and of higher estate. The head of the powerful house
+of Buonvisi had more claim upon my sympathy and yours."
+
+"Simon Turchi!" said the young girl, sorrowfully bowing her head.
+
+"What has this poor Signor Turchi left undone during the past three years
+to prove his chivalric love?" replied her father. "Festivals, banquets,
+concerts, boating on the Scheldt, nothing has been spared; he has expended
+a fortune to please you. At one time you did not dislike him; but ever
+since the fatal night when he was attacked by unknown assassins and
+wounded in the face, you look upon him with different eyes. Instead of
+being grateful to the good Turchi, you comport yourself in such a manner
+towards him, that I am induced to believe that you hate him."
+
+"Hate the Signor Turchi!" exclaimed Mary, as if frightened by the
+accusation. "Dear father, do not indulge such a thought."
+
+"He is a handsome, dignified gentleman, my child."
+
+"Yes, father; he has long been an intimate friend of the Signor
+Geronimo."[7]
+
+Mr. Van de Werve took his daughter's hand, and said, gently: "Geronimo may
+be finer-looking to a woman's eye; but his future depends upon his uncle's
+kindness. He is young and inexperienced, and he possesses nothing himself.
+The Signor Turchi, on the contrary, is rich and highly esteemed in the
+world as partner and administrator of the well-known house of Buonvisi.
+Think better of your choice, Mary; satisfy my desires and your brothers':
+it is not yet too late."
+
+Tears filled the eyes of the young girl; she replied, however, with a
+sweet resignation: "Father, I am your submissive child. Command, and I
+will obey without a murmur, and humbly kiss the venerated hand which
+imposes the painful sacrifice. But Geronimo! poor Geronimo!"
+
+At these words her fortitude forsook her; she covered her face with her
+hands, and wept bitterly; her tears fell like bright pearls upon the
+marble floor.
+
+For some moments Mr. Van de Werve contemplated his daughter with
+ever-increasing pity; then overcome by the sight of her grief, he took her
+hand, and tenderly pressing it, he said to her: "Cheer up, my dear Mary,
+do not weep. We will see what answer the Signor Deodati will return to the
+conditions I will propose to him. Geronimo is of noble birth; if his uncle
+will consent to bestow upon him a suitable fortune, your desires shall be
+fulfilled."
+
+"But, dear father," said the still weeping girl, "that depends upon the
+magnitude of your demands. If you ask impossibilities of the Signor
+Deodati--"
+
+"No, no, have no anxiety," said Mr. Van de Werve, interrupting her. "I
+will endeavor to fulfil my duty as a father, and at the same time to spare
+you any future sorrow. Are you satisfied now?"
+
+Mary silently embraced her father, and her eyes expressed such gratitude
+that Mr. Van de Werve was deeply moved, and said, tenderly:
+
+"Who could refuse you anything? Age, experience, prudence, all yield
+before one glance of your eye. Conceal your emotion; I hear some one
+coming."
+
+A servant opened the door, and announced, "The Signor Geronimo."
+
+The young nobleman thus introduced was remarkable for his fine form, and
+the graceful elegance of his manners and carriage. His complexion was of
+that light and clear brown which adds so much to the manly beauty of some
+Southern nations. The dark beard and hair, his spirited black eyes, gave a
+singular charm to his countenance, while his calm and sweet smile
+indicated goodness of heart.
+
+Although upon his entrance he strove to appear cheerful, Mary's eye
+detected a concealed sadness.
+
+The dress of Geronimo was simple in comparison with the rich attire of the
+other Italian nobles, his compatriots. He wore a felt hat ornamented with
+a long plume, a Spanish cloak, a cloth doublet lined with fur, violet
+satin breeches, and gray boots. His modest attire was relieved only by the
+sword which hung at his side; for the hilt glittered with precious stones,
+and the armorial bearings engraved upon it proved him to be of noble
+birth.
+
+"Che la pace sia in quelle casa!" (May peace be in this house!) he said,
+as he entered the hall.
+
+He bowed profoundly to Mr. Van de Werve, and saluted him most
+respectfully; but the traces of tears which he perceived on Mary's face so
+startled him that he interrupted his ceremonious greetings, and fixed his
+eyes inquiringly upon her. She had been weeping, and yet she smiled
+joyously.
+
+"Mary is naturally very susceptible, Signor Geronimo," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "I was speaking to her of her beloved mother, and she wept. You
+appear, and she smiles as though she knew no sorrow."
+
+The young girl did not await the conclusion of this explanation; before
+her father had finished speaking, she led her lover to the window, pointed
+to the weathercock, and said: "Look, Geronimo, the wind is from the west."
+
+"I noticed it last night," replied the young man, with an involuntary
+sigh.
+
+"Rejoice then, for to-day your uncle may be in sight of the city."
+
+"I do not think so; however, it is possible," said the young man, sadly.
+
+"How coldly you speak, Geronimo!" exclaimed the young girl, in surprise;
+"what cloud obscures your soul?"
+
+"I myself notice something extraordinary in your manner, signor," remarked
+the father. "You seem dejected; have you received bad news of your uncle?"
+
+Geronimo hesitated for an answer; then, as though endeavoring to drive
+away unpleasant thoughts, he said, in a faltering voice: "No, no, it is
+not that. I witnessed just now near the Dominican Convent something which
+touched me deeply, and I have not yet recovered from the shock. Have you
+not heard of a Florentine merchant named Massimo Barberi?"
+
+"Is he noble?" asked Mary. "I do not remember him."
+
+"No, a commoner, but a man highly esteemed."
+
+"I know him well," said Mr. Van de Werve. "I met him lately in company
+with Lopez de Galle, for whom he had attended to some financial affairs.
+What have you to tell us concerning him?"
+
+"Something terrible, Mr. Van de Werve. I saw the corpse of poor Barberi
+taken out of a sewer; he had two dagger-wounds in his throat. He was
+undoubtedly attacked and slain last night."
+
+"It is had to see so many murders committed in Antwerp," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "This is the fourth during the past month. The victims each time
+have been either Spaniards or Italians, and that vengeance or jealousy was
+the cause is sufficiently proved by the fact that in no case have the
+bodies been despoiled of their money or jewels. This custom of lying in
+wait, attacking and killing each other, often without cause, is an outrage
+both against God and man. And do you not yourself sometimes fear, Signor
+Geronimo, the assassin's dagger?"
+
+The young man shook his head.
+
+"For instance," continued Mary's father, "this is the eve of May, I need
+not ask if you intend to offer to Mary the homage of a serenade. It is the
+custom of your countrymen to pay this attention to young girls, and you
+would not omit this opportunity were it not for the advice of a man of
+experience. Geronimo, listen to the words of calm reason: do not rashly
+expose yourself to the danger of death; abandon your design this time.
+Many of your compatriots have aspired to Mary's hand; they have been less
+successful than you, and on this account they may harbor unkind feelings
+towards you."
+
+The young man received this advice with a smile which indicated its
+refusal.
+
+"It is difficult, sir, to speak of such things in the presence of the one
+who is to be the object of our homage. Permit me, however, the liberty to
+decide upon the manner in which I will acquit myself of my duty to this
+young lady."
+
+"But permit me, signor, to tell you," said the old man, in an offended
+tone, "that it does you no honor to reject the advice of a man of
+experience, in order to carry out an unimportant fancy. Rashness does not
+indicate courage, but rather an absence of good sense."
+
+"Father," exclaimed Mary, in a supplicating tone, "be not angry with
+Signor Geronimo; he will incur no danger."
+
+"Foolish confidence!" said the old man. "Why should Geronimo think himself
+less exposed to danger than others? That Geronimo should be rash is
+excusable; but, Mary, you deserve a severe reprimand for encouraging your
+friend in his perilous design."
+
+The young girl bowed her head at this reproof of her father, and murmured
+as if to excuse herself: "Geronimo has a relic, father."
+
+This revelation embarrassed the young man, and he glanced reproachfully at
+Mary.
+
+She said, caressingly:
+
+"Don't be displeased, Geronimo; show the relic to my father, and he will
+then know why you do not fear that any accident will happen to you."
+
+The young man felt that he could not refuse Mary's request. He drew from
+under his doublet an object suspended on a steel chain, and, approaching
+Mr. Van de Werve, he placed it in his hand.
+
+It was a flat medal of greenish copper, on which were engraven unknown
+letters and signs. A cross between two bent sabres, and beneath them a
+crescent, filled up the centre of the medal. At the foot of the cross was
+a gray stone, rudely inlaid. The whole was rough and heavy.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve examined this medal attentively for some time; he turned
+it over and over, as though he sought to comprehend the signification of
+this singular emblem.
+
+"A relic!" he murmured. "Here are two cimeters, a crescent, and cabalistic
+characters. It is a Mohammedan talisman, and, perhaps, an emblem shocking
+to our holy religion!"
+
+"You are certainly mistaken, sir," replied Geronimo.
+
+"Is not the cross placed above the crescent, and would not that signify
+that the faith of Christ has triumphed over the doctrines of Mahomet?"
+
+"But why do you call it a relic?"
+
+"Mary so named it, not I. It is an amulet, and if it has any power, it
+derives it from the gray stone beneath the cross. This stone is a
+_draconite_, taken, at the risk of life, from the head of a dragon in the
+country of the negroes."
+
+A half contemptuous smile curled the lips of the old man as he
+contemplated the talisman in silence. At last he said: "I remember, Signor
+Geronimo, to have read in Pliny curious details of the draconite and its
+extraordinary powers, but I also remember that the great naturalist
+forgets to tell us the inherent qualities of the stone. Alas! signor,
+would you trust in this talisman, and believe that it could protect you
+against the dagger of the assassin? The people of the South have a strange
+piety: in their superstition they confound what is holy with things which
+owe their efficacy, if they possess any, to the conjurations of
+sorcerers."
+
+The young noble colored slightly, and replied: "You are mistaken, sir, as
+far as I am concerned. For my justification allow me to tell you that this
+amulet belonged to a pilgrim; that it rested one entire night of Good
+Friday upon the tomb of our Lord at Jerusalem; but I will be candid, and
+say to you that I do not consider it possessed of the power to preserve me
+from danger. And yet I always wear it with the firm and unshaken
+conviction that it will protect me in a critical hour from some
+misfortune."
+
+"Perhaps it belonged to your deceased parents," said Mr. Van de Werve,
+struck by the singular explanation of the young man.
+
+"No, sir," replied Geronimo; "this amulet is to me a cherished souvenir of
+a day upon which God gave me the grace to perform a good action. I would
+willingly tell you how the amulet fell into my hands, and why I believe in
+its power to protect me, but it is a long story."
+
+"I would, nevertheless, be much pleased if you would satisfy my
+curiosity," said the old noble.
+
+"If you desire it," replied Geronimo, "I will comply with your wishes.
+
+"You know that five years ago, when I undertook for the first time the
+voyage from Lucca to Antwerp, I was made prisoner by Algerian pirates, and
+carried as a slave to Barbary. I was sold to a Moorish lord, who made me
+work in the fields until my uncle should send the ransom which would
+restore me to liberty. In the same field in which some light work was
+appointed me, I saw an old blind woman attached like a mule to a plough,
+and driven on by blows from a heavy stick. She was a Christian slave,
+whose eyes had been put out in wanton cruelty. I learned that she was an
+Italian by birth, a native of a small village in the environs of Porto
+Fiero, a seaport not far from Genoa. She had no relatives who could pay
+her ransom, and she had consequently been fastened to the plough like a
+beast of burden until death should come to deliver her. The frightful fate
+of this miserable slave so filled me with compassion, that I shed tears of
+grief and rage when I heard afar off her piercing cries as the rod of the
+overseer descended upon her. One day my indignation was so roused, when
+the pagan wretches had knocked her down and were treating her even more
+cruelly than usual, that I dared to defend her by force. Had not my master
+expected a large sum for my ransom, a frightful death would have been the
+punishment of my audacity. After being kept a few days in prison and
+harshly treated, I was sent back to the fields to work as before. The
+condition of the blind slave was not in the least changed; she was still
+inhumanly beaten. Her misfortunes pierced my heart, and I was maddened by
+my inability to protect from pagan cruelty a woman who was my sister by
+our common faith and a common misfortune. No longer venturing to have
+recourse to force, I sought other means to mitigate her sufferings. During
+the few hours of repose granted to us, or rather to our overseers, I
+hastened to the blind woman and shared with her the best of my food; I
+strove to fortify her by the hope that God would liberate her from this
+terrible slavery; I told her, that should I ever become free, I would
+procure her liberation, even were it necessary to renounce for years my
+own pleasures that I might amass sufficient for her ransom. I spoke to her
+of our country, of the goodness of God, and of the probability of my
+liberation. The poor blind woman kissed my hands, and called me an angel
+sent by God to illumine the darkness of her life by the sweet rays of
+consolation and piety. I was only a few months her fellow-slave. My uncle,
+learning my captivity through messengers I had employed, sent to Algiers
+an armed vessel to liberate me. Besides the amount of my ransom, he sent
+me means to transport some valuable merchandise from Barbary to Italy.
+When I took leave of the blind woman, I was so deeply touched by her
+sorrow, that I pondered upon the means of restoring her to liberty. It is
+true that in order to effect this, I would be obliged to employ a large
+portion of the money sent me by my uncle for the purchase of merchandise,
+and I was convinced that my uncle, who was inflexible in exacting fidelity
+to commercial regulations, would overwhelm me with his anger, but my heart
+gained the ascendency over my reason, and Christian charity triumphed.
+Listening only to my compassion, I ransomed the unfortunate woman, and
+with my own hands I unbound her chains. That was the happiest moment of my
+life."
+
+Mary and her father were both touched by the recital of the young man.
+
+"Oh, Geronimo," exclaimed Mary, "may God bless you for having been so
+compassionate to the poor Christian slave!"
+
+"You did well, Geronimo," said Mr. Van de Werve, "and I esteem and love
+you more for your generosity to the unfortunate blind woman. How happy her
+unexpected liberation must have made her!"
+
+"When I told her she was free, and that she could accompany me to her
+native land, she was almost wild with joy; she laughed and wept by turns;
+she cast herself upon the ground, and raising her hands to heaven, thanked
+God; she embraced my knees and watered my feet with her tears. Not knowing
+how to testify her gratitude, she drew this strange amulet from her bosom
+and presented it to me, conjuring me to wear it always. She told me that
+it possessed the power of protecting and saving the one who carried it on
+his person, when all human aid failed or was insufficient. As to the
+origin of the amulet, she only knew that it had been brought back from
+Jerusalem by one of her ancestors, who had made a pilgrimage thither in
+expiation of an involuntary homicide, and from that time it had been,
+religiously guarded in their family as a precious relic. She had no doubt
+of its power, and related many strange things to justify her faith. She
+maintained that she owed to the amulet her unexpected return to Italy."
+
+"Does she still live?" asked Mary.
+
+"When in sight of Italy, I put her on board of a boat bound to Porto
+Fiero; I gave her a small sum of money, and begged the boatman to attend
+to her comforts. Poor Teresa Mostajo--that is her name--I doubt not, is
+living peacefully in her native village, and prays much for me. This is
+the only reason why I attribute any virtue to the amulet; I believe in the
+protection of this sign because it has been sanctified by an act of
+Christian charity, and by the grateful prayers of the poor blind woman
+tormented by the pagans for the name of Christ."
+
+The old cavalier remained a moment silent, absorbed in thought. Then
+taking the hand of the young man, he said to him: "I did not know you
+before, Geronimo. I hope it may be in my power to prove to you how much
+your generosity ennobles you and elevates you in my esteem; but although
+your confidence in the amulet rests on so laudable a sentiment, I would
+not rely too much upon it. You know the proverb says: 'Help yourself, and
+Heaven will help you.'"
+
+"Do not suppose, Mr. Van de Werve, that on that account I would be guilty
+of any foolish imprudence. I know that the eye and sword are good
+sentinels. When I pass through the streets at night, I am always well
+accompanied, and my hand never leaves the hilt of my sword. Therefore have
+no anxiety on this point, and permit me to perform my duty to her to whom
+I owe homage and respect."
+
+At that moment the painted--glass windows trembled under the stroke of a
+large clock from some neighboring belfry. This suddenly turned Mary's
+thoughts into another channel.
+
+"The clock of St. James is striking ten," she said.
+
+"Father, will you walk with me to the dock-yard to see if any new ships
+have arrived?"
+
+"What is the hour of high tide?" her father asked Geronimo.
+
+"At noon," he replied.
+
+"Why need we go so soon to the dock-yard?" asked the old cavalier. "Many
+days may yet pass before the _Il Salvatore_ appears in the Scheldt. Do not
+fear, Mary, that the Signor Deodati will take us by surprise. Don Pezoa,
+the agent of the king of Portugal, has given orders that I shall be
+notified as soon as the galley we are awaiting is signaled in the river,
+at noon."
+
+He was interrupted by the entrance of a servant, who announced that the
+Chevalier John Van Schoonhoven,[8] the bailiff, desired to speak with him.
+
+Geronimo was about to withdraw, but Mr. Van de Werve said to him,
+cordially:
+
+"Remain, signor; I will send Petronilla, Mary's duenna as a companion for
+her; the interview with the Chevalier Schoonhoven may not detain me long.
+We will afterwards go to the dock-yard, and we will at least enjoy the
+fine weather. Stay, I beg you."
+
+Hardly had he left the hall when an old woman entered, and seated herself
+near the door. She drew a chaplet from her pocket, and commenced praying
+in a low voice. This was apparently an habitual act with her, for neither
+the young girl nor the young man took the least notice of the duenna.
+
+Mary approached her lover, and said, gaily: "Rejoice, Geronimo! My father
+has just promised not to propose very heavy conditions to your uncle."
+
+"I am most grateful for his kindness," said the young man, sadly.
+
+"What can be the matter?" asked Mary, surprised by his indifference. "I
+noticed you were depressed when you first came. Be more hopeful; perhaps
+the _Il Salvatore_ will ascend the Scheldt to-day."
+
+"God grant it may not arrive!" said Geronimo, heaving a deep sigh.
+
+"Do you then fear your uncle's arrival?" exclaimed Mary, in an agitated
+voice.
+
+"Do not speak so loud, Mary; your duenna must not hear what I am about to
+communicate to you. Yes; since yesterday morning I have dreaded my uncle's
+arrival. Previously I implored it of Heaven as the choicest blessing, and
+now the thought of it makes me tremble."
+
+"Have you then heard from your uncle?"
+
+"Alas! my friend, at the very moment when all seemed the brightest, when I
+was thanking God for a happiness which I thought already mine, a dark
+cloud comes to overshadow my life. I seem even now to hear my uncle's
+voice pronouncing the cruel sentence which condemns me to a life-long
+sorrow."
+
+The young girl turned deadly pale, and anxiously awaited an explanation
+of the mystery.
+
+"My beloved Mary," he whispered, "it is a secret which I can only confide
+to you in part, and which in strict honor I should perhaps conceal
+entirely. Four weeks ago a merchant, highly esteemed, was left by a
+curious train of circumstances without funds, and he begged me to lend him
+ten thousand crowns. Should I refuse his request, the credit of his house
+would be irretrievably ruined. His name I considered sufficient security
+for ten times the amount he wished to borrow. At all events, although it
+pained me to disobey my uncle's positive injunctions, I could not deny the
+assistance which was asked of me. I lent the ten thousand crowns, and
+obtained a receipt with a written promise of payment in one month.
+Yesterday the note fell due; my debtor asks a delay until to-morrow. I met
+him an hour ago, and he has not yet obtained the money."
+
+"But if your debtor is rich and powerful, you need not indulge your fears
+to-day; to-morrow, perhaps, he will fulfil his promise," remarked the
+young girl, with ill-concealed anxiety.
+
+"My fears may mislead me, Mary, but I am sure that my debtor's affairs are
+in a very bad condition. At his urgent entreaty I made no entry of the
+loan upon the books, in order to conceal the transaction from the clerks;
+but still I have not the amount in hand. O Mary! my uncle has an eagle eye
+in business affairs; he will at once discover the deficit of ten thousand
+crowns--a deficit resulting from my lending money: a thing he has always
+warned me against, and which, even recently, he strictly forbade. My uncle
+is a good father to me, but this act of disobedience is sufficient to
+deprive me forever of his favor. I foresee many future evils."
+
+"Why were you so imprudent, Geronimo? You ought to have refused so large a
+loan."
+
+"I could not possibly refuse, Mary."
+
+"But you hold an acknowledgment of the debt and a promise of payment.
+Summon this merchant before the magistrates; at Antwerp justice is
+promptly and impartially dealt to all."
+
+"Impossible!" replied the young man, in a plaintive voice; "my debtor is a
+man to whom I owe many obligations; a complaint from me would be the cause
+of irreparable ruin to him. Let us hope that he will succeed in procuring
+the ten thousand crowns. He told me even this morning that he would
+endeavor to give me bills of exchange on Spain."
+
+"But of whom are you speaking?" said Mary; "your language is so
+mysterious."
+
+"I will not tell his name. Be not offended by my reserve; there is between
+merchants a law of secrecy which honor forbids us to violate."
+
+Mary appeared to respect this law; but she was evidently absorbed in
+bitter reflections.
+
+Either the communication of his difficulties to his beloved had given him
+new strength, or the sight of her sorrow made him affect a confidence he
+did not feel, for he said to her in a cheerful manner:
+
+"Come, Mary, you must not yield to discouragement. Perhaps I exaggerate
+the danger. My debtor is a member of a house which equals any other in
+consideration and wealth. In a few days, to-day even, or to-morrow, he may
+acquit himself of the debt, and should my uncle arrive before the
+restitution, I will endeavor to delay his examination of the books."
+
+He took the young girl's hand, and exclaimed, with joyous enthusiasm: "O
+Mary, my beloved, may Heaven be propitious to our vows! May the
+benediction of the priest descend upon our union! We will pass in Italy
+the first months of our happy life; Italy--that earthly paradise where God
+has lavished all the treasures of nature, and man all the treasures of
+art."
+
+They heard Mr. Van de Werve's voice in the hall giving urgent orders to
+the servants.
+
+"Mary," said Geronimo, "your father is coming. I implore you not to
+divulge, in any manner, what I have told you. Keep my secret even from
+your father; remember that the least indiscretion might cause the ruin of
+an honorable merchant."
+
+"Make haste, Geronimo; Mary, prepare for a drive," exclaimed Mr. Van de
+Werve, as he entered the hall. "Signor Deodati has arrived; the _Il
+Salvatore_ is in sight. Don Pezoa has just sent me information to that
+effect, and he has placed his gondola and boatmen at our service. The
+weather is beautiful and calm; we will go to meet the _Il Salvatore_."
+
+Mary, as though forgetting in this unexpected news all that Geronimo had
+told her, ran joyfully and put on her hood before her duenna had time to
+approach her. Geronimo also looked happy, and prepared to meet his uncle
+without loss of time.
+
+In a few minutes all was ready; the horses were harnessed to the carriage,
+the great gate was flung open, and the equipage was driven rapidly through
+the street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SIGNOR DEODATI.
+
+
+On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle. Many
+ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were
+approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the
+breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was
+covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed
+to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.
+
+The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring
+their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position. The crews of the
+different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so
+energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained
+cables. From each arose a song wild and harsh as the sharp creaking of the
+capstan, but joyous as the triumphant shout of a victorious army. These
+chants, sung in every tongue of the commercial world by robust sailors,
+seemed, as they were wafted over the river to the city, like the long,
+loud acclamations of a vast multitude.
+
+The only sounds which could be heard in the midst of these confused cries
+were the voices of the captains speaking through the trumpets; and when a
+Portuguese gallion, coming from the West Indies, appeared before the city,
+a salvo of cannon rose like the rolling of thunder above all other sounds.
+
+The sun shone brightly upon this animated scene of human activity, and
+broke and sparkled in colored light up in the rippling waves of the broad
+river.
+
+Hundreds of flags floated in the air; gondolas and longboats furrowed the
+waters; from boat and wharf joyous greetings of friends mingled with the
+song of the sailors. Even the wagoners from beyond the Rhine, who had
+ranged their strongly-built wagons near the cemetery of Burg, in order to
+load them with spices for Cologne, could not resist the influence of the
+beautiful May-day and the general hilarity; they collected near the gate
+of the dock-yard, and entoned in their German tongue a song so harmonious
+and sweet, and yet so manly, that every other sound in their vicinity was
+hushed.
+
+At this moment an elegant vehicle passed the gate of the dock-yard, and
+stopped near the German wagoners as the last strain of their song died
+upon the air.
+
+A young man, and after him an old man and a young girl richly attired,
+alighted from the carriage.
+
+Those immediately around, merchants as well as workmen, stepped
+respectfully aside and saluted Mr. Van de Werve, whilst glancing
+admiringly at his daughter. Some Italians of lower rank murmured loud
+enough to reach Mary's ears: "_Ecco la bionda maraviglia_."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve ordered his people to await him at the gate of the
+dock-yard, and passed on, saluting those whom he met, to the place where
+the Portuguese flag indicated the gondola of Lopez de Galle, which was
+prepared to receive him. They threw a carpet across the plank upon which
+Mary was to step in passing into the gondola. Mary, her father, and
+Geronimo entered the boat; the six oars dipped simultaneously into the
+water, and, pushed by the strong arms of the Portuguese sailors, the
+gondola sped rapidly through the waves. Swift as a fish and light as a
+swan, it skimmed the surface of the Scheldt, and made many a turn through
+the numerous vessels until it had succeeded in finding an open way down
+the river. Then the sailors exerted all their strength, as if to show the
+beautiful young girl what they were capable of in their trade. The
+gondola, obeying the impulse given it by the oarsmen, bounded forward
+under each stroke of the oars, and gracefully poised itself on the waves
+caused by its rapid passage.
+
+Complete silence reigned in the gondola; the sailors looked with timid
+admiration upon the beautiful countenance of the young girl. Mary, with
+downcast eyes, was persuading herself that Geronimo's uncle would
+undoubtedly consent to their union. The young man was absorbed in thought,
+and yielded by turns to joy, hope, and fear. Mr. Van de Werve contemplated
+the city, and seemed to enjoy the magnificent spectacle presented by
+Antwerp when seen at a distance, and which, with its lofty towers and
+splendid edifices, rose from the river like another Venice.
+
+Suddenly Geronimo rose and pointed in the distance, exclaiming, joyously,
+"See, the _Il Salvatore!_"
+
+Mary, glancing around, eagerly asked: "Where? Is it the vessel bearing a
+red cross on its flag?"
+
+"No, Mary, it is behind the ships of war; it is that large vessel with
+three masts--on its flag is a picture of the Saviour: _Il Salvatore_."
+
+While the gondola rapidly sped on its way, the eyes of all were fixed upon
+the galley, in order, if possible, to distinguish the features of those
+who stood on deck.
+
+Suddenly Geronimo clapped his hands, exclaiming, "God be praised! I see my
+uncle."
+
+"Which is he?" inquired Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+The young man replied, joyously: "Do you not see standing on the
+forecastle five or six passengers who wear parti-colored dresses, with
+plumed hats? In the midst of them is a man of lofty stature, completely
+enveloped in a brown cloak. He has long white hair, and his silvery beard
+looks like snow-flakes resting on his dark mantle. That is my old uncle,
+Signor Deodati."
+
+"What a superb-looking old man!" exclaimed Mary, in admiration.
+
+"In truth," said Mr. Van de Werve, "as well as I can judge at this
+distance, his appearance is very striking."
+
+"My uncle inspires respect wherever he goes," said the young man,
+enthusiastically. "His sixty-five years appear on his brow as an aureola
+of experience and wisdom; he is learned, good, and generous."
+
+And waving his hat, he cried out: "Ah, he recognizes us! He salutes us; he
+smiles. At last I see him after four years of separation. My God, I thank
+thee for having protected him!"
+
+The young man's joy was so great that Mary and her father were also moved.
+
+"So lively an affection for your uncle does you credit, Geronimo," said
+Mr. Van de Werve. "God loves a grateful heart; may He grant you to-day the
+desires of your heart!"
+
+But the young man did not hear these words of encouragement; standing in
+the gondola, he waved to his uncle as if endeavoring to express to him by
+signs his joy at seeing him.
+
+The gondola approached the galley, which slowly ascended the Scheldt in a
+favorable wind and with a rising tide.
+
+The light boat soon gained the large ship. Before the ladder was lowered,
+Geronimo caught the cable of the galley, and ere Mary had recovered from
+her terror, he had reached the deck and was in his uncle's arms.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve mounted the ladder cautiously, and approached Signor
+Deodati, with whom he exchanged the most cordial salutations.
+
+Mary remained in the gondola; she saw Geronimo embrace his uncle
+repeatedly; she rejoiced to perceive that the eyes of the old man were
+filled with tears of emotion. She was still more happy when she saw the
+affability with which her father and Geronimo's uncle conversed together,
+as though they were old friends.
+
+Very soon the Signor Deodati descended into the gondola to accompany Mr.
+Van de Werve and Geronimo to the city.
+
+The Flemish cavalier introduced his daughter to the Italian noble.
+
+The old man gazed upon the ravishing beauty of the young girl in
+speechless admiration. Mary's lovely features were illumined by an
+enchanting smile which moved the old man's heart; her large blue eyes were
+fixed upon him with so soft and supplicating an expression that the Signor
+Deodati, extending his hand, murmured: "_E la graziosa donzella!_" (The
+beautiful girl!)
+
+But Mary, encouraged by his look of affection, and unconsciously urged by
+a mysterious instinct, extended both hands to the old man, who folded her
+in his arms and pressed her to his heart.
+
+Geronimo, overjoyed at the reception given to Mary by his uncle, turned
+aside to conceal his emotion.
+
+"_Iddio vi dia pace in nostra patria!_ May God grant you peace in our
+country, Signor Deodati!" said Mary, taking the old man's hand. "Come sit
+by me; I am so happy to know you. Do not think me bold; Geronimo has
+spoken so much of you, that I have long respected and loved you. And then,
+in our Netherlands we always welcome a stranger as a brother."
+
+Signor Deodati seated himself by her as she desired, and as the gondola
+returned to the city, the old man said, in surprise: "But you speak
+Italian like a native of Lucca. How soft and musical my native tongue
+sounds from your lips!"
+
+"There is my teacher," said Mary, pointing to Geronimo.
+
+"That is not true, my uncle. Her modesty causes her to mislead you. Miss
+Van de Werve speaks equally well both Spanish and French, nor is she
+ignorant of Latin."
+
+"Can that be so?" asked the elder Deodati, with an incredulous smile.
+
+"That is nothing extraordinary in our city of Antwerp," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "Most ladies of noble birth, and even merchants' daughters, speak
+two or three foreign languages. It is a necessity rather than a pleasure
+for us; for since the people of the South will not or can not learn our
+tongue, we are obliged to become familiar with theirs."
+
+The Signor Deodati, as though a new and sudden thought possessed his mind,
+seized his nephew's hand, and fixing his eyes affectionately upon him,
+said in a calm tone: "I am pleased with you, Geronimo. Young as you are,
+you have conducted prudently the affairs of a large commercial house; you
+have acted as an experienced man; in order to please me, you have denied
+yourself pleasures which are so seductive to youth. Taking the place of
+your father, I have kept a vigilant eye upon you, and it gladdens my old
+heart to know that I have in my successor a virtuous cavalier and a
+prudent merchant. I know your desires, my son. Be not disturbed, but
+hopeful. I undertook a long voyage only to recompense you, if possible,
+for your gratitude."
+
+He arose, and said to Mary: "I am loath to leave you, my dear young lady;
+but I have a few words to say privately to your father. You will excuse me
+more readily, as I yield my place to Geronimo."
+
+Saying this, he walked with Mr. Van de Werve to the extremity of the boat,
+where both seated themselves upon a bench.
+
+Trembling with fear, hope, and joyous anticipations, Mary and Geronimo
+watched the two parents, endeavoring to divine from the expression of
+their countenances the result of their conversation. At first both were
+perfectly calm; by degrees they grew more excited; the derisive smile on
+the lips of Mr. Van de Werve betrayed the bitterness of his feelings, as
+the Signor Deodati in a decided manner counted on his fingers. They were
+discussing the great affair--the dowry and inheritance. Their only thought
+was money!
+
+Geronimo turned pale as he saw his uncle shake his head with evident
+dissatisfaction; and Mary trembled as she noticed the displeased
+expression of her father.
+
+The private conversation lasted a long time, and still took no favorable
+turn; on the contrary, the two old men ceased speaking, as though
+displeased with each other.
+
+Signor Deodati addressed a question to Mr. Van de Werve, to which the
+latter replied negatively.
+
+Both then arose, and approaching Geronimo and Mary, sat down in silence.
+Their countenances betrayed vexation and mutual displeasure.
+
+The young man, with tearful eyes, looked inquiringly at his uncle. Mary
+bowed her head, but her heaving bosom gave evidence of the struggle of her
+heart.
+
+For some time there was a painful silence in the gondola. Mr. Van de
+Werve contemplated his daughter, who seemed overwhelmed by sorrow. Signor
+Deodati was deeply moved by Geronimo's earnest gaze.
+
+The Italian noble was the first to break silence. "Come, sir," he said,
+"let us make these young people happy."
+
+"With all my heart, signor; but what will you do? My daughter is descended
+from an illustrious house; she must live in the world in a manner to do
+honor to her birth; as her father, I have duties to fulfil which I cannot
+disregard."
+
+"Poor Geronimo!" said the Signor Deodati, in a tone of compassion, and
+with a deep sigh. "You would accuse me of cruelty, would you not? and this
+lovely young girl would hate the old man for his insensibility. It was not
+for that I crossed the seas in my old age."
+
+He reflected a few minutes, then extending his hand to Mr. Van de Werve,
+he said: "My lord, I wish to show my good-will. I accept entirely your
+conditions, and in recompense for my sacrifices I ask only your
+friendship. Shall our children then be happy?"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve grasped cordially the hand which was extended to him, and
+said to his daughter: "Mary, embrace this good gentleman; he will be your
+second father."
+
+Mary cast herself into the arms of the old man; a cry of joy escaped the
+lips of Geronimo; even the sailors, although they comprehended but little
+of what they saw, were touched.
+
+Whilst they were yet exchanging felicitations, the gondola swept around
+the point of land which had concealed the city from view, and Antwerp,
+with its thousand vessels, its lofty spires and noble edifices, lay spread
+out in all its majestic beauty before the eyes of Signor Deodati.
+
+A cry of admiration burst from his lips.
+
+"_O che bella citta!_ What a beautiful city!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What is that magnificent tower, which like sculptured lace lifts its
+beautiful spire proudly to heaven, and like a giant looks down upon all
+others? What are those singular buildings whose rounded cupolas and
+pointed roofs so far exceed in height the surrounding houses? Oh! let the
+gondola float with the current; your city enchants me, and I wish to enjoy
+the view for a few moments."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve gratified the curiosity of the Italian gentleman by
+pointing out to him the most remarkable buildings of the city, saying:
+"Before you now is the new city constructed at his own expense by
+Gillibert de Schoonbeke--a man to whom Antwerp owes its later increase and
+the creation of countless streets and houses.[9] Those large and massive
+towers, in which you may notice loopholes, and which stand immediately
+upon the Scheldt, were the ancient fortifications of the city. That small,
+graceful spire is the Convent of Faucon; it is called here, Our Lady of
+Valkenbroek. Yonder, near the river, is the church of Borgt, the oldest
+temple of our city; for in 642 a wooden chapel stood on the spot, and in
+1249 it was consecrated as a parish church, just as it now is.[10] That
+lofty edifice at the foot of the gigantic tower of Notre Dame is the
+entrepôt of Spain. Every nation has its own manufactories and magazines,
+where every one may claim the protection of his flag. The massive,
+unfinished tower belongs to the church of Saint James; the original plan
+was to elevate it above the spire of Notre Dame, but the work has been
+long discontinued for want of funds. Do you see, a little further on, that
+square building surmounted by a dome? It is the palace of Fugger, the
+Croesus of our times: he was elevated to the nobility by Maximilian on
+account of his wealth. Furnishing money to kings and nations, he sees gold
+daily pouring into his coffers, and if God does not interfere, the royal
+power will bow before that of the opulent banker. On the right you have
+the church of Saint Andrew, and near it the convent of Saint Michael,
+where our Emperor Charles stays when he visits his good city of
+Antwerp."[11]
+
+While the gondola was skimming over the surface of the water, and Mr. Van
+de Werve was explaining to Signor Deodati the various edifices which were
+worthy of remark, there stood upon the shore, at a corner of the
+dock-yard, a man who coolly followed the boat with his eyes, and who
+endeavored to comprehend what was passing in the gondola, and to discover
+what might be the emotions of the young man and the young girl who were
+seated within it.
+
+Notwithstanding the fine weather, the man was enveloped in an ample cloak,
+and wore a hat with broad brim, over which fell a purple plume. His
+doublet was of gold cloth, and his breeches were of brown satin. At his
+side glittered the jewelled hilt of a sword.
+
+He was of lofty stature, and his whole bearing indicated noble birth; his
+style of dress and black hair and eyes attested his Italian origin. The
+most remarkable thing about his person was a long narrow scar across his
+face, as though he had been wounded by a sharp blade. The mark was not
+disfiguring, particularly when his features were in repose; but when he
+was agitated by some violent passion or uncontrollable emotion, the edges
+of the scar assumed different hues, and appeared of a dull white mixed
+with red and purple.
+
+At the moment of which we speak his eyes were fixed upon the gondola with
+an expression of irritated jealousy, and his lips were strongly
+contracted. The color of the scar had changed with his increasing emotion,
+and it was of a deep red. He stood so near the water that his feet touched
+it, and thus he prevented any one from passing before him and witnessing
+the tumult of his soul.
+
+Even the peculiar expression of his countenance did not betray the current
+of his thoughts; but certainly he was preoccupied by no good design, for
+his whole demeanor bespoke a wild despair and burning jealousy.
+
+For some time he watched in the same attitude the course of the gondola,
+which drifted with the current, until he saw the oarsmen seize their oars,
+and he supposed they were about to land.
+
+Then his whole frame shook convulsively under his efforts to control his
+emotion. He became exteriorly calm, the scar on his cheek paled, and in an
+unconcerned manner, with a light step and bright smile, he walked along
+the wharf to the spot where he supposed the gondola would stop.
+
+Geronimo, who had seen him approaching, sprung upon the bank before the
+boat was moored, and ran to him with singular haste. He took his hand, and
+said in an undertone:
+
+"_Ebbene, caro mio Simone?_ Have you obtained the money, Simon? My uncle
+has arrived. Should he discover that the money-vault lacks so considerable
+a sum, you and I are both lost. But you have the money, have you not? You
+will give it to me to-day?"
+
+"Pity me, Geronimo," said the other, sighing. "Various fatal circumstances
+render all my efforts unavailing."
+
+"You have not the money?" murmured the young man, despairingly.
+
+"No; to-morrow, or perhaps day after to-morrow."[12]
+
+"Good heavens! suppose my uncle reproves me in anger. I implore you,
+Simon, to procure the amount. Do not cause my destruction!"
+
+"Oh!" muttered the other, in a hoarse, altered voice, "were I to be the
+cause of any misfortune to you, I would avenge you upon myself in a bloody
+manner."
+
+"No, no," said the young man, in a compassionate tone, "banish these
+horrible thoughts. I will wait; I will seek a delay, and endeavor to
+divert my uncle's attention for a few days. Alas! I am filled with
+anxiety: at the very moment, too, that my uncle has consented to my
+marriage with Mary!"
+
+Simon's face became fearfully contorted.
+
+"Your uncle has consented?" he said, in a stifled voice.
+
+"And Mr. Van de Werve?"
+
+"He agrees to it also. O Simon! pardon me my happiness. I know, my poor
+friend, that this news is most painful to you; but did we not loyally
+promise each other, that were one of us to succeed in our suit, it should
+not break our long-tried friendship?"
+
+"Fool! God has abandoned me!" muttered the other between his teeth.
+
+"There is my uncle with Mr. Van de Werve," said Geronimo.
+
+"Cheer up, Simon; hide your emotion. When I am my own master, I will aid
+you in your affairs. In the meantime put your trust in God."
+
+The man with the scar made a powerful effort to control himself, and
+advancing cheerfully to meet Mr. Van de Werve, he said to his companion:
+
+"My emotion was natural under the circumstances; now that the blow has
+fallen, it is all over. Pained as I am, Geronimo, I congratulate you
+cordially. If I could only obtain the money, and spare you anything
+disagreeable! I will do all in my power."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve joined them, and after the first salutations said to the
+old Deodati: "I am happy to present to you my friend, the Signor Simon
+Turchi, who is at the head of the house of the Buonvisi, and who
+frequently does me the honor to visit me."
+
+"Ah! I know him well," said Deodati, cordially taking Simon's hand. "The
+signor is from Lucca, and the son of an esteemed friend."
+
+"You are welcome this side of the Alps, Signor Deodati," replied Simon
+Turchi. "My father often spoke of your mutual friendship. May God grant
+you prosperity in Brabant!"
+
+"I am under many obligations to you, signor," replied the old Deodati,
+"for the affectionate interest you have shown in my nephew. That my
+business affairs have been as well transacted in this country as though I
+had been here myself, I am indebted to your experience and wise counsels.
+I know from Geronimo's letters that he is sensible of the favor and deeply
+grateful for it."
+
+Simon Turchi was about to disclaim the praise bestowed upon him, but the
+carriage drew near, and Mr. Van de Werve said:
+
+"I hope, signor, that you will honor us with your company this evening. We
+will pass together a few hours with our noble guest."
+
+Simon excused himself, saying that some important commercial affairs
+demanded his attention; but as Mary and Geronimo urged him to accept the
+invitation, he promised to see them, at least for a short time.
+
+They bade adieu as the carriage drove out of the gate of the dock-yard.
+
+Simon Turchi followed it with his eyes, immovable as a statue, until the
+sound of the rolling wheels was lost in the distance. Then he convulsively
+crossed his arms and dropped his head, as though the certainty of a
+terrible misfortune had overwhelmed him.
+
+He remained a long time plunged in thought; but he was startled from his
+reverie by a vehicle which dashed along near him, and by the call of the
+driver warning him of his danger. He stepped aside and looked around him,
+as though seeking a way of escape from the wharf and the crowd of workmen.
+He walked slowly towards the church of Saint Walburga, and around the wall
+enclosing the cemetery. He entered, wandered awhile among the tombs, until
+reaching an obscure spot, where he was concealed by an angle of the
+church, he paused.
+
+He pressed his brow with his hands, as if to shut out painful thoughts;
+the scar on his face frequently changed color, and at intervals his whole
+frame shook with emotion. At last, as if his reflections had assumed a
+determined form, he muttered:
+
+"The arm-chair? it is not completed! And then he would be too late. A
+dagger, a sword, an assassin lying in wait? If Julio were only more
+courageous; but he is a cowardly boaster. Why did I take into my service
+such a poltroon? He would not dare run the risk of striking a fatal blow;
+but I can force him to it, force him even to be bold. I need but pronounce
+his real name; but the murder of a friend is a frightful crime; and then,
+perhaps, to be discovered, betrayed--to die on a scaffold like a common
+felon--I, the head of the house of the Buonvisi!"[13]
+
+This thought made him shudder. After a few moments' reflection, he said,
+more calmly: "I will go to the bailiff Van Schoonhoven; he has espoused my
+cause with Mr. Van de Werve; he will, perhaps, be offended that Mary's
+hand has been disposed of contrary to his urgent solicitations. Perhaps he
+may have influence to prevent the marriage."
+
+An ironical smile curled his lip.
+
+"Fool that I am!" he muttered. "And the ten thousand crowns? and the
+disgrace of bankruptcy? Oh, the infernal thought! might I not take from a
+corpse the acknowledgment of the debt? I will go to Mr. Van de Werve's; I
+must speak with Geronimo; I must know where tins evening he--"
+
+The words died upon his lips, and a sudden terror shook him from head to
+foot.
+
+He had heard behind him the voice of a man who spoke in a low tone, and
+who seemed to be a spy.
+
+Could he have heard what Simon Turchi had so imprudently spoken in this
+solitary corner of the cemetery?
+
+Turning in his anguish, he saw two persons, three or four steps behind
+him, looking at him with a mocking air.
+
+Under other circumstances the Italian cavalier would certainly have called
+the unknown men to account for their insolent curiosity; but fear deprived
+him of all courage and energy.
+
+He dropped his head, concealed his face as far as possible, crossed the
+cemetery with long and rapid strides, and disappeared behind the wall of
+the enclosure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE PALACE OF SIMON TURCHI, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE.
+
+
+Not far from the bridge De la Vigne, Simon Turchi had a magnificent
+dwelling, where the offices of the commercial house of Buonvisi were
+situated; but he possessed also, at the extremity of the city,
+pleasure-grounds, where in fine weather he was accustomed to invite his
+friends and acquaintances to festivals, banquets, and concerts. His
+domains were near the church of Saint George, surrounded by grounds
+belonging to the hospital.
+
+Exteriorly it appeared to be only a wall of enclosure, shaded by lofty
+trees, and without openings. Against the horizon were seen two glittering
+weathercocks surmounting two small towers arising in the midst of foliage.
+Within there was, however, a vast garden diversified with winding paths,
+flowery parterres, hillocks, and grottos. Here and there, scattered among
+the thickets of verdure, appeared marble statues representing principally
+the gods of pagan mythology. In the centre of the garden was a pond, in
+which seemed to float a crowd of monstrous animals, such as dragons,
+basilisks, lizards, and salamanders. It was a fountain; and when the
+robinets were opened these monsters spouted the water in every direction
+from their eyes and mouths.
+
+But at the bottom of the garden and at some distance from the wall of
+enclosure was an antique pavilion of gray-stone, the walls of which were
+nearly covered with ivy, and which, in spite of their dark hue, presented
+a very picturesque appearance.
+
+With the exception of the small and narrow windows, which were protected
+by iron bars, and the staircase of slate which gave admittance, this heavy
+building presented nothing remarkable, unless it were two round turrets,
+which rose above the surrounding roofs and even above the gigantic trees
+in its vicinity.
+
+The garden had been evidently long neglected, for all the walks were
+covered with weeds, and in the flower-beds were the half decayed props
+which had supported the plants of the previous autumn. The statues were
+spotted by the dust and rain; a fine moss covered the monsters of the
+fountains, and the little water remaining in the pond was stagnant.
+
+These evidences of the absence of man, the sombre hue of the edifice, the
+shrubs growing untrimmed, but, above all, the complete silence, gave a
+mournful air of abandonment to the place, and in this solitude the soul
+was necessarily filled with painful reflections.
+
+It was already late in the afternoon; the sun was about to sink below the
+horizon, its slanting rays illumined only the weathercocks on the top of
+the towers. Within the thickets and at the entrance of the grottos, night
+already reigned. Not the slightest sound was heard in this place. The
+noise of the people at work in the city resounded in the air, the chiming
+of the church-bells was wafted from the distance over this solitary
+dwelling; but as no sound arose from the habitation itself, the distant
+hum from an active multitude rendered the silence of the spot all the more
+striking.
+
+Only at intervals a dull sound like the grating noise of a file seemed to
+issue from the old edifice; but it was so indistinct and so often
+interrupted that it was not sufficient to destroy the solitude and silence
+of the place.
+
+Suddenly two heavy strokes, as if from a hammer, resounded through the
+garden. Some one had knocked at the exterior door for admittance.
+
+A few moments afterwards a man appeared on the staircase of the pavilion,
+and descended into the garden.
+
+He was tall and slender; his hair and beard were red, and a red moustache
+covered his upper lip. His cheeks, though sunken and emaciated, were very
+red. His eyes were wild in their expression. His arms and legs were of
+extraordinary length; his movements were heavy and slow, as though his
+limbs had been dislocated and his muscles without strength.
+
+His dress denoted him to be a menial: he wore a vest of black leather, a
+red doublet and breeches of the same color, without embroidery or
+ornament.
+
+At this moment his sleeves were rolled up, and his thin arms were bare to
+the elbows. In his hand he held a file, and apparently he had been
+interrupted in some urgent work by the knock at the door. Having reached
+the outer door, he drew a key from his doublet, and asked in Italian:
+
+"Who knocks?"
+
+"Open the door, Julio; it is your companion Bernardo," was the reply in
+the same tongue.
+
+"Of course, on the way you stopped at the _Camel_, and drank some pots of
+Hamburg beer? Did you bring me as much as a pint?" asked the man with the
+red beard. "Nothing? have you nothing? I have worked until I am exhausted;
+I am dying of hunger, and no one thinks of me. Let me see the spring."
+
+Saying these words, he took from his companion's hands a bent steel spring
+and examined it attentively, closing and opening it as if to judge of its
+form and power of resistance.
+
+Bernardo was a deformed man of low stature; the projection on his back
+might be styled a hump--it was so prominent. His physiognomy denoted
+pusillanimity; but there was, at the same time, a malicious sparkle in his
+eye, and it was with a mocking smile that he contemplated the man with the
+red beard.
+
+The latter said to him in a commanding tone: "The spring appears to be
+good. Go bring me a pint of Rhenish wine from the Saint George."
+
+"You know well that our master has forbidden it. Let me go; the signor
+ordered me to return immediately to the factory."
+
+"Get me the wine, or I will break this spring in a thousand pieces over
+your hump."
+
+"Always threatening!" muttered Bernardo. "You know I am not wanting in
+good-will. I will go for the wine; give me the money."
+
+"Money? I have not a farthing in my pocket. Lend me the price of this
+pint."
+
+"My purse is empty, Julio; but yours? Our master gave you ever so many
+shillings yesterday. You told me so yourself."
+
+"Bah! the dice made way with the whole of it."
+
+"Hardened gambler!" said Bernardo, with a sigh. "You would risk your soul
+at the gaming-table if any one held out to you a gold coin."
+
+"Very likely!" replied Julio, in an indifferent tone; "my soul is hardly
+worth more."
+
+"What impious words! We are alone now, but there is One above who hears
+what we say. He will punish you, Julio."
+
+The red-haired man shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Continue your dissolute habits," resumed Bernardo; "lose your money in
+gambling, drown your senses in intoxication: at the end of this path there
+is a gallows, and behind it the devil, to whom all such souls are welcome.
+Adieu! reflect upon my words, and remember that the justice of God will
+one day demand an account of your life. Adieu!"
+
+Julio sprang towards the small door, locked it, and put the key in his
+pocket.
+
+"Cease this trifling," said the other, evidently ill at ease.
+
+"Open the door, Julio, or I will complain of you to our master."
+
+"What do I care for our master?" said the man, laughing.
+
+"You say, Bernardo, that I shall end my days on the gallows. No, no; the
+proverb says, that he who draws the sword shall perish by the sword. I
+have pierced so many with my dagger, that my turn must come to fall by the
+dagger. Last night, Bernardo, I had rare sport. I knocked down eight,
+wounded one in the arm, and as to three or four others whom I left
+extended on the ground, my dagger knows better than I what mischief was
+done them. Come in with me, and I will tell you all about it."
+
+"No, I have not time."
+
+"You must take the time. You shall not leave here until you have heard my
+adventures of last night."
+
+"It is always the same story over again. If I believed you, I would
+suppose that the cemeteries were too small to contain the bodies of all
+whom you have slain. Open the door, Julio, and let me go, I beg you."
+
+The other took his hand, and dragging him by force into the house, said:
+"I am here alone all day, with no one to whom I can speak one word; it is
+enough to paralyze my tongue. You shall listen to my adventures whether
+you wish it or not. Judge, Bernardo, by the recital of my great deeds what
+an honor it is to you to be the comrade of so intrepid a man. Be not
+ill-humored; you know it is useless to resist me. Don't laugh; were I to
+try it, I could toss you about like a ball; but you are my friend, and
+besides, you are too weak to contend with me. Therefore, fear nothing."
+
+They reached the house and entered a kind of parlor, where Julio threw
+upon the table the spring he held in his hand, and seating himself, he
+said to his companion:
+
+"Take a chair, Bernardo. You are about to hear some strange adventures. Do
+you know the ruffian Bufferio? He is a jolly fellow, who cares as little
+for the life of a man as for that of a fly. There is not a man in the
+parish of Saint Andrew who does not tremble at the sight of him. In a
+by-street there is a tavern in a large cellar, where one can hear the
+rattling of dice all night long, and they play for piles of gold--where it
+comes from, the devil only knows. Late yesterday evening I was passing
+through this street, when the noise of the dice fell upon my ear. You must
+know, Bernardo, that this sound is as enchanting music attracting me; it
+overpowers my will. I descended into the tavern and called for a glass of
+beer. I seated myself among the players, and challenged any of them to
+play against me. I won and lost; but at last good luck was on my side, and
+my pockets were so full that they could hardly bear the weight of the
+florins. To console the losers, I ordered the hostess to bring a pint of
+wine to each of them; but in spite of my generosity the villains looked at
+me angrily, and seemed to excite each other to take revenge upon me. They
+strove to pick a quarrel. They were like a band of thieves and assassins;
+but the rascals saw with whom they had to deal. My defiant look, my bold
+words, my intrepid countenance, kept them at a respectful distance from
+me. Suddenly the dreaded Bufferio entered the cellar. He had no sooner
+learned from his comrades how fortune had favored me than he challenged me
+to play with him. It was just what I wanted. I don't know how it happened,
+but I lost every game. Each time we doubled the stakes; a cold sweat
+bathed my brow as I saw florin after florin quietly put in the pocket of
+my adversary, until I had only one farthing left. This time fortune
+favored me; but Bufferio insisted that the dice had not been fairly
+thrown, and he swept the table of all the money staked. I sprang to my
+feet and called him a cheat. He instantly dealt me a heavy blow. Furious
+and thirsting for vengeance, I drew my dagger. Immediately twenty daggers
+glittered above my head. Perhaps, Bernardo, you think that I trembled? You
+do not know me; when I am thus in the midst of danger, an entire army
+could not terrify me; for in whatever other qualities I may be deficient,
+I do not lack courage and intrepidity. When I saw the villains about to
+rush upon me, I darted forward like a lion, and I cut about on every side
+so furiously with my dagger, that all, even to the gigantic Bufferio, fled
+from the cellar. I pursued them into the street; there the combat
+recommenced; but my adversaries fared badly. In a few moments Bufferio lay
+dead upon the ground between two of his comrades; the others, being badly
+wounded, had taken flight. I stood alone upon the field of battle, a
+triumphant conqueror! I remained in the same spot for a quarter of an
+hour, to see if any other enemies would present themselves, but the
+wretches had had enough for one night."
+
+Bernardo listened to this recital with an incredulous smile. When it was
+concluded, he silently shook his head.
+
+"Well! what have you to say of this adventure?" asked Julio. "Might it not
+be narrated in the chronicles as an heroic adventure?"
+
+"Certainly; in your place many others would have died of fright. But this
+morning I saw this Bufferio, whom you declare to be dead, walking alive in
+the public square."
+
+"Impossible; you are mistaken."
+
+"Perhaps so; but I know the ruffian well, for I have twice seen him in the
+pillory."
+
+"If he is not dead, he will certainly not be able to make his appearance
+in the streets for six months to come."
+
+"Of course, you took your money from Bufferio?"
+
+"How could I?"
+
+"Since he lay lifeless at your feet, why did you not recover the money he
+had stolen from you?"
+
+The red-haired man was at a loss for an answer; but after awhile he
+stammered out: "You are right. In the hurry of the struggle I did not
+think of it, and then I had not the time: the watchmen ran on hearing the
+noise of the affray, and you may imagine that I did not care to fall into
+the hands of the bailiff."
+
+"I do not understand you; it seems to me you mentioned having remained a
+quarter of an hour upon the spot," said Bernardo, with a slight smile. "I
+suppose, Julio, there was much blood shed."
+
+"It flowed in torrents."
+
+Bernardo eyed his companion from head to foot in great surprise.
+
+"I would like to ask you something, but you might not understand the joke,
+and you would be angry with me," he said.
+
+"Say candidly what you think," replied his companion.
+
+"I am extremely surprised, Julio, that there is not the smallest drop of
+blood, not the least spot, upon your clothes. With your permission, I will
+say you dreamed all that?"
+
+Julio sprang from his seat, gnashed his teeth, and looked at his
+companion as if ready to devour him.
+
+"What! you dare to laugh at me? Are you then tired of life? Fool! were I
+only to lay my hand upon you, you would be crushed to atoms."
+
+Bernardo arose also, and said, in a tone half ironical and half
+supplicating: "Pardon me, Julio; I believe all you told me, and I never
+doubted your marvellous courage. If sometimes I laugh at serious things,
+do not be offended; this kind of joking is usual with men."
+
+"If you were not so feeble and powerless a being, I would have already
+laid you at my feet," said Julio; "as it is, I long to plunge my dagger in
+your breast."
+
+"Leave it in its scabbard, Julio, and I will go to buy you a _stoop_[14]
+of Hamburg beer."
+
+"Ah, hypocrite!" exclaimed Julio, "then you have money. I will renew my
+friendship for you, if you will do me a favor. I am in absolute want of
+money; lend me a few shillings, and the first one who insults you, I
+promise you, shall be a dead man."
+
+"But, Julio, were I to give them to you, you would gamble with them at
+once."
+
+"No, you are wrong this time; I would pay for some things our master
+ordered me to buy yesterday."
+
+Bernardo drew a small purse from his doublet, and handed to his companion
+its scanty contents.
+
+"Here is all I possess," he said. "I fear they will go like the others."
+
+Julio thrust the shillings into his pocket, and muttered:
+
+"I do not deny that I may go this evening to the parish of Saint Andrew,
+to see if any one would dare play against me."
+
+"Julio, Julio, I pity you!" said Bernardo, sadly. "I do not wish to
+lecture you; but you have an unfortunate and aged mother who requires your
+aid. You are always talking of sending her assistance, and for six months
+past every farthing has been lost at play. Perhaps in the meantime your
+mother has suffered for want of food."
+
+This reproach seemed to affect Julio deeply. He looked down abashed, and
+then said, dejectedly: "Bernardo, never speak to me again of my mother.
+You touch the only sensitive spot in my heart. And yet you are right; I am
+a monster! Oh! this miserable play! I will do better in future. Go away
+now, and let me continue my work."
+
+"What are you making?" asked Bernardo. "This is the third spring you have
+ordered, and each time from a different locksmith."
+
+"It is a secret known only to my master and myself."
+
+"A secret?" said Bernardo. "Springs, a secret! What can it mean?"
+
+"Come with me, and I will show you. The signor may be angry if he chooses,
+I don't care. But, Bernardo, you must be as silent as one deaf and dumb."
+
+He conducted his companion to a room, and throwing open the door showed
+him a large arm-chair, which in form was like the other chairs around,
+excepting that from each arm extended two bent springs.
+
+"This is what I have worked at, without stopping, for four days. I wish
+the bewitched chair to the devil! I have already exhausted myself; but the
+new spring is good, and in a few minutes I will have finished."
+
+Bernardo examined attentively the unfinished chair, and looked frightened.
+
+"Heavens!" he exclaimed, "a chair for a trap! Do you entrap men here?"
+
+Julio nodded his head affirmatively.
+
+Pale from anxiety, Bernardo muttered: "May God preserve me! What crime is
+in contemplation? Does our master know anything of this terrible piece of
+furniture?"
+
+"Was it not from him that you received the order to bring me the springs?"
+
+The humpbacked man made the sign of the cross, and muttered a few
+indistinct words.
+
+Suddenly Julio laughed immoderately, and slapping him on the shoulder
+exclaimed: "Foolish boy! he already sees a victim in this chair, and the
+blood flowing as freely as in some old woman's story. Be at ease,
+Bernardo; this is done only to satisfy a caprice of our master. He intends
+to clean the garden and repair the fountain. He will place this arm-chair
+in an arbor near the fountain; the guest who seats himself in it will be
+caught, and the salamanders may throw the water upon him as long as they
+please. It is a mania of our master."
+
+"What a coward I am!" said Bernardo, laughing at his own fears. "Open the
+door now, Julio; I should have been at the factory long ago."
+
+They both left the house talking together, and they turned their steps
+towards the exterior door.
+
+The red-haired man soon returned alone. He removed the spring from the
+parlor-table, and took it with him to the room where he had terrified his
+companion by the revelation of his master's secret. He seated himself on
+the ground near the chair, and taking some tools he began to arrange the
+spring, and to try if it would produce the effect intended. Whilst thus
+occupied he laughed aloud, and said:
+
+"The stupid humpback! One could make him believe that cats laid eggs! He
+believed all I told him of Bufferio and his comrades as though they were
+gospel truths. The coward! To empty his pocket of its last farthing, it is
+only necessary to frighten him! I have two shillings. Night is coming on,
+and it is growing dark. Presently I will go to the tavern of the 'Silver
+Dice.' I will play at first with a few farthings, then for white pieces,
+at last for florins and even crowns! This time I will stop playing as soon
+as my pocket is full of money. Then at least I will send something to my
+poor mother. In what condition is she now? Perhaps she no longer lives on
+earth; that would be better for her. Poor and blind, and her only
+dependence a son who must conceal his true name in order to escape the
+gallows; a gambler, drunkard--in a word, a real jail-bird! Yes, if fortune
+favors me, I will send her something. The signor promised me to have it
+conveyed to Lucca. Ah! the spring is fixed. Let me see if the machine does
+its duty."
+
+He rose, placed his hand on the arm of the chair as if about to take his
+seat in it; suddenly he sprang aside, exclaiming: "Fool that you are, you
+were about to do a fine thing! I would have been caught by my own trap;
+and if the signor had forgotten to come this evening, I would have
+remained clasped in that traitorous chair. But don't I hear some one
+coming? A key grating in the lock of the garden gate? Yes, it is the
+Signor Turchi."
+
+Seating himself on the ground before the arm-chair, with his back turned
+to the door, Julio began to work with apparent eagerness; and in order to
+assume a greater air of indifference, he sang snatches of a well-known
+song.
+
+The door opened, and Signor Turchi stood upon the threshold. He remained
+for an instant motionless, contemplating in silence his servant, who
+continued his song as though unconscious of the presence of his master.
+
+Simon slowly approached him and laid his hand upon his shoulder; but
+before he could say a word, Julio drew his dagger from its scabbard, and
+springing to his feet, made a motion as if to stab his master.
+
+"_O cielo, è voi signor?_ Is it you, signor?" cried Julio. "You slip
+through the garden like a thief. It is almost dark; an accident might have
+happened."
+
+"Stop your foolish jesting, Julio. A man does not kill another without
+finding out with whom he is dealing."
+
+"Do you think so, signor? Why, if five or six men were to take me by
+surprise, not one would be left alive."
+
+"You speak as if the life of a man were of no more value than that of a
+bird."
+
+"Less, signor; it is not worth a farthing."
+
+"We will have proof of this," said Simon, in a peculiar tone, as he turned
+towards the door. "For years I have heard you boasting; this evening I
+will discover what you are--a brave man or a coward."
+
+Julio drew himself to his full height, put his arms akimbo, and was about
+to speak, but his master prevented him.
+
+"No useless words!" said Simon, imperiously, "Light the lamp, and come to
+my bed-room."
+
+He left the room without making any inquiry in regard to the chair, and
+ascended a winding staircase. Opening the door of a large room, he threw
+himself upon a chair, and rubbed his brow with his hands like a man
+tormented by painful thoughts.
+
+After awhile his hands fell upon his knees, and his eyes wandering in
+feverish agitation through the dim twilight, he muttered:
+
+"At last it is decided! the murder of a friend! He my friend? He is my
+mortal enemy! Has he not deprived me of Mary's love? Has he not destroyed
+all my hopes? Has he not devoted me to eternal infamy? His uncle has
+consented; he will become his partner, the proprietor of an immense
+fortune, the husband of Mary--of Mary, who was destined by her father to
+be my wife! He will be powerful, rich, and happy; he will be surrounded by
+every luxury; he will astonish the world by the magnificence of his style
+of living, and from the pinnacle of his grandeur he will cast an eye of
+lawful pride upon Turchi dishonored and ruined! Miserable dog that I am!
+Deodati will discover that I owe him ten thousand crowns. He will appeal
+to the courts of justice, and I will be condemned as a rogue; they will
+discover that I have spent more than I possessed. Outraged, despised,
+mocked, shall I fall forever into the abyss of misery and infamy? No, no;
+let him die! His death alone can save me. If he perishes as I have
+planned, I no longer owe him the ten thousand crowns; Mary becomes my
+wife, and I am master of her dowry. In that case I am still the powerful,
+honored chief of the house of Buonvisi! But time presses; to-morrow it may
+be too late! I hear Julio coming. Upon him rests all my hope."
+
+The servant entered and placed a lighted candle upon the table.
+
+"Now, signor," he said, "to what trial do you wish to subject my courage?
+However difficult it may be, it will not be beyond my strength."
+
+"Close the blinds; lower the windows," said Turchi; "sit down and listen
+attentively to my words. I am about to talk to you of an important
+affair."
+
+The red-haired man regarded his master with a malicious and incredulous
+smile, but he took the seat indicated to him without a word of comment.
+
+"Julio," said Simon, "I am dejected and undecided. There is a man who
+pretends to be my friend, but who has secretly been my bitter enemy. He
+has always artfully calumniated and deceived me, and injured me in my
+fortune and honor; he has pushed his machinations to such a degree that I
+will soon be condemned to eternal infamy and misery, unless, by a bold
+stroke of vengeance, I break through the snares he has laid for my
+destruction. Be calm, Julio; it does you honor to be inflamed with anger
+against the enemies of your master; but listen. I discovered, three days
+ago, that it was this treacherous friend who paid the assassins to inflict
+the wound of which I still bear the scar on my face. Thus, he first shed
+my blood and attempted my life; now he plans my ruin and dishonor. Julio,
+what would you do in my place?"
+
+"What would I do? Ask my dagger, signor; if it could speak, it would tell
+you of wonderful exploits."
+
+"Then you would not hesitate to undertake a difficult task?"
+
+"Hesitate! you insult me, signor. I would not hesitate were twenty swords
+brandished over my head."
+
+"Understand, Julio, that had I doubted your intrepidity, I would not have
+spoken to you of such grave affairs. I give you the highest proof of
+confidence by intrusting my vengeance to your hands. I will tell you who
+is my enemy, and where you can strike him secretly. Kill him, and you
+shall be liberally recompensed."
+
+This mission appeared unpalatable to Julio.
+
+"Yes," he stammered; "but that is not my way of acting. I will pick a
+quarrel with your enemy, and if he dares to raise a finger against me, he
+is a dead man."
+
+"Impossible; he is of noble birth."
+
+"And if I insulted him, his valets would fall upon me and beat me."
+
+"That is true. There is but one way, Julio; I will tell you where you can
+stab him at night without the least danger."
+
+"I? shall I treacherously kill your enemy? This gentleman has never
+injured me. Since how long has it been the custom for valets to avenge the
+grievances of their masters? It is your own affair, signor."
+
+"You value the life of a man as little as a farthing, you said," replied
+Simon Turchi, with bitter irony; "and now you allege the most puerile
+reasons as excuses. You are a coward, Julio."
+
+"I am not; but I do not choose to lie in wait and stab a man in the dark."
+
+"That is a feint, a subterfuge, to conceal your cowardice."
+
+"Since it is so simple and easy, why do you not deal the blow yourself,
+signor?"
+
+The scar on Simon Turchi's face became of a livid white; his whole frame
+trembled with rage; but by a strong effort he controlled his emotion, and
+after a few moments he said, with a contemptuous smile upon his lips:
+
+"Four years ago I took you into my service through pity; I have paid you
+well, excused all your faults, your intoxication, your passion for
+gambling; I have not dismissed you, although you have deserved it a
+hundred times; and now, when for the first time you can be useful to me,
+you have not the courage. I wished to try you. What I said was only a
+jest. To-morrow, Julio, you will leave my service. You are a liar and a
+coward."
+
+"Do not condemn me so severely, signor," said the servant, in a
+supplicating tone of voice. "I am willing to risk my life a thousand times
+for you; but to lie in wait for an unknown man and kill him
+deliberately--this is an infamous crime of which I am not capable."
+
+"Hypocrite!" exclaimed Simon Turchi; "you speak as though I were ignorant
+of your past history. If a price is set upon your head in the city of
+Lucca, if at this moment you are under sentence of death, is it not
+because you assassinated or helped to assassinate the Judge Voltaï?"
+
+These words struck Julio with terror. He replied, humbly:
+
+"Signor, I have already told you that in this affair I was more
+unfortunate than guilty. I was upon the spot where the murder was
+committed, and I was arrested with those who gave the fatal blow. Believe
+me, I knew nothing of their designs. I do not deny that in a contest or
+quarrel I spare no one; but up to this moment my dagger has never shed
+blood without provocation."
+
+Simon fixed his eyes upon his servant, and said in a menacing tone:
+"Suppose, in order to avenge myself for thy base ingratitude, I should
+make known to the superintendent of Lucca who is the man I have in my
+service? Suppose I were to tell him that the real name of Julio Julii is
+Pietro Mostajo? Who would be bound hand and foot and sent in the hold of a
+ship of war to expiate his crimes upon a scaffold in Italy?"
+
+Julio turned pale and trembled. He moved restlessly upon his chair, and
+complained in a low voice of the false accusations and injustice of men;
+but his master eyed all his movements in a scornful manner, until at last
+the servant, disconcerted, exclaimed impulsively:
+
+"Tell me what to do; I am ready!"
+
+"Will you accomplish my orders with unwavering will and without
+hesitation?"
+
+"I must do so, since you compel me to it! But fear nothing; my decision is
+made."
+
+"And suppose that Geronimo Deodati were my enemy?"
+
+"Geronimo Deodati!" exclaimed Julio, in indescribable terror. "Geronimo,
+your intimate friend? That noble and generous cavalier who loves you as a
+brother? He is as gentle as a girl!"
+
+"He is a false friend, a traitor."
+
+"Geronimo gave you the wound on your face?[15] He would betray you and
+seek your ruin? That is false, false! It is impossible!"
+
+"He is my mortal enemy. You shall kill him, I say!" exclaimed Simon
+Turchi, in a menacing voice.
+
+"Must I kill the Signor Geronimo? Ah! to what horrible crime would you
+urge me?" said Julio, in a plaintive tone.
+
+Simon seized his servant by the arm, shook him violently, and whispered
+hoarsely in his ear: "Pietro Mostajo, remember the superintendent of
+Lucca!"
+
+Julio, as if stupefied, said not a word.
+
+Simon arose and walked towards the door, saying: "It is well; I will go
+and deliver you up to justice."
+
+The terrified servant sprang after him, retained him, and said,
+supplicatingly: "I submit myself to your will, and accept the fate I
+cannot escape. I have never before committed a murder; you take his blood
+upon yourself, do you not, signor? Tell me when I must accomplish this
+horrible crime."
+
+"This very day, Julio."
+
+"To-day?--so soon?"
+
+"To-morrow would be too late."
+
+"Well, command; the sooner the better."
+
+"To-day is the eve of May. Geronimo intends to serenade Miss Van de Werve.
+Only two lute-players will attend him. He invited me to accompany him. I
+will go to bed at the factory under pretence of indisposition; all the
+servants will know that I have not left my dwelling. Do you put on the old
+Spanish cape which has been laid aside for five years; no one will then
+recognize you. You must be in Hoboken Street, near the Dominican Convent,
+before eleven o'clock. There is at that spot a well which Geronimo must
+pass both in going and returning. Hide behind the well until Geronimo
+approaches, then rush upon him and deal him a fatal blow; strike several
+times. The lute-players are cowards, and they will run away. Take from the
+dead body of Geronimo a pocket-book which you will find in a pocket on the
+left side of his doublet; there is in this pocket-book a writing which he
+took from me by a cheat. Leave the spot after having accomplished this,
+and return by the darkest streets; you will not be discovered. Above all,
+do not forget the pocket-book."
+
+Julio's countenance expressed stupefaction and terror. During the
+development of the frightful plot he kept his eyes fixed on his master's
+lips, and he continued to stare at him without moving.
+
+"Well," asked his master, "is not the project cunningly devised?"
+
+"It is astonishing, astonishing!" stammered the servant, lowering his
+eyes.
+
+"You are ready, I suppose, to strike the blow? But why do you hesitate?
+Are you afraid?"
+
+"No, no; but let me reflect a moment," said Julio.
+
+After a few minutes of silence, he looked at his master, and said:
+
+"With your permission, signor, I will say that the plan, as you have
+arranged it, appears to me to be fraught with danger to yourself. Suppose
+that Geronimo should perceive me too soon and defend himself; that by
+chance the lute-players should be men of courage; that I should be wounded
+or made prisoner: any of these events might occur. I would certainly be
+broken on the wheel or burned alive. That, however, would be of little
+consequence, if by my death I could be useful to you. But I am your
+servant, and known as such by all your acquaintances; and as I could have
+no motive of hatred or vengeance against a cavalier who has never spoken
+an unkind word to me, you would be at once suspected of having ordered the
+murder."
+
+"And you, I suppose, would betray me?" said Turchi, with bitter irony.
+
+"Betray you, signor? that would not save myself; but under torture my
+tongue might against my will pronounce your name."
+
+Simon strode up and down the room, muttering between his teeth with
+suppressed rage. His servant glanced at him stealthily, with an almost
+imperceptible smile of joy and triumph.
+
+At last Simon stood still in the middle of the room; the scar on his cheek
+was of a fiery red, and his eyes rolled around restlessly.
+
+"Shall I then be forever ruined? Nothing is left me in the world but
+misery and infamy! Julio, is the arm-chair progressing?"[16]
+
+"The arm-chair! Then the arm-chair was destined as a snare for Geronimo?"
+said the servant, stupefied. "What do you mean?"
+
+"No, no, the chair would come too late!" said Simon Turchi, in an agitated
+voice. "Talk no more about it; this evening you must lie in wait for
+Geronimo and kill him. It is decided; it must be done!"
+
+"I know a means to accomplish your purpose without danger either to you or
+me, signor," said the servant.
+
+"Ah, if what you say be true! Tell me this means of safety!"
+
+"There lives in the parish of Saint Andrew a man of giant stature and
+strength; he is named Bufferio; he will do anything for money; whether it
+be to beat, wound, or kill a man, it is all the same to him. He fulfils
+his mission to the satisfaction of his employers, and he never betrays a
+secret. He has five or six intrepid companions engaged in the same trade
+as himself; they may be relied upon. Give me money to pay this ruffian,
+and you need have no anxiety; Bufferio will think that I am acting from
+personal vengeance; besides, he does not know me. Thus neither of us will
+be suspected nor accused should the affair prove unsuccessful."
+
+Simon seemed surprised by Julio's words, and he remained a few moments in
+deep thought. By degrees a smile parted his lips; it was evident that the
+proposed plan met his approval. He opened his purse and put four gold
+pieces in Julio's hand.
+
+"Is that sufficient?" he asked.
+
+"You jest, signor," replied the servant. "Four gold pieces for the life of
+a nobleman!"
+
+Simon handed him four more.
+
+"Will that do?" he said.
+
+"It is not enough yet."
+
+"How much will be required?"
+
+"I do not know. Perhaps twenty crowns."
+
+"Twenty? I have only fifteen about me, with some small change."
+
+"Give me all, signor. If I had not enough I should be obliged to return
+without concluding the affair."
+
+Simon heaved a deep sigh and emptied the contents of his purse into
+Julio's hand.
+
+"You will bring me back what is left, will you not?"
+
+"Certainly; but I do not think much will remain."
+
+"Come, Julio, I am in a hurry to return to the factory. Fulfil your
+mission skilfully, and I will recompense you largely. But a thought
+strikes me. The pocket-book must not fall into the hands of Bufferio."
+
+"I had forgotten that," said Julio, embarrassed.
+
+"Ah! I have it!" said Simon Turchi, after a moment's reflection, "A little
+before ten o'clock you must go to the house of Geronimo and tell him I am
+ill with fever, and that I have sent you in my place to accompany him
+armed. Follow him closely, and when he falls, take the pocket-book from
+him. Tell Bufferio that it is an unimportant document."
+
+Julio made a movement of displeasure on receiving this new order. He had
+rejoiced in the idea of not being obliged to witness this wicked attack,
+and now he was commanded to take part in it. For fear of being subjected
+to something worse, he did not venture to make any remark.
+
+"Go now," said Simon Turchi, "and get the old Spanish cape. It may serve
+to disguise you from Bufferio. Gird on a sword also, that Geronimo may
+think you are armed for the purpose of defending him in case of attack."
+
+The servant took the lamp from the table and prepared to obey the order.
+
+"What are you doing?" said his master. "Are you going to leave me in the
+dark? Are you afraid to go without a light?"
+
+"I might knock my head against the beams, for I have forgotten where the
+cape was put."
+
+"You had it in your hands only three days ago. You are afraid in the dark,
+Julio. Take the lamp."
+
+The servant soon returned. He had the Spanish cape around his shoulders.
+It was a wide cloak, in which the whole body might be wrapped; and when
+the hood was drawn down it entirely concealed the face.
+
+The master and servant descended the staircase in silence and approached
+the little garden-gate. There Julio put the lamp upon the ground and
+extinguished it.
+
+The lock grated as the key turned; the door was opened and closed, and
+Simon Turchi and his servant disappeared in the dark and solitary street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION--THE ASSASSINATOR SLAIN.
+
+
+A black shadow gliding like an almost impalpable spot, might be seen
+moving along the street of Saint John.
+
+Thick clouds covered the sky. Not a star was visible. Here and there--at
+the corners of the streets and alleys--flickered a small lamp, lighted
+before an image of the Virgin; but these slight flames, far from
+diminishing the obscurity, shone in the foggy atmosphere as glowworms in
+the woods, which glitter but do not give light.
+
+Silence reigned in the deserted streets. If the inhabitants, behind their
+oaken windows, heard occasionally some sound interrupting the stillness of
+the night, it was the hurried step of some benighted artisan who made as
+much noise as possible with his feet in order to frighten away the
+robbers; or it was the slow tread of a highwayman, who, listening
+attentively and peering through the darkness, was on the watch for his
+prey; or it might be the watchmen, who cried the hour and made the
+pavement resound under the stroke of their halberds as if to give
+evil-doers a warning of their approach.
+
+The shadow gliding at this moment along the street of St. John was that of
+a man completely enveloped in a large cloak, his head so covered by the
+hood that his eyes alone were visible. As in passing before an image of
+the Virgin a feeble ray from a lamp fell upon him, one might have seen as
+he hurried along that his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
+
+Was this person an evil-doer, bent upon the commission of some crime, or,
+fearing danger, was he securing to himself the means of defence?
+
+However that may be, he pursued his way undisturbed and reached a narrow
+winding alley, from beneath the ground of which seemed to proceed the
+confused noise of many voices.
+
+The man stopped at the entrance of a cellar, to which admission was gained
+by a ladder, and listened to the joyous sounds which issued from within.
+
+He put his hand in his pocket and chinked some pieces of money.
+
+"The sign of the _Silver Dice_!" said he, sighing. "How merry they are!
+The dice are rolling upon the table. Shall I not risk a shilling? Only
+one?"
+
+Yielding to the irresistible temptation, he placed his foot upon the
+ladder; but a sudden thought seemed to arrest him. He sprang back,
+trembling, and hastened from the cellar. A little farther in the street he
+stopped and murmured in an anxious voice:
+
+"Heavens! what was I about to do? Risk the money upon dice? I would
+certainly have lost the whole. Pietro Mostajo, do not forget the
+Superintendent of Lucca! I am saved. Infernal temptation! I was about to
+stake my head. But, perhaps, I would not be unlucky. I might win a
+fortune. The temptation returns. No, no, I must go seek Bufferio, and I
+have no time to lose. He lives yonder: a low dark door beside the pump."
+
+As he said these last words, he proceeded down the alley, but soon stopped
+near the pump, and said in an undertone:
+
+"Bufferio lives here. How dark it is! I can hardly see the door; but I am
+not mistaken. Here the terrible ruffian has his lair. Strange, how I
+tremble! Perhaps it is a warning of some misfortune about to happen to me!
+Suppose they should take my money and murder me to conceal the theft. What
+shall I do? Shall I tell my master that I could not find Bufferio? Alas!
+the Superintendent of Lucca!"
+
+After a moment of anxious thought he walked towards the low door, saying,
+with a sigh:
+
+"Come, come; I can do nothing else. Of two evils choose the least!"
+
+Although his words indicated an energetic resolution, his hand trembled as
+he raised the knocker of the little door and twice let it fall.
+
+It gave out a deep hollow sound, as though it were the door of a vault for
+the dead.
+
+A long time passed, and no noise within gave evidence that his call was
+heeded.
+
+The visitor became still more terrified in the supposition, that no one
+was in the house, and that consequently he would be obliged to return,
+without concluding the affair, to his master, who would not believe him.
+
+In the little dark door was a small opening, protected by a grating.
+Behind the iron bars two eyes were fixed on the person who had knocked,
+and if he had been left apparently unnoticed, it was probably because two
+inquisitive eyes endeavored to pierce the darkness in order to recognize
+the untimely visitor.
+
+A harsh voice at last asked from behind the grating:
+
+"Who knocked?"
+
+The man in the cloak started back. The unexpected question so close to his
+ear made him tremble violently. However, he soon controlled himself and
+replied in Italian:
+
+"Woman, I do not understand the Flemish tongue. You must know Italian, as
+Bufferio is a Roman. Tell me if Bufferio is at home."
+
+"Who are you?" she replied, in Italian jargon.
+
+"Who am I? I come to arrange a secret affair with Bufferio, and I do not
+choose to tell my name."
+
+"You are an agent of the bailiff, and you wish to deceive me. Go on your
+way and leave me in peace. Bufferio is not at home."
+
+The man took some pieces of silver from his pocket and rattled them
+together.
+
+"You are mistaken, woman. I have need of the services of Bufferio for an
+important affair. He may gain a few crowns of gold. I come with the cash
+in hand: you understand."
+
+Two bolts grated in their rusty staples, and the door opened.
+
+"Enter, signor," said the woman, "and follow me."
+
+"I do not see you; it is as black as Erebus; where is the staircase?"
+cried out the other.
+
+"Follow me, signor. Give me your hand; I will precede you."
+
+She seized the hand of the visitor, and whilst guiding him to the
+staircase, she said:
+
+"Your hand trembles, signor. Are you afraid?"
+
+"I afraid!" said the other, in a faltering voice. "Afraid of what? The
+darkness makes me totter."
+
+"It may be, signor; but I thought your hand was cold and trembling. Here
+is the staircase; now follow me."
+
+The man ascended the staircase behind her, stumbling up the well-worn
+steps, striking his head and elbows against invisible objects, and
+grumbling and swearing as if to show that he was not agitated by fear.
+
+Having reached the first story, the woman opened a door and introduced her
+companion into a room lighted by the smoking flame of an iron lamp. She
+showed him a miserable chair, and said:
+
+"Sit down, signor, if you please, and wait a while. I will go call
+Bufferio, he is engaged at play in the neighborhood. Should any one knock
+at the door during my absence, pay no attention to it; I will lock the
+door on the outside and take the key with me."
+
+The man looked at her surprised and troubled. Her bony limbs, the gray
+locks which fell upon her cheeks, her large mouth and long teeth, made her
+appear to his eyes a hideous being, a worthy companion for Bufferio.
+
+He listened to the sound of her receding steps, until he heard the key
+grate in the lock of the door.
+
+Then he looked around him and examined with mistrust and surprise the
+apartment of Bufferio and the objects it contained.
+
+The room was neither well furnished nor clean: a table, three rickety
+chairs, an oaken bench, a few earthenware vessels near the fireplace, and
+a bed, constituted all the furniture. It was not, however, these common
+objects which fixed the gaze of the visitor. What he could not see without
+shuddering, was the number of strange arms suspended all around the walls
+of the room. In the midst of rusty swords, sharp daggers and knives of
+every size and shape, he saw short clubs with iron heads, steel chains
+like the bit of a horse, ropes with running knots, and various other
+articles whose use was inexplicable to him, although he was convinced that
+these singular instruments were intended for no good purpose.
+
+On the table, beside the lamp, was a large knife, and near it a piece of
+linen and some sand for scouring, showing that the woman had been occupied
+in cleaning these arms when the knock at the door interrupted her.
+
+All these instruments of murder filled with terror the heart of the man
+who was contemplating them. He turned his eyes away from them, trembling
+as he reflected upon the horror of his position. However, a few moments
+only were left him, for the door of the house soon opened and he heard
+steps on the staircase.
+
+The woman entered and said:
+
+"Bufferio will soon be here. When he has the dice in his hand, it is
+difficult to tear him away. Nevertheless, he will come. I think, signor,
+that he has drank deeply. Look well to yourself, and if you value your
+life, do not irritate him, for he would make as little scruple of
+maltreating you as he would of crushing a worm. Apart from that, he is the
+best man in the world."
+
+She seated herself at the table, took up the knife and linen, and
+continued her occupation, whilst observing the stranger with a suspicious
+eye.
+
+He had pulled the hood of the cloak over his face and seated himself in
+silence, fixing his eye vaguely upon space, like a man wearied by long
+waiting. He was deeply agitated, and from time to time his whole frame
+shook. Every time that he glanced towards the table he met the penetrating
+look of the frightful Megæra, who, while continuing to clean the blade of
+the large knife, considered him from head to foot, and seemed endeavoring
+to discover who he was and with what intention he had come.
+
+At last, no longer able to resist his feeling of anxiety, he rose and
+said:
+
+"Woman, show me the way out. I have not time to wait longer. I will return
+to-morrow, during the day."
+
+"I hear Bufferio whistling in the street," she replied.
+
+"He is even now placing the key in the door."
+
+The stranger, as if perfectly satisfied with this intelligence, fell back
+in his chair, with a suppressed sigh, and listened in an agony of fear to
+the heavy footsteps on the staircase.
+
+Bufferio appeared at the door, and looked distrustfully at the man who had
+interrupted him at his game.
+
+The ruffian Bufferio was of giant build. He was obliged to stoop in order
+to enter the door. His head was thrown back defiantly, and his hand rested
+upon the hilt of a dagger which was held by his girdle. A broad-brimmed
+hat shaded his face; his whole dress was of dark-brown cloth, scarcely
+distinguishable in the darkness of night. Under his prominent eyebrows
+twinkled very small eyes, and a cruel, withering smile played about his
+mouth.
+
+He made an imperious gesture to the woman and pointed to the door. She
+left the room grumbling, but gave no other evidence of dissatisfaction.
+
+The ruffian shut the door, took a chair, and said to the stranger, in a
+rough and coarse voice:
+
+"_Perche me disturba?_ Why do you disturb me? Who are you?"
+
+This question was very embarrassing to the stranger. He replied,
+stammering:
+
+"Is it necessary, Signor Bufferio, that you should know my name before
+doing me a service for which I will pay you liberally?"
+
+On hearing these words, the ruffian struck his forehead with his hand, as
+if he thought he recognized the voice of the visitor; but he did not stop
+to reflect longer.
+
+"Come tell me quickly what you want; they are waiting for me at the tavern
+of the _Silver Dice_, and I have no time to lose."
+
+"It is an affair of importance, Signor Bufferio."
+
+"Yes; my wife told me I might gain a few crowns of gold. Speak. Why do you
+beat about the bush in this manner? What embarrasses you? Do you think
+you are dealing with a dishonest man? Fear nothing. Not a hair of your
+head shall be touched in my house."
+
+This assurance restored the stranger's confidence, and he said, in a more
+steady voice:
+
+"Signor Bufferio, you must know that I have an enemy who insults and
+outrages me, and who threatens to drive me to ruin."
+
+"I understand. You wish to be avenged by my instrumentality."
+
+"Yes, signor. How many golden crowns do you ask for such a service?"
+
+"That depends upon the rank of the individual, and upon the kind of
+service you desire. A few blows with a stick, a scratch on the face, do
+not cost as much as a mortal wound."
+
+"The wound must be mortal, signor."
+
+"And who is your enemy? A nobleman or a common citizen? Rich or poor?"
+
+"He is a nobleman, signor, and the possessor of an ample fortune."
+
+"A nobleman? And who are you, who make yourself responsible for payment?"
+
+"I am a poor servant out of service."
+
+The ruffian smiled incredulously.
+
+"Ah!" said he, ironically, "a poor servant out of service! Come, throw
+back your hood. You have red hair; you often play at dice; your name is
+Julio; you live near the bridge _De la Vigne_ with the Signor Simon
+Turchi. Is not that true? You were trying to deceive me."
+
+Julio, thus unexpectedly recognized, was mute from astonishment, and,
+trembling from head to foot, stared at the ruffian, who did not appear in
+the least displeased, but said, in an encouraging tone:
+
+"Be calm; you need not be disturbed because I know who you are. My trade
+is to keep the most important affairs secret. Fear nothing, I will not
+betray you."
+
+It was some minutes before Julio had recovered himself sufficiently to
+speak.
+
+"I am sorry that you know my name," said he; "but no matter. I desire to
+know, Signor Bufferio, what price you demand for ridding me forever of my
+enemy?"
+
+"Your enemy?" said the ruffian, laughing. "A gentleman your enemy? You are
+still endeavoring to deceive me. You mean your master's enemy?"
+
+"No, my personal enemy, who has calumniated me to my master, and who has
+striven to have me ignominiously discharged."
+
+"And you offer me golden crowns? How long is it since servants became
+possessed of such treasures? You request to have a mortal wound inflicted
+upon a gentleman? Well, you must give me fifteen gold crowns."
+
+"Fifteen crowns!" exclaimed Julio, with assumed astonishment. "So large a
+sum! I do not own that much."
+
+"Then pay me twelve; but it must be in advance, before I strike the blow."
+
+"I will pay you immediately, before leaving."
+
+"Give me your hand, Julio; it is a bargain. Now tell me exactly what you
+or your master requires of me."
+
+"Not my master: I alone."
+
+"It is all the same. What am I to do, and when is it to be done?"
+
+"This very night, Bufferio."
+
+"To-night? This will oblige me to renounce my game with the Portuguese
+sailor; and yet I might have won some gold pieces there."
+
+"Listen, Signor Bufferio. To-night, at eleven o'clock, a young nobleman,
+accompanied by two lute-players, will come from the direction of the
+convent of the Dominicans; he will turn the corner at Prince Street, and
+will proceed towards the church of St. James. He will thus be obliged to
+pass before the stone well at the head of Hoboken Street. You will conceal
+yourself behind the well with two or three faithful companions, and as the
+young gentleman passes, you will attack and kill him."
+
+"The affair has been well planned," remarked the ruffian. "I could manage
+it by myself; but since you desire it, I will take with me a couple of my
+brave companions. How will I recognize the one I am to strike?"
+
+"His dress is entirely brown, and his cap is ornamented with a white
+plume; in the darkness you will be able to perceive only the white plume:
+that will be a certain sign."
+
+Bufferio shook his head doubtfully.
+
+"Have you nothing else to observe?" he asked.
+
+"I will merely inform you that I will accompany the young gentleman, and
+when he falls, I will take from his person a writing, which, if it were
+discovered, might involve me in great danger. You will recognize me by
+this Spanish cape, and I will cry out very loud, that you and your men may
+know that I am not an enemy."
+
+"Now where are the gold crowns?"
+
+"Do you accept the commission, Bufferio?"
+
+"I will fulfil it as though I were laboring for myself."
+
+Julio took from his pocket some gold crowns, then continued to draw them
+out one by one, until he held twelve in his hand. He endeavored to conceal
+from the ruffian that he possessed more than the sum agreed upon; but
+Bufferio must have suspected his intention, for he smiled, and said in a
+decided manner:
+
+"You have more gold crowns. I knew it from the first; people do not
+generally enter into such affairs with only the sum absolutely required.
+You need not deceive me. Give me the stipulated amount; I ask no more."
+
+As soon as the other had handed him the money, Bufferio approached the
+lamp, examined and weighed each piece of gold, and then said:
+
+"It is good coin. Have no anxiety, Julio, I will go for my comrades. There
+is but little time left--only a good half hour."
+
+Julio took leave of the ruffian, and was about to quit the room, but he
+stopped and said: "Signor Bufferio, you will not tell your companions who
+requested this service of you?"
+
+"I tell nothing to my companions. The proverb says, If you wish to lose
+your liberty, trust your secrets to others."
+
+"You perfectly understand what you have to do?"
+
+"Yes, yes. At eleven o'clock, behind the well in Hoboken. Street, a young
+gentleman with a white plume in his hat. Be quiet, I myself will deal the
+blow, and I will not miss the mark."
+
+"Adieu, Bufferio."
+
+"Adieu, Julio."
+
+The ruffian accompanied the servant to the lower story, opened the door of
+the street, and closed it behind him.
+
+When Julio found himself in the open air, he walked a short distance, then
+stopped, drew a long breath as if a heavy weight had fallen from his
+shoulders, and said, joyously:
+
+"Heavens! what an escape! I doubt if I am really alive. The difficult
+affair is at last concluded. The signor says that I am a coward. I would
+like to see him in that room with that infernal woman and the terrible
+Bufferio. Now I must go to Geronimo. My greatest difficulty is yet to
+come. If I get through it successfully, I may well say that I was born
+under a lucky star. But I cannot tarry, I have still a long distance to
+walk."
+
+He quickened his pace and soon reached the street on which the Dominican
+Convent stood; he passed the Abbey of Saint Michael and the Mint, and
+entered the grand square without being molested.
+
+On the way he kept his hand in his pocket, that he might enjoy the
+pleasure of passing the gold coin through his fingers. He muttered to
+himself that he had gained three gold crowns which his master would never
+see again, were he to live a hundred years. Once free from his present
+care and anxiety, he would take his seat at a gaming-table, where he would
+remain all day, and perhaps he could win heaps of gold.
+
+Absorbed in these thoughts, he reached Geronimo's residence and knocked at
+the door. It was soon opened, and he was conducted into a room on the
+ground floor, where the young gentleman, in his cap and cloak, seemed to
+be waiting the arrival of friends.
+
+"Peace be to this house!" said Julio, bowing. "Signor, I bring you a
+message which I would deliver with more pleasure were it less sad. My poor
+master is ill with fever, and is unable to leave his bed. He begs you to
+excuse him from accompanying you to-night to the serenade."
+
+Geronimo's countenance assumed an expression of deep compassion. The young
+man concluded that his own happiness, his approaching marriage with Miss
+Van de Werve, had touched the heart of his poor friend, and that his
+present state of health was the consequence of these painful emotions.
+
+"Did the fever attack him suddenly, Julio?" he asked. "Is he very ill?"
+
+"No, signor. It may not have any bad consequences; but he could not
+venture to expose himself to the cold and damp night-air."
+
+Geronimo seemed in deep thought.
+
+"Signor, my master did not send me solely to inform you of his
+indisposition; he directed me to accompany you to the serenade, and to
+protect you in case of danger. He knows how courageous I am, and that were
+five or six to attack you, I would not flee before them."
+
+"I accept your services, Julio. You always seemed to me to be a devoted
+servant. The lute-players have not yet arrived. Go to the kitchen and tell
+the cook to give you a pint of beer."
+
+Julio went to the kitchen, but found the cook asleep. He awoke him, gave
+him his master's order, and received the pint of beer.
+
+He expected, while drinking, to talk with the servant, and he had
+commenced speaking of quarrels, combats, knives, and the heroic deeds in
+which he had been the actor, but the servant had scarcely seated himself
+before he fell again into a deep sleep. Julio emptied his glass in
+silence, until a knock at the door and the sound of stringed instruments
+announced the arrival of the lute-players.
+
+Geronimo called him, and on entering the ante-chamber he found Geronimo
+ready to go out with the lute-players.
+
+Julio was troubled on remarking that these latter were armed. If these
+people were brave men, Bufferio and his comrades would have to deal with
+an equal number of adversaries. Who could foresee the termination of the
+struggle? However, he felt reassured on reflecting that Geronimo and the
+lute-players, being attacked unexpectedly, would not have time to defend
+themselves.
+
+They left the house together, passed the Dominican Convent, and soon
+reached Prince Street, at the upper end of which was the stone well behind
+which Bufferio was concealed, if he had been faithful to his promise.
+
+Up to that time Julio had walked in advance of the others, in order to
+appear bold and intrepid; he now commenced to fall back, and placed
+himself in the rear. His heart failed him; for, however well the plans
+had been laid, the blow might miss its aim, or might not cause death.
+
+They were within about one hundred feet of the well.
+
+The young gentleman, wholly ignorant of the danger which threatened him,
+was thinking of his unhappy friend, Simon Turchi, overpowered by a heart
+sorrow, tossing on a bed of suffering, while he was on his way to serenade
+his beloved Mary. He also, in his own mind, deplored the involved
+condition of Simon's business affairs, and determined to save him, even at
+the cost of great personal sacrifices, as soon as his marriage would
+render him independent.
+
+What would the young cavalier have thought had he known that at a few
+steps, distance from him, three assassins, hired by Simon Turchi, were
+lying in wait to kill him. But no, his mind was filled with compassion and
+affectionate feelings for his cruel enemy.
+
+The little band was not far from Hoboken Street; Julio gazed fixedly into
+the darkness to discover if any one was near the well.
+
+Suddenly he perceived a dark shadow advancing. Trembling in an agony of
+fear, and in order to make himself known to the ruffians, Julio suddenly
+drew his sword and exclaimed:
+
+"_Al assassino! Ajusto! ajusto!_ Murder! help! help!"
+
+But he had spoken too soon for the success of his designs; for, being put
+upon his guard by this exclamation, Geronimo drew his sword, and placed
+his back against the wall of the house that he might not be assailed from
+behind.
+
+The lute-players, screaming from fright, ran away, and Julio stood in the
+middle of the street brandishing his sword.
+
+All this had passed almost instantaneously after the first alarm given by
+Julio. The man whom he had seen coming from the well, followed by two
+companions, rushed to the side of the street where Geronimo had made a
+stand to defend himself. The assassin, who was in advance of the two
+others, fell upon Geronimo and gave him a sword-thrust which he supposed
+pierced his body; but a skilful movement parried the blow, and the
+aggressor himself fell with such force upon Geronimo's sword that the
+blade passed through his body.
+
+The assassin fell heavily, and in a plaintive voice, as though bidding
+adieu to life, exclaimed:
+
+"_O mojo!_ I die! Bufferio is dead!"
+
+Disregarding the villain who had fallen, the gentleman rushed upon the
+other two and wounded one in the shoulder. Convinced that they had to deal
+with a powerful and skilful adversary, they turned and fled, Geronimo
+pursuing them far beyond the well.
+
+Julio followed him, crying, vociferating, and striking with his sword in
+the dark, as though he were contending with numerous enemies. When
+Geronimo returned with the servant to the spot where he had left the dead
+body of the ruffian, he found three or four watchmen calling for help.
+Many heads were thrust from the windows, and one citizen even ventured out
+of his house with a lamp in his hand.
+
+The watchmen, having inquired as to what had taken place, examined the
+body to see if there were any signs of life.
+
+"Leave him!" said one; "it is Bufferio. God be praised! the man has at
+last met the fate which he deserved."
+
+In the meantime, Julio had commenced to boast. He related that he had to
+deal with two assassins at once, that he had wounded one in the face, and
+pierced the other with his sword. How the latter had been able to run
+away, was unaccountable; no doubt he would be found near at hand, dead or
+dying.
+
+The young gentleman, who really believed the story of Turchi's servant,
+thanked him for his assistance, and acknowledged that he owed his life to
+him, as he had given the warning of the approach of the assassins.
+
+The dead body was removed behind the well until the city authorities
+should order its burial.
+
+The head watchman approached Geronimo, and said to him:
+
+"Where do you live, signor? Two of my men will accompany you, lest some
+other accident might befall you. Do not refuse the offer. The villains who
+escaped might be on the watch for you, in order to avenge the death of
+their companions."
+
+"What shall I do?" said the gentleman to Julio. "I cannot give the
+serenade without the lute-players, and, besides, I could not sing after
+such emotion. But Miss Van de Werve is expecting it, and if I do not go,
+she will imagine that some accident has happened to me. It would be better
+for me to see Mr. Van de Werve, so as to remove any cause of anxiety. I
+accept your offer, watchmen, and I will liberally recompense the services
+you render me. I must return to Kipdorp, and you will do me the favor to
+wait a few minutes, in order to accompany me to my dwelling. Follow me."
+
+Geronimo, the watchmen, and Julio soon reached the residence of Mr. Van de
+Werve. He knocked, and was immediately admitted.
+
+The young gentleman again thanked Julio with the liveliest gratitude for
+his assistance, and promised to tell his master how courageously he had
+acted, and the eminent services he had rendered him.
+
+Julio bade adieu, and hastened to his master's dwelling. He was about to
+knock, but, to his great terror, the door was opened at once, as though
+some one were waiting for him.
+
+"Is it you, Julio?" asked a man, in the darkness.
+
+The servant recognized his master's voice, and entered the door.
+
+"Well," said he, in a stifled tone, "is he dead?"
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Who! Geronimo?"
+
+"On the contrary, Bufferio is dead. Geronimo ran him through the body."
+
+"Then you have not the pocket-book?"
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"And the gold crowns?"
+
+"I gave them to Bufferio."
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, you have betrayed me!" hissed the infuriated signor in
+the ear of his servant, shaking him convulsively by the arm. "Tell me
+quickly what has happened! Tremble, stupid coward! the Superintendent of
+Lucca shall know who you are!"
+
+"_Ebbene che sia!_" answered Julio. "Then the Signor Geronimo shall also
+know who hired Bufferio to assassinate him."
+
+A hoarse cry like a stifled groan resounded through the vestibule. The
+door was closed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+VAN DE WERVE'S RECEPTION--SIMON TURCHI'S JEALOUSY AND HATRED.
+
+
+Mr. Van de Werve, whose large fortune justified a lavish expenditure, was
+accustomed to receive at his residence every month the principal gentlemen
+of Antwerp, strangers as well as citizens. His love for art and science
+induced him to bring together the best artists and the most noted literary
+men of the day with the high-born, wealthy, and influential members of
+society at Antwerp; and his house had become the rendezvous of all that
+was excellent and celebrated in the city.
+
+Nearly the whole of the anterior part of the house was occupied by a vast
+hall, called the _Ancestral Hall_, because it was decorated by numberless
+souvenirs of his illustrious family. The walls, for a certain distance
+were sculptured in oak wood, so artistically designed, and so delicately
+wrought, that at the first glance it looked like embroidery in various
+colors. To produce this effect, the natural brown of the oak had been left
+in some places. All the rest shone with gold and silver, which was
+relieved by a beautiful scarlet, brilliant yellow, and the softest
+sky-blue. The many small figures scattered over the ornaments were highly
+gilded. From the wooden wainscot arose slight pillars, which, uniting in
+the Gothic style, supported the heavy beams of the ceiling. Six of these
+beams were visible: all were covered with highly colored sculptures. Their
+decorations harmonized with, those of the wainscot, and seemed an
+expansion of it, as though the architect wished the exquisite ornaments of
+the beams of the ceiling to be considered a luxuriant verdure, springing
+from trunks rooted in the oaken wainscot.
+
+The escutcheon of the Van de Werve family, together with the families
+allied to them, was artistically sculptured in the wood. The emblems and
+devices were in profusion: lions, wild boars, eagles, ermines, bands and
+crosses of gold, silver, green, and blue quartz, so numerous and
+sparkling, that when the noonday sun penetrated into the hall, the eye
+could with difficulty bear the dazzling magnificence.
+
+The armorial bearings of the Van de Werves, Lords of Schilde, painted in
+larger proportions than the others, were at the extremity of the hall.
+They consisted of a black boar on a field of gold, quartered by three
+chevrons of silver on black, surmounted by a helmet ornamented by
+mantlings of black and gold, and above this was a boar's head.
+
+Around these family arms shone a large number of escutcheons of smaller
+size; among others, the coat of arms of the Wyneghem, the Van Immerseel,
+the Van Wilre, the Van Mildert, the Van Coolput, the Van Bruloch, and the
+Van Zymaer, families the most nearly related to that of Van de Werve.
+
+Above the wainscot, within the niches formed by the pillars, hung the
+portraits of some of the most illustrious ancestors of William Van de
+Werve, as well as his own, in which he was represented as captain of a
+German company in the service of Charles V.
+
+The portraits did not occupy all the panels formed in the richly carved
+oak. In a large number appeared valuable paintings from the pencil of the
+most celebrated masters of Netherlands. The eye rested on the creations of
+the immortal brothers Van Eyck, the touching Quintin Massys, the
+intellectual Roger Van der Weydens, the spiritual Jerome Bosch, the
+laborious Lucas de Leyde, and others whose names were favorably mentioned
+in the world of art.
+
+In a corner of the room, beside the fireplace, stood a piano richly
+enamelled in woods of different colors, and upon it lay two lutes and a
+violin--a proof that the charming art of music was cultivated by the
+family of Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+From the ceiling were suspended six gilded chandeliers; on the mantelpiece
+were two candelabras; along the walls, where the pillars formed
+projections, numerous sconces were fastened; and when Mr. Van de Werve
+received his friends in the evening, the reflection of the numberless wax
+candles from the many gold and silver ornaments gave a princely air to the
+hall.
+
+Three days after the attempted assassination of Geronimo by the ruffian
+Bufferio, Mr. Van de Werve was to entertain his friends in the evening, it
+being the time appointed for their reunion. Although he had been deeply
+moved by the murderous assault, and his daughter Mary had scarcely
+recovered from the shock, he had not withdrawn the invitations, hoping
+that the social gathering might help to dissipate painful thoughts.
+
+At the appointed hour the dwelling of Mr. Van de Werve was in a blaze of
+light. The large double door was thrown open, and in the vast hall were
+crowds of domestics, the attendants of the guests who had already arrived.
+
+The large parlor was filled with persons of different conditions and ages.
+There were, however, only men present, for this evening was by a previous
+arrangement to be devoted to artists, men of letters, and notable men of
+commerce.
+
+The first salutations had been exchanged among the guests of Mr. Van de
+Werve; they had separated according to their pleasure in different groups,
+and were engaged in cordial and familiar conversation.
+
+Five or six of the more aged were seated near a table examining some new
+works which excited their admiration; others, whose more simple attire
+proclaimed them to be artists, were showing each other their designs;
+another party, evidently formed of young noblemen, surrounded Geronimo,
+and were asking particulars of the recent attempt upon his life.
+
+At the end of the room, not far from the fireplace, were collected the
+foreigners who were engaged in commerce at Antwerp. Although they had
+assembled for amusement, they were conversing, through habit, upon the
+expected arrival of vessels, and the price of gold and different kinds of
+merchandise. Among these foreigners was to be seen every description of
+costume, and every variety of tongue could be heard. The Spaniard found
+himself beside a native of Lucca, the Portuguese near the Florentine, the
+English with the Genoese, the German next to the Venetian; and, as on
+Change at Antwerp, they found means to understand each other.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve had at first remained near the door in order to welcome
+his guests as they entered; but supposing that the greater part of those
+invited had arrived, he left this place and was walking from group to
+group, joining in conversation for a few moments, and saying some pleasant
+words to each.
+
+The old Deodati had seated himself in an arm-chair apart. So many had
+welcomed him on his arrival at Antwerp, and he had been the object of so
+much polite attention, that, being fatigued from standing and talking, he
+was now seeking some repose.
+
+By his side was Simon Turchi, conversing familiarly and in a low tone with
+the old man. The hypocrite feigned an extraordinary affection for the
+venerable nobleman, and flattered him by every expression of respect and
+esteem. They had already spoken of the attempted assassination, and Simon
+Turchi had expressed his astonishment, for he did not believe that
+Geronimo had an enemy in the world. It was quite likely that Bufferio had
+made a mistake as to the individual, a thing which might easily have
+happened in so dark a night.
+
+While Simon Turchi, with apparent calmness, thus conversed with the old
+gentleman, he was evidently meditating some wicked design; for while
+talking, his eyes incessantly wandered to Geronimo, and he endeavored to
+divine from his countenance the subject of his conversation. He did not
+for one instant lose sight of Mary's betrothed.
+
+After speaking of the assassination, the old Deodati glanced around the
+room upon the different groups of guests, and he asked Turchi:
+
+"Who is the gentleman in purple velvet, who is the object of such marked
+respect from the merchants around him? I do not mean the tall old man, I
+am acquainted with him, he is the rich Fugger of Augsburg; I am speaking
+of the one who stands beside him."
+
+"He is a banker, signor," replied Simon Turchi. "He is very rich, and his
+name is Lazarus Tucher. The gentleman before him is the head of the house
+of the Hochstetter. The gentlemen conversing with him belong to the
+distinguished commercial houses of the Gigli, the Spignoli, and the
+Gualterotti. A little apart, and behind them, is Don Pezoa, the
+superintendent of the king of Portugal; he is speaking with Diégo d'Aro,
+and Antonio de Vaglio, superintendents from Spain. The gentlemen near them
+are Italian and Portuguese merchants, whose names I could tell you, for I
+know them all, but such details would not interest you."
+
+"I am indebted to you for your kindness, Signor Turchi," replied Deodati.
+"My nephew, Geronimo, would give me all this information, but he is
+surrounded by his young friends, and as he sees me with you, he is
+undoubtedly convinced that I could not be in better or more agreeable
+company. Have the kindness to tell me the name of the fine-looking old man
+seated near the table, and to give me some information regarding those who
+are listening to him with so much attention."
+
+"Around the table, signor, are the most learned men of Netherlands. That
+gray-headed orator is the old Graphæus, secretary of the city of Antwerp,
+and the author of several well written Latin works. The young man, on
+whose shoulder he leans, is his son, Alexander, who is also very learned.
+Before him is seated Abraham Ortelius, the great geographer, who is
+regarded as the Ptolemy of his age. Beside Ortelius is his friend and
+fellow-laborer Gerard, also a learned geographer, and one of the
+luminaries of the day. The only one whose dress indicates his Italian
+birth is Louis Guicciardini, a Florentine gentleman, who is here for the
+purpose of collecting materials for an extensive work on the Low
+Countries, and particularly on the powerful commercial city of Antwerp.
+The gentleman plainly dressed, with a black beard, holding a book in his
+hand, is Christopher Plantin; he is engaged in establishing at Antwerp a
+printing-press of great importance. Its dimensions are so large that it
+will occupy the ground on which several spacious houses now stand;
+hundreds of workmen will be employed all day in composing, correcting, and
+printing books in every civilized tongue. You must not fail, signor, to
+visit the building; even in its unfinished state it will cause you
+astonishment."
+
+"The Netherlands is a favored country," said the old Deodati. "If the
+climate is not as mild as in our own beautiful Italy, the men are bold,
+active, intelligent, industrious, and learned, and they possess all the
+qualifications requisite for the material prosperity and moral progress of
+a nation. I am surprised to see you, who are a foreigner, as well
+acquainted with the inhabitants as a native."
+
+"I have lived here many years," replied Turchi. "These gentlemen are
+frequent visitors at the house of Mr. Van de Werve, and I have seen them
+so often, that I know them as old friends. Look at the corner near the
+piano, where those collected together laugh merrily, jest, and chat
+socially. You may easily recognize them by their light playful manners as
+artists."
+
+"Yes. Is not that handsome man with noble features Frans Floris, the
+Flemish Raphael?"
+
+"Yes; he was presented to you yesterday by Mr. Van de Werve, and you may
+remember how enthusiastically he eulogized Italian art."
+
+"Near him is a singular-looking person; his very attitude is amusing, and
+his gestures force one to laugh."
+
+"He is Peter Breughel, a humorist, who so designs his pictures that they
+seem painted only by way of jest. He is, however, in good repute as an
+artist. I saw recently one of his pictures in which he represents the
+Saviour carrying his cross to Calvary. In this he represents pilgrims with
+their staves, Spanish soldiers in doublets, monks and nuns; there is even
+a statue of the Blessed Virgin suspended on a tree, and that at a time
+when there was no Christianity, no Saint James of Compostella, neither
+convents nor Spaniards."
+
+"That is indeed singular," said Deodati, smiling. "It seems to me that
+such conceits do but very little honor to the artist. Is it a custom among
+other artists in the Netherlands to sport thus with holy things?"
+
+"No; Signor Breughel is an exception. The other gentlemen in company with
+the Flemish Raphael are more serious men. Michael Coxie, whom you may
+distinguish by the gray doublet, excels in his portraits of women. The
+handsome young man standing behind him is Martin de Vos, a pupil of
+Floris; he evinces a high order of talent and gives promise of great
+perfection in his art. The others, as well as I can recognize them at this
+distance, are Lambert Van Noord, Egide Mostaert, William Key, Bernard de
+Rycke, and the two brothers Henry and Martin Van Cleef, all celebrated
+historical, fancy, or portrait painters. Near them is Master Grimmer, a
+famous landscape-painter; and the gentleman now speaking is a certain Ack
+of Antwerp, who has painted the large glass windows of the church of Saint
+Gudula at Brussels. The old man sitting apart near the piano is Christian;
+he has marvellous skill in playing on many instruments, but he excels most
+on the violin. You will probably hear him this evening."
+
+Simon Turchi continued to converse familiarly with the Signor Deodati, who
+was charmed with his intelligence, but still more with the kind
+consideration which made him refrain from joining in the general
+conversation in order to entertain an old man.
+
+Geronimo had several times approached his uncle, but each time the latter
+had playfully sent him away, telling him that the agreeable company of the
+Signor Turchi sufficed for him, and that he preferred a quiet
+conversation.
+
+In the meantime the conversation among the guests had become more general.
+Noblemen and bankers, merchants and literary men, manufacturers and
+artists, were mingling with each other; rank and condition were
+disregarded, and the animated conversation of the company resounded
+through the hall like the humming of a swarm of bees.
+
+At this moment the servants entered, bringing silver waiters on which were
+wines of every description, pastry, cakes, rare fruits, and other
+refreshments.
+
+They passed through the room offering the wines to the guests.
+
+"Gentlemen, a glass of Malmsey, Rhenish wine, claret, sherry, Muscatel?"
+
+Whilst these delicious drinks and delicacies were thus distributed,
+Geronimo never lost sight of Mr. Van de Werve, but observed him with an
+eye full of hope and expectation.
+
+When at last he saw Mr. Van de Werve leave the room, a bright smile
+illumined his face. Geronimo knew that Mr. Van de Werve sometimes
+gratified his friends and acquaintances by allowing his beautiful daughter
+to be present at their evening reunion for about an hour, and he had been
+impatiently awaiting the moment when the young girl would appear.
+
+Simon Turchi, although apparently so unmoved, had constantly watched
+Mary's betrothed, noticed the radiant expression of his countenance, and
+understood the cause.
+
+Mary was coming! Perhaps the whole company would know that his suit had
+been rejected, and that Geronimo had succeeded where the powerful
+administrator of the house of Buonvisi had failed!
+
+This thought deeply wounded his pride. He scowled at Geronimo, who was
+looking in another direction. Rage and jealousy goaded him almost to
+madness; he felt that the scar on his face, by its deepening hue, would
+betray his emotion, and to conceal it he covered his eyes with his hand.
+
+Deodati asked him with interest:
+
+"What is the matter, Signor Turchi? Are you ill?"
+
+"The heat is intolerable," said Simon, endeavoring to master his feelings.
+
+"Heat?" murmured Deodati; "it does not seem to me very warm. Shall I
+accompany you for a few moments to the garden, signor?"
+
+But Turchi raised his head, and smiling in an unconcerned manner, said:
+
+"Many thanks, signor, for your kindness. I feel much better. I had been
+looking too long at the large lustre, and its brilliant light made me
+dizzy. But let us rise, signor, there is the beautiful Mary, _la bionda
+maraviglia_!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve appeared at this moment at the door, and introduced his
+beloved child. A murmur of admiration ran through the assembly, and room
+was made for the father and daughter.
+
+The beauty of Mary surpassed all expectation. Her dress consisted of a
+flowing robe of silver-colored satin, with no other ornament than a girdle
+of gold thread. Her own blonde hair was arranged around her head in the
+form of a crown, in the centre of which were placed some white flowers
+fastened by choice pearls. But the admiration of the spectators was
+excited by her large blue eyes, her brilliant complexion, the dignified
+sweetness of her expression, the gentle, innocent, modest smile which
+mirrored on her face the peace and joy of her soul.
+
+Geronimo had never before seen Mary dressed in this style. On the
+contrary, she generally wore dark or unobtrusive colors. Decked as she now
+was in pure white, she had the appearance of a bride. It was, of course,
+by her father's request; but what did it mean? Did he intend by this to
+make it known that Mary was betrothed, and would soon be wedded? Such
+thoughts as these agitated Geronimo as the young girl accompanied her
+father into the room.
+
+The old Deodati rose and advanced to meet her. Simon Turchi took advantage
+of this movement to retire a short distance; for, as his eye fell on the
+beautiful girl, rage filled his heart as he reflected that this noble and
+pure woman would have been his wife had not Geronimo blasted the happiness
+of his life.
+
+The lightning-like glance of hate and envy which he cast upon Geronimo was
+a sinister menace of death. Happily for him, all eyes were turned towards
+the young girl, otherwise many a one might have read the dark soul of
+Simon Turchi and discovered the horrible design he had conceived.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve introduced his daughter to his guests. All expressed in
+courteous terms their admiration and their pleasure in her society.
+
+The noble young girl received the felicitations and compliments addressed
+to her with a gentle and dignified self-possession. There were in her
+manner and tone of voice a rare modesty and reserve, and at the same time
+an exquisite politeness. Still more astonishing was her rich and varied
+knowledge. Whether conversing with a Spaniard, Frenchman, Italian, or
+German, she spoke to each in his own tongue; but the beautiful Italian
+language assumed additional sweetness on her lips.
+
+When presented to the old Deodati, she took both his hands and spoke to
+him so tenderly and affectionately that, overcome by emotion, he could
+only say a few grateful words in acknowledgment.
+
+Passing by Simon Turchi, she said cheerfully:
+
+"God be praised, Signor Turchi, that your health is so soon restored! I am
+happy to see you here this evening. I am sincerely grateful to you,
+signor, for the friendship you manifest to the nephew of Signor Deodati.
+You have a good and generous heart, and I thank God for having given so
+devoted a friend to Geronimo and his uncle!"
+
+The gentle words of the young girl were intolerable torture to Turchi; the
+wound on his face, betraying his emotion, became of a deep-red color. And
+yet it was absolutely necessary for him to appear calm, and to reply
+cordially to the kind salutation of the young girl; for there were at
+least twenty persons near him and within hearing of what passed.
+
+By a powerful effort he mastered his emotion, referring it to the
+impression made upon him by her appearance. He spoke also of sacrifices,
+which, even when voluntarily made, painfully wound the heart; of a
+self-abnegation which could find its consolation in the happiness of a
+friend, but which failed not to leave a sting in the soul that had
+cherished fallacious hopes.
+
+Mary understood him, and was grateful for his kindness.
+
+"Thanks, thanks, signor," she said, warmly, as she passed on to salute
+other guests.
+
+When Mary approached the piano, and addressed a few kind words to Master
+Christian, many Italian gentlemen begged her to favor them with a
+_canzone_.
+
+With her father's permission, the young girl consented to gratify the
+guests. She hesitated awhile as to the language in which to sing, and was
+turning over the leaves of a book handed her by Master Christian. The old
+Deodati expressed a wish to hear a song in the language of the Low
+Countries, and begging pardon of the Italian gentlemen, Mary said she
+would sing a _Kyrie Eleison_ in her maternal tongue.
+
+Master Christian seated himself at the piano, to accompany her, and
+commenced a prelude.
+
+The first notes of the young girl were like a gentle murmur. By degrees
+her voice became firmer and stronger, until at the end of each strophe the
+word _eleïson_ rose like a sonorous hymn to heaven.
+
+The measure was remarkably slow, simple, and full of a tranquil melody.
+Mary evidently felt the peculiar character of this chant, for instead of
+endeavoring to add to the effect, she softened still more her singularly
+sweet voice, and let the words drop slowly from her lips, as if the
+songstress herself were ravished in contemplation and was listening to
+celestial music.
+
+At first the Italian gentlemen exchanged glances, as if to express the
+thought that this chant could not compare with the brilliant lively style
+of the Italian music. But this unfavorable opinion was not of long
+duration. They, like all others, soon yielded to the irresistible
+fascination of Mary's exquisite voice. They listened with such rapt
+attention that not the slightest movement was made in the room, and one
+might have heard the murmur of the leaves in the garden as they were
+gently stirred by the breeze of May.
+
+Mary had concluded her song and lifted her eyes to heaven with an
+expression of adoration. All who gazed upon her felt as though they were
+contemplating an angel before the throne of God. Even Simon Turchi was
+subdued by admiration, and he even momentarily lost sight of the hatred
+and jealousy which lacerated his heart.
+
+Mary thus sang:
+
+  Kyrie! Lo, our God comes,
+    Mankind to save from ill and bless:
+  What grateful joy should break our gloom
+    And fill our hearts with happiness!
+
+  Kyrie eleison!--God is born!
+    A virgin mother gives him birth;
+  And sin's dark bonds asunder torn,
+    Sweet heaven again inclines to earth.
+
+  Kyrie!--hear!--the sacred font
+
+    Pours forth its saving waters free--
+  And Thou impressest on our front
+    The sign that drives our foes away.
+
+  Christe!--anointed victim!--Thou,
+    Who in thy death bestowest life--
+  The healing remedy for woe--
+    Ah! earth with many a woe is rife.
+
+  Christe eleison!--brother dear--
+    Our liberator from all ill--
+  Strong in Thy virtue, free from fear,
+    And be our help to virtue still.
+
+  Christe eleison! God and man--
+    Our only consolation here--
+  Oh! do not leave us 'neath the ban
+    Of sorrow perilous and drear.
+
+  Oh! Kyrie, Father--Kyrie Son--
+    Kyrie Spirit--we adore
+  The Triune God--Thee, only One!
+   Grant we may praise Thee evermore!
+
+Silence reigned in the room some moments after the last sound had died
+away, and then arose a murmur of admiration, and the young girl was
+overwhelmed with felicitations.
+
+Whilst being thus complimented, Mary noticed Geronimo at a little distance
+from her. Desirous, perhaps, of escaping the praises lavished upon her,
+or, it may be, yielding to a real desire, she approached the young man,
+drew him towards the piano, and insisted upon his singing an Italian aria.
+
+Geronimo at first refused, but his uncle requested him to yield to the
+entreaties of the young girl. Taking up a lute, he hastily tuned it, and
+sang the first word of the aria _Italia!_ in such a tone of enthusiasm
+that it struck a responsive chord in every Italian heart. The notes fell
+from his lips like a shower of brilliant stars; his bosom heaved, his eyes
+sparkled, and his rich tenor voice filling the hall produced an
+indescribable effect upon the auditors. As his song proceeded, it seemed
+to gain in expression and vigor, and as he repeated the refrain _Mia bella
+Italia!_ for the last time, his compatriots were so carried away by their
+enthusiasm that, forgetful of decorum, all, even the most aged, waved
+their caps, exclaiming:
+
+"_Italia! Italia!_"
+
+Tears stood in the eyes of many.
+
+Geronimo was complimented by all present. His uncle called him his beloved
+son, Mary spoke to him in the most flattering manner, and Mr. Van de Werve
+shook hands with him cordially.
+
+As to Simon Turchi, he was overpowered; all he had just seen and heard was
+such a martyrdom; jealousy so gnawed his heart that he sank deeper and
+deeper into the abyss of hatred and vengeance. He stood a few steps from
+Geronimo, his eyes downcast, and trembling with emotion.
+
+No one noticed him. Had he attracted attention, his friends would have
+supposed that, like the other Italians, he had been moved by the chant of
+his compatriot.
+
+Turchi soon roused himself. Like a man who has taken a sudden resolution,
+he walked up to Geronimo, smiled pleasantly, and threw his arms around his
+neck.
+
+"Thanks, thanks, Geronimo!" he exclaimed. "You have made me truly happy by
+giving me additional cause to be proud of my country."
+
+While embracing him, he also whispered:
+
+"Geronimo, I wish to speak privately to you this evening. I will go to the
+garden presently; try to follow me; you will be pleased."
+
+Having said these words, he fell back as if to make way for Mr. Fugger,
+the rich banker, who wished to offer his congratulations.
+
+The servants reappeared in the hall with wines and various delicacies.
+
+Master Christian was tuning his violin. The guests, informed that this
+excellent artist was about to entertain them with his wonderful skill,
+drew near the piano.
+
+Geronimo, perplexed by the words of Simon Turchi, watched his friend and
+sought an opportunity to speak to him alone. He saw him leave the room,
+and as the entrance of the servants with refreshments, and the desire of
+the guests to approach Master Christian, had caused a stir among the
+company, the young man was enabled to rejoin Simon in the garden.
+
+The garden, situated in the rear of the house, although not large, was
+crossed by several winding paths, and along the wall were wide-spreading
+trees and blocks of verdure.
+
+When Geronimo entered the garden, he perceived several persons who had
+left the heated apartment to enjoy the fresh air, and who were walking in
+different directions.
+
+As he was seeking in the dim light to distinguish Simon Turchi, the latter
+approached from an arbor, took his arm and led him in silence to a retired
+part of the garden, where he seated himself on a bench, and said in low
+tone:
+
+"Sit down, Geronimo! I have good news for you."
+
+"Ah! have you succeeded in obtaining the money?"
+
+"I have been successful. But come nearer! no one must overhear us. A
+foreign merchant, whom I saved two years ago from dishonor and ruin, at
+the risk of my own destruction, will furnish me with the means of
+returning you the ten thousand crowns."
+
+"God be praised!" said Geronimo, with a sigh of relief. "He will not long
+delay, I hope, to fulfil his generous designs."
+
+"I will pay you to-morrow what I owe you."
+
+"To-morrow? how fortunate!"
+
+"But, Geronimo, I cannot bring you the money; you must come for it
+yourself."
+
+"It would be a trifle were I obliged to go to Cologne."
+
+"You need not go so far. Only go to my country-seat near the hospital.
+Silence! some one approaches!"
+
+After a moment's silence, Turchi resumed:
+
+"He has passed. You must know, Geronimo, that the foreign merchant desires
+his presence in Antwerp to remain unknown, and I have promised to keep him
+concealed in my garden for several days.[17] He wishes to assist me, but
+he is over-prudent and distrustful. I will sign the receipt for the sum he
+lends me. He requires, for greater security, that you sign it also."
+
+"What mystery is this?" said the young man. "I must sign with you for
+security! Who is this merchant? Is he a fugitive from justice?"
+
+"What has that to do with the affair? It is not my secret, Geronimo, and I
+promised to conceal his name. If you be saved from your present
+embarrassment, will you not have attained your object? It is true that you
+will be my security, but the ten thousand crowns will be in the money
+vault, and your uncle will not find one florin missing. Your only danger
+would arise from an inability on my part to meet the note. But you need
+fear nothing in that respect. In a few months my resources will be
+abundant. I take this step only to save you from a present imminent
+danger. You must know, Geronimo, that I would prefer to have you alone for
+my creditor."
+
+"Certainly, Simon, and I am most grateful to you for your kindness. Will
+this merchant give me the amount in coin?"
+
+"No, but in bills of exchange on Milan, Florence, and Lucca."
+
+"Good and reliable bills, Simon?"
+
+"You shall be the judge before accepting them. Fear nothing, you shall be
+fully satisfied."
+
+"Well, I will go. After Change, between five and six o'clock, will that
+answer?"
+
+"It makes no difference to me, provided I know the hour beforehand."
+
+"Expect me, then, to-morrow, between five and six o'clock. But let us
+return to the house. Our long absence might cause remark."
+
+Simon Turchi arose, but remained standing in the same spot, and said:
+
+"Geronimo, I have promised the merchant that none but yourself shall know
+of his presence in Antwerp. Say nothing, therefore, to your uncle, to
+Mary, nor to any one else. The least indiscretion might disarrange our
+plans, and be perilous to the stranger. Come alone, without any
+attendant."
+
+"I will do as you direct," said Geronimo, "but it will be impossible for
+me to remain until dark. My uncle will be seriously displeased if I go out
+again at night without a sufficient guard."
+
+"I will not detain you over half an hour."
+
+At that moment a servant from the house entered the garden looking for
+Geronimo.
+
+"Signor Geronimo," he said, "Mr. Van de Werve is inquiring for you, as
+Miss Van de Werve is about to retire from the company, and Signor Deodati
+wishes to return home. He is awaiting you."
+
+The two gentlemen followed the servant; on the way, Turchi again said in a
+low voice:
+
+"To-morrow, between the hours of five and six."
+
+The old Deodati was already at the door with five or six attendants. He
+was displeased by the long absence of his nephew, and was about to
+remonstrate with him. But, by Turchi's explanation, this want of attention
+was pardoned, and he was even permitted to bid a hasty adieu to Mary and
+her father.
+
+He returned almost immediately, and offering his arm to his uncle, he
+left Mr. Van de Werve's house.
+
+As he moved on, Simon Turchi glanced at him entreatingly, as if to insist
+upon secrecy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+SIMON TURCHI WREAKS HIS VENGEANCE ON GERONIMO.
+
+
+It was about five o'clock in the afternoon. Julio was seated in one of the
+rooms of his master's dwelling, his arms crossed upon his breast. Absorbed
+in deep thought, he had his eyes fixed on an arm-chair which stood near
+the only window in the room, and from time to time he shook his head with
+an expression of anxious doubt.
+
+The footsteps of a man in the room above interrupted his reflections; an
+ironical smile passed over his features as he muttered:
+
+"He calls me a coward, the dastard that he is! For one hour he has been
+running about from room to room as though pursued by invisible spectres.
+How cunningly he has devised the whole affair in his own interest. Julio
+is to kill poor Geronimo! Julio is to bury the body in the cellar! Julio
+is to do all by himself! When we deal with false people, we must be on our
+guard. His intention is clear enough to me; he wishes to secure means, in
+case of necessity, of accusing me alone of the crime. He may threaten and
+rage as much as he pleases; he shall deal the mortal blow him self, or
+Geronimo shall leave this place unharmed."
+
+Julio remained silent for a few moments, passed his hand across his brow,
+and said, looking at the chair:
+
+"Think that in one hour that infernal seat will hold a corpse! The corpse
+of the most noble, affable gentleman I have ever known. May his good angel
+prevent him from visiting this cut-throat place! Signor Turchi will kill
+him; but I must aid him.[18] What will be the end of this bloody tragedy?
+The scaffold for the master, and the gallows for the servant. This is the
+consequence of my disorderly life. Had I not gone, in a moment of
+intoxication, and without knowing it, to the place where Judge Voltaï was
+assassinated, I would not have been obliged to fly from my country, and
+Signor Turchi would not have it in his power to force me to become his
+accomplice in a frightful crime. The old cure of Porto-Fino said truly,
+that 'Sin is a labyrinth; if once we enter, we loose the thread which
+enables us to return to virtue.' Ah! would I were with my mother in Italy.
+Useless wish. It is too late; I am banished from my country, and a price
+set on my head."
+
+He reflected for a few moments, then, with a gesture of impatience, he
+resumed:
+
+"Come, come; of what good are all such thoughts? I am in his power, and I
+must yield to necessity; but once let the blow be struck, once let him
+commit a crime of which I can produce the proofs, then I will be master,
+and in my turn I will cry in his ears: 'Simon Turchi, fear the bailiff and
+the executioner!' At the present moment I am powerless; if I took any
+means to prevent the attempt, he might destroy all evidence of his
+criminal design, and deliver me up to the authorities of Lucca. I would be
+taken into Italy and broken on the wheel, in the very place where my poor
+old mother lives. I have always been a cause of sorrow to her; at least I
+will spare her this last disgrace. But the signor is coming down. He will
+reiterate his entreaties to me to strike the fatal blow; but I will not
+have the blood of this innocent gentleman on me."
+
+Simon Turchi was approaching. His face was very pale, but the scar which
+furrowed his cheek was of a more ashy hue. He did not tremble, but he
+walked precipitately, and he clasped his hands convulsively, like a man
+whose impatience can brook no delay.
+
+He noticed that his servant was in deep thought, his head bowed upon his
+chest, and it was only on his near approach that Julio suddenly roused
+from his preoccupation. He entered the room and said:
+
+"Julio, the hour is nigh. Of what are you thinking? Are you afraid?"
+
+"Afraid?" replied Julio, with a light laugh; "why should _I_ be afraid?"
+
+"True, true," murmured Simon, "since I alone shall shed his blood."
+
+"But," continued Julio, "if I have no cause for personal fear, would not
+love for my master fill me with painful thoughts? Signor, you are playing
+for dangerous stakes."
+
+"Who will know what has taken place here?"
+
+"Who? Is there not an eye above which sees all? And whilst here, in the
+deepest secrecy, you immolate a human being to your thirst for vengeance,
+will not God hear the cry of agony of the Signor Geronimo?"
+
+Julio saw, with a secret joy, that his words made his master tremble,
+although he tried to dissemble his feelings under an assumed
+insensibility.
+
+"What a good joke!" replied Simon; "Pietro Mostajo talking of God! My
+precautions are too well taken; when the cellar will be the depository of
+the secret, there will be none to tell it."
+
+"Do you think so, signor? When has such a murder ever remained concealed?
+It is not surprising that I bowed my head in thought. In imagination I saw
+such terrible things that I dare not tell them to you. Tears still fill my
+eyes at the thought."
+
+"What did you see?" asked Turchi, with increasing anxiety.
+
+"What did I see? The bailiff and his attendants. They bound a man's hand's
+behind his back; they dragged him through the streets like an odious
+criminal; the people cast filth and dirt upon the prisoner, and cried out,
+'Murderer!' What did I see? A scaffold, and on this scaffold an
+executioner and one condemned to death; then a sword glittered in the
+sunlight, it fell, a stream of blood flowed, and a head rolled in the
+dust."
+
+The servant stopped intentionally; but his master convulsively caught his
+arm, and said in a hoarse voice:
+
+"What then? What then?"
+
+"And then the crowd applauded and poured out maledictions upon the name."
+
+"Whose name?"
+
+"Yours, signor?"
+
+Simon Turchi was so overpowered by the picture thus presented of his
+probable end, that he uttered a cry of terror and sprang back, trembling.
+He cast down his eyes for a moment in silence.
+
+Julio contemplated the signor, thus overpowered by emotion, with a
+derisive smile. He had not called up this vivid scene solely as a means to
+induce his master to renounce his perilous enterprise; his motive was also
+to terrify him and to revenge himself for the violence he had been forced
+to endure from him.
+
+The impression made upon Simon Turchi by this highly-wrought prediction
+did not last long. He raised his head, and said, in a contemptuous manner:
+
+"Base hypocrite; it is your own fear which excites your imagination to see
+such things. The most courageous man would become cowardly with the
+cowardly. It is unfortunate for me that I need you, otherwise I would soon
+rid myself of your presence. But I, at least, will not recoil from the
+undertaking. Speak; tell me how far I may depend upon you. The clock will
+soon strike, and there is no time for hesitation."
+
+"We will see which of us will the more coolly perform his part of the
+task. You are mistaken, signor; fear does not disturb me. Sympathy for you
+suggested the train of thought, and I considered it my duty to place
+before your eyes once more the abyss into which you might fall."
+
+"Be silent; it is too late," exclaimed Simon Turchi, beside himself with
+rage. "Fool, do you desire my ruin--my eternal dishonor? Shall I let my
+enemy live? Shall I let him--him the husband of Mary Van de Werve--look
+down upon me from the height of his grandeur and felicity? No, no. I
+myself will be, must be, happy, rich, prosperous; and even should all
+escape my grasp; should the scaffold be my lot, the rage of vengeance
+which lacerates my heart must be satisfied.... Nothing, nothing, can
+restrain me; and, Julio, were you an obstacle in my path, I would pass
+over your dead body to strike a fatal blow at him who has poisoned my
+life. Do not attempt to thwart me, or I will crush you where you stand."
+
+At these words Simon Turchi placed his hand on the hilt of his sword; his
+face was scarlet, his lips trembled, and his eyes flashed.
+
+This threat did not disturb Julio, probably because he thought his master
+could not execute it. An ironical smile played upon his lips; he stepped
+back one or two paces, drew his knife, and said, mockingly:
+
+"It would be strange, signor, if Geronimo should find us engaged in a
+combat. It might save his life."
+
+"What! would you dare?"
+
+"Why not? Do you think Julio would permit himself to be led like a sheep
+to the slaughter?"
+
+"Listen! Ho comes!" exclaimed Simon Turchi, starting with terror.
+
+The repeated strokes of the knocker resounded through the court-yard where
+the little door gave entrance into the garden.
+
+"Julio, I ask you again," said Turchi, anxiously, "what reliance I may
+place upon you?"
+
+"I will do what I have promised--neither more nor less."
+
+"Then go open the door. Be guarded in your words, and show no disquietude.
+Bring him to this room; tell him that I am engaged with the foreign
+merchant; if he does not sit down at once, watch a favorable moment to
+lead him to the arm-chair. Then call me and I will do the rest."
+
+"You, then, are determined to make me entice the Signor Geronimo to sit
+down in the arm-chair?"
+
+Turchi replied in a threatening voice and with flashing eyes:
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, remember the Superintendent of Lucca."
+
+Julio left the building, went to the garden-gate and opened it.
+
+"Benvenuto, Signor Geronimo," he said, "what good luck brings you here on
+a visit to my master? It is a long time since we have seen you."
+
+"It is indeed a long time," replied the young noble with a genial smile,
+as he walked towards the house. "But the place looks so wild and uncared
+for. Did not the Signor Turchi speak of having the garden put in order?"
+
+"Yes; but for some time my master has been very melancholy, and nothing
+seems to give him pleasure."
+
+"I know it, Julio; but things will be better for him now."
+
+"Would that your words were true, signor!"
+
+"What a heavy sigh, Julio. You excite my fears. Is your master ill?"
+
+The servant felt the importance of self-control, if he would not arouse
+the gentleman's suspicions. He therefore said, in a careless manner:
+
+"Nothing is the matter, signor. My master is very well, and to-day is in a
+good humor. Ever since I saw Bufferio's sword lifted against you, I have
+suffered from an occasional sudden palpitation of the heart. I find relief
+only in a deep sigh."
+
+As they thus talked together, he conducted Geronimo to the room containing
+the large arm-chair.
+
+"Signor Geronimo," he said, "my master is up-stairs. I will inform him of
+your arrival. Please be seated."
+
+Julio left the room; but instead of ascending the staircase, he hid
+himself behind a door and listened attentively to hear the clasping of the
+springs of the chair.
+
+After having waited in vain, for a long time, he returned to the room, and
+said to the gentleman:
+
+"Signor, my master begs you to excuse him for a while. He is engaged
+transacting some business with the merchant of whom he spoke to you
+yesterday. They are preparing a writing for you. Have the kindness to wait
+a few moments."
+
+He now thought that Geronimo would, of his own accord, take the arm-chair,
+and with a beating heart he observed his movements. But he was
+disappointed, for the young cavalier stood at the window, gazing
+thoughtfully into the garden.
+
+Although Julio knew with what mistrust and impatience his master was
+counting each passing moment, he said to Geronimo, with assumed
+indifference:
+
+"It is at least half a mile from the Dominican Convent to this place, and
+you must be fatigued after your walk. Will you not rest in this arm-chair,
+signor?"
+
+"No, I thank you. I am not in the least fatigued. I love to look at those
+beautiful trees clothed in their fresh May verdure."
+
+An involuntary movement of impatience escaped the servant.
+
+"You need not remain here on my account, Julio," said Geronimo. "Go to
+your work; I will stay alone."
+
+"I have no urgent occupation, signor. If I still remain, contrary to your
+wish, it is to ask you a question; and yet I fear that you will be
+displeased at my boldness."
+
+"Not at all, Julio. Can I render you any service? It will give me pleasure
+to show my gratitude for the courage with which you defended me when I was
+attacked by the ruffians."
+
+"I had no reference to that. I heard you were about to marry the beautiful
+Miss Van de Werve. The news rejoiced me; but may your humble servant make
+free to ask you if it be true?"
+
+The name of his betrothed flushed his cheek with joy, and he answered,
+with a smile:
+
+"Yes, Julio, it is true."
+
+"How blessed you are, signor!"
+
+"Yes, Julio, God has bestowed upon me the greatest earthly blessing, for
+which I shall eternally thank him. On the solemn day of our nuptials you
+will have cause to rejoice."
+
+"I, signor?"
+
+"Yes, you, Julio. Miss Van de Werve wishes to recompense you herself for
+the assistance you gave me against Bufferio and his comrades. The day of
+my marriage you will receive a new cloak, a new doublet, new small-clothes
+of fine cloth and silk, such as a servant has never worn."
+
+Julio, touched by this proof of kindness, stammered his thanks
+indistinctly. He heard the young man speaking to him and telling him how
+richly he deserved such a present, but he paid no attention to the words;
+he was endeavoring to bring himself to the degree of audacity requisite to
+fulfil his master's orders. Geronimo stood immediately in front of the
+arm-chair.
+
+With bitter repugnance, but incited by the fear that no more favorable
+opportunity would present itself, he approached Geronimo as though to
+express his thanks anew. With one bound he sprang upon him, placed a hand
+on either shoulder, and pushed him forcibly into the chair.[19]
+
+The seat of the deceptive piece of furniture sank down; from the arms
+started two powerful springs, which caught the young man around the waist,
+and held him so tightly against the back of the chair that it was
+impossible for him to move.
+
+"Julio, Julio, what horrible jest is this?" he exclaimed. "Is it a trap?
+Do you act by your master's orders?"
+
+But the servant, without saying a word in reply, left the room, closing
+the door behind him.
+
+"Tell me, Julio," asked Turchi, descending the staircase to meet his
+servant, "is he caught?"
+
+"The chair has done its work," replied Julio; "go do yours. Lose no time;
+he might give an alarm which would betray us. The fear of death gives
+superhuman strength to a man's lungs. Signor, it seems to me that my head
+is not safe on my shoulders. How does yours feel?"
+
+But Simon Turchi heeded not this jest. He muttered a few indistinct words,
+drew his sword, and rushed down the steps to wreak his vengeance on the
+unfortunate Geronimo.
+
+The servant remained where his master left him, listened to his footsteps
+until he heard the door of the fatal room open and then close again.
+
+At first no sound reached his ear, but soon he heard Geronimo calling for
+help, and his master mocking and menacing him; at least he judged this by
+the tones of their voices, for he was too far off to distinguish the
+words. Urged by feeling rather than curiosity, he descended the staircase,
+and listened at the door of the room in which so horrible a crime was
+about to be committed.
+
+He heard Geronimo say, in an earnest, pleading tone:
+
+"Dear Simon, your mind is deranged. You, my friend, kill me! It is
+impossible. Put down that dagger; at least let me not die without
+confession. If it be the ten thousand crowns exasperating you, I make you
+a present of them; tear up in my presence the acknowledgment of the debt,
+and I will never speak to you of it again."
+
+"Mary, Mary Van de Werve!" howled Simon Turchi, with biting sarcasm.
+
+"I will renounce her hand and leave for Italy, and never again will I see
+a country so fatal to me, to her, to all that I love."
+
+"It is too late--too late. You must die!"
+
+"No, no, Simon; in pity to yourself do not imbue your hands in my innocent
+blood. God sees us; your conscience will torture you; never again will
+there be peace for you on earth, and your poor soul will be miserable for
+all eternity. No, Simon, do not kill me."
+
+Then came a frightful cry, as though he were crushed, and Julio heard a
+sound which seemed like that of a dagger against metal.
+
+This blow, however--if it were a blow--was not mortal, for Geronimo raised
+his voice with the strength of despair, and cried out:
+
+"Help! help! Simon, let me live! Mercy! mercy!"
+
+Then a mournful groan escaped his lips, while, as his voice died away, h
+prayed:
+
+"My God, my God, forgive him! I am dying."
+
+On hearing the conclusion of this horrible tragedy, Julio retired to the
+foot of the staircase. He had hardly reached it, when the door of the room
+opened, and his master appeared.
+
+Disfigured as Simon Turchi's countenance had been by the thirst for
+revenge, crime made it still more frightful. The signor could hardly have
+been recognized. His hair stood upright; his eyes rolled in their sockets;
+a hard, hoarse sound escaped his lips; blood dripped from his hands.
+
+He ran by his servant without speaking to him, ascended the staircase, and
+having reached his room he threw himself panting upon a chair.
+
+Julio, who had followed him, placed himself before him, and asked:
+
+"Well, signor, is the deed accomplished?"
+
+"It is; let me take breath," said Turchi, breathing heavily.
+
+After waiting a few moments, Julio resumed:
+
+"Did he offer any resistance, that you are so fatigued, signor?"
+
+"Resistance? No; but when I attempted the first time to pierce him to the
+heart, the blade of my dagger struck against metal, and grated harshly. He
+wears a breastplate, Julio. Could he have suspected my intentions?"
+
+Turchi's dagger had evidently struck the amulet which the young man always
+wore around his neck.
+
+"Possibly," replied Julio, "Geronimo may wear some guard on his breast; it
+is the place against which a poignard is always aimed, and no one is
+secure in the darkness of night from the assault of an enemy or an
+assassin; but what is there in this circumstance to move you so deeply?"
+
+"So much blood spouted from the wound. The sight of the blood, together
+with Geronimo's piteous cries, struck me with anguish and horror. I
+tottered so that I feared I would fall before completing the work; but
+happily I gained the strength to finish what I had commenced. I pierced
+his throat with my poignard, and hushed his voice forever."
+
+"And is he really dead?"
+
+"Not a drop of blood is left in his veins."
+
+Simon Turchi had recovered from his excessive emotion. He arose and said:
+
+"I must wash the blood from my hands, and efface the least spot that
+might betray me. Then I must go on Change and transact some business with
+people who will remember to have seen me there at that time. Later, I will
+call on Mr. Van de Werve. I must be seen in different places and speak
+with many people. Go down, Julio, and drag the corpse to the cellar. Then
+clear away every sign of blood. I need not tell you that your life, as
+well as mine, depends upon the care with which you perform this task."
+
+"I know it, signor. The blow has been struck, and I am not a man to
+neglect the precautions necessary to escape the gallows, if I can."
+
+"I have accomplished my task, Julio; go do yours."
+
+"Drag the corpse, by myself, into the cellar? No, no, signor; you must
+help me."
+
+"I have not the time, Julio. I must go immediately to the city."
+
+"It is of no consequence to me. I will not remain alone in this cut-throat
+place."
+
+"And what if I ordered you to do so?" exclaimed Turchi, trembling with
+anger.
+
+"You would do so in vain, signor. You will work with me until all is
+done."
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, do you dare to defy me, and that too at the very moment
+when the blood is boiling in my veins? Do as I command, or before night
+the authorities of Lucca shall know who you are."
+
+"Ah!" said Julio, with a scornful laugh, "Pietro Mostajo and the
+authorities of Lucca have lost their power over me. As long as I had no
+proofs of crime against you, I had cause to fear you; but would you dare
+now to reveal my real name, now that by one word I can deliver you into
+the hands of the executioner? Hereafter, signor, you will speak to me
+neither so harshly nor so haughtily. In this affair there is neither
+master nor servant. We are two men, guilty of the same crime. Draw your
+dagger, if you choose. Vain threat! Can you do without me?"
+
+Simon Turchi grit his teeth in impotent rage; but soon recovering himself,
+he took his servant's hand, and said beseechingly:
+
+"You are right, Julio; we are rather two friends than master and servant.
+Let me then, as friend and companion, implore a favor at your hands. You
+must see that it is important for me to go without delay to the factory to
+change my dress. For the safety of both of us I ought to leave immediately
+for the city, in order to prevent suspicion. Geronimo is not heavy; you
+can, without difficulty, drag him down stairs."
+
+The servant shook his head, but was evidently hesitating.
+
+"Come, Julio; I beg, I entreat you to do what the safety of both of us
+requires. You still hesitate, Julio? I will reward you generously. This
+very evening I will give you two crowns if you tell me you have done
+faithfully and carefully what I have requested."
+
+"Will you be here, signor, when I return from the cellar?"
+
+"I don't know, Julio; as soon as I have washed off the blood, I shall
+leave. Make haste, and possibly you may find me here. In all events I will
+wait for you this evening at the factory, and besides the two crowns, I
+will give you a whole bottle of Malmsey."
+
+"Agreed," said Julio; "I will do my best to please you."
+
+He descended the staircase, and when he reached the room where the
+horrible murder had been committed, he stood for a moment with his arms
+folded. He turned pale and shook his head compassionately.
+
+The poor Geronimo was extended in the chair, with his eyes closed. His
+head had fallen on the arm of the chair; his two hands were joined, as if
+in prayer for his cruel murderer. His garments were saturated with blood,
+and his feet rested in a pool of blood. There was a large wound in his
+neck and another in his breast; his face was not in the least stained, and
+although it was covered by the pallor of death, his countenance wore a
+sweet, tranquil expression, as though he had gently fallen asleep.
+
+"Poor Signor Geronimo!" said Julio, sighing heavily. "Beauty! generosity!
+wealth! all fallen under the blade of a wretch! What is man's life? He,
+however, will in heaven, with God, be indemnified for his horrible death.
+And we? But the present is not the time for reflections and lamentations;
+my pity will not restore this corpse to life. I must now close my eyes to
+the future, and fulfil my horrible task."
+
+He knelt behind the chair, passed his arm under it, and turned a screw.
+The springs opened and loosed their hold upon the inanimate body.
+
+Julio held it by the arms and dragged it through the hall until he reached
+a staircase conducting to a cellar. There he left the corpse, entered an
+adjoining room, and returned with a lamp. Holding the light in his hand,
+he descended until he reached a subterranean passage. Very deep under the
+ground, and at the end of this passage, was a kind of vaulted cellar
+closed by a heavy door. Julio opened the door, and by the light of the
+lamp examined a grave which had been dug in one corner of the cellar, and
+on the sides of which lay the earth which had been excavated.[20]
+
+After a rapid survey, he placed the lamp outside the door against the wall
+of the passage, and returned for the dead body.
+
+When he had carried his burden as far as the subterranean passage, he
+panted for breath and seemed overcome by fatigue. He, however, exerted all
+his strength in order to finish as soon as possible his painful task, and
+dragged the corpse into the cellar. There he let it fall upon the side of
+the grave already prepared for its reception. After resting a few moments,
+he was about to cast it into the grave and cover it with earth, but he
+desisted, saying:
+
+"Bah! the poor young man will not run away. Perhaps Signor Turchi has not
+yet left. At any rate, I will first wash away the blood stains, and then I
+will return to bury the body."
+
+He took the lamp and left the cellar, without closing the door.
+
+On reaching the room he found that his master had gone.
+
+The solitude disquieted him, particularly as it was now nearly dark, and
+he could hardly hope to finish before night cleaning the blood-stained
+floors and staircase.
+
+He appeared, however, to submit to necessity, and prepared for his work by
+getting water and brushes.
+
+The evening was far advanced, and still Julio was occupied in scouring.
+How it happened he could not understand, but new spots of blood were
+continually appearing, even in places that he had washed several times.
+This was particularly the case in the room where the murder had been
+committed. Do what he would, he could not efface the marks of blood. The
+sweat poured down his cheeks and he vented his rage in angry words against
+his master.
+
+It may have been fatigue, or perhaps the deepening shades of night
+rendered his nervous system sensitive to the slightest impression; for at
+the least sound of the wind through the leaves of the trees, at the least
+grating of the weathercock as it turned on its pivot, he stopped his work
+and looked anxiously around him.
+
+He succeeded, however, in stifling these emotions, and continued his labor
+on the fatal spot where the chair had stood.
+
+Finally he arose, took the lamp, examined attentively the whole floor, and
+said, with a kind of satisfaction:
+
+"At last I have finished! He who could discover a spot there could see
+through a stone. My arms are almost broken; I can scarcely straighten
+myself. Now for my last task! a grave is soon filled; in a half hour I
+shall be far from this accursed place."
+
+Saying these words, he left the room, and taking the lamp descended again
+the staircase leading to the cellar.
+
+When he had reached the middle of the subterranean passage, he suddenly
+stopped, turned pale from terror, and looked tremblingly around him. He
+thought he heard something, an unusual, mysterious sound, faint but
+distinct.
+
+Having listened for some time, he concluded that his imagination had
+deceived him. Summoning up all his resolution, he walked on towards the
+cellar, and through the open, door he saw the corpse of Geronimo lying as
+he had left it.
+
+As he was approaching the cellar, full of anxiety and slackening his pace,
+suddenly a human voice fell upon his ear. There was articulate sound, no
+spoken word, but only a hollow groan.
+
+Julio, in an agony of terror, dropped the lamp. The oil extinguished the
+flame, and thus left in total darkness he fled from the cellar as rapidly
+as he could by groping along the wall. His heart beat violently, and his
+limbs tottered under him.
+
+He recovered himself a little only after attaining a distant apartment and
+lighting a lamp. Here he remained a long time seated and buried in
+thought; various expressions of fear, anger, and even raillery flitted
+across his face.
+
+At last he arose, drew a knife from its scabbard, and trying its
+sharpness, murmured:
+
+"I cannot bury him alive! Therefore I am forced to deal the death-blow!
+No, no, I will not; I have even braved the vengeance of my perfidious
+master in order not to imbue my hands in his blood, and I will not now be
+guilty of it. But what can I do? I have no other alternative. I must
+either bury him alive or kill him! And I cannot stay here all night."
+
+He took up the lamp and slowly and silently he cautiously descended the
+stairs leading to the cellar; after some hesitation he entered; Geronimo's
+body still lay in the position he left it.
+
+Julio had taken this time a much larger lamp, and it lighted the whole
+cellar; he heard no sound from the breast of the unfortunate victim,
+although he saw plainly that life was not extinct, for there was a slight
+heaving of the breast.
+
+After listening a moment, Julio muttered, with a kind of joy:
+
+"No additional cruelty is necessary. He is in his death-agony, and he will
+soon die. I will shut the door and finish my work to-morrow. But my master
+will ask if all is done? He need know nothing of this circumstance. But I
+long to get away; and may the vengeance of God fall upon this spot
+to-night, and blot out all memento of it!"
+
+Shortly after he left the garden, and with rapid strides threaded the
+obscure streets to rejoin his master, and also to cast off his
+blood-stained garments.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+GRIEF AT GEROME'S ABSENCE--TURCHI'S HYPOCRISY.
+
+
+Mary Van De Werve was in her own apartment, kneeling before a silver
+crucifix; she seemed bowed down by a weight of woe. Her head rested upon
+her clasped hands. She had been weeping bitterly; for there were traces of
+tears upon the _prie-Dieu_.
+
+Had a stranger surprised the young girl in this attitude, he might have
+thought that sleep had overpowered her during prayer; but the gasping
+breath and heaving chest sufficiently attested that she had not sunk in
+sleep, but that she was plunged in an expressible sorrow.
+
+Behind her was seated an old woman, her duenna, with a rosary in her hand.
+She gazed upon the young girl with deep compassion; from time to time she
+shook her head, and wiped away the tears which dimmed her eyes whenever
+Mary's sighs became heavier.
+
+For some time the silence was unbroken; Mary even appeared somewhat
+calmer, when suddenly, influenced by some peculiarly painful thought, she
+extended her arms to heaven and cried out;
+
+"My God and my Saviour! through thy precious blood spare his life! Have
+mercy on him! reject not the prayer of my broken heart!"
+
+Again her head fell on her hands, as if this burning petition had
+exhausted her strength. The duenna approached her, took her arm,
+endeavored to lift her, and said, authoritatively:
+
+"My lady, you must rise and cease your prayer. God may be displeased with
+you for thus deliberately endangering your health. Come, obey me."
+
+Mary arose without reply, and took the seat offered her by the duenna. She
+was very pale, and her eyes were swollen from weeping.
+
+The duenna looked upon her with an eye of pity; she took her hand, and
+said, gently:
+
+"Mary, my child, you cannot continue this; such an excess of sorrow would
+shorten your days. And what pain to the poor Geronimo on his return, to
+find you condemned to a short and suffering life! Through love for him, I
+beg you to control yourself."
+
+"On his return?" repeated Mary, raising her tearful eyes to heaven.
+
+"Why not?" replied the duenna. "Why despair before being certain of the
+evil you dread? More extraordinary things have happened."
+
+"Already five days--five centuries of suspense and fear! Ah! Petronilla,
+what a frightful night I passed! I saw Geronimo extended on the ground,
+the pallor of death on his face, a large wound was in his breast, and his
+lifeless eyes were fixed on me as if with his last breath he had bade me
+adieu."
+
+"These are illusions caused by grief, Mary."
+
+"More than twenty times I saw him thus; in vain I strove to shut out the
+horrible vision; day alone brought me relief."
+
+The duenna took her hand, and said, tenderly:
+
+"You are wrong, Mary, to cherish your grief in this manner. Your dreams at
+night were but the reflection of your thoughts by day. I, too, saw
+Geronimo in sleep more than once."
+
+"You, too, Petronilla, you saw Geronimo?" exclaimed the young girl, with
+emotion, as though she feared the confirmation of her own terrific dream.
+
+"Why not, Mary; do I think of him less than you?"
+
+"You saw him dying, did you not?"
+
+"On the contrary, I saw him return joyfully and cast himself into the arms
+of his uncle and embrace your father. And you, my child, I saw you
+kneeling on this same _prie-Dieu_, thanking God that your dreams were
+false and deceiving."
+
+Mary smiled as she listened to the duenna's consoling words, but scarcely
+had Petronilla ceased speaking than she suspected the artifice.
+
+"You deceive me through friendship and compassion," she said, sadly. "I am
+grateful to you, my good Petronilla; but tell me to what cause you can
+attribute Geronimo's absence. Come, call upon your imagination; find a
+possible, probable explanation."
+
+Disconcerted by this direct interrogation, the duenna shook her head.
+
+"There is no plausible reason," said Mary.
+
+The old Petronilla, in the greatest embarrassment, stammered out a few
+words as to an unexpected journey, secrets he might be unable to divulge;
+she even suggested that his friends might have prevailed upon him to join
+in a party of pleasure; but all these were such vague suppositions that
+Mary plainly saw in them an acknowledgment that she could find no
+reasonable explanation of Geronimo's absence.
+
+Mary's tears flowed faster.
+
+"Oh, Petronilla!" she exclaimed, in heart-rending tones; "the light of my
+life is forever extinguished. Geronimo, so young, so good, so noble, so
+gifted, the unfortunate victim of a mysterious murderer! Frightful
+thought! and no room for hope! Mercy, my God, mercy! My heart is breaking;
+never more will I see him in this world."
+
+And uttering a cry of anguish, she covered her face with her hands.
+
+"I acknowledge, Mary," said the duenna, dejectedly, "that Geronimo's
+absence is inexplicable; but why look on the worst side and accept it as
+truth? You know that during the last four days every possible effort has
+been made to discover Geronimo. Mr. Van Schoonhoven, the bailiff, has
+pledged his honor to find him dead, or alive."
+
+Mary wept in silence, and heeded not the words of the duenna.
+
+"Perhaps, my child," the old woman resumed, "this very day the doubt which
+has caused you so much suffering for five days may be cleared up. Do not
+close your heart against all hope. I remember that once an individual was
+sought for weeks, and found alive when there seemed almost a certainty of
+his death. The bailiff was speaking of it this morning to your father, and
+I recollect having heard my parents relate it. It happened to a banker,
+Liefmans, who was considered very wealthy."
+
+The young girl regarded the duenna with an air of doubt.
+
+"They found him after several weeks of absence? Had he gone on a journey
+without giving notice to any one?"
+
+"No; he was discovered in the cellar of a house in the little by-street of
+Sureau. Robbers had laid in wait for him in the darkness of night, and
+cast him bound into a subterranean cave, in order to obtain a heavy
+ransom. The agents of the bailiff discovered him and liberated him
+unharmed. If God has so decreed, why may not the same have happened to the
+Signor Geronimo? You are silent, Mary. You cannot deny that a similar
+train of circumstances may have been the cause of his disappearance. Is it
+not so? but you yield to despair, and even in the act of begging
+consolation from Almighty God, you reject obstinately every motive of
+consolation."
+
+"Pity me, dear Petronilla," answered the young girl; "your kind words are
+a solace to me, but I dare not open my heart to the whisperings of hope.
+If I accepted your explanations, and afterwards heard of Geronimo's death,
+it would be double suffering to me. No, no, rather let me encourage the
+feeling that there is no room for hope."
+
+"It is impossible to make any impression upon her," said the duenna, in a
+disappointed manner, and as if she were resolved to cease her efforts and
+to abandon the young girl to her grief.
+
+The silence was broken by the sound of voices in the hall.
+
+"I hear the voice of the Signor Deodati," said the duenna; "perhaps he
+brings tidings."
+
+Mary rose quickly to descend; but Petronilla wished to detain her, saying:
+
+"My child, in pity to a sorrowing old man, restrain your grief. Control
+yourself, Mary, for yesterday each word you uttered pierced the heart of
+the poor Deodati like a dagger. It would be cruel and guilty in you to
+cause his tears to flow anew; at his age such affliction wears down the
+strength and shortens life."
+
+"No, Petronilla, I will hide my feelings, and I will appear hopeful. I saw
+that the old man was overpowered by anxiety and trouble. Trust me,
+Petronilla, and let me go; I must know from the Signor Deodati if he has
+received any information."
+
+The duenna accompanied the young girl to the door of the room where Mr.
+Van de Werve and Signor Deodati were conversing together, but she let her
+enter alone.
+
+As soon as Mary's eye fell on the old man, and she read in his face the
+sorrow of his soul, she uttered a stifled cry of anguish. She cast her
+arms around his neck, and rested her head on his shoulder.
+
+The Signor Deodati, deeply moved, seated her by his side, and said, with
+tender compassion:
+
+"My poor Mary, we have no tidings yet of our Geronimo. Are we not unhappy?
+Why did not God recall me to himself ere this? Did I leave Italy and come
+hither to drink the bitter dregs in my chalice of life? Could I weep like
+you, Mary, I might find some relief, but old age has dried up my tears.
+Alas! alas! where is my poor Geronimo, the child whom God gave me, to
+close my eyes on the bed of death? I would give my fortune to save him,
+and the little that remains to me of life to know that he still lives."
+
+Tears filled Mr. Van de Werve's eyes as he contemplated his daughter and
+the desolate old man; but he controlled his emotion, and said:
+
+"Mary, I requested you to stay in your own apartment, because you cannot
+moderate the expression of your sorrow. You have disregarded my desire. I
+willingly pardon you, my child; but if you wish to remain longer with
+Signor Deodati, you must exercise some self-control; otherwise I shall
+send for your duenna to take you away."
+
+He then added, in a more gentle manner:
+
+"Now, Mary, I beg, I supplicate you, comprehend the duty devolving upon
+you. Be courageous, and do your best to console our unhappy friend."
+
+With a heroic effort Mary raised her head, and although still weeping,
+said:
+
+"You are right, father. We grieve as though there were no room for hope;
+but--but--"
+
+So great was the violence she was doing herself that she could scarcely
+draw her breath; but conquering this emotion, she resumed:
+
+"Ah! signor, we cannot know. God is so good, and Geronimo has so pure a
+heart!"
+
+"God is indeed good, my child; but his designs are impenetrable. If I
+could only imagine some probable cause to explain my nephew's absence. But
+nothing--nothing!"
+
+"The bailiff gave us, this morning, a reason for supposing that Geronimo
+may yet return to us unharmed."
+
+"You speak of the banker Liefmans, do you not, father?"
+
+"Yes, my child. He disappeared suddenly. A fortnight had passed in useless
+inquiry; his parents had the service for the dead offered for him, and he
+was found alive and well in a cellar, where some robbers had imprisoned
+him, in order by it to obtain a large sum of money."
+
+"And the same may happen, to Geronimo!" said Mary, with a confidence she
+did not feel, in order to aid her father in his kind intentions.
+
+Signor Deodati shook his head incredulously.
+
+Mary took his hand tenderly, and said, cheerfully:
+
+"We must hope, signor. Perhaps the Lord in his mercy will grant that our
+fears may not be realized. Would we not for the remainder of our lives
+offer our grateful prayers to heaven?"
+
+"Yes, yes; during our whole lives. And I would go in my old age to Our
+Lady of Loretto to express my boundless gratitude to the Madonna. But
+suppose he has fallen under the assassin's sword?"
+
+Mary shuddered at the thought, but she interrupted the old man.
+
+"Signor, Geronimo possessed an amulet which had rested on the tomb of our
+Lord. He was convinced that it would preserve him from a violent death,
+and he always wore it around his neck."
+
+"I know the circumstances under which the amulet was given him," replied
+Deodati. "I myself had some faith in this talisman, because it was the
+recompense of a good action; but we have no proof that the woman who gave
+it to Geronimo had any certain knowledge of its efficacy. However, Mary,
+we will still hope. Your sweet voice has mitigated my sorrow. May my poor
+nephew be restored to me. The happiness I expected in my old age may yet
+be a reality. You, Mary,--pure image of piety, goodness, and love,--you
+will be my child! And when old Deodati will be called to leave this world,
+he will see you and Geronimo by his dying bed, like two angels, pointing
+out to his expiring goal the path to heaven. Oh! no, no; this would be too
+much happiness. My mind wanders. And yet, Mary, let us hope!"
+
+The young girl was deeply moved by the picture of that happiness which she
+had thought was lost to her forever. Her eyes were suffused with tears;
+her limbs trembled, and had not a stern look from her father reminded her
+of her duty, her oppressed heart would have found relief in sobs.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve thought it better to change the conversation, and said to
+Deodati:
+
+"Let us not forget, signor, that we are men, and that it becomes us to
+bear up courageously under a painful suspense, and in a manner to which a
+young girl might be unequal. Have you heard nothing since the morning?
+Have you not seen Signor Turchi?"
+
+"I spoke to Signor Turchi about an hour before 'Change," said the old
+gentleman, more calmly. "The good Turchi! he seemed even more dejected
+than we. Within the last five days, he has lost so much flesh that one
+would scarcely recognize him. He does not give himself a moment's repose.
+From morning until night he is running about from place to place, seeking
+Geronimo as though he were a beloved brother."
+
+"Truly," said Mary, "his is a generous heart. Poor Simon! I have sometimes
+been unjust to him; but it is in affliction that we learn who are our true
+friends. For the rest of my life I will respect and esteem him."
+
+"He will meet me here, presently," replied Deodati. "He may have some
+particular communication to make to me, for he seemed to desire a private
+conversation. The arrival of some merchants of his acquaintance prevented
+him from speaking to me. I almost quarrelled with Signor Turchi."
+
+"Quarrelled!" said Mr. Van de Werve, in astonishment.
+
+"Yes; but it was to his praise, at least. He told me that it was his
+intention to offer a large reward to the first person who would bring
+certain tidings of Geronimo."
+
+"How grateful I am for his generous friendship!" said Mary.
+
+"Of course," continued the old man, "I would not permit it. Whilst
+thanking him for his kindness, I told him that I would offer the reward
+myself. I left Signor Turchi in company with the merchants, and went to
+the town-hall for the purpose; but when I arrived there, I found a decree
+of the burgomaster already issued, promising three hundred florins for any
+information of Geronimo.[21] I spoke with the bailiff at noon. He told me
+that, notwithstanding the most active search, no trace had yet been
+discovered of Bufferio's wife, nor of his companions. All of them must
+have left the country immediately after the ruffian's death. But this
+afternoon the bailiff expects to hear the result of several important
+researches ordered by him this morning. If he receives any communication
+of consequence he will come himself to impart it to us. I hear the clock
+strike five. Signor Turchi will soon be here."
+
+During this explanation Mary remained immovable--her eyes cast down. She
+had probably heard only confusedly what had just been said, for her
+thoughts were evidently far away.
+
+It was only when the servant threw open the door and announced Signor
+Turchi that the young girl, aroused from her reverie, rose hastily and
+went eagerly to meet him, as though she expected him to be the bearer of
+important news.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve and Deodati also met him at the door; Mary involuntarily
+took both his hands in hers, and all three regarded him inquiringly.
+
+"Alas! my friends, I know nothing," said Turchi, in a voice which seemed
+but the echo of a bruised and broken heart. "All my efforts have proved
+unsuccessful. I have vowed before God to spare no expense or trouble in
+order to discover what has become of my unfortunate friend; but so far
+impenetrable darkness covers the terrible secret. What shall we do? Let us
+hope that the bailiff and his officers may be more fortunate than myself,
+who have only my anxiety and affection to guide me."
+
+The words of Simon Turchi effaced the last lingering hope from Mary's
+heart, and she seated herself, exhausted from previous emotion.
+
+Turchi drew a chair beside her, regarded her with an expression of
+profound compassion, and said:
+
+"My poor Mary, your affliction is intense! I know by my own sorrow how
+your loving heart is suffering from this terrible suspense!"
+
+The young girl lifted her eyes to his face, and she saw the tears running
+down his cheeks. Then she began to weep bitterly, and sobbing, she said:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, Simon! I will beg Almighty God to recompense your
+affection and generosity."
+
+Simon's countenance at this moment presented a singular appearance, from
+the remarkable contrast between the pallor of his cheeks and the deep
+scarlet which marked the margin of the scar on his face. The hypocrite
+could shed tears at pleasure and assume an expression of extreme sorrow,
+but the scar was not submissive to his will, and in spite of him its
+deepening red betrayed the wicked joy of his heart at the gentle and
+affectionate words of the young girl.
+
+These words encouraged him to hope that he might fully attain the prize
+for which he strove. He had, it is true, taken from his murdered friend
+the proof of the debt of ten thousand crowns; true he had, as he supposed,
+buried all evidence of his crime in the subterranean vault; but this did
+not satisfy him. In order to feel that he had received the price of the
+frightful assassination, in order to remain rich, powerful, and honored,
+he required the hand of the beautiful Mary Van de Werve. He well knew that
+a long time must elapse before the consummation of his hopes; still, from
+the very day that he had committed the murder, he commenced to lay his
+schemes, weigh his words, and so direct his plans that sooner or later he
+would certainly take Geronimo's place in Mary's heart. He felt secure of
+the consent of the young girl's father. It was on this account that he
+feigned excessive sorrow, and gazed upon Mary with tearful eyes, as though
+the sight of her grief pierced him to the heart.
+
+He took Mary's hands in his, and said:
+
+"Do not yield, to despair, Mary; all hope is not lost. Last night a
+thought--a strange thought--occurred to my mind. And if I be correct,
+there are still well-founded reasons for expecting Geronimo's return."
+
+"Speak, Simon," said Mary, anxiously. "Tell us this thought."
+
+Signor Turchi cast down his eyes in feigned embarrassment.
+
+"Impossible, Mary; it is a secret which I have no right to divulge."
+
+"Alas! is even this consolation refused me?" she exclaimed, despairingly.
+
+"This is unkind, Simon," said Mr. Van de Werve. "Why do you cheer us up
+and awaken our curiosity only to cast us down by your silence? Give no
+names; but at least give us some idea of the reasons we have for hope."
+
+Simon Turchi shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Ah, signor," said Deodati, reproachfully, "you are ungenerous. This
+morning before 'Change you were about to confide the secret to me, when
+you were interrupted by the approach of friends. Tell it to me now."
+
+Simon glanced expressively at Mary, as if to convey the idea that her
+presence prevented him from complying with the old man's request.
+
+"Mary," said Mr. Van de Werve, "I beg you to go to your room. These
+varying emotions are more than you can bear; if I learn anything of
+interest, I will, my child, communicate it to you at once."
+
+The young girl rose without reply, but she glanced reproachfully at Simon
+Turchi.
+
+"Do not blame me, Mary," he said; "I am deeply grieved to cause you pain;
+only rest assured that what I do is caused by affection for Geronimo and
+yourself."
+
+Without noticing this excuse the young girl obeyed her father, and slowly
+left the room.
+
+"Now," said Mr. Van de Werve, "what is the secret you wish to impart to
+us?"
+
+"I am greatly embarrassed," replied Simon Turchi, shaking his head
+doubtfully; "my intention was to speak only to Signor Deodati of the
+affair; perhaps it would be indiscreet in me to reveal to you also, Mr.
+Van de Werve, a secret which, under different circumstances--"
+
+"For the love of God, abandon these useless evasions!" said Signor
+Deodati, roused to a high pitch of excitement by his impatience. "Why
+should not Mr. Van de Werve know that which, in your opinion, would give
+us a clue to my nephew?"
+
+"Since I am forced to speak," said Turchi, with a sigh, "approach and
+listen."
+
+As soon as Deodati and Mr. Van de Werve had drawn their chairs nearer to
+him, Simon said in an undertone, as if he feared his words might be
+overheard:
+
+"Have you not remarked, Mr. Van de Werve, that for some time past Geronimo
+has been disturbed and anxious; that even in the midst of cheerful
+conversation he appeared absent-minded; in a word, that some great trouble
+seemed weighing upon him?"
+
+"I have noticed it," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"And you, Signor Deodati?"
+
+"I have also remarked it. But what do you infer from this?"
+
+"About a month ago I interrogated Geronimo as to the cause of his
+melancholy, and he informed me in confused, vague terms, that he had lost
+a considerable sum at play_."
+
+"At play!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, overpowered by astonishment.
+
+"Was Geronimo a gambler?" exclaimed Deodati, with ill-suppressed
+indignation.
+
+"It is the custom at Antwerp to play for money, and often for considerable
+sums of money," continued Simon Turchi. "I never remarked that my friend
+Geronimo had a passion for play. However that may be, I could never
+discover to whom he had lost the amount, nor would he tell me how much it
+was. His melancholy and agitation were caused by the circumstance I have
+just mentioned. He was tortured by the certainty that his uncle would
+discover, upon examination, the loss of a large amount, which was not
+accounted for on the books. I proposed to advance him the deficit, but he
+absolutely refused, because he preferred to meet his uncle's just anger
+rather than deceive him."
+
+This revelation was stunning to the old Deodati. Nothing could have more
+keenly wounded the honorable, high-toned nobleman than the thought that
+Geronimo had been so dishonest and ungrateful as to use the funds of the
+establishment in gambling.
+
+Trembling with emotion, he asked:
+
+"You say the sum is considerable. What is the amount?"
+
+"I have no idea, signor. Perhaps you might discover it by an examination
+of the books."
+
+There was a short silence. Mr. Van de Werve's eyes were fixed upon the
+ground. Signor Deodati passed his hand across his brow, and was absorbed
+in painful thoughts.
+
+Simon watched for a few moments, with an inquisitive eye, the effect of
+this revelation upon his two companions, trying to penetrate their very
+souls. Then he said to Deodati:
+
+"You look on the bad side of the affair, signor. If there were not a
+brighter, reverse side, I would have considered the confidence of my
+friend sacred, and guarded his secret until death. Up to this time we all
+feared, nay, considered it certain, that Geronimo had fallen under the
+assassin's steel. Now I begin to think that, in order to escape his
+uncle's anger, he has left the city and country."
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"Impossible?" repeated Turchi, "he would have gone ere this, had I not
+persuaded him that he would obtain his uncle's pardon. Even on the day of
+your arrival, Signor Deodati, when Geronimo met me in the dock-yard on the
+bank of the Scheldt, he begged me to inquire for an English vessel which
+would leave on that or the next day, and secretly to engage his passage on
+board. You may well know that I combated this foolish project, and I left
+him only when he promised me to abandon the idea."
+
+"Could he so lightly sacrifice my daughter's love?" said Mr. Van de Werve.
+"Were his expressions of affection for her only hypocrisy? No, no; nothing
+can induce me to believe that."
+
+"His love was real," replied Turchi, "and its very depth, perhaps, blinded
+his judgment. He thought that the discovery of his losses at the
+gaming-table would inevitably deprive him of all hope of Mary's hand. My
+poor friend! he wished to fly from the fate which threatened him, that he
+might not witness the affliction of his beloved uncle."
+
+No one replied to Simon's remarks, and he said, with hypocritical
+surprise:
+
+"How sad you both are! You should rather rejoice at my revelation. Is it
+not a happiness to think that Geronimo, although guilty of a fault, is
+still alive, and not to be forced to believe that he is forever lost to
+our affection by a frightful death?"
+
+Old Deodati arose and said:
+
+"My friends, I must leave you; my mind is troubled; I am ill. Besides, I
+wish to discover by the books the truth or falsity of Signor Turchi's
+statement. Do not attempt to detain me, I beg you. Adieu! May God guard
+you!"
+
+Simon Turchi prepared to accompany the old man; but whilst they were
+speaking together the bailiff, Messire John Van Schoonhoven, suddenly
+entered, and without the formality of a salutation, he exclaimed:
+
+"Gentlemen, I have news!"
+
+Turchi trembled and turned pale; but as the unexpected announcement of the
+bailiff had startled the others, his emotion was not attributed to terror.
+
+"For the love of God be calm, gentlemen, and do not anticipate too much. I
+do not know what has become of the unfortunate Geronimo, but I have just
+cause to hope that we will soon find him--at least we have a clue.' I have
+learned, beyond doubt, that on the day of his disappearance, about five
+o'clock in the evening, he was seen beyond the Square of Meir. A monk from
+the Dominican Convent, who knows him well, saluted him and noticed the
+direction he went. Acting upon this information, one of my most
+intelligent subordinates has been tracing him. A banker saw him pass
+through the quarter of the Jews. This is all I know at present, but these
+facts are sufficient to determine the direction of our researches, and may
+perhaps lead to a fortunate issue. By early dawn to-morrow I will collect
+all the agents at my disposal; I will divide them into small bands, and I
+will order them to search every house, cellar, and garden in a certain
+part of the city, and that in the most thorough manner, without leaving a
+spot unexamined.[22] I myself will superintend the work, and will visit in
+person each hand of workmen to see that my commands are properly
+executed."
+
+Simon Turchi had covered his face with his hands, in order to conceal his
+terror.
+
+Surprised by his emotion, the bailiff said:
+
+"What have I said, Signor Turchi, to excite so much feeling?"
+
+"Ah, you know not how much suffering you cause me," replied Simon. "I
+thought I was about to learn from your lips that my friend was safe, and
+what do you promise me if your search proves successful? Only his dead
+body!"
+
+"It is true," said the bailiff. "It is no use to deceive you. My opinion
+is that he has been assassinated in some by-street near the hospital
+grounds, or in one of the dark alleys between the parishes of Saint George
+and Saint Andrew. But I am determined to discover the truth. Dead or
+alive, I will find him, even if it be necessary to tear up the pavements
+of all the cellars, and dig up all the gardens to the depth of ten feet.
+The whole city is in a state of excitement; the people complain of the
+authorities of Antwerp as though we were accomplices in the crime. This
+affair shall be brought to light, I pledge my honor and my name."
+
+"I thank you for your zeal and solicitude," stammered Turchi. "May God
+direct your steps! How we will all bless you, if you restore Geronimo
+alive to us."[23]
+
+"I have little hope, little hope, signor; but all things are possible,"
+said the bailiff, shaking his head.
+
+Deodati took his hand, and said:
+
+"Messire Van Schoonhoven, I am most grateful to you. Excuse me for the
+remaining longer in your honorable company; but I am indisposed, and I
+must return home. May God protect you, signor."
+
+"And are you going also, Signor Turchi?" asked the bailiff.
+
+When Simon gave him to understand, by a glance of the eye, that he could
+not let the old man go alone, he took his hand affectionately, and said:
+
+"I understand, signor; you are right. Adieu, until to-morrow."
+
+Turchi offered his arm to Deodati, and supported his tottering steps. They
+took leave of Mr. Van de Werve, who accompanied them to the door, and
+admiring Simon Turchi's kindness, he followed them with his eyes as long
+as they were in sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+SIMON TURCHI TRIES TO CONCEAL HIS CRIME.
+
+
+After having accompanied Deodati to his residence, Simon Turchi went to
+his own dwelling near the bridge _De la Vigne_.
+
+He was greatly excited, either by extreme anxiety or by a feverish
+impatience; for he descended to the ground-floor, entered his office,
+pretended to be looking for some papers, went up stairs again, paced the
+room, opened the window, looked up and down the street, closed the window
+petulantly, and at last, stamping his foot, he angrily exclaimed:
+
+"The miserable gamester! he is in some tavern drinking, gambling, amusing
+himself, while I am here on burning coals, almost overpowered by anxiety
+and terror! Julio, Julio, if I escape the fate which now threatens me, I
+will have my revenge for your ingratitude!"
+
+Again he went to the window, and again he was disappointed. Thoroughly
+discouraged, he threw himself upon a chair, heaved a heavy sigh, and after
+a moment's silence exclaimed in accents of despair:
+
+"Alas! alas! is it then true that my crime cannot remain concealed? Who
+was it, to my great misfortune, who sent the Dominican brother just to the
+spot to meet Geronimo, and thus furnished the bailiff with a clue to the
+murder? Who put the Jewish banker on his track, so that the constables
+might be led to my garden? Who suggested the idea to the bailiff to search
+the cellars? Was it chance? But chance is blind, and does not proceed
+with such precision to the fulfilment of a purpose. How frightful if God
+himself conducted justice! if the Supreme Judge, who cannot be deceived,
+has condemned me to an infamous death! How vain then all hope, all effort
+to escape!"
+
+Overpowered by these reflections, Simon Turchi bowed his head upon his
+breast; his hands worked convulsively, and at intervals heart-rending
+sighs escaped him.
+
+Confusedly arose before him a horrible vision: he saw the scaffold
+erected; he beheld the sword of the executioner glitter in the sunlight;
+he heard the shouts of the populace calling down the vengeance of heaven
+upon his guilty head and devoting his name to eternal infamy; he seemed to
+feel the mysterious stroke from the uplifted blade, for his frame shook
+violently, and he uttered a piercing cry of anguish.
+
+He thrust his hand into his doublet, and drew from it slowly a small phial
+half filled with a yellow liquid, and held it before him with a shudder of
+disgust and horror.
+
+"Poison, deadly poison!" he muttered. "He who has the courage to take a
+few drops will sleep a sweet sleep from which there is no awakening. And
+is this my only refuge from the ignominy of the scaffold? Instead of
+wealth and happiness, is a miserable death to be the price of my crime?
+No, no; I must chase away these horrible thoughts."
+
+He replaced the phial in his doublet, and abandoned himself again to his
+dark reflections; but at last he conquered, in a measure, his dejection,
+and he said, less despairingly but still sorrowfully:
+
+"And yet everything was going on so smoothly! I had recovered my note; the
+possession of the ten thousand crowns enabled me to conceal for the
+present the ruined condition of my affairs; Mary did not appear
+indifferent to me, and Geronimo being out of the way, I was certain of
+succeeding with her in the course of time. I would in that case become
+rich and powerful; her dowry would be sufficient to save me from poverty
+and a humiliating discovery. Alas! why do the people accuse the
+magistrates of want of zeal? Things more surprising than the
+disappearance of Geronimo have happened lately without any disturbance
+among the populace. It was the public feeling that forced the bailiff to
+make extraordinary efforts to discover what had become of him; it will be
+the cause of my destruction! Can there be a mysterious impulse to this
+unwonted excitement of the multitude? Vainly then would I struggle to
+escape! Would it not be God himself pursuing me?"
+
+The recurrence of this thought struck terror to the soul of Simon Turchi,
+and he buried his head in his hands. Suddenly he started up, and although
+his lips twitched convulsively, he said, in a firm, strong voice:
+
+"Ah! ah! fatality is a spur which inspires the most cowardly with coinage.
+Avaunt, foolish fears! I must struggle on to the end. The bailiff seeks a
+corpse; he pledges his honor to discover one. Let him find it! Suppose he
+should find it elsewhere than in my summer-house? in a sewer, for example?
+Ah! anxiety had clouded my mind! Still, still, I have means for triumph!
+Oh, if Julio-would come! Could I only imagine in what tavern the rascal is
+gambling, I would send Bernardo for him."
+
+Saying these words, he approached the window and looked out.
+
+"There comes the loiterer! He walks as composedly as if nothing weighed
+upon his conscience! He cares not for the preservation of my honor and my
+life; since the death of Geronimo he hates and despises me. I must appear
+angry and indignant, for should he suspect the fear and anxiety torturing
+my soul, he would be insolent, and perhaps would laugh at my anguish."
+
+As Julio approached the house, Simon attracted his attention by loud
+talking, and having succeeded in this, he made signs of his impatience and
+anger until Julio reached the door. He then closed the window, and
+assuming an expression of rage he turned to meet his servant.
+
+When Julio on entering saw his master standing with folded arms and
+menacing countenance, a slight and ironical smile flitted across his face.
+
+"Wretch!" exclaimed Simon, "did I not order you to await me here after
+Change? Look well to yourself, or I will avenge myself by your blood. You
+laugh! beware, or I will crush you like a worm!"
+
+"Come, come, signor, why give way to such useless anger? It is not long
+since Change. It is not my fault that you have been obliged to wait."
+
+"Have you not been going from tavern to tavern, gambling, as you have been
+doing the last five days?"
+
+"Yes, truly. I was intolerably thirsty; but if I was not here in time, you
+must blame the clock of Notre Dame; it could not have struck right, I am
+sure. So be calm, signor: you know that your anger makes no impression on
+me. Make haste and tell me what you want me to do. We lose precious time
+in this nonsensical sort of talk. I left some friends to come and receive
+your orders, and I must add that I intend returning to them as soon as I
+have fulfilled your commands. You need not shake your fist at me, nor get
+into a passion; it will do no good."
+
+The disrespectful language of his servant wounded and provoked Turchi; but
+perhaps seeing how useless it was to give expression to his feelings, he
+suddenly changed his manner. Tears filled his eyes; grief was depicted
+upon his countenance, and seating himself, he sighed and said:
+
+"Forgive me, Julio, for my harsh words; they were spoken in impatience. It
+is too early yet for you to do what I wish, and I was wrong to complain of
+your long absence."
+
+The servant, surprised at his master's humble language, regarded him
+distrustfully.
+
+"Is there any danger?" he demanded.
+
+Turchi took his hand, and said, piteously:
+
+"Alas! Julio, my friend, to-morrow, in all probability, we will be cast,
+manacled, into a dungeon, there to await an infamous death."
+
+"Is it not your own fear, signor, which inspires such a thought?" asked
+Julio, trembling.
+
+"No; I have heard a terrible piece of news. Geronimo was seen in the
+Quarter of the Jews, and he was met going towards the Hospital Grounds.
+The bailiff has determined to search to-morrow morning all the cellars in
+that vicinity, and even to dig the ground on the spot where my garden
+lies. The police agents are to proceed at daybreak to the Hospital
+meadows, and as they cannot fail to remark that the earth has been newly
+turned up, they will certainly discover what they seek. You pushed
+Geronimo into the arm-chair; you buried his body; consequently you will
+accompany me to the scaffold, unless, in your capacity of servant, they
+may choose to hang you or break you on the wheel. O Julio! does not this
+information awaken you to a sense of our perilous condition?"
+
+"From whom did you learn all that?" asked the affrighted servant.
+
+"From the bailiff himself."
+
+"From his own lips?"
+
+"Yes, my friend, from his own lips. In spite of your courage and coolness,
+I think I may say that you have no stronger desire than myself to die by
+the hand of the executioner."
+
+Julio put his hand to his throat and said, dejectedly:
+
+"The affair looks serious. I seem to be strangling; I feel the rope around
+my neck. It is all your fault, signor. Why did you murder your best
+friend? Did I not warn you that so frightful a crime would come to light?"
+
+"Call it crime, if you will; but at least my just vengeance is satisfied,
+and now neither complaints nor recriminations can recall the past nor
+shelter us from danger."
+
+"But, signor, what can we do to escape punishment?"
+
+"There is a means, easy and certain. There is a means; but, Julio, it
+requires good will and resolution. May I rely upon you for this last
+effort?"
+
+"What would not one be willing to do in order to escape this gallows or
+the wheel?"
+
+"Then listen to me. I told you that the bailiff would search the cellars.
+If he finds the corpse in my house, we are both ruined."
+
+"Certainly, signor."
+
+"But suppose it be found in another place, far from this spot, who would
+suspect us of the murder?"
+
+"An excellent thought!" exclaimed Julio, joyfully. "We must carry the dead
+body to a distant street and leave it there."
+
+"Not so. They would naturally suppose that it had been removed to that
+spot from some other place. A better plan is to throw it into the sewer in
+the Vleminck Field. The officers of justice will then conclude that
+Geronimo fell under the hand of some unknown assassin."
+
+"That is still better! Ah! signor, you frightened me without cause. I
+place very little value on my life, and yet the thought of a certain death
+shatters my nerves. Now I am myself again. But how shall we manage to
+transport Geronimo's body to the Vleminck Field?"
+
+"It was for that purpose, Julio, that I was waiting so impatiently for
+you," said Simon Turchi; "it was because I needed your aid to execute a
+project which will save us both. Nothing is easier. You will disinter the
+body, and you will throw it into the sewer."[24]
+
+"Alone?" said the servant, in a tone which prognosticated a refusal.
+
+"Why not alone, since you are able to do it?"
+
+"It is very easy, signor, for you to say: 'Take the body on your shoulders
+and traverse three or four streets.' Signor Geronimo is heavier than you
+suppose, and I doubt if by the exertion of all my strength I could carry
+it twenty steps."
+
+Simon Turchi took his servant's two hands in his, and said,
+supplicatingly:
+
+"Julio, my friend, be generous; it is not a difficult task for one like
+yourself. Reflect that it is our only means of safety; it is as much for
+your interest as mine. I will recompense you largely, and I will be
+grateful to you all my life."
+
+"Well, signor, if you say so, I will try it; but I am afraid it will turn
+out badly. I shall be obliged to rest on the way, and that will take more
+time than will be prudent. And then how shall I be able each time to
+replace the body on my shoulders? It requires two to transport it with
+sufficient rapidity."
+
+"Two?" said Turchi, "You know well that we can confide our secret to no
+one."
+
+"To escape death, one would submit to anything. Suppose you help me
+yourself, signor?"
+
+"I!" replied Turchi, shuddering, "I carry a dead body through the streets!
+I, a nobleman! No, no; better a dungeon and death!"
+
+"What a strange sentiment of honor!" muttered the astonished servant.
+"Would to God, signor, that you had sooner remembered that you were a
+nobleman, we would not thus be seeking, in mortal anguish, the means to
+save our lives. Consider the affair as you will, you must confess that if
+I carry the corpse alone, ten chances to one we shall be discovered."
+
+While the servant thus spoke, Turchi seemed preoccupied by torturing
+thoughts. After a moment he said, with a sigh:
+
+"Alas! there is no other means; it is dangerous, but necessity demands it.
+Julio, go to the summer-house, and I will send Bernardo this evening to
+help you."
+
+"What" said Julio, ironically, "will you reveal your secret?"
+
+"No; I will command him, under penalty of his life, to do whatever you
+order him; threaten to stab him at the least show of resistance, and he
+will obey you."
+
+"Impossible! Signor Bernardo is a good, pious man. He would inform upon
+us. I might as well put the halter around my neck. I will have none of his
+aid."
+
+Simon Turchi, in despair at the failure of all his efforts to succeed in
+his design, paced the floor impatiently. Suddenly he stopped before his
+servant, and with sparkling eyes he said, in a suppressed voice:
+
+"Julio, there must be an end to all this hesitation. We have no choice,
+and whatever may be the means, we must not deliberate in presence of the
+death which menaces us. Stab Bernardo, and throw him into the sewer above
+the body of Geronimo."[25]
+
+"Oh, signor, murder Bernardo!" exclaimed Julio, in horror. "And do you
+suppose that he would not defend himself? that he would not give the
+alarm? In that case, your servant would be recognized, and thus they would
+put them on the track of the criminals. Your mind wanders."
+
+Grinding his teeth in his agony, Turchi tossed his arms convulsively, and
+at last said, hoarsely:
+
+"You will not undertake it alone? You have not the wish to succeed. Coward
+that you are, for what are you fit but to boast and drink and gamble in
+the taverns? Would that I had never seen you! Leave the corpse in the
+cellar; let the bailiff discover it there; we will see which of us will
+meet the more courageously an infamous death!"
+
+A prey to the keenest emotion, he fell back in his chair, and while
+uttering bitter invectives against his servant, he tore his hair in real
+or feigned despair.
+
+The sight of-his master's desolation seemed to make some impression upon
+Julio; he regarded him compassionately, and at last said, kindly:
+
+"Come, signor, calm yourself. All is not lost, and if my good-will can
+save you, I will show you that Julio has the courage and resolution to
+carry him through a difficult enterprise. Since you think I am able to
+take the corpse alone to the sewer, I will attempt it. Perhaps I may
+overrate the difficulties. Be calm, and rely upon my word."
+
+The signor knew that once having made up his mind, his servant would
+unhesitatingly execute what he had undertaken, and he comprehended by his
+manner that his promise was seriously made. He pressed his hand, and said,
+joyfully:
+
+"Thanks, Julio, I owe to you my honor and my life. I will never forget it,
+and when once the sword, now hanging over my head, is removed, I will
+reward you magnificently. Go now to the country-house, disinter the body,
+and carry it up to the ground-floor. This will give you less work later.
+Fill the grave thoroughly, and as far as possible destroy all appearance
+of the earth having been recently dug."
+
+Julio apparently let his master's words fall unheeded on his ear; he
+suddenly struck his forehead with his fist, as if an unwelcome idea had
+forced itself upon him.
+
+"What is the matter?" asked Turchi, anxiously.
+
+"Fool that I am!" exclaimed Julio.
+
+"Speak lower," said Simon. "What troubles you?"
+
+"Did you not notice, signor, how bright it was last night? It is clear
+weather, and the moon is full! How could I carry a dead body to the sewer
+with such light to betray me? It is impossible; I cannot think of it."
+
+These words forced from Simon a cry of anguish. He seemed crushed under
+the fate which was visibly pursuing him. The cowardice and ill-will of his
+servant had not cast him into despair like this last obstacle; for he well
+knew that either by threats or promises of reward he could overcome
+Julio's resistance; but what could prevent the moon from shining? It was
+clear that no way remained of removing Geronimo's body from the cellar,
+and the officers of the law would infallibly discover where the murder had
+been committed.
+
+It was then true that for him there was no escape from ruin; that a
+mysterious power opposed all his plans; perhaps God himself was
+interposing to prevent him from saving his life.
+
+The supposition made him shudder; nevertheless he tortured his mind to
+discover some plank of safety; a thousand tumultuous thoughts presented
+themselves. Might they not bury the body in a retired spot of the garden,
+plunge it in the basin of the fountain, or conceal it under the stones of
+the grotto? But none of these plans could be accomplished without leaving
+traces which would lead to certain discovery.
+
+Suddenly a happy idea seemed to occur to him, for his face brightened; he
+arose and said:
+
+"Julio, you must leave the country; it is your only means of safety."
+
+"I leave the country!" said Julio; "and you, signor?"
+
+"Would that I could accompany you! but I cannot say as you can: 'Where my
+body is, there is all I have and all I care for.' I must of necessity
+remain here: I have many interests to detain me."
+
+Julio was astonished by the advice.
+
+"Where shall I go? In Italy a price is set upon my head; I dare not be
+seen beyond the mountains. It is too late for me to leave for England;
+there are no vessels ready to sail. What could I do in Germany, ignorant
+of the language of the country and without means of subsistence?"
+
+"Save your life, Julio; go to Germany," said Turchi. "I will give you
+money, plenty of money."
+
+The deep red of the scar on his master's face, his expression of cunning,
+his evident satisfaction, made Julio suspect some deception. He was
+unable at first to imagine his secret design; but a light suddenly broke
+upon his mind, and recoiling with horror and anger, he exclaimed:
+
+"What an odious trap you are setting for me! You intend to accuse me of
+the murder in my absence? And while poor Julio, charged with a double
+crime, finds no resting-spot upon earth, you will enjoy here in entire
+security, in the midst of wealth and honor, the price of the innocent
+blood which you have shed. No, no, I will bring no new anathema on my
+head."
+
+"You are silly, Julio," said Simon Turchi, disdainfully. "Should we be
+arrested to-morrow, and the truth known, would you not be equally punished
+for having treacherously pushed Geronimo into the chair?"
+
+"Yes; but all would know that I neither conceived the crime, nor profited
+by its commission."
+
+"A fine consolation, to contend on the scaffold!" said the signor
+ironically, repressing his impatience. "But I will speak to you plainly
+and without reserve. I will state my conditions; if you refuse them, then
+all is at an end between us. Each of us is at liberty to save himself even
+at the sacrifice of the other. The worst part of the whole is that I might
+feel myself obliged, for my own security, to make known to the authorities
+of Lucca who you are."
+
+The servant regarded his master with an expression of disgust and
+aversion.
+
+"These are my conditions," said Simon. "You will leave immediately for
+Germany, and reach the Rhine as soon as possible. I will give you two
+hundred crowns. Procure a carriage and horse at the very first village,
+and do not stop until you are in a place of safety. To prevent any
+detention on the way, I will give you a letter to Signor Mazzuchelli, a
+banker at Cologne. If on the journey you are asked why you have undertaken
+it, say that you are on urgent business for your master, and if necessity
+require it, show the letter; but once in Cologne, do not present the
+letter to Mazzuchelli. Two hundred crowns! that is a fortune, Julio. With
+that you can live luxuriously for two or three years. And what difference
+will it make whether you know the language of the country or not. Money
+understands and speaks all languages."[26]
+
+"And when the two hundred crowns are spent, what will become of me?" said
+the servant.
+
+"I will not forsake you, Julio," said Turchi. "Whenever you need money,
+inform me of it, and I will send you enough to keep you from want. But you
+must change your name and simply notify me that you need money to continue
+your business. And your new name? It seems to me that 'Marco Castagno'
+would answer. What say you?"
+
+Julio shook his head doubtfully, muttering between his teeth. Although the
+promise of two hundred crowns was seductive, he hesitated to accept his
+master's proposition.
+
+"Why deliberate so long?" said Simon. "I offer you a certain means of
+escaping the gallows, and you hesitate! Moreover, I secure you a life of
+ease, independent, without cares, the free, joyous life of a lord, and yet
+you refuse."
+
+Julio seemed to have come to a decision.
+
+"Will you give me two hundred crowns?" he demanded.
+
+"Two hundred crowns in coin."
+
+"Before my departure?"
+
+"Immediately."
+
+"Give them to me. I am in a hurry to depart."
+
+"I will go for them," said Turchi, leaving the room.
+
+Julio seated himself and rested his head upon his hands. But he had not
+long for reflection; his master returned after a short absence.
+
+Simon Turchi held a purse in his hands. He went to the table and counted
+out four piles of gold pieces.
+
+The sight of so much money made an impression on Julio, and he approached
+the table. Joy sparkled in his eyes, and whilst he contemplated the
+shining pieces, he nodded his head with an air of satisfaction.
+
+"You see," said Simon, "that the sum is correct, and you will not find the
+gold heavy to carry. Now put it in your doublet. Going down stairs I
+reflected upon your good-will, and I considered whether I might not avoid
+accusing you of the murder of Geronimo, and my friendship for you
+suggested a means. Now that I am sure of being able, under any
+circumstances, of exculpating myself, it is not necessary for me to bring
+any accusation against you. Besides, Julio, I dislike to be separated from
+you. If in two or three months I could bring you back without danger, I
+would be delighted."
+
+"I would be well pleased, signor," said Julio, with a sigh.
+
+"In order to secure this chance to ourselves, Julio, you must, before
+leaving, go to the country-house, level, as far as possible, the earth in
+the cellar, throw sand and dust upon the grave, and then fill the cellar
+with fire-wood and empty casks."
+
+"But, signor, that would take time."
+
+"That is of no consequence. At this hour there are too many people passing
+through the city gates. It is better for you to pass the night at the
+pavilion, and to-morrow morning, as soon as the gates are open, you will
+leave. At daybreak you will be certain of meeting no one who would notice
+what direction you had taken. I suggest this for your own sake, Julio, not
+mine; for suppose the officers of the law should search my summer-house,
+those precautions would divert their attentions from the cellar, while
+otherwise they would infallibly discover that the earth had been recently
+dug. Perhaps, through respect for me, the bailiff may exempt my lands from
+search. In either case I will wait until the impression made by the murder
+has worn away. I will say nothing of you, except that you left me in
+consequence of a sharp rebuke, and that I do not know what has become of
+you. As soon as the present excitement subsides and the search is
+abandoned, I promise to recall you. Now will you go to the pavilion and
+accomplish faithfully what I advise?"
+
+"I will."
+
+"Do not forget your new name."
+
+"Marco Castagno? It is easily remembered."
+
+"Yes; Marco Castagno, and you are travelling on business. I had nearly
+forgotten the letter of recommendation. Wait here an instant; do not come
+down-stairs. I will write it at once."
+
+When Julio was left alone he put his hand in his pocket, chinked the gold
+coins, and drew out a handful for the pleasure of contemplating them; but
+he soon returned the money to his doublet, and fell into deep thought.
+
+"If," he muttered, "I could only set off at once! Here I am obliged to
+pass a whole night in that accursed pavilion! The signor thinks that
+Geronimo has been buried for five days, and his corpse is still above
+ground. To fill up the grave is not much. Suppose I let that alone, and
+leave this evening with the money? No, no; I will execute faithfully what
+I promised. My master is so generous to me, I will show him that I am not
+ungrateful."
+
+"Here is the letter of recommendation," said Simon Turchi, entering the
+room. "It is in the name of Marco Castagno. Forget your other names, and
+be prudent, remembering that the least indiscretion might cost our lives.
+Go to the pavilion, Julio. I bid you adieu, with the hope of soon seeing
+you again at Antwerp."
+
+"Shall I not take my clothes, signor, or a traveling cloak?"
+
+"No; the cloak you have on will suffice. Were you seen with any baggage,
+your intention might be suspected. Appear indifferent. You can buy
+whatever you may need."
+
+The servant extended his hand to his master, and going to the door, said:
+
+"Adieu, signor; if you do not refuse to aid me when I am in want, I will
+keep your secret faithfully."
+
+"Do your work in the cellar carefully, Julio. I wish you a pleasant
+journey."
+
+Julio descended the staircase and walked slowly down the street.
+
+His master opened the window and watched him until he was out of sight.
+
+Simon Turchi drew a long breath, as though the weight of a mountain had
+been removed from his heart. A smile lighted up his face, and he said in
+an accent of intense joy:
+
+"He has gone! Now I have nothing to fear. The bailiff may find the body;
+Julio committed the crime; I know nothing of it; I am as innocent as a
+lamb. Ah! I thought I was lost. Now I must arrange my plans as though I
+were certain of the discovery of the body. I feel new strength; hope and
+certainty animate my heart. Mary, Mary, your name, your fortune, your love
+will be mine. My life will yet be crowned with grandeur, wealth, and
+happiness."
+
+And in feverish excitement he closed the window.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+GERONIMO RESURRECTED.
+
+
+The clock in the steeple of Saint George struck seven, and night was
+coming on, when Julio opened the garden-gate of his master's country-seat
+and walked with a light step towards the house.
+
+He kept one hand wrapped in his cloak, as if to conceal some object; the
+other was in his pocket, turning over the gold pieces given him by Simon
+Turchi. Joy sparkled in his eyes, as he said to himself:
+
+"God be praised! I resisted the temptation. They urged me to drink and
+play at the 'Swan,' but my gold coins reminded me that I had a serious
+duty to perform. After work comes the recompense. What I hold in my hand
+will indemnify me for the thirst I have suffered and for the time lost. It
+is the very best Spanish wine--as dear as if it were melted silver, and as
+strong as if it were liquid fire."
+
+On entering a room in the house, he drew two bottles from his doublet and
+one from under his cloak, placed them upon the table, and looked at them
+longingly.
+
+"No, no, not now; presently! Business first. Your bewitching smile cannot
+seduce me. Patience, my friends; an hour hence we will become acquainted.
+To fill up a grave and roll some empty casks into the cellar is a small
+matter. But it is getting so dark that I can no longer distinguish the
+image of the emperor on the gold pieces; I must light the lamp."
+
+Taking a wooden box from the mantelpiece, he drew out a flint and struck
+it. It was some time before the tinder took fire, and Julio laughed at his
+own failures; but at last he succeeded in his efforts, and a large lamp
+made the whole room bright with its rays.
+
+Julio approached the table and said:
+
+"Now at least I can gratify the desire which has irritated my nerves
+during the last hour. To possess two hundred crowns, to be as rich as a
+banker, to feel my pockets weighed down by gold, and still unable to feast
+my eyes on the treasure! Now I am alone; there is no one to ask whence it
+came. The time has arrived. I may enjoy my wealth without anxiety!"
+
+He drew an arm-chair to the table, reclined in it comfortably, with
+extended limbs, and placed the gold coin by handfuls under the light of
+the lamp.
+
+After searching his pocket and doublet and convincing himself that all the
+crowns were spread out before him, he heaped them up and ran his hands
+through them as if to enjoy the sparkle and jingle of the gold. He held
+his breath, for fear of losing the least sound; with eyes wide open he
+contemplated the brilliant treasure.
+
+For a long time Julio remained, with a smile of happiness upon his lips,
+in mute admiration, and, perhaps scarcely aware of what he was doing, he
+ranged the crowns in a line and counted them; then he separated them into
+piles of twenty pieces each; then he tossed them from hand to hand, until,
+wearied of this amusement, he looked at them musingly. At last he
+exclaimed in a joyous outbreak:
+
+"Two hundred crowns! What will I do with them? How will I spend them?
+Shall I drink Malmsey, Muscatel, the very best, such as brings pleasure to
+the heart? But at that rate I shall soon see the end of my money. Shall I
+play for florins and crowns? That would be an excellent means, certainly,
+of either becoming a hundred times richer or of losing every farthing.
+Strange! how fearful and avaricious money makes me! I do not even care to
+play; no, I will not do it. I will dress like a nobleman: in satin,
+velvet, and silk; I will drink and eat of the most exquisite dishes; I
+will Jive in luxury and abundance, as though the world were a terrestrial
+paradise. Ah, what a glorious life!
+
+"But what a cowardly wretch I am! My only anxiety is to know how to spend
+or rather squander this treasure, and at this moment there lives, far from
+me, one who perhaps is stretching out her hand to me to beg an alms! My
+poor mother! she may even need bread. Were she to curse her ungrateful
+son, would he not have deserved it a hundred times? I am afraid of myself!
+With ten crowns, with the twentieth part of what I am going to throw away
+in dissipation, she might be saved from misery for more than a year. Why
+did I not give twenty crowns to my master to send to her? Suppose I return
+to the factory to execute this good thought? Impossible! Signor Turchi
+would be enraged; besides, I have no confidence in him. I will inquire,
+when in Germany, if she still lives, and if she be in want I will send her
+money."
+
+He took up twenty crowns, one by one, from the table, counted them,
+regarded them wistfully, and said, as he dropped them into his pocket:
+
+"Twenty crowns! that is a large sum; but it may make my blind old mother
+happy. I will put her portion by itself."
+
+His eye again rested on the glittering coin. The sight appeared to deject
+him.
+
+"How visibly it has diminished!" he said, sighing. "I believed my treasure
+inexhaustible, and by one thought the twentieth part has disappeared. Will
+it not go as fast in Germany? Will not gambling and drinking deprive me of
+the whole in a few months and leave me in misery? What sombre thoughts! A
+moment ago, and everything wore a smiling aspect; now, my mind is tortured
+by fear and anxiety. But why need I be troubled? When I have spent the two
+hundred crowns, Signor Turchi will send me more. But it is not well to
+rely too much upon that; his head may fall under the axe of the
+executioner. In that case I would be as badly off myself. The discovery
+would drive me from Germany into Netherlands or Italy. Instead of living
+in luxury, I would infallibly fall into the lion's jaw, and the gallows or
+the wheel would be my well-merited fate. But if the murderer of Geronimo
+be not discovered, I can return quietly, and my master would receive me
+kindly for fear I would betray his secret. That depends in a great measure
+upon my care in acquitting myself of the task entrusted to me. I will
+accomplish it loyally and well. The sight of this gold no longer gives me
+pleasure. A full cup of wine first, and then to work bravely!"
+
+He uncorked one of the bottles and half emptied it; then muttering a few
+words as to the strength and energy imparted by the liquor, he took the
+lamp, and fixing his eye on the bottle, said:
+
+"It will take me only a few minutes to throw the body into the grave and
+fill it up; but the rest of the work will require more than an hour. That
+is a long time to be separated from you, is it not? To keep me company, I
+will take the half-empty bottle; that will not hinder me from doing my
+duty properly; on the contrary, it will give me courage and strength. Now
+to work!"
+
+He re-corked the bottle, put it inside of his doublet, took the lamp, and
+slowly descended the staircase.
+
+The passage leading to the cellar in which Julio had thrown Geronimo's
+body was rather long, and he had time to feel the effect of the wine, and
+it so raised his spirits that he commenced jesting about hid past anxiety,
+and on nearing the cellar he sang the first notes of a joyful song.
+
+But the words expired upon his lips, he trembled in every limb, and turned
+ashy pale.
+
+A voice answered him from the cellar.
+
+Immovable from terror, Julio fixed his eyes upon the door, and strove to
+comprehend the words which fell indistinctly upon his ear.
+
+"Heavens!" he exclaimed, "it is Geronimo; he lives!"
+
+Shuddering, he withdrew a short distance down the passage, and was for a
+time as motionless as a statue. At last, with deep emotion, he said:
+
+"What can this mean? The signor said at the first thrust his dagger met
+metal, but that the wound in his neck was deep. Suppose it were merely a
+flesh-wound? What shall I do? Shall I let him live?"
+
+He was painfully undecided.
+
+"Impossible!" he said. "It would be the death-warrant of both my master
+and myself. I must choose between his death and ours. Implacable fatality
+urges me on--in truth, I have no choice. One blow, and all is over! I must
+not hesitate; my knife is sharp."
+
+He drew his dagger from its scabbard, examined the blade, tried it with
+his finger. He shuddered, and a cry of horror escaped him.
+
+"Fatal position!" he exclaimed. "To kill a man in cold blood! an innocent
+man! What harm has poor Geronimo ever done me? Stab him! My heart fails
+me--I cannot perpetrate such a cruelty. And yet, and yet I must! The crime
+horrifies me, but I have no alternative. Only by the sacrifice of his life
+can my master escape the scaffold, and I the gallows. Fate irresistibly
+pursues me; I am the slave of necessity--I must follow whither it leads!"
+
+With staggering step and in a blind frenzy, Julio ran down the passage,
+caught his dagger between his teeth, put the key in the lock, and turned
+the light so that it might fall upon his victim.
+
+He stopped trembling in the middle of the cellar, and pity filled his soul
+as his eye rested on Geronimo. He had indeed drawn his dagger to complete
+the horrible crime; but now, touched and moved by compassion, he
+considered the unfortunate young man, who extended to him his suppliant
+hands and begged for help.
+
+Geronimo was kneeling on the side of the grave which had been dug to
+receive his corpse. His face was partly covered with clotted blood; the
+portion visible was excessively pale, and his cheeks were so sunken that
+those few days of suffering had left only the skin to cover his bones. His
+eyes, rolling wildly, were sunk in their sockets; his neck, weakened by
+the wound, could not support his head, which fell upon his right shoulder.
+His clothes were blood-stained and covered with dirt. It was evident that
+in his struggle against death he had dragged himself around the tomb to
+try, if possible, to escape it.
+
+"Whoever you may be," cried out Geronimo, "for the love of God, one drop
+of water!"
+
+His voice was weak, but capable of moving the hardest heart.
+
+Julio shook his head, without speaking.
+
+"Water! water!" repeated the young man. "I am burning up, consumed by
+thirst. Water! water! one drop of water! Save me from a frightful death!"
+
+Moved by pity and forgetting, as it were, his own situation, Julio thrust
+his hand under his doublet, drew out the bottle, uncorked it, and without
+speaking gave it to the wounded gentleman. He uttered a cry of joy, seized
+the bottle with feverish energy, and kissed with transport the hand which
+presented him the saving beverage.
+
+Julio, with palpitating heart, watched the unfortunate Geronimo, as with
+trembling joy he placed the bottle to his lips, as if the contents were
+imparting to him a new life.
+
+And indeed, after having quaffed a deep draught, Geronimo appeared to have
+new strength; for a sweet smile appeared upon his face, his eyes sparkled
+with gratitude, and lifting his hands to Julio, he said:
+
+"May God bless you! you have saved me from a frightful death. May Heaven
+hear my prayer and reward you on the day of judgment for all the good I
+may have done in my life. The light blinded me; I could not see. Are you
+not Julio?"
+
+This recognition struck Geronimo with terror, and in a feeble and
+discouraged voice he said:
+
+"Julio, Julio, you pushed me into the chair!"
+
+Then seeing the dagger in Julio's hands, he shuddered.
+
+"A dagger in your hand! Ah! you come to kill me?"
+
+"Yes, signor," replied Julio, sadly, "I come to take your life; but do not
+suppose I fulfil this fatal mission without emotion; on the contrary, my
+heart bleeds for you, and I feel an indescribable repugnance to deal the
+fatal blow."
+
+"Ah! you are not merciless; you will have pity on me," said Geronimo.
+
+"Impossible!" replied Julio. "Fatality governs us both; it has irrevocably
+condemned you to death, and me to inhumanity. All prayer, all supplication
+is useless; nothing can save your life. I beg you, signor, not to increase
+the difficulties of my task; accept with resignation a fate you cannot
+escape."
+
+A sharp cry escaped Geronimo, as these unfeeling words convinced him that
+all hope was lost.
+
+"My God!" he exclaimed, "is it then true that this dungeon is to become my
+tomb? Must I die without confession? Shall my body lie in unconsecrated
+ground? Oh, mercy! mercy!"
+
+"Necessity is a merciless law, signor," replied Julio, "and I have more
+cause than you to complain of its harshness. You, at least, will receive
+in heaven the recompense of your innocent life, while I must commit here a
+crime from which I recoil with horror, but which is forced upon me by an
+irresistible power, and for which my poor soul will stand accused before
+the judgment-seat of God. But do not cherish a deceitful hope; there is no
+hope for you. Before I depart from here, that grave must receive your
+body. That I did not immediately on entering fulfil my sad mission is
+partly owing to the fact that an uncontrollable compassion paralyzed my
+arm, but still more, to my desire to afford you time to say some prayers.
+Therefore prepare your soul for its last passage. I will wait patiently
+even for a quarter of an hour. Pray with a tranquil mind--I will not
+strike without giving notice."
+
+Saying these words, Julio put down the lamp replaced his dagger in its
+scabbard, and seated himself on a block of wood which was in a corner of
+the cellar.
+
+Geronimo, overwhelmed by Julio's insensibility, bowed his head upon his
+breast. For some time he neither spoke nor moved, seeming to accept his
+fate with complete resignation. But the terror of death again possessed
+him.
+
+"Impossible!" he exclaimed. "You will not kill me, Julio? I conjure you,
+by your soul's salvation, not to imbrue your hands in my blood!"
+
+And the unfortunate young man endeavored to drag his feeble body to
+Julio's feet; but the latter drew his dagger in a threatening manner.
+
+Geronimo uttered a cry of despair, crawled back to the side of the grave,
+and fell exhausted on the ground, where he bewept his sad fate.
+
+His stifled sobs were so heart-breaking that Julio's soul was stirred
+within him, and without being conscious of it, he wiped away the tears
+which fell from his eyes.
+
+In a voice full of compassion he said:
+
+"Come, signor, be calm, and submit with resignation to the irrevocable
+decree of fate. When one has lived like you in the fear of God, honorably
+and loyally, death is but the passage to a better life."
+
+A cry of indignation mingled with the convulsive sobs of the young
+gentleman.
+
+"I understand you," said Julio; "you think that my pity is a cruel irony;
+you believe me to be inhuman. Even in the tomb you might justly call down
+maledictions on the head of the murderer who of his own will and choice
+would deprive you of life. But, alas! signor, I have neither will nor
+choice in the matter. To-morrow the officers of justice will search this
+house and cellar."
+
+"To-morrow!" exclaimed Geronimo, a new hope-springing up in his heart.
+
+"If I let you live, they would infallibly find you here," pursued Julio.
+"This hope inspires you with joy; vain hope! signor, for should it be
+realized, my master would perish on the scaffold, and I would expiate my
+crime on the gallows!"
+
+"Julio," said Geronimo, beseechingly, "I will remove all suspicion from
+you; I will declare you innocent; I will reward you magnificently."
+
+"It would be useless, signor. The law knows no mercy. My master would
+betray the part I had in the deed; and do you think the judges would
+pardon me for having pushed you into the chair?"
+
+"Save me, spare my life, Julio; and if necessary for your acquittal, I
+will kneel to the bailiff, I will appeal to the emperor himself."
+
+"There is another reason, unknown to you, signor," replied Julio,
+bitterly. "I am a fugitive, condemned to death by the laws of Italy. My
+master alone knows my real name. The least infidelity on my part would
+make him deliver me into the hands of those who for five years have been
+seeking me. Think you, then, that it is in my power to spare you? It is my
+own and my master's death you demand. And what a death! For him, the axe
+of the executioner and eternal infamy to his family; for me, the rack, the
+wheel, the gallows. Do not blame me then, signor; do not contend against
+implacable fate; employ your last moments in prayer, or tell me that you
+are ready to receive the mortal blow. Nothing can save you; that open tomb
+tells you a sad but pitiless truth. Again I beg you, signor, lift up your
+heart to God, and do not force me to make use of sudden violence."
+
+"Die so young and guiltless!" lamented Geronimo. "Never again to see the
+light of heaven! O Mary, my beloved! how you will deplore my fate! My poor
+uncle! sorrow will bring your gray hairs to the grave!"
+
+The accents of despair made Julio shudder; but he said, in a cold manner:
+
+"Are you ready, signor?"
+
+"A moment more, one moment for prayer!" said Geronimo.
+
+He joined his hands and uttered a fervent prayer; but although he
+apparently accepted his fate with resignation, it was equally evident that
+his soul struggled against the death which was hanging over him.
+
+By degrees, however, prayer brought resignation and consolation to
+Geronimo, for the nervous trembling of his limbs ceased and his voice
+became more distinct and calm.
+
+Julio fixed his eyes on Geronimo, and his heart was touched when he
+thought he heard him ask pardon of God for his enemies; but when the lips
+of the young man pronounced his own name in ardent supplication, and he
+distinctly heard his unfortunate victim praying for the soul of his
+murderer, Julio dropped his knife, and said, with a deep sigh:
+
+"My courage has forsaken me! I have not the strength to accomplish this
+cruel act."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Geronimo, as Julio pronounced these words, "it is a voice
+from heaven speaking to your heart. Hearken to it. Have pity on me! spare
+my life!"
+
+Julio was too absorbed in his own thoughts to heed Geronimo. In accents of
+despair he muttered:
+
+"Frightful situation! Beside the very grave I have dug for him, he prays
+for my soul! And can I shed his blood? But there is no help for it. I
+must--I must!"
+
+The young gentleman remarked the struggle in Julio's soul, and he mustered
+up all his strength to approach him; but Julio, seeing Geronimo's design,
+picked up his knife, took the lamp, and left the cellar, saying:
+
+"It is useless, signor. Fate is more powerful than we are; and struggle as
+we may against its inevitable decrees, they must be accomplished! The
+sight of your sorrow has deprived me of all courage. I go to regain
+strength. I will soon return. Be prepared, for this time I will act
+without delay!"
+
+He closed the door and walked slowly down the passage. Having reached his
+room, he stamped with anger, uttered desperate words, struck his forehead
+with his fist, vented his impatience, because he could see no solution of
+his difficulties. He paced the room like a madman, fought the air,
+stopped, resumed his walk,--until exhausted he threw himself into a chair.
+Sorrow, anguish, and rage, by turns were depicted on his countenance. He
+lamented the necessity of the murder, and complained in bitter terms of
+his sad fate. But in vain he tortured his brain--not a ray of light came
+to illumine his darkness. The pitiless "I must do it!" was the invariable
+refrain.
+
+By chance his eye fell upon the two bottles which he had placed upon the
+table, and as if the sight had inspired him with a sudden resolution, he
+seized one of the bottles, uncorked it, and putting it to his lips, drank
+a long draught, stopped a moment for breath, then emptied the bottle.
+
+He remained some time immovable as if to test the influence of the wine on
+his mind, swallowed half of the second bottle, drew his dagger, took the
+lamp, and descended the stairs, saying:
+
+"Now my courage will not fail me! No more words: a single blow and all
+will be over! I must strike him in the back; he wears a cuirass on his
+breast."
+
+Opening the door of the cellar, he placed the lamp on the ground without
+speaking, and raising his dagger, he walked directly towards Geronimo, who
+lifted his hands imploringly.
+
+Within a few steps of his victim, Julio, with an exclamation of surprise,
+stopped suddenly as if immovable. His eye fell upon an object which
+Geronimo held in his hand and extended to him, as though it had power to
+turn aside the mortal blow.
+
+It was a flat copper medal, in the centre of which was a cross and other
+emblems, and attached to it was a bright steel chain.
+
+Julio, forgetful of what he was about to do, sprang forward, seized the
+strange medal, examined it closely, and said, in astonishment:
+
+"This amulet in your hands, signor! What does it mean? How came you by
+it?"
+
+Geronimo, whose every thought was fixed upon death, was too much startled
+by the sudden transition to reply immediately.
+
+"Speak, tell me whence comes this amulet? Who gave it to you?"
+
+"From Africa--from a blind woman," answered Geronimo, almost
+unintelligibly.
+
+"In Africa? And the woman's name?" said Julio, beside himself with
+impatience.
+
+"Mostajo. Teresa Mostajo!"
+
+"Teresa Mostajo! You are then the liberator of my poor blind mother!"
+
+"Then you will spare my life! God of mercy, I thank thee, there is still
+hope!"
+
+But Julio heeded not the words of the young man.
+
+"This amulet," he said, "recalls my native village. I see again my father,
+mother, friends. I see myself as I was before dissipation led me to sin
+and vice. This amulet, brought by my grandfather from Jerusalem, protected
+my father against many dangers, saved my mother's life; and you, signor,
+you owe to the same amulet escape from a violent death, for it turned
+aside my master's dagger from your breast. Strange and mysterious power
+which thus shields the victim from his executioner!"
+
+"Julio," said Geronimo, "keep me not in suspense. Say that you will not
+take my life. Be merciful to the man whose name is blessed by the lips of
+your mother!"
+
+"Fear not, signor; rather than shed one drop of your blood, I would pay
+the penalty of my guilty life on the gallows. But I must reflect upon our
+peculiar situation, for my mind is not clear; perhaps I may discover a
+means of escape. Do not disturb me, I beg you."
+
+He withdrew to the corner of the cellar where he had been previously
+seated, and remained motionless for some time, without giving any sign of
+the agitation of his mind.
+
+Geronimo regarded him at first with a look of joyful anticipation; by
+degrees, however, his face wore an expression of sadness and surprise; it
+seemed to him that Julio had fallen asleep. He was mistaken, however, for
+Julio arose after a while, and said:
+
+"Now I see my way clearly. I will save you, signor; but in doing that, I
+might as well avoid securing a halter for myself. You must have patience
+until to-morrow. It is now about nine o'clock in the evening, and the
+time, I know, will be very long to you. But you must submit to a condition
+which is necessary for the preservation of my own life. To-morrow, at
+daybreak, I shall quit the city and country. Before leaving, I will set
+you at liberty. Do not attempt to shake my resolution; let me go now,
+signor, and expect with confidence your deliverance."
+
+Geronimo joined his hands, and said, feebly:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, and may the good God show you the mercy you have shown to
+me! I have yet a favor to implore, a benefit to ask."
+
+"Speak, signor, what do you wish?"
+
+"It is long since I awoke from my death-like stupor. I know not how long,
+and I am tormented by hunger and thirst; you have kept life in me by the
+wine so kindly bestowed, but now my body demands nourishment. Give me
+bread."
+
+"Bread!" said Julio, "there is not a mouthful of food in the house."
+
+But seeing Geronimo's eyes fixed in supplication upon him, he added:
+
+"It is not late; perhaps I may find some shop still open. I will return
+presently; remain quiet, and have no anxiety, signor."
+
+He took the lamp, left the cellar, closing the door after him, and
+ascended to his room. There folding his arms, he began to muse:
+
+"How strange! the young merchant who, at the risk of his own life,
+defended my mother from her Moslem master, who paid her ransom, and
+liberated her from slavery--that merchant was Geronimo! By some mysterious
+influence the amulet protected his heart from the blade of his vindictive
+enemy; and when I am about to shed his blood, behold, the amulet paralyzes
+my arm. It is incomprehensible!"
+
+The current of his thoughts changed. Seizing the half empty bottle, he
+drank its contents.
+
+"Strange," said he, "how the bad effects of liquor are controlled by the
+emotions! I have taken enough to deprive me of consciousness, and I feel
+my mind as clear as though I had not touched a drop. This last draught,
+however, has mounted to my brain. So it is decreed that my master, Simon
+Turchi, must die upon the scaffold? It is disagreeable for both of us, but
+I could not help it. I shall not know what to do when the two hundred
+crowns are spent; necessity will force me to seek other resources, even at
+the risk of the gallows, and in all probability the fatal noose will
+encircle my neck. Bah! if it is predestined, who can prevent it? My master
+and I will receive only what we deserve. But I am forgetting the starving
+young gentleman; I must go out to procure him some food. It will be a fine
+opportunity to drink a pint of wine at the _Swan_; that cannot be closed
+yet, for gamblers do not keep early hours. Only one pint in passing! not
+more, for if my reason became clouded, I cannot answer for the
+consequences; but there is no need to fear that, for my life is at stake.
+I will return in half an hour."
+
+He extinguished the lamp, and hastily traversed the garden.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+SIMON TURCHI'S ALARM--CRIME BEGETS CRIME.
+
+
+Some time after the hour of Change, Simon Turchi had returned home, and
+was apparently preparing to go out again, for he had changed his doublet
+for one of a darker color, and his cloak lay on a chair beside him.
+
+The signor was in high spirits; he carried his head proudly, a radiant
+smile illumined his countenance, and from time to time he rubbed his hands
+with an air of triumph. Julio had left for Germany! Nothing could have
+prevented his departure, for he had not been seen in the city. Simon
+Turchi has therefore no cause for fear, for if, contrary to expectation,
+his garden be searched and the corpse of Geronimo be discovered, the
+murder could easily be fastened upon Julio.
+
+Already, by vague remarks to his servants and acquaintances, Turchi had
+prepared the way for making the accusation in case of necessity. He had
+exhibited great anxiety at Julio's absence the night before and during
+that day. He said that he had sharply reproved his servant for his
+dissipated habits and his neglect of duty. Julio had left him in evident
+anger.
+
+The servants, who could not comprehend their master's anxiety, thought
+that he might be in some tavern, drowning his feelings with drink and
+awaiting the night to return home. To this Turchi answered that he had
+remarked for some time Julio's strange manner, that he seemed so
+absent-minded, was often heard to sigh and weep--in a word, something
+weighty appeared pressing on his conscience.
+
+Early in the morning he sent Bernardo to the pavilion to see if Julio were
+there. Bernardo reported that there was no evidence of his having been
+there, except two empty bottles upon a table. Simon pretended that he had
+the bottles placed in the room, and Bernardo thought no more of the
+affair.
+
+Simon Turchi would have satisfied himself by personal examination if Julio
+had thoroughly performed his work before his departure, but he feared to
+excite attention by his appearance in that direction; or, perhaps, he
+might even be obliged to assist at the search of his garden, should the
+bailiff refuse to exempt it. He determined to go to the cellar at
+nightfall, when the search must be interrupted, to examine the
+arrangements made by Julio. When therefore twilight was commencing to
+replace the glare of day, and Simon was certain of not meeting the
+officers of the law, he threw his cloak around his shoulders, turned with
+a light step and joyous heart the corner of the street, and took the
+direction to the square of Meir.
+
+He had gone but a short distance, when he met Messire John Van
+Schoonhoven.
+
+A smile lighted up Turchi's countenance. He was delighted to be
+accidentally brought into the bailiff's company, as he would thus learn
+the result of the researches already made.
+
+After a polite salutation, Messire Van Schoonhoven said:
+
+"I am happy to meet you. I was on my way to your house."
+
+"To my house?" said Turchi. "Have you news of my friend?"
+
+"No, signor; I wish to see you concerning an affair which, although not
+serious, necessitates a conversation with you. I would have spoken to you
+on this subject this evening when at Mr. Van de Werve's, but the place was
+inappropriate to such discussions."
+
+"Return then with me," stammered Turchi, with ill-disguised anxiety.
+
+"Where were you going, signor?" said the bailiff.
+
+"I was going to take a walk along the Scheldt, in order to seek some
+diversion to the grief I feel for the disappearance of the unfortunate
+Geronimo."
+
+"What I have to say, signor, need not interfere with your walk. I will
+accompany you a part of the way and enjoy with you the evening breeze."
+
+The bailiff turned and walked by Turchi's side.
+
+Looking around, to assure himself that they were not overheard, Messire
+Van Schoonhoven said:
+
+"The affair in question would not require so many precautions were I not
+bailiff and you my friend. But in consequence of these two reasons, my
+mission becomes painful, and I must claim in advance your forbearance. You
+know that my agents are searching every house, building, and garden in the
+vicinity of the Hospital Grounds where Geronimo was last seen. The
+greatest part of this quarter has been carefully examined without any
+result."
+
+Simon Turchi perfectly understood the bailiff's design, and although his
+heart beat painfully, he mastered his emotion, and said in an indifferent
+tone:
+
+"And you think, Messire Van Schoonhoven, that my garden should be searched
+in like manner? It is very natural. No one is above the law--the knight
+and the peasant are there equal."
+
+"Believe me, signor, that the thought of so disrespectful a conduct
+towards an honorable nobleman, and that nobleman my friend for years,
+would never have occurred to me. But the search became a necessity without
+any fault of mine. The presence of at least twenty of my agents in that
+quarter attracted the curious. A crowd followed those engaged in the
+search, and when it was noticed that your summer-house was the only one
+exempted, the magistrates were openly accused of injustice. The people
+were told that this was done by my order; but so great was the commotion
+that the affair reached the ears of the burgomaster and the constables,
+and these gentlemen waited on me, urging me to visit your garden likewise,
+so as to remove all cause of complaint."
+
+"This explanation is wholly unnecessary, at least as far as regards
+myself," interrupted Simon Turchi. "I desire you to search my
+country-house as you do all the other dwellings in the vicinity."
+
+They were not far from the bridge of Meir, and they ceased speaking, as in
+so frequented a place they were in danger of being overheard. Farther on,
+Turchi said:
+
+"I acknowledge, however, that I am hurt and irritated by the disrespect
+and audacity of the populace. One might be tempted to suppose that they
+considered me capable of killing my best friend! My blood boils at the
+idea of such a suspicion!"
+
+Simon gladly availed himself of the opportunity thus offered of
+attributing to a just indignation the cruel anxiety which tortured him. He
+had anticipated the announcement just made him by the bailiff, and in
+consequence had taken suitable measures to screen himself in case of
+discovery; but now a terrible doubt as to the result of the search, and as
+to the confidence which might be reposed in his statements, arose in his
+mind. The least unforeseen accident, the slightest oversight in his
+arrangement, might be his ruin.
+
+"It is scandalous!" he exclaimed, shaking his fist. "To express publicly
+the opinion that a nobleman could so far degrade himself as to become a
+secret assassin! I will know who my insolent calumniators are, and I will
+then see if justice has power at Antwerp to protect an innocent stranger
+against the defamation of the people!"
+
+"Calm yourself, signor," said Messire Van Schoonhoven; "I comprehend your
+well-founded indignation; but you are mistaken if you think the
+perquisition ordered by the burgomaster and constables be, in your regard,
+aught but a condescension to the clamors of the multitude. As for myself,
+I beg you not to be displeased with me for accomplishing my duty."
+
+"You need offer no excuse, messire," said Simon, speaking more calmly. "It
+is but proper and natural to search my garden. I am irritated solely by
+the insolence of the people. Do your duty, and continue to honor me with a
+friendship of which I am proud, and of which I will always strive to be
+worthy."
+
+"When will it be convenient to you, Signor Turchi, to have the officers
+visit your house?" asked the bailiff.
+
+"The time is perfectly indifferent to me."
+
+"But appoint an hour; I would regret causing you any inconvenience or
+trouble."
+
+Simon Turchi reflected a moment, and said:
+
+"To-morrow morning urgent affairs demand my attention; come then about
+noon."
+
+"Suppose we say two o'clock?"
+
+"Very well; between two and three."
+
+"I will call for you to accompany me, signor. Do not be disturbed by this
+domiciliary visit; it implies no suspicion, but, as I said before, it is a
+simple condescension to the populace. Shall I have the honor of meeting
+you this evening at the house of Mr. Van de Werve?"
+
+"I do not know, messire. Mary's excessive grief affects me so much that it
+haunts me day and night. Would that I could offer the least consolation to
+the afflicted young girl! But of what use is it to mingle my tears with
+hers, when there is no ray of hope to illumine the darkness of her
+despair?"
+
+Messire Van Schoonhoven pressed Simon's hand.
+
+"Your sincere friendship for Geronimo does you honor, signor," he said.
+"Were he your own brother, you could not be more deeply grieved. And how
+great is your generosity! Geronimo was your friend, but he was at the same
+time an obstacle to the accomplishment of the dearest wish of your heart.
+Through affection for him you have sacrificed your fondest hopes of
+happiness. But the inexplicable disappearance of Geronimo spreads out
+before you a brighter future. Time will alleviate the bitterness of Mary's
+sorrow, and who so well as yourself, signor, could restore her to
+happiness--you who possess her father's confidence and esteem?"
+
+"Speak not of such things," said Simon. "I would gladly yield all the
+happiness the future might have in store for me to see my friend once more
+unharmed. But alas! alas!"
+
+"That does not prevent me, signor, from cherishing the hope that, if
+Geronimo is really dead, you may one day receive the reward of your
+sincere friendship and your magnanimous generosity. To-morrow at two
+o'clock! May God be with you, signor!"
+
+"And may He protect you, messire!"
+
+Simon Turchi watched him until he was lost to sight, and then glanced
+around in order to note the degree of darkness. He drew his cloak closely
+around him, and walked rapidly down a side street, which soon brought him
+before the gate of his own garden. Unlocking the door, he traversed the
+walk rendered almost invisible by the darkness.
+
+Beaching the house, he lighted a lamp and ascended the stairs to a room,
+which, in better times, he was accustomed to use as a bed-room, when
+occasionally he passed the night at the pavilion.
+
+Casting his cloak upon a chair, he seated himself near a table, evidently
+a prey to distracting thoughts. He drew a phial from his doublet, and
+fixed his eyes upon it. By degrees, however, the clouds seemed to pass
+from his mind. He replaced the phial in his doublet, and said, calmly:
+
+"Why am I so terrified? Did I not expect the search? Have not my
+precautions been well taken? What have I to fear? Julio is already at
+such a distance that he cannot be overtaken. If the corpse be found in the
+cellar, I will impute the crime to Julio. My explanation will be such that
+there will be no room for suspicion. But suppose it should be known! O
+torturing doubt! What a desperate game! Wealth, honor, power, and the hand
+of Mary Van de Werve, against my life and the honor of my family! Triumph
+and happiness on the one hand; disgrace and death on the scaffold on the
+other! Suppose I go to the bailiff, and accuse Julio of the murder? That
+would put me above suspicion. But no; the search will be superficial, mere
+matter of form for the sake of appearances. If Julio as arranged things
+properly, they will merely cast a glance into the cellar. My presence will
+be a restraint upon the officers, and will prevent them from pushing their
+search so far as to imply a suspicion. If they do not find the body, as is
+probable, the affair will forever remain secret, and I will have in future
+no cause for alarm. I must take courage and descend into the cellar, to
+see how Julio performed the task assigned him before his departure."
+
+He approached a large wardrobe, took from it a bottle, poured out a large
+glass of wine and drank it. Lighted by the lamp, he descended the
+staircase and approached the cellar; but before proceeding through the
+subterranean passage, he hesitated and stepped back:
+
+"Singular!" he said; "I am overpowered by fear! I recoil in terror before
+that dark cave, as though the dead could arise from the grave to take
+revenge. What! I had the courage to stab him while living, and yet I
+tremble upon approaching the spot where lie his inanimate remains! Away
+with this childish terror!"
+
+However bold his words, the Signor Turchi did not become calm, and his
+heart beat violently as he again slowly approached the entrance to the
+cellar. He hesitated an instant, as he looked down the long, dark passage,
+but was about to proceed, when a noise outside the building made him shake
+with fear.
+
+"What can it be? Am I not mistaken? Some one unlocks the garden-gate! Will
+I be found here? Am I betrayed?"
+
+After a moment of torturing doubt he fled from the cellar to his room, his
+hair bristling with terror.
+
+"They open the door of the house! They are within! They come! Great
+heavens! What can it mean?"
+
+A man appeared on the threshold of the room in which Simon Turchi had
+taken refuge.
+
+"Julio! it is Julio!" exclaimed Simon, in despair.
+
+The servant reeled under the influence of liquor. His cheeks were flushed,
+his eyes wandering, and while the smile upon his lips indicated a
+disagreeable surprise at the presence of his master, it also said plainly
+that he feared not Simon's anger. He held in his hand a small wheaten
+loaf, but he hid it hastily under his doublet as if unwilling for Turchi
+to see it.
+
+Casting upon him a look of fury, Simon Turchi sprang to his feet, clenched
+his fist, and exclaimed in a rage:
+
+"This is too much! Infamous traitor! cowardly rascal! whence do you come?
+Does hell itself bring you here for the destruction of both of us? Speak,
+base drunkard, and tell me why you are here! Quick, or I will stretch you
+dead at my feet. I thirst for your blood."
+
+Julio drew his knife from the scabbard and stammered, in a voice
+indistinct from intoxication:
+
+"Wait awhile, signor. Wine, good wine has dulled my senses. You want to
+kill me? It would be very fortunate for one of us to die here--the
+executioner would have less work. But which of us must first render our
+account before the supreme tribunal, my knife and your dagger will decide.
+I am ready."
+
+"Insolent wretch!" cried Turchi, grinding his teeth, "my own safety and
+yours compel me to a painful circumspection; but beware how you brave me!
+Tell me why you are not on your way to Germany."
+
+"You ask me something that I don't know myself. But let me see. Just as I
+was about to leave I went to the _Swan_, and drank a few pints of wine.
+This morning, when I awoke, I was seated before a table at the _Silver
+Dice_. How I came there, I cannot tell. It was then too late for me to
+pass the gate. I determined to wait until to-morrow, and I came here to
+take a night's rest before setting out on the journey."
+
+"And you played at dice?" said Turchi.
+
+"I think I did; for the rattling of the dice still sounds in my ears."
+
+"And the money? the two hundred crowns?"
+
+"Be quiet, signor, on that point. I ask you for nothing. What business is
+it of yours that I have spent or lost a few pieces of gold, provided I
+leave for Germany to-morrow at daybreak?"
+
+Simon Turchi was like one frenzied.
+
+"Yes," he exclaimed, "and at the first tavern you meet on the way you will
+drown your senses with drink, and you will squander my money."
+
+"Not so, signor; rely upon me--I will leave to-morrow morning at daybreak,
+and if I drink on the way it will only be to quench a burning thirst."
+
+Simon Turchi's eye shone with a sudden and mysterious light, excited by
+some secret thought. He became calm, and shrugging his shoulders, said
+quietly, as though he submitted with resignation to the contradictions
+which he could not avoid:
+
+"I ought, Julio, to punish your want of fidelity. If the bailiff had come
+here to-day, as I expected, your culpable neglect of duty would have
+placed us both in the hands of justice. Fortunately the visit will not be
+made before noon to-morrow. As your negligence has had no evil
+consequences, I fully pardon you, upon condition that you leave the city
+before sunrise, and that you travel without stopping until you reach the
+Rhine."
+
+"Never fear this time, signor," replied Julio. "I will pass the night
+here, and at early dawn I will be beyond the city gate. In the first
+village I will buy a horse, and I will make such speed that he who would
+catch me must needs have wings."
+
+He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, and said:
+
+"I am overpowered by fatigue and sleep. If you have no other directions to
+give, permit me, signor, to go to bed, that I may be ready for the
+morning."
+
+"Then I may rely upon you, Julio?"
+
+"Have no anxiety about my journey; the rising sun will not find me at
+Antwerp."
+
+"Are you certain?"
+
+"As certain as I am that a halter hangs over my head, and over yours
+something quite as disagreeable."
+
+This jest of his servant made Turchi convulsively contract his lips, but
+he restrained any expression of feeling, and arose, saying:
+
+"Julio, would you like a glass of good Malmsey?"
+
+"Ah, signor," replied the servant, "I was just thinking that a cup of
+Malmsey would relieve my parched throat, when, lo! my desire finds an echo
+in your heart."
+
+"One single glass--a parting bumper."
+
+"One or many, signor, as you wish--either will be welcome; but the
+excellent wine locked in the cupboard of your room will be particularly
+acceptable."
+
+"Well, Julio, come with me, and we will drink to the happy termination of
+your journey."
+
+He arose, traversed a passage, and ascended to the upper story. The
+servant followed him staggering, and trying to steady himself by the wall.
+
+Having reached his bed-room, Turchi drew a second chair to the table, and
+said:
+
+"Sit down, Julio; here is a bottle already opened. If I did not fear its
+effects, we would empty it in honor of your departure."
+
+Julio sat down, and held the bottle before the lamp.
+
+"Bah!" he exclaimed, "it only contains about four glasses. You need not
+trouble yourself about that quantity."
+
+Signor Turchi took two large glasses from the cupboard, placed them on the
+table, and filled their to the brim.
+
+"A pleasant journey to you, Julio," he said, "and may you arrive safely at
+your destination."
+
+They both emptied their glasses at one draught, but the servant pushed his
+glass to his master, saying:
+
+"Oh, the divine liquor! it is a cooling balm to my burning throat. One
+more glass, signor, I beg you."
+
+Simon filled the glasses again, and said:
+
+"Yes, but on condition that you wait awhile before drinking it."
+
+Hoping that his obedience might procure him a third glass, Julio resisted
+the temptation to gratify himself at once.
+
+In the meantime, Turchi contemplated his servant with a peculiar
+expression. There was a malicious sparkle in his eye, and a smile of
+triumph on his lips. He evidently had some purpose in thus watching Julio;
+but what could be his secret design?
+
+At last he pretended that he was about to take the wine, but by a quick
+movement he upset it.
+
+With an exclamation of impatience he raised the glass, and said:
+
+"It is a sin to spill such wine. Now I have no more in which to drink your
+health. Get another bottle, Julio, from the cupboard; it is perhaps the
+last time that we shall drink together. On the third shelf, the bottle
+with the long neck."
+
+Julio arose with difficulty from his chair, and staggered to the cupboard.
+
+Simon Turchi thrust his hand in his doublet, and drew out a very small
+phial. He hastily poured nearly the whole contents into Julio's glass, and
+immediately concealed the phial; and although he trembled in every limb,
+he said, calmly:
+
+"A little higher, Julio--to the left; that is the right bottle."
+
+The servant brought the bottle to his master, who uncorked it; but as he
+was about to pour out the wine, he said:
+
+"Empty your glass, Julio; this is a different wine, and the mixture would
+spoil both."
+
+Julio drank the wine, but no sooner had he swallowed it than he exclaimed:
+
+"What was in my glass? It had a strange, bitter taste. Did you put poison
+in it?"
+
+"What a silly idea!" said Turchi, turning pale.
+
+"You are capable of such a deed, signor."
+
+"The lees gave the bad taste, Julio. Take another glass, and it will pass
+away."
+
+Emptying his glass again, Julio said:
+
+"You are right; it is gone. I never tasted anything in my life more
+disagreeable."
+
+Turchi watched his servant narrowly. With assumed carelessness he said:
+
+"Take care, Julio, to be up by daybreak. Go on foot to the village of
+Lierre; buy a good horse there, and make all possible haste to reach
+Diest; that is the shortest route, and you will be more likely to escape
+notice than on the highway. Once in Cologne, you are out of danger; but be
+careful not to remain there. Merchants from Antwerp frequently visit that
+city; you might possibly be recognized and arrested. You must leave the
+territories of the emperor. When the affair is forgotten, and when by my
+marriage with Miss Van de Werve I will have acquired a considerable
+fortune, I will send for you, and you will live with me as a friend rather
+than a servant. You shall spend your days in pleasure, and you will never
+have cause to regret what you have done for me. But, Julio, you do not
+answer? Is not such a fate desirable?"
+
+"I am overpowered by sleep," stammered Julio, almost unintelligibly.
+
+A triumphant smile flitted across Turchi's face.
+
+"To-morrow at two o'clock," he continued, "the officers of justice will
+make a domiciliary visit here, but the bailiff will permit no search which
+intimates a suspicion. Since you have filled the cellar with fire-wood and
+empty casks, the bailiff will be satisfied that all is right. Perhaps,
+Julio, I may be able to recall you in two or three months."
+
+Julio's head had fallen upon the table, but from time to time he started
+and muttered some indistinct words, showing that he was not in a deep
+sleep. Without once removing his eye from him, Simon continued to speak,
+although he was convinced that Julio no longer heard his words.
+
+Suddenly Julio groaned. His head and limbs fell as though he had been
+struck by death; but the heaving of the chest and the deep scarlet of the
+cheeks proved that he was in a heavy sleep.
+
+Simon quietly contemplated him for a while longer with a smile of
+satisfaction. Then he arose, approached his servant, shook him violently,
+and cried out:
+
+"Julio, Julio, wake up!"
+
+Julio did not stir.
+
+"It succeeds according to my wishes," he said. "The poison is doing its
+work. He is deaf and insensible; he reposes in an eternal sleep. Life will
+be extinguished by degrees until sleep makes way for death. But I must not
+tarry. I must act quickly and forget nothing. And first the money!"
+
+He searched Julio's pocket, and found in it one hundred and twenty crowns.
+After counting them on the table, he exclaimed:
+
+"Eighty crowns spent already! It is impossible. He has either lost them at
+the gaming-table, or been robbed while he was sleeping in the tavern."
+
+Still doubtful, he examined his garments, and found in a purse under his
+girdle the twenty crowns which he had destined for his mother.
+
+"Ah, ah!" said Simon, laughing; "I had not all; I hear the sound of gold."
+
+He put the twenty crowns with the rest of the money, and having satisfied
+himself that no more remained on the person of Julio, he was about to
+transfer the crowns to his pocket, when a sudden idea occurred to his
+mind.
+
+"If I leave all this money on his person, they might think he had been
+paid to commit the deed; if I leave nothing, there will be no reason to
+conclude that he killed the Signor Geronimo to rob him. I wonder how much
+money Geronimo generally carried about him. I should suppose five or six
+crowns, or perhaps ten. I will leave six crowns and all the small change.
+And the keys? He must keep them, or, of course, he could not have entered
+without my knowledge. But should he be roused to consciousness by the
+death-agony, he might have sufficient strength to get out. I will leave
+him all the keys but that of the outer building. Iron bars render the
+place secure; he could not even enter the garden. Now I will put the phial
+in his doublet--no, in the pocket of his girdle; it will be as easily
+found. I will remove the bottles and everything which could indicate the
+presence of two persons."
+
+He locked up the bottles and glasses, arranged the chairs, and wiped up
+the wine which had been spilled on the table and the floor.
+
+While thus engaged, he muttered to himself:
+
+"I must not remain longer. I myself must go to the bailiff and accuse
+Julio of the murder. Shall I go this evening? No; they might come and find
+him alive, and a powerful antidote might perhaps rouse him from sleep.
+To-morrow, then--to-morrow morning. But how shall I explain the affair?
+When and how did he reveal his crime? Night will suggest a means. All is
+done. I will go home and appear calm and cheerful."
+
+He threw his cloak around his shoulders, took the lamp from the table, and
+walked to the door. There he stopped for a moment to contemplate his
+victim and precipitately descended the staircase. At the foot of the steps
+he extinguished the light, traversed the garden, opened the gate, and
+disappeared in the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FOOD AT LAST--DEATH OF JULIO.
+
+
+When Julio left the cellar for the purpose of procuring bread, Geronimo
+cast himself on his knees, full of gratitude to God, to return thanks for
+the unexpected deliverance.
+
+Julio had said "soon," but an hour passed, then another, then many more,
+and he came not.
+
+A painful doubt began to take possession of Geronimo's mind. Had an
+accident happened to Julio? Had he perhaps cruelly abandoned his victim?
+Had he set out for Germany with the certainty that hunger would kill him
+whom the dagger had spared?
+
+The unfortunate cavalier had no means of measuring the flight of time.
+What in the immutable darkness of his prison seemed to him a century,
+might in reality be only a few hours, and the promised bread would soon
+appear to his eyes as the star of safety--in a quarter of an hour, in a
+minute--that very instant.
+
+By such reflections Geronimo sought to endure patiently the pangs of
+hunger. He put his ear to the keyhole and ceased breathing that he might
+catch the slightest sound. Alas! hour after hour passed in unbroken
+silence. Although Geronimo knew not whether it was day or night, his
+increasing sufferings were to him a sure indication of the passage of
+time. For a while he encouraged himself by the thought that Julio would
+not bring him the promised bread until dawn, and that he would give him at
+the same time food and liberty.
+
+This hope by degrees diminished, and at last vanished entirely. The
+suffering young man could not longer deceive either his body or his mind;
+it became evident to him that the hour which he had hoped would restore
+him to freedom had long passed.
+
+He had been abandoned--devoted to a cruel martyrdom, a frightful death! He
+was then to die in the midst of the torments of hunger--to die slowly in
+indescribable suffering, and fall into the yawning grave prepared for him!
+
+Struck with terror by the conviction thus forced upon him, the unfortunate
+cavalier arose despairingly and ran panting and crying around the cellar,
+as though he could thus escape the death which menaced him.
+
+The pain of his wounds was increased by this violent and feverish
+agitation. His breast heaved under his difficult respiration, but the
+gnawing hunger which agonized him made these sufferings seem light.
+Falling to the ground from exhaustion, he commenced, as soon as he had
+gained a little strength, his struggle against the tortures of hungry. At
+times his despair was cheered by the thought that even yet Julio might
+come. But Julio was plunged by the influence of poison into a mortal
+sleep, and in all probability would appear before Geronimo at the
+judgment-seat of God.
+
+Hoping against hope, the young man seated himself on the ground. The
+violence of his sufferings seemed to abate and leave him at rest for a few
+moments. His thoughts wandered to all he loved upon earth, but the respite
+was of short duration. Soon the agony he endured drew from him piercing
+cries. During his long martyrdom no torment had equalled the present. It
+seemed as though he were being devoured by flames, or as if molten lead
+were coursing through his veins.
+
+He writhed in convulsions, beat his breast, and in heart-rending accents
+called upon God for help. But nothing relieved his horrible sufferings.
+
+He filled the air with his groans and screams, he beat the door with blind
+fury, tore the flesh from his fingers in his useless efforts to make an
+opening in his prison-walls, and ran from side to side as though the pangs
+of hunger had driven him mad.
+
+At last, exhausted and convinced that there was no escape, that he must
+soon enter into his last agony, he threw himself upon the ground, bowed
+his head and joined his hands in prayer, begging for resignation to meet
+the death which would end his cruel martyrdom. His mind now appeared
+clear, and he was perfectly conscious, for after a while he shed a torrent
+of tears. His lips moved, giving utterance to confused sounds, but by
+degrees his words became more distinct, and fixing his eye in the darkness
+on the spot where he knew the grave had been dug, he said:
+
+"No more hope! All is over. I must die! The grave yawns to receive me.
+Alas! what a place for my mortal remains! Forgotten, unknown, concealed by
+the darkness of a horrible crime! Not a tear will fall upon the tomb of
+the unfortunate victim; not a cross will mark the spot where I lie; not a
+prayer will be whispered over my body! Death approaches. Ah! I must not
+thus cling to life; I will pray and lift my hands in supplication to God.
+He alone--"
+
+He stopped under the influence of a sudden emotion.
+
+"Heavens! did I not hear a noise?"
+
+He listened breathlessly for a time to catch the indistinct sound he
+thought he had heard; but he was mistaken.
+
+"Why should I hope, when hope is no longer possible? Let me rather seek
+strength in the consideration of the better life which awaits me. The
+death I endure will purify me from all my sins. If God, in His
+impenetrable designs, has appointed this to be my earthly fate, He will,
+in His mercy, take into account before his judgment-seat what I have
+innocently suffered here below. Consoling hope, which, encourages me to
+look with confidence into eternity!
+
+"And yet my life was so happy! Everything in the world smiled upon me; my
+path was strewn with roses; the future spread out before me like a
+cloudless sky resplendent with stars. God had not only given me health,
+fortune, and peace of heart, but also the hope of uniting my fate with
+that of a lovely young girl. Mary Van de Werve! the incarnation of all
+that men admire and heaven loves: virtue, piety, modesty, charity, beauty,
+love! Alas! alas! must I leave all that? Must I say a last adieu, renounce
+my hopes, and never see her again? Die and sleep forever in an unknown
+tomb, while she lives!"
+
+A cry of anguish escaped him. But it was caused rather by his train of
+thought than by the adieu he had just spoken, for he added, in a suppliant
+voice:
+
+"Pardon, O Lord, pardon! Thy creature clings to life; but be not angry
+with the weakness of my nature. Should I die by the terrible death of
+starvation, I humbly accept Thy holy will, and I bless Thy hand which
+deals the blow! God of mercy, grant that I may find grace with Thee!"
+
+Calmed by this invocation, he resumed, with less emotion and in a tone
+which proved that his soul had received consolation:
+
+"And if I be permitted in my last hour to offer to Thee my supplications,
+I pray Thee, O God of mercy, to spare my uncle, and let not my misfortune
+deprive him also of life. He was my father and benefactor; he taught me to
+live in the fear of Thy holy name. By the cruel sufferings which I endure,
+by my terrible death, have pity on him! Let Thy angels also guard and
+protect the pious and pure young girl who is before Thee as an immaculate
+dove! Jesus, Saviour of mankind, on the cross you prayed to your heavenly
+Father for those who crucified Thee. Demand not an account of my blood
+from my enemy. Pardon him, lead him back to the path of virtue, and after
+death grant him eternal rest! My strength fails; the sweat of death is on
+my brow. O my God! in this, my last hour, grant me the grace to die with
+Thy love alone in my heart, and Thy holy name alone upon my lips!"
+
+The last words of this prayer had scarcely fallen from his lips, when he
+cried aloud, arose trembling, and eagerly fixed his eyes upon the opposite
+wall, upon which a faint streak of light flickered.
+
+"O my God! what means this?" he exclaimed. "Light? light? a voice? Is some
+one coming? Is there still hope? I shall not die! Cruel dream! Frightful
+illusion! But no, it is indeed a light; it becomes brighter. I hear a
+human voice. Alas! this suspense is worse than death!"
+
+Tottering from weakness, and supporting himself by the sides of the wall,
+he gained the door, and trembling between hope and fear, he put his eye to
+the keyhole in order to discover who was approaching his person.
+
+He saw in the distance a man with a lamp in his hand; but his gestures
+were so strange, and his countenance so singular, that he was at a loss to
+know whether it were a human being, or only a creation of his own
+disordered brain.
+
+Still he heard confused sounds in the passage; a voice seemed to complain,
+curse, and call for aid.
+
+By degrees the mysterious apparition drew nearer, and Geronimo recognized
+the servant of Simon Turchi; but why was Julio writhing in such horrible
+convulsions? Why was his face so horribly contorted? Why did he threaten
+and rage in such harsh accents?
+
+A horrible conviction forced itself upon Geronimo's mind. Julio had sought
+in drink the courage necessary to accomplish the work which fate exacted
+of him. He had thus drowned his senses, and had come now to slay his
+victim without mercy.
+
+The thought for the moment roused his fears; but he remembered that he had
+just offered to God his life in expiation of his sins. He retired to the
+other side of the cellar, knelt by the side of the grave, and with a smile
+upon his lips and his eyes lifted to heaven, he calmly awaited the fatal
+blow.
+
+He heard Julio trying to insert the key in the lock as if his hand were
+unsteady. He noticed that there was no finger in his tone of voice; on the
+contrary, the cries which escaped him were rather those of alarm and
+distress; but before he had time for reflection the door opened.
+
+Julio put down the lamp as if his strength had entirely failed him, and
+fell upon the ground, exclaiming in a supplicating voice:
+
+"O signor, help, help! I am poisoned! A burning fire consumes me! Take
+pity on me! For the love of God, deliver me from this torture!"
+
+"Poisoned!" exclaimed Geronimo, hastening to Julio. "What has happened to
+you? The mark of death is on your face!"
+
+"Simon Turchi gave me last night poisoned wine, in order to destroy the
+witness who could prove your death by his hand. He made me pay Bufferio to
+assassinate you. He wishes to marry Mary Van de Werve, and he desires to
+remove any cause of fear that his happiness may be disturbed. Ah! the
+poison consumes me!"
+
+"Tell me, Julio, what I can do for your relief."
+
+Saying this, he knelt by Julio, and threw open his doublet to give him
+air:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, O my God! here is bread!" exclaimed Geronimo, almost wild
+with joy, and snatching with feverish haste the small loaf which Julio had
+concealed, and which he had entirely forgotten since his fatal stupor.
+
+The young man, absorbed in satisfying his devouring hunger, no longer
+heeded Julio's complaints, but having soon appeased its cravings, he took
+his hands, saying:
+
+"I bless you, Julio, and may the omnipotent God reward you in heaven. Tell
+me what I can do to save you. Set me at liberty, and I will fly for
+physician and priest. The keys--quick, the keys!"
+
+"Alas!" said Julio, in a hopeless voice, "my cruel murderer took from me
+the keys of the door. We are shut up in the building. But I cannot die
+thus, consumed by poison, without confession, without hope of pardon for
+my soul! Go up-stairs, signor, call aloud, break open the door, wrest the
+iron bars from the windows. Collect all your strength, take pity on me and
+help me!"
+
+Geronimo seized the keys, and, lighted by the lamp, he hastily traversed
+the subterranean passage, and mounted the staircase.
+
+The gray dawn was appearing in the east, but to the eyes of the young man
+so long accustomed to utter darkness it was almost as bright as noonday.
+
+Convinced that Julio's condition demanded immediate aid, Geronimo hastily
+tried all the keys in the exterior door, pulled all the bolts, endeavored
+to wrench the door from the hinges, and worked with so much energy that at
+last he fell from weakness.
+
+Taking a short rest, he arose, threw up the windows, shook the iron bars,
+ran up-stairs and called aloud for help. But all his efforts were
+useless--the pavilion was too far removed from any habitation to permit
+him to indulge the hope that his voice, weak as it was, could be heard.
+
+In running through the building--almost maddened by despair--to seek an
+outlet, he entered the kitchen, where he perceived a vessel full of water.
+The sight filled him with joy. Perhaps water, taken in large quantities,
+might deaden the effects of the poison and save Julio's life. At any rate,
+he had no other remedy, and as it was his only hope, he grasped at it as
+if it were an inspiration from heaven.
+
+Filling a pitcher, he ran with it to the cellar, and radiant with joy,
+approached Julio, who had barely strength to ask in a feeble voice:
+
+"Is the priest coming? Will the doctor be here? Ah! it is too late!"
+
+"Drink," said Geronimo, holding the pitcher to his lips; "the water will
+cool the inflammation and refresh you."
+
+Julio took the water.
+
+"Thank you, signor; it is useless, the water does me no good."
+
+"Take more, I beg you, Julio,--as much as you can."
+
+Julio obeyed mechanically and nearly emptied the pitcher. His respiration
+became very labored, and the sweat ran in big drops from his brow.
+
+"Do you feel better, Julio?" asked the young man.
+
+"A little better; the heat is not so burning."
+
+"There is still hope!" exclaimed Geronimo, joyfully. "Take courage, Julio;
+have confidence in the mercy of God. When all human aid fails us, then God
+gives his omnipotent assistance."
+
+"But," said Julio, "my heart beats so feebly, my limbs are benumbed.
+Signor, I am dying. The poison is killing me."
+
+"Die? Julio! You have delivered me from death, and shall I be powerless to
+save you? What shall I do? O my God, what can I try?"
+
+"Think no more of it, signor," said the dying man. "I feel that there is
+no hope. Alas! I was partly the cause of your bitter sufferings: I pushed
+you into the chair; I intended to kill you, the deliverer of my blind
+mother! Take pity on me! Let not your just malediction follow my poor soul
+into eternity. Pardon me, signor, pardon!"
+
+"Speak not thus, Julio. But for you, that yawning grave would now cover my
+corpse. Shall I refuse pardon to you who spared my life? No; I will pray
+for you, I will give alms for the repose of your soul. Have confidence in
+the goodness of God."
+
+"Confidence?" said Julio, in a dying voice. "I shudder to think of the
+judgment which awaits me. In this, my death agony, I see with frightful
+clearness. I dare not hope in God's mercy. I have done nothing to merit
+it. A dark veil is before my eyes."
+
+The death-rattle was in his throat.
+
+Geronimo passed his arm around his neck and raised his head, and seeing
+Julio's eyes fixed upon him, he said, tenderly and fervently:
+
+"Julio, listen to me! You say you dare not hope in the mercy of God' Have
+you forgotten that Jesus Christ shed his blood to redeem fallen man? Do
+you not know that there is joy before the angels when a sinner, by sincere
+repentance, escapes the eternal enemy of man and enters triumphant into
+heaven? You repent, do you not? You sincerely repent?"
+
+Julio bowed affirmatively.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Geronimo, "if I cannot save your body from death, at least
+let me keep your soul from eternal torments. Oh! if I could thus repay the
+debt of gratitude I owe you! Julio, were God to prolong your life, would
+you renounce evil and return courageously and sincerely to the path of
+duty and virtue? You say yes? You implore God's mercy, do you not? You
+have confidence in the inexhaustible treasure of his goodness? Then,
+Julio, raise your dying eyes to heaven, direct your last thoughts to Him
+who is the source of all mercy, and with full confidence let your soul
+wing its flight to the supreme tribunal. Already from the highest heaven
+God absolves the repentant sinner!"
+
+A triumphant hope illumined the countenance of Julio as he endeavored to
+raise his eyes to heaven.
+
+"Saved--his soul is saved!" exclaimed Geronimo, transported with a pious
+joy.
+
+A slight convulsion passed over the limbs of Julio, his muscles became
+paralyzed, his head fell heavily on Geronimo's shoulder, and drawing his
+last breath, he murmured, almost unintelligibly:
+
+"Mercy! O my God!"
+
+"He is dead!" said Geronimo. "May thy soul receive my fraternal embrace in
+its passage to eternity! May this mark of reconciliation weigh in the
+balance of eternal justice!"
+
+He bent over the dead; but as if contact with the corpse had deprived him
+of his little remaining strength, he fell as it were lifeless. Not a limb
+moved, his arms dropped motionless, his eyes closed, it seemed that his
+soul had also taken its flight to heaven to accompany the soul of Julio
+before God's judgment seat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+IS IT HIS GHOST?--THE GUILTY EXPOSED.
+
+
+It was scarcely eight o'clock in the morning when Signor Deodati was on
+his way to the residence of Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+The old merchant was walking very slowly, with his eyes cast down. From
+time to time he shook his head, as if disturbed by painful thoughts. His
+countenance expressed dissatisfaction rather than sorrow; indeed, it might
+even be said to indicate angry and bitter feelings.
+
+The servant who opened the door ushered him into a parlor and went to call
+his master. Deodati threw himself into a chair, covered his face with his
+hands, and was so absorbed in thought that he was not aware of Mr. Van de
+Werve's entrance.
+
+"Good morning, signor," said the Flemish noble, saluting him. "Your early
+visit encourages me to hope that you have news of our poor Geronimo."
+
+"Bad news, Mr. Van de Werve, bad news," said the old man, with tearful
+eyes. "Sit down near me, for I have not power to raise my voice."
+
+"I notice, signor, that you are very pale. Are you ill?"
+
+"My emotion has its origin in something worse than illness. Day before
+yesterday Signor Turchi asserted in your presence that Geronimo had lost a
+considerable sum at play, and that he had fled the country to escape my
+just indignation. Great as was my confidence in Turchi, I could not credit
+the truth of this revelation. I determined to seek in my nephew's accounts
+the marks of his ingratitude, or rather the proofs of his innocence. I
+passed a portion of the night in calculating over and over again; for the
+invariable result was so frightful that my mind and heart refused to
+accept the evidence of my senses. The sum lost in gambling by my nephew is
+incredible."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, "then the Signor Turchi was not
+mistaken in his suspicions?"
+
+"Ten thousand crowns!" said Deodati sighing.
+
+"Ten thousand crowns!" replied Mr. Van de Werve. "Impossible! That is a
+fortune of itself."
+
+"And yet it is true. There is a deficit of ten thousand crowns in the
+money vault of the house, and there are exactly ten thousand crowns
+unaccounted for on the books. Not a line, not a mark refers in any manner
+to the employment or destination of this sum. Evidently it must have been
+used otherwise than in the business transactions of the house, and as
+Geronimo himself told the Signor Turchi that he had lost a considerable
+amount at play, I am forced in spite of myself to admit the painful truth.
+Ten thousand crowns! Can neither virtue nor fidelity be found upon earth?
+A child whom I treated as my own son, whom I loved with blind affection,
+and over whose welfare I would have watched as long as I lived. And this
+is the return for all my love! Ah! signor, this ingratitude is like a
+dagger in my heart."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve gazed abstractedly as if in deep thought. Then he said,
+seriously:
+
+"You are truly unhappy, signor, and I commiserate your sorrow. How can it
+be possible? All is deceit and perfidy. Geronimo seemed the soul of virtue
+and loyalty; he lived with so much economy and conducted himself so
+honorably, that to those who knew him not he might have appeared either a
+poor man or a precocious miser. And this tranquil, modest, prudent young
+man loses at the gaming-table ten thousand crowns, the property of his
+benefactor! His laudable course of conduct was but a base hypocrisy!"
+
+"And nevertheless," murmured the old Deodati, "my unfortunate nephew had a
+pure and loving heart! Might not his blindness have been the effect of one
+solitary and momentary error? Perhaps so. Man sometimes meets fatal
+temptations which attract him irresistibly, but to which he yields only
+once in his life."
+
+"Why then did he fly, and thus acknowledge his guilt? No, signor, no
+excuse can palliate such misdeeds. I burn with indignation at the thought
+that such signal favors have met with such cold and base ingratitude. The
+idea of your affliction restrains me from speaking of the outrage done my
+daughter. Fortunately, the reputation and social position of my family is
+such as to screen it from the consequences of such an act. But, signor, I
+hope you will agree with me that there can no longer be a question of an
+alliance between my daughter and your nephew. He may return and obtain
+your pardon, but that will not change my determination. From this day
+forward the Signor Geronimo is as a stranger whom we have never known."
+
+Deodati regarded the irritated nobleman with tearful eyes, and seemed to
+deprecate the inflexible decree.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve took his hand, and said in a calmer manner:
+
+"Be reasonable, signor, and do not let yourself be blinded by affection.
+What a dishonor to my name, were I to permit a man with so tarnished a
+reputation to enter my family! Could I confide the happiness of my good
+and noble child to one who was not withdrawn from a culpable love of play
+by life-long benefits? Could I accept as my son a man whom I could not
+esteem, whom on the contrary I would despise for his ingratitude to you?
+Acknowledge with me that such a union is impossible, and let us talk no
+more of it. Be still my friend, however, as long as you remain at
+Antwerp."
+
+The merchant shook his head, and after a few moments' silence, he replied:
+
+"Alas! I ought to admit that there is no hope of realizing this honorable
+alliance. What happiness Geronimo has staked on the cast of a die! I thank
+you, Mr. Van de Werve, for your proffered friendship, but I shall not
+remain at Antwerp. To-day I shall beg Signor Turchi to settle up the
+affairs of the house in this city. Now that I have no one in the world to
+care for, none for whom to work and amass money, I shall retire from
+commerce. I have ordered the _Il Salvatore_ to be provisioned, and I shall
+set sail by the first favorable wind."
+
+"You are right, signor. By returning to your own beautiful country, you
+will the sooner forget this misfortune."
+
+"God knows when I will revisit my country!" replied the old man.
+
+"Are you not going to Italy?" demanded Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"No, sir; but to England."
+
+"In search of your nephew? Signor Turchi led us to suppose that he had
+sought refuge in that island. I admire your unbounded love for a man so
+little deserving of it; but, signor, you require rest. Follow my advice:
+go to Italy, and do not shorten your life by the sorrows which may await
+you in England."
+
+"The advice is no doubt good," replied Deodati; "but I cannot follow it.
+However guilty he may be, Geronimo is the only son of my deceased brother,
+whom I promised on his death-bed to watch over his child as if he were my
+own. Were I to abandon Geronimo entirely, he might be pushed by want and
+misery into the path of vice, perhaps of infamy. I will fulfil my duty to
+the last. If I love him less than formerly, at least I will save him from
+utter ruin."
+
+"What generosity!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, in admiration. "You travel
+about in search of your nephew; you endanger your health. I foresee that
+he has but to speak to obtain pardon. And this great sacrifice, this
+magnanimous affection meets with such a return! It is frightful!"
+
+"No, sir," replied Deodati, "I will not pardon Geronimo. He will never be
+the same to me. Should I find him, or should he return to me, I will give
+him an income sufficient to keep him from want; that being done, I shall
+renounce the world and retire into a cloister, to await there in solitude
+and peace the time when it may please God to call me to himself."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve heard the street-door open, and said eagerly to the old
+merchant:
+
+"Signor, my daughter is at church and may return at any moment. I beg you
+not to speak of these things in her presence. Since the disappearance of
+Geronimo, she does nothing but weep and pray; no consideration alleviates
+her sorrow, nothing consoles her. If she were suddenly to lose all hope,
+it might cause her death. Heavens! Signor Turchi, what has happened to
+him?"
+
+He arose hastily and regarded in astonishment Simon Turchi, who entered
+and attempted to speak, but the words seemed to die upon his lips; for he
+stood trembling in the centre of the room, uttering unintelligible sounds.
+He was pale as death.
+
+Deodati arose also, and looked inquiringly at Turchi.
+
+The latter said, hurriedly:
+
+"I went to the house of the bailiff; he was not at home. He has been sent
+for, and he will be here immediately with his officers to accompany me to
+my garden. Oh! I have terrible news to communicate; but my mind wanders, I
+am losing my senses. I can tell nothing, particularly to you, Signor
+Deodati. Unhappy old man! Why did God reserve such a trial for your old
+age?"
+
+"Another misfortune? Speak, Simon, speak," said Deodati, in suppliant
+tones, and trembling from anxiety.
+
+Turchi fell, as if from exhaustion, upon a chair, and said, in a voice
+broken by sobs:
+
+"No, signor, ask me nothing; I could not break your heart by such stunning
+tidings. Alas! alas! who anticipated such a misfortune? My unhappy friend!
+my poor Geronimo!"
+
+A torrent of tears fell from his eyes, and while Deodati and Mr. Van de
+Werve begged him to tell the cause of big extraordinary emotion, he
+stammered:
+
+"Oh! let me be silent; despair tortures my heart. I can tell no one but
+the bailiff; he will soon be here. If I could but doubt! But no, it is too
+true; there is no more hope! May the God of mercy receive his poor soul
+into heaven!"
+
+"Of whom do you speak?" exclaimed Deodati. "His soul? Whose soul?
+Geronimo's?"
+
+Steps were heard in the vestibule. Simon Turchi went to the door, and
+said:
+
+"Here is the bailiff! He will know the secret which is breaking my heart."
+
+The bailiff entered the room, looked around in surprise, and at last said
+to Simon Turchi, who continued to talk confusedly:
+
+"You have sent for me in all haste, in order to make a terrible
+revelation; I am here with my officers. Have you discovered Geronimo's
+assassins? Speak, Simon, and tell us what you know."
+
+"So horrible is this secret, messire, that my tongue refuses to tell it.
+Ah! if I could forever--"
+
+"Calm yourself, signor," said the bailiff, with perfect self-possession.
+"What have you learned?"
+
+"But--but I must be alone with you. The news I have to communicate must
+not be revealed before Signor Deodati."
+
+The old man said, with tearful eyes:
+
+"You are cruel, Signor Simon! What could you say more terrible? You speak
+of Geronimo's soul; you announce his death, and yet you leave me in this
+horrible doubt. Speak, I conjure you."
+
+All that Simon Turchi had said was only a deception practised upon his
+auditors, in order to make them believe that grief had affected his mind,
+and to prepare the way for his revelation.
+
+At last he appeared to yield to necessity, and said:
+
+"God grant that the frightful news may not afflict you as it did me!
+Listen! you know that two days ago my servant Julio left my service
+because I severely reproved his irregularities. This disquieted me,
+because I had noticed that he was pursued by some secret remorse. Just
+now, hardly a half hour ago, I left my residence, and was going towards
+the Dominican church to pray for my poor friend. On the way I thought of
+my servant Julio, and feared that in his despair he might have taken his
+life. When I was near the bridge, I heard my own name timidly pronounced.
+I turned and saw Julio. I commenced to reproach him with his absence, but
+putting his finger on his lips, he whispered:
+
+"'Signor, I beg you to follow me; I have a secret to reveal to you.'
+
+"His manner and tone of voice were so peculiar that I accompanied him to a
+retired spot. His revelation caused me such intense grief that I could
+hardly stand, and I was obliged to support myself against the wall as I
+received the confession of the penitent assassin."
+
+A cry of horror escaped Deodati. Eager to hear the remainder, Mr. Van de
+Werve gazed fixedly upon the narrator. The bailiff was more calm--he
+listened attentively and nodded his head, as if he foresaw the conclusion
+of Turchi's narrative.
+
+"I hardly dare continue," he said. "My soul revolts--but I must disregard
+my feelings," and in a more tranquil manner, he resumed:
+
+"Shuddering with horror, I heard Julio say:
+
+"'Master, I have committed a frightful murder. Remorse pursues me as a
+malediction from God. I shall put an end to my guilty life. In an hour I
+shall be in eternal torments, but I wish the body of my victim to be
+buried in holy ground. Go to your pavilion. In the lowest cellar, at the
+extremity of the subterranean passage, you will find the corpse of Signor
+Geronimo buried.'"
+
+Tears fell fast from the eyes of Signor Deodati, and sobs convulsed his
+frame.
+
+Turchi continued:
+
+"'Signor Geronimo!' I exclaimed, in terror. 'Have you killed my poor
+friend?'
+
+"'Yes, I put to death Signor Geronimo. I needed money to spend at the
+taverns, and you would not give it to me. I killed him in order to get the
+money he might have about him. Adieu! This very day all will be over with
+me.' Before I had sufficiently recovered from the shock to think of
+seizing Julio, he had disappeared. Probably, to-day--"
+
+"Heavens!" exclaimed Simon Turchi, "I hear Miss Van de Werve."
+
+"For the love of God, not a word in her presence," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+Mary entered the room, looking around anxiously. She had seen the officers
+at the door, and she seemed to inquire of her father the cause of their
+presence.
+
+She remarked her father's pallor and embarrassment. Simon Turchi looked
+down, as if in despair. Deodati covered his face with his hands.
+
+A cry of anguish escaped the young girl, and she glanced in turns at her
+father, Deodati, Turchi, and the bailiff; but they each seemed anxious to
+avoid her eye.
+
+"Go to your room, Mary," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"Give me this proof of affection. Ask nothing."
+
+The young girl, struck by these evidences of some misfortune, ran to her
+father and exclaimed, joining her hands:
+
+"Speak, father, and tell me what has happened. Leave me not in this
+terrible suspense. Tell me that they have not found Geronimo's dead body.
+Alas! he is dead! Is it not so?"
+
+Throwing her arms around her father's neck, she wept bitterly, conjuring
+him to tell her the cause of their emotion.
+
+Without giving her any explanation, Mr. Van de Werve attempted to lead his
+daughter out of the room; but she, like one crazed by grief, released her
+hand from her father's, fell upon her knees before Turchi, and exclaimed:
+
+"By the love you bore him, signor, take pity on me and tell me what has
+happened to him. Let me not leave the room under the frightful conviction
+that he is dead!"
+
+Turchi remained silent, gazing upon her with an expression of profound
+sadness.
+
+"You, too, are implacable, inexorable!" she said, rising.
+
+"But you, at least--his uncle, his father--will be more merciful."
+
+She ran to the weeping merchant, gently forced his hands from his face,
+and conjured him, in piteous accents, to give her some information which
+would relieve the torturing suspense.
+
+The old Deodati, still weeping, threw his arms around her neck, and
+murmured:
+
+"God bless you, my child, for your love. Let us pray for him!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve had left the room to call Petronilla. He returned with
+her, and said to his daughter:
+
+"Mary, go with your duenna. You must not remain here longer."
+
+The young girl seemed not to hear her father's words, for she was
+immovable as if petrified by grief.
+
+He added, in an impatient, severe tone:
+
+"Mary, leave the room. I wish it; I command it. Obey me."
+
+She arose and walked slowly towards the door. Tears flowed down her
+cheeks; she supported her trembling limbs by leaning on the arm of her
+duenna. Mr. Van de Werve feared she would lose consciousness before
+reaching her own apartment.
+
+All, with the exception of the perfidious Turchi, were moved by compassion
+for the unhappy young girl.
+
+As the duenna opened the door to let her mistress pass out, strange sounds
+were heard in the vestibule.
+
+Mary started, and stepped back into the room, as though in presence of
+some apparition.
+
+"It is his ghost, his spirit," she exclaimed, "arisen from the grave to
+demand vengeance upon his murderers!"
+
+She gazed with intense emotion, then added, in accents of the wildest joy:
+
+"He smiles upon me; it is himself! He lives! It is Geronimo!"
+
+Pronouncing this cherished name, she fell insensible in the arms of her
+attendant, who, assisted by the bailiff, carried her to an armchair.
+
+Signor Geronimo entered. His face was as pale and fleshless as that of a
+skeleton. The wound he had received in his neck appeared like a large spot
+of clotted blood--his garments were disordered, soiled, and blood stained.
+He seemed really a spectre just arisen from the tomb.
+
+As soon as Turchi recognized his victim, he recoiled, uttering a cry of
+terror; and imagining that God had permitted a miracle in order to punish
+his crime, he extended his trembling hands to Geronimo, as if to implore
+pardon.
+
+The young man cast upon him a look of disgust and contempt, and exclaimed:
+
+"You here, assassin? Tremble, for the Supreme Judge will demand of you an
+account of my blood and of Julio's death."
+
+A murmur of surprise and terror ran through the room; all eyes were fixed
+on Simon Turchi, who seemed crushed by Geronimo's words.
+
+Having thus addressed Turchi, Geronimo rushed into his uncle's arms and
+embraced him in a transport of joy.
+
+"Oh, unexpected happiness!" he exclaimed. "It is permitted me to see my
+uncle again in this world! I know you have suffered; you have suffered as
+a father deprived of his only child! No more sorrow now. I will repay you
+for your tender affection; I will love you; I will show my gratitude; I
+will venerate you. Ah! bless the God of mercy, who has saved me from the
+fangs of that tiger thirsting for my blood! But Mary, where is Mary? Ah!
+there she is! My beloved friend, what has happened?"
+
+He ran to the insensible young girl, knelt before her, and endeavored to
+recall her to consciousness by every endearing epithet.
+
+In the meantime Mr. Van de Werve aided the duenna in her exertions to
+restore animation. Taking advantage of this, Simon Turchi walked towards
+the door with the intention of making his escape; but the bailiff
+discovering his design, drew his sword and placed himself in the doorway.
+
+Then Simon Turchi understood the fate awaiting him. He bowed his head and
+covered his face with his hands. He trembled in every limb, and his breast
+heaved with sighs of anguish. Every expectation of escape by flight, or by
+making an appeal for pardon, vanished as he beheld the indignant
+expression of the bailiff.
+
+Mary at last recovered from the faint into which she had fallen. She
+looked around her in surprise, as if ignorant of what had happened; but
+when Geronimo's voice fell in joyous accents on her ear, a bright smile
+irradiated her countenance, and she exclaimed:
+
+"It is not a dream! He lives! I see him once more! Geronimo! Geronimo!"
+
+The young noble was too overpowered to do more than call the name of his
+beloved.
+
+Only a few minutes had elapsed since Geronimo's entrance; all were too
+much moved to express their surprise in words. But the bailiff resolved to
+put an end to this harrowing scene by the performance of a painful duty.
+
+He said, in an imperative manner:
+
+"Signor Geronimo, be pleased to interrupt for a moment the expression of
+your happiness. By the authority of the law I ask you what has happened,
+and why you stigmatize the Signor Turchi as an assassin. Approach, and
+obey my order."
+
+Turchi, foreseeing that his frightful crime was about to be revealed,
+writhed convulsively and was covered with shame and confusion. He dared
+not look upon his accuser.
+
+"Declare the truth," ordered the bailiff.
+
+"Five or six weeks ago," said Geronimo, "Simon Turchi told me that
+unforeseen circumstances made it an imperative necessity for him to raise
+the sum of ten thousand crowns, adding that if he did not succeed in
+obtaining it immediately, the credit of his house would be gone, and that
+he himself would be irretrievably ruined. He needed the sum, he said, only
+for one month. I lent him the ton thousand crowns, and at his earnest
+solicitation, in order to conceal the knowledge of this loan from the
+clerks, I made no entry upon the books of the transaction, but was
+satisfied with an acknowledgment in writing of the debt."
+
+Old Deodati made an exclamation of joy, ran to his nephew, and embraced
+him affectionately.
+
+"God be praised! Dear Geronimo, you restore me to life. That wicked man
+tried to persuade me that you had lost ten thousand crowns at play. You
+were too virtuous, too grateful for that, my beloved boy!"
+
+"Observe the respect due the law, Signor Deodati. Continue your statement,
+Signor Geronimo."
+
+"What an odious falsehood!" said the young man.
+
+Then turning to the bailiff, he continued:
+
+"When we last met in this house, Signor Turchi told me that a foreign
+merchant, who wished to remain unknown, would repay me the ten thousand
+crowns. I was to go to his country-house alone, and secretly to return the
+note I held, and receive reliable bills of exchange upon Italy. When I
+went, Julio, Simon Turchi's servant, pushed me into a chair prepared as a
+trap, in which my body was caught and held immovable by steel springs.
+Then Simon entered with a dagger in his hand; he took from me the note,
+and destroyed it in my presence. He attempted to stab me in the breast,
+but the blow was warded off by a copper amulet which I wore around my
+neck. I then received in my neck what I considered a mortal wound; I felt
+my blood flowing freely, and I bade, as I supposed, an eternal adieu to
+life."
+
+Old Deodati, without being aware of it, had drawn his sword from the
+scabbard as if he were about to pierce Turchi to the heart; but he was
+restrained by a look of severity from the bailiff, although he continued
+playing with the hilt, and muttering in an undertone menaces against the
+murderer.
+
+"I awoke to consciousness," continued Geronimo, "in a dark dungeon; I was
+lying beside a grave which had been dug to receive my remains. When Julio
+returned to bury my corpse, he found me living. He was about to kill me,
+but he recognized the amulet I wore around my neck, and I was saved. The
+old blind woman who gave me the amulet as a recompense for delivering her
+from the hands of the Moslems was Julio's mother. Last night Signor Turchi
+gave poisoned wine to Julio, who died in my arms, declaring to me that
+Signor Turchi hired Bufferio to assassinate me. I labored for hours before
+I succeeded in obtaining egress from the garden. Now behold me saved from
+a frightful death through the miraculous protection of God, and restored
+to all that is dear to me on earth!"
+
+The bailiff's voice was heard, issuing his commands, in the vestibule.
+Turchi comprehended the order. He cast himself on his knees, extended his
+hands, and weeping, cried out:
+
+"Oh! Messire Van Schoonhoven,--Geronimo,--I have been guilty of a
+frightful crime. I deserve your hatred, your contempt and death; but have
+pity on me! Spare me the shame of the scaffold; do not cover my family
+with eternal infamy. Exile me to the ends of the earth; but pardon,
+pardon, deliver me not to the executioner!"
+
+Five officers of justice appeared at the door.
+
+"What are your commands?" asked the chief.
+
+"Bind the signor's hands behind his back!"
+
+"Heavens! bind my hands like a thief!" exclaimed Turchi.
+
+"Bind the hands of a nobleman?" repeated the chief in surprise.
+
+"Execute my order immediately! This nobleman is an infamous robber and a
+cowardly assassin. Cast him in the deepest dungeon; he shall pay the
+penalty of his crime upon the scaffold."
+
+The command was promptly obeyed, and Turchi, in spite of his resistance,
+was dragged from the room followed by the bailiff.
+
+Mary and Geronimo wept with joy. Deodati claimed their attention saying:
+
+"My dear children, let us fulfil a sacred duty of gratitude. God has so
+visibly protected innocence that the feeling of His presence in our midst
+overpowers me. Your hopes will become a reality. Let us pray!"
+
+He knelt before the crucifix, bowed his head and joined his hands.
+
+Geronimo and Mary knelt beside the old man, Mr. Van de Werve behind them.
+
+For a long time they lifted their grateful hearts in thanksgiving to the
+God of goodness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MARY VAN DE WERVE'S (NOW MADAME GERONIMO DEODATI) DEPARTURE FOR ITALY--THE
+PUNISHMENT OF SIMON TURCHI.
+
+
+It was six o'clock in the morning.
+
+The height of the sun indicated that the warm season of summer had
+replaced the mild month of May. It was apparently a festival day at
+Antwerp, for through all the gates people poured from the surrounding
+country into the city. The streets were filled with persons of all ages,
+who, talking and laughing, hastened to the centre of the city, as though
+they anticipated some magnificent spectacle.
+
+Before Mr. Van de Werve's residence was a compact mass of citizens who
+seemed impatient at the delay. Through a sentiment of respect, they were
+perfectly quiet, speaking in very low tones, and making way to afford a
+passage through the crowd every time that a cavalier or any notable
+personage presented himself for admission into the house.
+
+The attraction to the centre of the city must have been very powerful, for
+the greater part of those who passed neither stopped nor turned their
+heads. Some approached, and learning upon inquiry as to the cause of the
+gathering, that Miss Van de Werve was about to leave for Italy, they
+immediately resumed their walk, as if the sight of this departure were no
+equivalent to the imposing spectacle they were going to witness. A few,
+however, remained in order to discover the real object of so large a
+concourse of people.
+
+An old gray-headed peasant, after having listened to the conversation
+going on among the peasants, recognized in the crowd a man from his own
+village, who had been residing for some time in the city, near the church
+of Saint James, and who consequently, he thought, must be better informed
+than the others in regard to Miss Van de Werve.
+
+He elbowed his way through the crowd until he reached his friend, struck
+him on the shoulder, and said:
+
+"What is going on here, Master John, to collect such an assembly? I heard
+some one say that Miss Van de Werve was about to leave for Italy."
+
+"Ah! Master Stephen," said the other, "call her Madame Geronimo Deodati."
+
+"Is she married?"
+
+"One would say, Master Stephen, that our village is at the other end of
+the world. Even the children of Antwerp bless this marriage as a striking
+proof of God's justice."
+
+"I did hear, friend John, that God had visibly avenged virtue and punished
+crime. The assassin dies by a frightful death, and the victim becomes the
+husband of the noblest and wealthiest young lady in the marquisate. Do you
+know her, Master John?"
+
+"Do I know her? She passes my house twice every day in going to church. I
+furnish the family with bread, and I have frequent opportunities of
+speaking with this amiable young lady."
+
+"I would like to see her," said the old man, "but if I wait, I shall
+arrive too late at the public square."
+
+"You need not fear," replied Master John. "The executioner's car will not
+leave the prison for an hour to come."
+
+The peasant hesitated as to what he should do.
+
+"Are you sure that the young lady will leave at once?"
+
+"Immediately, Master Stephen. Mr. Van de Werve urges the departure--he
+wishes to be out of the city before the executioner commences his work."
+
+"Why," said the peasant, "did they wait until to-day? In their place I
+would have gone long ago."
+
+"Ah!" replied Master John, "here is another evidence of God's intervention
+in these terrible affairs. The vessel which bears them to Italy has been
+ready to sail for a week. During all that time the wind blew constantly
+from the south-west; it changed to the east only last night, so that their
+departure before was impossible. But the tide is high now and will
+commence to ebb at the very hour fixed for the death of the assassin. You
+see that God himself willed Mr. Van de Werve to remain here until his
+vengeance was accomplished."
+
+"Does she go to Italy to reside?"
+
+"Oh, no; she only goes on a wedding trip. She will return in the course of
+a year, when the impression of the perfidy and cruelty of Simon Turchi
+will be less painful. Back, back, Master Stephen, they are coming!"
+
+From the crowd arose a joyous shout. Each was anxious to approach Madame
+Deodati. Those who did not know her desired to see the noble young woman
+whose name was so painfully connected with the bloody history of Simon
+Turchi, and who was esteemed a model of pure virtue, fervent piety, and
+ideal beauty. The neighbors and those who had the honor of knowing her
+collected in order to salute her, to bid her a respectful and cordial
+adieu, and to wish her a happy voyage.
+
+Mary Van de Werve, now Madame Geronimo Deodati, appeared at the door
+accompanied by her husband. As soon as the people perceived her, loud and
+long acclamations greeted her; they waved their caps, clapped their hands,
+rent the air with their cries of joy, and strove to obtain a glance of the
+angelic features of the beautiful lady and the noble countenance of her
+husband, who had been so miraculously preserved, by the providence of God,
+from the hands of his cruel enemy, Simon Turchi.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve walked by his daughter's side; the old Deodati was near
+his beloved nephew Geronimo. Then followed Mary's two married brothers and
+a large number of her father's near relatives and friends, as well as many
+Italians, Portuguese, and Spaniards, who wished to escort Geronimo to the
+ship.
+
+When Mary heard the benedictions and joyous shouts of the people, and saw
+all eyes fixed upon her with looks of love, the blood mantled to her
+cheeks, and she modestly cast down her eyes. But immediately raising them,
+she saluted the crowd as a mark of her gratitude for their kindness. The
+multitude, at a sign from Mr. Van de Werve, opened a passage for the
+party, and they proceeded to the Scheldt amid acclamations testifying the
+love and respect they inspired. Their drive resembled a triumphal
+procession. The old Deodati was deeply moved. He seemed rejuvenated. A
+sweet smile was upon his lips, and he looked proudly upon Geronimo. Thus
+full of the thought of their future happiness, they reached the dock-yard.
+In the middle of the Scheldt was the _Il Salvatore_, decked with flags and
+rocking upon the waves as if conscious of the precious treasure about to
+be confided to it.
+
+A part of the sailors were occupied in unmooring the vessel; even the
+harsh grating sound of the capstan could be heard on the wharf. The rest
+of the crew manned the masts, and they waved their caps in the air,
+shouting:
+
+"_Benvenuto! benvenuto! Viva, viva la nostra signora!_"
+
+At the same time the sound of five or six cannon from the _Il Salvatore_
+boomed over the waters, prolonged by the echoes from either side as it
+floated down the river. The multitude replied by three cheers, and the
+last reverberation of the cannon was lost in the _vivas_ of those on the
+shore and ships.
+
+In the meantime parents and friends were bidding adieu. Many tears were
+shed, and it was with tearful eyes that Mary Van de Werve received upon
+her brow her brothers' kiss.
+
+The _Il Salvatore_ weighed anchor; the sails caught the wind, and the
+vessel floated majestically down the river with the tide.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve, Deodati, and their two happy children, entered the bark
+which awaited them. Petronilla seated herself beside her mistress. They
+exchanged a last adieu, and the eight oars fell simultaneously in the
+water. The bark, under the strokes of the robust oarsmen, cut the waves in
+a rapid course.
+
+At this moment Geronimo's eyes were filled with tears. Lifting his eyes to
+heaven, he said:
+
+"Blessed be Thou, my God, for all the sufferings Thou hast sent me;
+blessed be Thou for Thy infinite goodness. I thank Thee for the wife it
+has pleased Thee to give me; she will be my companion in my much loved
+country. A thousand thanks for all Thy benefits!"
+
+The bark had reached the galley. A ladder was lowered, and, aided by the
+sailors, the party ascended the deck. The pilot gave the signal, the sails
+were unfurled, the ship rocked for a moment as if courting the breeze,
+and then it rapidly cleaved the waves.
+
+The cannon again boomed from the _Il Salvatore_, and again the
+acclamations of the crowd rent the air.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sounds had hardly died away when the spectators, as if impelled by one
+thought, immediately retired, and made all speed to reach the central part
+of the city.
+
+The crowd which left the wharf so precipitately soon arrived at the grand
+square, but they found it already occupied by so compact a mass of human
+beings, that it was impossible for them to penetrate it. As far as the eye
+could reach, there was a sea of heads; all the windows were crowded with
+women and even children; the roofs swarmed with curious spectators; the
+iron balustrades seemed to bend under the weight of the children who had
+climbed upon them.
+
+A solemn silence reigned in the midst of the vast multitude. Not a sound
+was heard save the slow and mournful tolling of the death-bell, and at
+intervals a scream so piercing, so frightful, that those who listened to
+it turned pale and trembled. Every eye was fixed upon a particular spot,
+whence clouds of smoke curled in the air, and from which escaped the cries
+of distress.
+
+What passed that day on the grand square of Antwerp is thus related by
+Matthew Bandello, Bishop of Agen, who lived at that period, and who wrote
+from the testimony of an eye-witness:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Upon the appointed day, Simon Turchi was enclosed in the same chair and
+driven on a wagon through the streets of Antwerp, the good priest
+accompanying him and exhorting him. When they reached the grand square,
+the chair was removed from the wagon. The executioners lighted a slow
+fire, which they kept alive with wood, but in such a manner that the
+flames should not rise too high, but sufficed to roast slowly the unhappy
+Turchi. The priest remained as near to him as the heat permitted, and
+frequently said to him:
+
+"'Simon, this is the hour for repentance!'
+
+"And Simon, as long as he could speak, replied:
+
+"'Yes, father.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Simon Turchi evinced great repentance and much patience, and he accepted
+with resignation the painful and infamous death to which he was condemned.
+When it was certain that he was dead, his body, partially consumed, was
+conveyed outside the city gates and attached to a stake by an iron chain.
+The dagger with which he had stabbed Geronimo was thrust into his side.
+The stake was so placed on the public road that it could be seen by all
+who passed, in order that the punishment inflicted for murder might serve
+as a warning to others, and prevent the commission of infamous crimes.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+ENDNOTES
+
+
+[Footnote 1: "All the foreign merchants who resided at Bruges, with the
+exception of a few Spaniards, established themselves here about the year
+1516, to the great disadvantage of Bruges and to the advantage of
+Antwerp."--Le Guicciardini, _Description of the Low Countries_. Arnhem,
+1617, p. 113.]
+
+[Footnote 2: C. Schibanius, in his _Origines Antwerpien Sum_, says that he
+has often seen in the Scheldt twenty-five hundred vessels, many of which
+were detained at anchor for two or three weeks before being able to
+approach the wharf.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The stables, and coach-houses used by this company for
+transportation still exist at Antwerp. Although they are now occupied as
+barracks, they preserve their original name--_Hessenhaus_.]
+
+[Footnote 4: See the statistics of population given by Schibanius in the
+_History of Antwerp_, by Mertens & Torfo, Part IV., ch. v.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The inhabitants of Antwerp are experienced and skilled in
+commercial affairs, and although they may not have left their own country
+the greater part of them, even the women, can speak four, five, and
+sometimes seven different languages.]
+
+[Footnote 6: "The nobles of Netherlands do not engage in commerce like the
+Italian noblemen from Venice, Florence, Genoa, and Lucca."--L.
+Guiccardini, _Description of the Low Countries_, p. 140.]
+
+[Footnote 7: "Two well-known Italian merchants, both of noble birth,
+natives of Lucca, who were great friends." Van Mertens, _History of the
+Low Countries_, Vol. I.]
+
+[Footnote 8: The bailiff (schoat) was the representative of the prince in
+the prosecution of crimes. He alone, and his agents by his orders, could
+make arrests, except in cases of flagrant crime or of persons lying in
+wait. This high functionary was also called the _margrave_, because the
+margrave of the Low Countries was, in virtue of that office, the bailiff
+of the city of Antwerp.]
+
+[Footnote 9: "It is estimated that three thousand new houses were either
+erected by himself, or by others through his assistance."--Mertens &
+Torfo, _History of Antwerp_.]
+
+[Footnote 10: This church was demolished at the commencement of this
+century. The spot upon which it stood is now called the "_Plain of Saint
+Walburga_."]
+
+[Footnote 11: In the _History of Antwerp_, by Mertens & Torfo, Part IV.,
+chapter iii., is found a view of the city, from the banks of the Scheldt,
+as it was in 1556, and details concerning the principal edifices.]
+
+[Footnote 12: "Geronimo went to Simon and demanded payment of the sum
+lent, and for which he held a note. Turchi made various excuses, and put
+off payment from day to day."--_Matteo Bandello._]
+
+[Footnote 13: "A fierce desire of vengeance took possession of Simon, and
+he sought to kill Geronimo."--_Matieo Bandello._]
+
+[Footnote 14: A measure of four pints.]
+
+[Footnote 15: "One night, when passing through the streets, he received
+from the hands of an enemy an ugly wound in the face. He suspected
+Geronimo of having inflicted it; in which he was mistaken, for the author
+of the attack was afterwards discovered."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 16: "After Simon Turchi had determined to revenge himself, and
+after long consideration, he ordered a large wooden arm-chair, to which
+were attached two iron bars, so arranged that whoever should sit down in
+it would be caught by the legs below the knees, and would be unable to
+move."--Van Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 17: "Geronimo, a merchant from Lyons desires to see you, but as
+he does not wish to be known at Antwerp now, he is concealed in my garden.
+He begs that you will meet him there."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 18: "This chair being made, he told one of his servants, named
+Julio, who was proscribed in Italy, and under sentence of death."--Van
+Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 19: "And the said Julio pushed Geronimo into a large arm-chair,
+which sprang and closed."--_Origin and Genealogy of the Dukes and
+Duchesses of Brabant_. Antwerp, 1565; p. 308.]
+
+[Footnote 20: "In the cellar ... in a grave which had been prepared by the
+said Julio to bury Geronimo after the commission of the murder."--_Origin
+and Genealogy of the Dukes and Duchesses of Brabant_.]
+
+[Footnote 21: _Order and Proclamation of Messire Van Schoonhoven, bailiff,
+and of the Burgomaster, Constables, and Council of the city of Antwerp_:
+
+"It having come to the knowledge of the bailiff, burgomaster, and
+constables of this city that Geronimo Deodati, a merchant of Lucca, went
+out yesterday afternoon, about four o'clock, from his residence in this
+city, near the Convent of the Dominicans, and that he was seen for the
+last time beyond the Square of Meir, and since then he has not been heard
+of, and we know not what has become of him, so that there is great
+suspicion that the said Geronimo has been maltreated, or even put to
+death; therefore, the magistrates of the same city do proclaim that he who
+first will give information as to what has become of the said Geronimo,
+will receive the sum of three hundred florins."--_Extract from the "Book
+of Laws of the City of Antwerp_."]
+
+[Footnote 22: "The bailiff said that the magistrates had determined to
+search all the stables, cellars, and gardens, to discover whether the
+ground in any of these places had been recently dug."--E. Van Meteren,
+_History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 23: "Simon Turchi was known to be a perverse and immoral man; in
+a word, he was a compound of every vice and every evil
+inclination."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 24: "Go and do what I have commanded you. Disinter the body,
+take it on your shoulders and cast it into the sewer which is in the
+square where the three streets meet."--_Simon Turchi_.--_Matteo
+Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 25: "I will send Bernardo to help you, and I will order him to
+obey you, whatever you may command. When you have thrown the body into the
+sewer, you can, by a quick movement, push Bernardo in also. The sewer is
+deep, and whoever falls into it is immediately drowned."--_Matteo
+Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 26: "Simon Turchi begged Julio to take the crime upon
+himself."--Van Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Amulet, by Hendrik Conscience
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AMULET ***
+
+***** This file should be named 13835-8.txt or 13835-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/8/3/13835/
+
+Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Valerine Blas and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/old/13835-8.zip b/old/13835-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf161f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/13835-8.zip
diff --git a/old/13835.txt b/old/13835.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..229e9d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/13835.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,7809 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Amulet, by Hendrik Conscience
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Amulet
+
+Author: Hendrik Conscience
+
+Release Date: October 22, 2004 [EBook #13835]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AMULET ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Valerine Blas and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+THE AMULET.
+
+BY HENDRIK CONSCIENCE,
+
+AUTHOR OF "THE CURSE OF THE VILLAGE,"
+"THE HAPPINESS OF BEING RICH,"
+"VEVA,"
+"THE LION OF FLANDERS,"
+"COUNT HUGO OF CRAENHOVE,"
+"WOODEN CLARA,"
+"THE POOR GENTLEMAN,"
+"RICKETICKETACK,"
+"THE DEMON OF GOLD,"
+"THE VILLAGE INN-KEEPER,"
+"THE CONSCRIPT," "BLIND ROSA,"
+"THE MISER,"
+"THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER," ETC.
+
+Translated Expressly for this Edition.
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
+
+
+In the "Amulet," Hendrick Conscience has worked up an incident which
+occurred at Antwerp, in the 16th century, into a story of great power
+and deep interest. It was a dark and bloody deed committed, but swift
+and terrible was the retribution, strikingly illustrating how God
+laughs the sinner to scorn, and how the most cunningly devised schemes
+are frustrated, when He permits the light of His avenging justice to
+expose them in their enormity. On the contrary, it forcibly proves that
+virtuous actions, sooner or later, bear abundant fruit even in this
+world. If a man's sins bring upon his head a weight of woe, so do his
+good deeds draw down the benedictions of heaven and serve as a shield to
+protect him from his enemies.
+
+S.J.F.
+
+_Baltimore_.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.                                             PAGE
+ANTWERP                                                   9
+
+CHAPTER II.
+SIGNOR DEODATI                                           30
+
+CHAPTER III.
+THE PALACE OF SIMON TURCHI, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE      43
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION--THE ASSASSINATOR SLAIN      64
+
+CHAPTER V.
+VAN DE WERVE'S RECEPTION--SIMON TURCHI'S JEALOUSY
+AND HATRED                                               79
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+SIMON TURCHI WREAKS HIS VENGEANCE ON GERONIMO            96
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+GRIEF AT GERONIMO'S ABSENCE--TURCHI'S HYPOCRISY         112
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+SIMON TURCHI TRIES TO CONCEAL HIS CRIME                 128
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+GERONIMO RESURRECTED                                    143
+
+CHAPTER X.
+SIMON TURCHI'S ALARM--CRIME BEGETS CRIME                157
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+FOOD AT LAST--DEATH OF JULIO                            171
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+IS IT HIS GHOST?--THE GUILTY EXPOSED                    180
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+MARY VAN DE WERVE'S (NOW MADAME GERONIMO DEODATI)
+DEPARTURE FOR ITALY--THE PUNISHMENT OF SIMON
+TURCHI                                                  193
+
+
+
+
+THE AMULET.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Previous to the close of the fifteenth century, the direction taken by
+European commerce remained unchanged. America had not been discovered, and
+the only known route to India was by land.
+
+Venice, enthroned by her central position as queen of commerce, compelled
+the nations of Europe and Asia to convey to her port all the riches of the
+world.
+
+One single city, Bruges in Flanders, serving as an international mart for
+the people of the North and South, shared, in some measure, the commercial
+prosperity of Venice; but popular insurrections and continual civil wars
+had induced a large number of foreign merchants to prefer Brabant to
+Flanders, and Antwerp was becoming a powerful rival to Bruges.
+
+At this period two great events occurred, by which a new channel was
+opened to trade: Christopher Columbus discovered America, and Vasco de
+Gama, by doubling the Cape of Good Hope, pointed out a new route to India.
+This latter discovery, by presenting another grand highway to the world,
+deprived Venice of the peculiar advantages of her situation, and obliged
+commerce to seek a new emporium. Portugal and Spain were the most powerful
+nations on sea; countless ships left their ports for the two Indies, and
+brought back spices, pearls, and the precious metals for distribution
+throughout the Old World. This commercial activity required an emporium in
+the centre of Europe, halfway between the North and the South, whither
+Spaniards, Portuguese, and Italians, as well as French, English, Germans,
+Swedes, and Russians, could resort with equal facility as to a perpetual
+mart for all the commodities exchanged between the Old and the New
+World.[1]
+
+A few years before the commencement of the religious wars which proved so
+disastrous to the country, Antwerp was in a most flourishing condition.
+Thousands of ships of every form and size covered its broad river like a
+forest of masts, whose many-colored flags indicated the presence of
+traders from all the commercial nations of the globe.
+
+Portuguese gallions carried thither the gems and spices of the East;
+Spanish gallions the gold and silver of America; Italian vessels were
+laden with the delicate fruits and rich stuffs of the Southern countries;
+German vessels with grains and metals; and all returned to their own
+countries heavily freighted with other merchandise, and made way for the
+ships which were continually arriving, and which, according to
+contemporary chronicles, were often obliged to wait six weeks before they
+succeeded in approaching the wharf.[2]
+
+Small craft, such as _hers_, ascended the Scheldt, and even ventured out
+to sea in order to trade with the neighboring people. Transportation into
+the interior of the country was effected by means of very strong wagons,
+several hundred of which daily left Antwerp. The heavy vehicles which
+conveyed merchandise through Cologne to the heart of Germany were called
+_Hessenwagens_.[3]
+
+This extraordinary activity induced many foreigners to establish
+themselves in a city where gold was so abundant, and where every one might
+reasonably hope for large profits.
+
+At the period of which we speak, Antwerp counted among its inhabitants
+nearly a thousand merchants from other countries, each of whom had his own
+attendants; one chronicle estimates, perhaps with some exaggeration, the
+number of strangers engaged in commerce at five thousand.[4]
+
+Twice a day these merchants met on Change, not only for purposes of trade
+and for information of the arrival of ships, but principally for banking
+operations.
+
+To convey an idea of the amount of wealth at the disposal of the houses of
+Antwerp, it suffices to say that the king of Portugal obtained in one day
+in this city a loan of three millions of gold crowns, and Queen Mary of
+England contracted a debt of seventy millions of francs.
+
+One merchant, called the rich Fugger, left at his death legacies amounting
+to nearly six millions of gold crowns, a sum which for that period would
+seem fabulous, if the fact were not established by indisputable documents.
+
+This wealth and the presence of so many nations vying with each other had
+carried luxury to such a height that magistrates were frequently obliged
+to publish edicts, in order to restrain the lavish expenditure. This was
+not done on account of the foreign inhabitants of the place, but for the
+advantage of many noble families and the people of the middle classes, who
+were tempted by the example of others to a display of magnificence which
+might have seriously injured their fortunes.
+
+The greater part of the Italian merchants from Lucca, Genoa, Florence, and
+other cities beyond the Alps, were noblemen, and from this circumstance
+they were thrown into intimate intercourse with the noble families of
+Antwerp, all of whom spoke fluently three or four languages, and who
+particularly studied to speak with purity and elegance the soft Italian
+idiom.[5]
+
+In the _Hipdorp_, not far from the Church of St. James, stood an elegant
+mansion, which was the favorite resort of the elite of the Italian
+merchants. It was the residence of William Van de Werve, lord of Schilde.
+
+Although this nobleman did not himself engage in mercantile transactions,
+because the aristocratic families of Brabant regarded commerce as an
+occupation unsuitable to persons of high birth,[6] he was very cordial and
+hospitable to all strangers whose rank entitled them to admission to his
+home circle. Moreover, he was extremely wealthy, luxurious in his manner
+of living, and so well versed in three or four different languages, that
+he could with ease enter into an agreeable and useful conversation in
+either of them.
+
+The house of Mr. Van de Werve had still other attractions to noble
+foreigners. He had a daughter of extraordinary beauty, so lovely, so
+modest, notwithstanding the homage offered to her charms, that her
+admirers had surnamed her _la bionda maraviglia_, "the wonderful blonde."
+
+One morning in the year 1550 the beautiful Mary Van de Werve was seated in
+her father's house in a richly sculptured arm-chair. The young girl had
+apparently just returned from church, as she still held in her hand a
+rosary of precious stones, and her hood lay on a chair near her. She
+seemed to be engrossed by some pleasing thought which filled her heart
+with a sweet anticipation, for a slight smile parted her lips, and her
+eyes were upraised to heaven as if imploring a favor from Almighty God.
+
+Against the wall behind her hung a picture from the pencil of John Van
+Eyck, in which the great master had represented the Virgin in prayer,
+whilst she was still ignorant of the sublime destiny that awaited her.
+
+The artist had lavished upon this masterpiece the most ardent inspirations
+of his pious and poetic genius, for the image seemed to live and think. It
+charmed by the beauty of feature, the majestic calm of expression, the
+sweetness of the smile, the look full of love cast from earth to heaven.
+
+There was a striking resemblance between the creation of the artist and
+the young girl seated beneath in almost the same attitude. In truth, the
+youthful Mary Van de Werve was as beautiful as the poetical representation
+of her patroness. She had the same large blue eyes, whose expression,
+although calm and thoughtful, revealed a keen sensibility and a tender,
+loving soul; her golden hair fell in ringlets over a brow of marble
+whiteness, and no painter had ever traced a cheek of lovelier mould or
+more delicate hue; her whole being expressed that calm recollection and
+attractive gravity which is the true poetry of the immaterial soul, and
+which was comprehended only by the believing artists of the North before
+the material inspiration of pagan art had been transmitted to them from
+the South.
+
+Mary Van de Werve was most richly attired; but there was in her dress an
+absence of ornament which appeared strange at that period of extreme pomp
+and show. A waist of sky-blue velvet encircled her slender form, and a
+brocade skirt fell in large folds to her feet. Only on her open sleeves
+appeared some gold thread, and the clasp which fastened the chamois-skin
+purse suspended from her girdle was encrusted with precious stones.
+
+All her surroundings betokened her father's opulence: large stained-glass
+windows, covered with the armorial bearings of his ancestors, cast their
+varied hues upon the inlaid marble floor; tables and chairs of oak, slabs
+supporting exquisite statuary from the chisel of the most celebrated
+artists, were ranged along the walls; an ivory crucifix surmounted a
+silver basin of rare workmanship containing holy water. Even the massive
+andirons, which stood in the broad fireplace, were partly of gold and
+ornamented with the coat of arms.
+
+Her prayer was finished, or it might be that her thoughts had taken
+another turn; she arose and walked slowly towards the large window which
+overlooked the garden. She fixed her eyes upon the beautiful blue sky; her
+countenance was bright, as though a sweet hope filled her heart, and a
+rosy hue suffused her cheeks.
+
+An old man at this moment entered the room. Heavy moustaches shaded his
+lips, and a long beard fell upon his breast. There was something grave and
+severe in his imposing appearance and even in his dress; for although his
+doublet was of gold cloth, his whole body was enveloped in a long cloak,
+whose dark color was relieved by a lining of white fur.
+
+"Good morning, Mary," he said, as he approached the young girl.
+
+"May the blessing of God always be with you, dear father," she replied.
+"Come, see how lovely the sky is, and how brightly the sun shines."
+
+"It is charming weather; we might almost imagine ourselves in the month of
+May."
+
+"It is the eve of May, father." And with a joyous smile she drew her
+father to the window, and pointing to the sky, said: "The wind has
+changed; it blows from the direction of England."
+
+"True; since yesterday it has been south-east."
+
+"So much the better; the ships which have been kept out at sea can ascend
+the Scheldt with to-day's or to-morrow's tide."
+
+"And you hope," said Mr. Van de Werve, shaking his head, "that among these
+vessels will be found the _Il Salvatore_, which is to bring the old Signor
+Deodati from Lucca?"
+
+"I have so long implored of heaven this favorable wind," replied the young
+girl. "I thank the God of mercy that my prayer has been heard!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve was silent; his daughter's words had evidently made a
+disagreeable impression upon him.
+
+She passed her arm caressingly around his neck, and said:
+
+"Dear father, you are sorrowful; and yet you promised me to await
+tranquilly the arrival of Signor Deodati."
+
+"It is true, my child," he replied; "but, as the time approaches when I
+must come to a decision, my soul is filled with anxiety. We are the
+descendants of an illustrious family, and our style of living should be so
+magnificent as to reflect credit on our rank. The Signor Geronimo, whom
+you seem to prefer to all others, lives very economically; he dresses
+simply, and abstains from all that kind of expenditure which, being an
+evidence of wealth and chivalric generosity, elevates a man in the eyes of
+the world. That makes me fear that his uncle is either in moderate
+circumstances or very avaricious."
+
+"But, father, permit me to say that the Signor Deodati of Lucca is very
+rich and of high birth," replied the young girl, sadly. "Did not the
+banker Marco Riccardi give you satisfactory information on that point?"
+
+"And should he be miserly, Mary, will he accept the conditions I propose?
+I shall demand of him the renunciation of a considerable portion of his
+possessions in favor of his nephew Geronimo. Would it not be an insult to
+you, which your brothers would avenge, were your hand to be refused from
+pecuniary motives? I regret that you have so irrevocably fixed your
+affections on the Signor Geronimo, when you might have chosen among a
+hundred others richer and of higher estate. The head of the powerful house
+of Buonvisi had more claim upon my sympathy and yours."
+
+"Simon Turchi!" said the young girl, sorrowfully bowing her head.
+
+"What has this poor Signor Turchi left undone during the past three years
+to prove his chivalric love?" replied her father. "Festivals, banquets,
+concerts, boating on the Scheldt, nothing has been spared; he has expended
+a fortune to please you. At one time you did not dislike him; but ever
+since the fatal night when he was attacked by unknown assassins and
+wounded in the face, you look upon him with different eyes. Instead of
+being grateful to the good Turchi, you comport yourself in such a manner
+towards him, that I am induced to believe that you hate him."
+
+"Hate the Signor Turchi!" exclaimed Mary, as if frightened by the
+accusation. "Dear father, do not indulge such a thought."
+
+"He is a handsome, dignified gentleman, my child."
+
+"Yes, father; he has long been an intimate friend of the Signor
+Geronimo."[7]
+
+Mr. Van de Werve took his daughter's hand, and said, gently: "Geronimo may
+be finer-looking to a woman's eye; but his future depends upon his uncle's
+kindness. He is young and inexperienced, and he possesses nothing himself.
+The Signor Turchi, on the contrary, is rich and highly esteemed in the
+world as partner and administrator of the well-known house of Buonvisi.
+Think better of your choice, Mary; satisfy my desires and your brothers':
+it is not yet too late."
+
+Tears filled the eyes of the young girl; she replied, however, with a
+sweet resignation: "Father, I am your submissive child. Command, and I
+will obey without a murmur, and humbly kiss the venerated hand which
+imposes the painful sacrifice. But Geronimo! poor Geronimo!"
+
+At these words her fortitude forsook her; she covered her face with her
+hands, and wept bitterly; her tears fell like bright pearls upon the
+marble floor.
+
+For some moments Mr. Van de Werve contemplated his daughter with
+ever-increasing pity; then overcome by the sight of her grief, he took her
+hand, and tenderly pressing it, he said to her: "Cheer up, my dear Mary,
+do not weep. We will see what answer the Signor Deodati will return to the
+conditions I will propose to him. Geronimo is of noble birth; if his uncle
+will consent to bestow upon him a suitable fortune, your desires shall be
+fulfilled."
+
+"But, dear father," said the still weeping girl, "that depends upon the
+magnitude of your demands. If you ask impossibilities of the Signor
+Deodati--"
+
+"No, no, have no anxiety," said Mr. Van de Werve, interrupting her. "I
+will endeavor to fulfil my duty as a father, and at the same time to spare
+you any future sorrow. Are you satisfied now?"
+
+Mary silently embraced her father, and her eyes expressed such gratitude
+that Mr. Van de Werve was deeply moved, and said, tenderly:
+
+"Who could refuse you anything? Age, experience, prudence, all yield
+before one glance of your eye. Conceal your emotion; I hear some one
+coming."
+
+A servant opened the door, and announced, "The Signor Geronimo."
+
+The young nobleman thus introduced was remarkable for his fine form, and
+the graceful elegance of his manners and carriage. His complexion was of
+that light and clear brown which adds so much to the manly beauty of some
+Southern nations. The dark beard and hair, his spirited black eyes, gave a
+singular charm to his countenance, while his calm and sweet smile
+indicated goodness of heart.
+
+Although upon his entrance he strove to appear cheerful, Mary's eye
+detected a concealed sadness.
+
+The dress of Geronimo was simple in comparison with the rich attire of the
+other Italian nobles, his compatriots. He wore a felt hat ornamented with
+a long plume, a Spanish cloak, a cloth doublet lined with fur, violet
+satin breeches, and gray boots. His modest attire was relieved only by the
+sword which hung at his side; for the hilt glittered with precious stones,
+and the armorial bearings engraved upon it proved him to be of noble
+birth.
+
+"Che la pace sia in quelle casa!" (May peace be in this house!) he said,
+as he entered the hall.
+
+He bowed profoundly to Mr. Van de Werve, and saluted him most
+respectfully; but the traces of tears which he perceived on Mary's face so
+startled him that he interrupted his ceremonious greetings, and fixed his
+eyes inquiringly upon her. She had been weeping, and yet she smiled
+joyously.
+
+"Mary is naturally very susceptible, Signor Geronimo," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "I was speaking to her of her beloved mother, and she wept. You
+appear, and she smiles as though she knew no sorrow."
+
+The young girl did not await the conclusion of this explanation; before
+her father had finished speaking, she led her lover to the window, pointed
+to the weathercock, and said: "Look, Geronimo, the wind is from the west."
+
+"I noticed it last night," replied the young man, with an involuntary
+sigh.
+
+"Rejoice then, for to-day your uncle may be in sight of the city."
+
+"I do not think so; however, it is possible," said the young man, sadly.
+
+"How coldly you speak, Geronimo!" exclaimed the young girl, in surprise;
+"what cloud obscures your soul?"
+
+"I myself notice something extraordinary in your manner, signor," remarked
+the father. "You seem dejected; have you received bad news of your uncle?"
+
+Geronimo hesitated for an answer; then, as though endeavoring to drive
+away unpleasant thoughts, he said, in a faltering voice: "No, no, it is
+not that. I witnessed just now near the Dominican Convent something which
+touched me deeply, and I have not yet recovered from the shock. Have you
+not heard of a Florentine merchant named Massimo Barberi?"
+
+"Is he noble?" asked Mary. "I do not remember him."
+
+"No, a commoner, but a man highly esteemed."
+
+"I know him well," said Mr. Van de Werve. "I met him lately in company
+with Lopez de Galle, for whom he had attended to some financial affairs.
+What have you to tell us concerning him?"
+
+"Something terrible, Mr. Van de Werve. I saw the corpse of poor Barberi
+taken out of a sewer; he had two dagger-wounds in his throat. He was
+undoubtedly attacked and slain last night."
+
+"It is had to see so many murders committed in Antwerp," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "This is the fourth during the past month. The victims each time
+have been either Spaniards or Italians, and that vengeance or jealousy was
+the cause is sufficiently proved by the fact that in no case have the
+bodies been despoiled of their money or jewels. This custom of lying in
+wait, attacking and killing each other, often without cause, is an outrage
+both against God and man. And do you not yourself sometimes fear, Signor
+Geronimo, the assassin's dagger?"
+
+The young man shook his head.
+
+"For instance," continued Mary's father, "this is the eve of May, I need
+not ask if you intend to offer to Mary the homage of a serenade. It is the
+custom of your countrymen to pay this attention to young girls, and you
+would not omit this opportunity were it not for the advice of a man of
+experience. Geronimo, listen to the words of calm reason: do not rashly
+expose yourself to the danger of death; abandon your design this time.
+Many of your compatriots have aspired to Mary's hand; they have been less
+successful than you, and on this account they may harbor unkind feelings
+towards you."
+
+The young man received this advice with a smile which indicated its
+refusal.
+
+"It is difficult, sir, to speak of such things in the presence of the one
+who is to be the object of our homage. Permit me, however, the liberty to
+decide upon the manner in which I will acquit myself of my duty to this
+young lady."
+
+"But permit me, signor, to tell you," said the old man, in an offended
+tone, "that it does you no honor to reject the advice of a man of
+experience, in order to carry out an unimportant fancy. Rashness does not
+indicate courage, but rather an absence of good sense."
+
+"Father," exclaimed Mary, in a supplicating tone, "be not angry with
+Signor Geronimo; he will incur no danger."
+
+"Foolish confidence!" said the old man. "Why should Geronimo think himself
+less exposed to danger than others? That Geronimo should be rash is
+excusable; but, Mary, you deserve a severe reprimand for encouraging your
+friend in his perilous design."
+
+The young girl bowed her head at this reproof of her father, and murmured
+as if to excuse herself: "Geronimo has a relic, father."
+
+This revelation embarrassed the young man, and he glanced reproachfully at
+Mary.
+
+She said, caressingly:
+
+"Don't be displeased, Geronimo; show the relic to my father, and he will
+then know why you do not fear that any accident will happen to you."
+
+The young man felt that he could not refuse Mary's request. He drew from
+under his doublet an object suspended on a steel chain, and, approaching
+Mr. Van de Werve, he placed it in his hand.
+
+It was a flat medal of greenish copper, on which were engraven unknown
+letters and signs. A cross between two bent sabres, and beneath them a
+crescent, filled up the centre of the medal. At the foot of the cross was
+a gray stone, rudely inlaid. The whole was rough and heavy.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve examined this medal attentively for some time; he turned
+it over and over, as though he sought to comprehend the signification of
+this singular emblem.
+
+"A relic!" he murmured. "Here are two cimeters, a crescent, and cabalistic
+characters. It is a Mohammedan talisman, and, perhaps, an emblem shocking
+to our holy religion!"
+
+"You are certainly mistaken, sir," replied Geronimo.
+
+"Is not the cross placed above the crescent, and would not that signify
+that the faith of Christ has triumphed over the doctrines of Mahomet?"
+
+"But why do you call it a relic?"
+
+"Mary so named it, not I. It is an amulet, and if it has any power, it
+derives it from the gray stone beneath the cross. This stone is a
+_draconite_, taken, at the risk of life, from the head of a dragon in the
+country of the negroes."
+
+A half contemptuous smile curled the lips of the old man as he
+contemplated the talisman in silence. At last he said: "I remember, Signor
+Geronimo, to have read in Pliny curious details of the draconite and its
+extraordinary powers, but I also remember that the great naturalist
+forgets to tell us the inherent qualities of the stone. Alas! signor,
+would you trust in this talisman, and believe that it could protect you
+against the dagger of the assassin? The people of the South have a strange
+piety: in their superstition they confound what is holy with things which
+owe their efficacy, if they possess any, to the conjurations of
+sorcerers."
+
+The young noble colored slightly, and replied: "You are mistaken, sir, as
+far as I am concerned. For my justification allow me to tell you that this
+amulet belonged to a pilgrim; that it rested one entire night of Good
+Friday upon the tomb of our Lord at Jerusalem; but I will be candid, and
+say to you that I do not consider it possessed of the power to preserve me
+from danger. And yet I always wear it with the firm and unshaken
+conviction that it will protect me in a critical hour from some
+misfortune."
+
+"Perhaps it belonged to your deceased parents," said Mr. Van de Werve,
+struck by the singular explanation of the young man.
+
+"No, sir," replied Geronimo; "this amulet is to me a cherished souvenir of
+a day upon which God gave me the grace to perform a good action. I would
+willingly tell you how the amulet fell into my hands, and why I believe in
+its power to protect me, but it is a long story."
+
+"I would, nevertheless, be much pleased if you would satisfy my
+curiosity," said the old noble.
+
+"If you desire it," replied Geronimo, "I will comply with your wishes.
+
+"You know that five years ago, when I undertook for the first time the
+voyage from Lucca to Antwerp, I was made prisoner by Algerian pirates, and
+carried as a slave to Barbary. I was sold to a Moorish lord, who made me
+work in the fields until my uncle should send the ransom which would
+restore me to liberty. In the same field in which some light work was
+appointed me, I saw an old blind woman attached like a mule to a plough,
+and driven on by blows from a heavy stick. She was a Christian slave,
+whose eyes had been put out in wanton cruelty. I learned that she was an
+Italian by birth, a native of a small village in the environs of Porto
+Fiero, a seaport not far from Genoa. She had no relatives who could pay
+her ransom, and she had consequently been fastened to the plough like a
+beast of burden until death should come to deliver her. The frightful fate
+of this miserable slave so filled me with compassion, that I shed tears of
+grief and rage when I heard afar off her piercing cries as the rod of the
+overseer descended upon her. One day my indignation was so roused, when
+the pagan wretches had knocked her down and were treating her even more
+cruelly than usual, that I dared to defend her by force. Had not my master
+expected a large sum for my ransom, a frightful death would have been the
+punishment of my audacity. After being kept a few days in prison and
+harshly treated, I was sent back to the fields to work as before. The
+condition of the blind slave was not in the least changed; she was still
+inhumanly beaten. Her misfortunes pierced my heart, and I was maddened by
+my inability to protect from pagan cruelty a woman who was my sister by
+our common faith and a common misfortune. No longer venturing to have
+recourse to force, I sought other means to mitigate her sufferings. During
+the few hours of repose granted to us, or rather to our overseers, I
+hastened to the blind woman and shared with her the best of my food; I
+strove to fortify her by the hope that God would liberate her from this
+terrible slavery; I told her, that should I ever become free, I would
+procure her liberation, even were it necessary to renounce for years my
+own pleasures that I might amass sufficient for her ransom. I spoke to her
+of our country, of the goodness of God, and of the probability of my
+liberation. The poor blind woman kissed my hands, and called me an angel
+sent by God to illumine the darkness of her life by the sweet rays of
+consolation and piety. I was only a few months her fellow-slave. My uncle,
+learning my captivity through messengers I had employed, sent to Algiers
+an armed vessel to liberate me. Besides the amount of my ransom, he sent
+me means to transport some valuable merchandise from Barbary to Italy.
+When I took leave of the blind woman, I was so deeply touched by her
+sorrow, that I pondered upon the means of restoring her to liberty. It is
+true that in order to effect this, I would be obliged to employ a large
+portion of the money sent me by my uncle for the purchase of merchandise,
+and I was convinced that my uncle, who was inflexible in exacting fidelity
+to commercial regulations, would overwhelm me with his anger, but my heart
+gained the ascendency over my reason, and Christian charity triumphed.
+Listening only to my compassion, I ransomed the unfortunate woman, and
+with my own hands I unbound her chains. That was the happiest moment of my
+life."
+
+Mary and her father were both touched by the recital of the young man.
+
+"Oh, Geronimo," exclaimed Mary, "may God bless you for having been so
+compassionate to the poor Christian slave!"
+
+"You did well, Geronimo," said Mr. Van de Werve, "and I esteem and love
+you more for your generosity to the unfortunate blind woman. How happy her
+unexpected liberation must have made her!"
+
+"When I told her she was free, and that she could accompany me to her
+native land, she was almost wild with joy; she laughed and wept by turns;
+she cast herself upon the ground, and raising her hands to heaven, thanked
+God; she embraced my knees and watered my feet with her tears. Not knowing
+how to testify her gratitude, she drew this strange amulet from her bosom
+and presented it to me, conjuring me to wear it always. She told me that
+it possessed the power of protecting and saving the one who carried it on
+his person, when all human aid failed or was insufficient. As to the
+origin of the amulet, she only knew that it had been brought back from
+Jerusalem by one of her ancestors, who had made a pilgrimage thither in
+expiation of an involuntary homicide, and from that time it had been,
+religiously guarded in their family as a precious relic. She had no doubt
+of its power, and related many strange things to justify her faith. She
+maintained that she owed to the amulet her unexpected return to Italy."
+
+"Does she still live?" asked Mary.
+
+"When in sight of Italy, I put her on board of a boat bound to Porto
+Fiero; I gave her a small sum of money, and begged the boatman to attend
+to her comforts. Poor Teresa Mostajo--that is her name--I doubt not, is
+living peacefully in her native village, and prays much for me. This is
+the only reason why I attribute any virtue to the amulet; I believe in the
+protection of this sign because it has been sanctified by an act of
+Christian charity, and by the grateful prayers of the poor blind woman
+tormented by the pagans for the name of Christ."
+
+The old cavalier remained a moment silent, absorbed in thought. Then
+taking the hand of the young man, he said to him: "I did not know you
+before, Geronimo. I hope it may be in my power to prove to you how much
+your generosity ennobles you and elevates you in my esteem; but although
+your confidence in the amulet rests on so laudable a sentiment, I would
+not rely too much upon it. You know the proverb says: 'Help yourself, and
+Heaven will help you.'"
+
+"Do not suppose, Mr. Van de Werve, that on that account I would be guilty
+of any foolish imprudence. I know that the eye and sword are good
+sentinels. When I pass through the streets at night, I am always well
+accompanied, and my hand never leaves the hilt of my sword. Therefore have
+no anxiety on this point, and permit me to perform my duty to her to whom
+I owe homage and respect."
+
+At that moment the painted--glass windows trembled under the stroke of a
+large clock from some neighboring belfry. This suddenly turned Mary's
+thoughts into another channel.
+
+"The clock of St. James is striking ten," she said.
+
+"Father, will you walk with me to the dock-yard to see if any new ships
+have arrived?"
+
+"What is the hour of high tide?" her father asked Geronimo.
+
+"At noon," he replied.
+
+"Why need we go so soon to the dock-yard?" asked the old cavalier. "Many
+days may yet pass before the _Il Salvatore_ appears in the Scheldt. Do not
+fear, Mary, that the Signor Deodati will take us by surprise. Don Pezoa,
+the agent of the king of Portugal, has given orders that I shall be
+notified as soon as the galley we are awaiting is signaled in the river,
+at noon."
+
+He was interrupted by the entrance of a servant, who announced that the
+Chevalier John Van Schoonhoven,[8] the bailiff, desired to speak with him.
+
+Geronimo was about to withdraw, but Mr. Van de Werve said to him,
+cordially:
+
+"Remain, signor; I will send Petronilla, Mary's duenna as a companion for
+her; the interview with the Chevalier Schoonhoven may not detain me long.
+We will afterwards go to the dock-yard, and we will at least enjoy the
+fine weather. Stay, I beg you."
+
+Hardly had he left the hall when an old woman entered, and seated herself
+near the door. She drew a chaplet from her pocket, and commenced praying
+in a low voice. This was apparently an habitual act with her, for neither
+the young girl nor the young man took the least notice of the duenna.
+
+Mary approached her lover, and said, gaily: "Rejoice, Geronimo! My father
+has just promised not to propose very heavy conditions to your uncle."
+
+"I am most grateful for his kindness," said the young man, sadly.
+
+"What can be the matter?" asked Mary, surprised by his indifference. "I
+noticed you were depressed when you first came. Be more hopeful; perhaps
+the _Il Salvatore_ will ascend the Scheldt to-day."
+
+"God grant it may not arrive!" said Geronimo, heaving a deep sigh.
+
+"Do you then fear your uncle's arrival?" exclaimed Mary, in an agitated
+voice.
+
+"Do not speak so loud, Mary; your duenna must not hear what I am about to
+communicate to you. Yes; since yesterday morning I have dreaded my uncle's
+arrival. Previously I implored it of Heaven as the choicest blessing, and
+now the thought of it makes me tremble."
+
+"Have you then heard from your uncle?"
+
+"Alas! my friend, at the very moment when all seemed the brightest, when I
+was thanking God for a happiness which I thought already mine, a dark
+cloud comes to overshadow my life. I seem even now to hear my uncle's
+voice pronouncing the cruel sentence which condemns me to a life-long
+sorrow."
+
+The young girl turned deadly pale, and anxiously awaited an explanation
+of the mystery.
+
+"My beloved Mary," he whispered, "it is a secret which I can only confide
+to you in part, and which in strict honor I should perhaps conceal
+entirely. Four weeks ago a merchant, highly esteemed, was left by a
+curious train of circumstances without funds, and he begged me to lend him
+ten thousand crowns. Should I refuse his request, the credit of his house
+would be irretrievably ruined. His name I considered sufficient security
+for ten times the amount he wished to borrow. At all events, although it
+pained me to disobey my uncle's positive injunctions, I could not deny the
+assistance which was asked of me. I lent the ten thousand crowns, and
+obtained a receipt with a written promise of payment in one month.
+Yesterday the note fell due; my debtor asks a delay until to-morrow. I met
+him an hour ago, and he has not yet obtained the money."
+
+"But if your debtor is rich and powerful, you need not indulge your fears
+to-day; to-morrow, perhaps, he will fulfil his promise," remarked the
+young girl, with ill-concealed anxiety.
+
+"My fears may mislead me, Mary, but I am sure that my debtor's affairs are
+in a very bad condition. At his urgent entreaty I made no entry of the
+loan upon the books, in order to conceal the transaction from the clerks;
+but still I have not the amount in hand. O Mary! my uncle has an eagle eye
+in business affairs; he will at once discover the deficit of ten thousand
+crowns--a deficit resulting from my lending money: a thing he has always
+warned me against, and which, even recently, he strictly forbade. My uncle
+is a good father to me, but this act of disobedience is sufficient to
+deprive me forever of his favor. I foresee many future evils."
+
+"Why were you so imprudent, Geronimo? You ought to have refused so large a
+loan."
+
+"I could not possibly refuse, Mary."
+
+"But you hold an acknowledgment of the debt and a promise of payment.
+Summon this merchant before the magistrates; at Antwerp justice is
+promptly and impartially dealt to all."
+
+"Impossible!" replied the young man, in a plaintive voice; "my debtor is a
+man to whom I owe many obligations; a complaint from me would be the cause
+of irreparable ruin to him. Let us hope that he will succeed in procuring
+the ten thousand crowns. He told me even this morning that he would
+endeavor to give me bills of exchange on Spain."
+
+"But of whom are you speaking?" said Mary; "your language is so
+mysterious."
+
+"I will not tell his name. Be not offended by my reserve; there is between
+merchants a law of secrecy which honor forbids us to violate."
+
+Mary appeared to respect this law; but she was evidently absorbed in
+bitter reflections.
+
+Either the communication of his difficulties to his beloved had given him
+new strength, or the sight of her sorrow made him affect a confidence he
+did not feel, for he said to her in a cheerful manner:
+
+"Come, Mary, you must not yield to discouragement. Perhaps I exaggerate
+the danger. My debtor is a member of a house which equals any other in
+consideration and wealth. In a few days, to-day even, or to-morrow, he may
+acquit himself of the debt, and should my uncle arrive before the
+restitution, I will endeavor to delay his examination of the books."
+
+He took the young girl's hand, and exclaimed, with joyous enthusiasm: "O
+Mary, my beloved, may Heaven be propitious to our vows! May the
+benediction of the priest descend upon our union! We will pass in Italy
+the first months of our happy life; Italy--that earthly paradise where God
+has lavished all the treasures of nature, and man all the treasures of
+art."
+
+They heard Mr. Van de Werve's voice in the hall giving urgent orders to
+the servants.
+
+"Mary," said Geronimo, "your father is coming. I implore you not to
+divulge, in any manner, what I have told you. Keep my secret even from
+your father; remember that the least indiscretion might cause the ruin of
+an honorable merchant."
+
+"Make haste, Geronimo; Mary, prepare for a drive," exclaimed Mr. Van de
+Werve, as he entered the hall. "Signor Deodati has arrived; the _Il
+Salvatore_ is in sight. Don Pezoa has just sent me information to that
+effect, and he has placed his gondola and boatmen at our service. The
+weather is beautiful and calm; we will go to meet the _Il Salvatore_."
+
+Mary, as though forgetting in this unexpected news all that Geronimo had
+told her, ran joyfully and put on her hood before her duenna had time to
+approach her. Geronimo also looked happy, and prepared to meet his uncle
+without loss of time.
+
+In a few minutes all was ready; the horses were harnessed to the carriage,
+the great gate was flung open, and the equipage was driven rapidly through
+the street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SIGNOR DEODATI.
+
+
+On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle. Many
+ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were
+approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the
+breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was
+covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed
+to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.
+
+The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring
+their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position. The crews of the
+different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so
+energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained
+cables. From each arose a song wild and harsh as the sharp creaking of the
+capstan, but joyous as the triumphant shout of a victorious army. These
+chants, sung in every tongue of the commercial world by robust sailors,
+seemed, as they were wafted over the river to the city, like the long,
+loud acclamations of a vast multitude.
+
+The only sounds which could be heard in the midst of these confused cries
+were the voices of the captains speaking through the trumpets; and when a
+Portuguese gallion, coming from the West Indies, appeared before the city,
+a salvo of cannon rose like the rolling of thunder above all other sounds.
+
+The sun shone brightly upon this animated scene of human activity, and
+broke and sparkled in colored light up in the rippling waves of the broad
+river.
+
+Hundreds of flags floated in the air; gondolas and longboats furrowed the
+waters; from boat and wharf joyous greetings of friends mingled with the
+song of the sailors. Even the wagoners from beyond the Rhine, who had
+ranged their strongly-built wagons near the cemetery of Burg, in order to
+load them with spices for Cologne, could not resist the influence of the
+beautiful May-day and the general hilarity; they collected near the gate
+of the dock-yard, and entoned in their German tongue a song so harmonious
+and sweet, and yet so manly, that every other sound in their vicinity was
+hushed.
+
+At this moment an elegant vehicle passed the gate of the dock-yard, and
+stopped near the German wagoners as the last strain of their song died
+upon the air.
+
+A young man, and after him an old man and a young girl richly attired,
+alighted from the carriage.
+
+Those immediately around, merchants as well as workmen, stepped
+respectfully aside and saluted Mr. Van de Werve, whilst glancing
+admiringly at his daughter. Some Italians of lower rank murmured loud
+enough to reach Mary's ears: "_Ecco la bionda maraviglia_."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve ordered his people to await him at the gate of the
+dock-yard, and passed on, saluting those whom he met, to the place where
+the Portuguese flag indicated the gondola of Lopez de Galle, which was
+prepared to receive him. They threw a carpet across the plank upon which
+Mary was to step in passing into the gondola. Mary, her father, and
+Geronimo entered the boat; the six oars dipped simultaneously into the
+water, and, pushed by the strong arms of the Portuguese sailors, the
+gondola sped rapidly through the waves. Swift as a fish and light as a
+swan, it skimmed the surface of the Scheldt, and made many a turn through
+the numerous vessels until it had succeeded in finding an open way down
+the river. Then the sailors exerted all their strength, as if to show the
+beautiful young girl what they were capable of in their trade. The
+gondola, obeying the impulse given it by the oarsmen, bounded forward
+under each stroke of the oars, and gracefully poised itself on the waves
+caused by its rapid passage.
+
+Complete silence reigned in the gondola; the sailors looked with timid
+admiration upon the beautiful countenance of the young girl. Mary, with
+downcast eyes, was persuading herself that Geronimo's uncle would
+undoubtedly consent to their union. The young man was absorbed in thought,
+and yielded by turns to joy, hope, and fear. Mr. Van de Werve contemplated
+the city, and seemed to enjoy the magnificent spectacle presented by
+Antwerp when seen at a distance, and which, with its lofty towers and
+splendid edifices, rose from the river like another Venice.
+
+Suddenly Geronimo rose and pointed in the distance, exclaiming, joyously,
+"See, the _Il Salvatore!_"
+
+Mary, glancing around, eagerly asked: "Where? Is it the vessel bearing a
+red cross on its flag?"
+
+"No, Mary, it is behind the ships of war; it is that large vessel with
+three masts--on its flag is a picture of the Saviour: _Il Salvatore_."
+
+While the gondola rapidly sped on its way, the eyes of all were fixed upon
+the galley, in order, if possible, to distinguish the features of those
+who stood on deck.
+
+Suddenly Geronimo clapped his hands, exclaiming, "God be praised! I see my
+uncle."
+
+"Which is he?" inquired Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+The young man replied, joyously: "Do you not see standing on the
+forecastle five or six passengers who wear parti-colored dresses, with
+plumed hats? In the midst of them is a man of lofty stature, completely
+enveloped in a brown cloak. He has long white hair, and his silvery beard
+looks like snow-flakes resting on his dark mantle. That is my old uncle,
+Signor Deodati."
+
+"What a superb-looking old man!" exclaimed Mary, in admiration.
+
+"In truth," said Mr. Van de Werve, "as well as I can judge at this
+distance, his appearance is very striking."
+
+"My uncle inspires respect wherever he goes," said the young man,
+enthusiastically. "His sixty-five years appear on his brow as an aureola
+of experience and wisdom; he is learned, good, and generous."
+
+And waving his hat, he cried out: "Ah, he recognizes us! He salutes us; he
+smiles. At last I see him after four years of separation. My God, I thank
+thee for having protected him!"
+
+The young man's joy was so great that Mary and her father were also moved.
+
+"So lively an affection for your uncle does you credit, Geronimo," said
+Mr. Van de Werve. "God loves a grateful heart; may He grant you to-day the
+desires of your heart!"
+
+But the young man did not hear these words of encouragement; standing in
+the gondola, he waved to his uncle as if endeavoring to express to him by
+signs his joy at seeing him.
+
+The gondola approached the galley, which slowly ascended the Scheldt in a
+favorable wind and with a rising tide.
+
+The light boat soon gained the large ship. Before the ladder was lowered,
+Geronimo caught the cable of the galley, and ere Mary had recovered from
+her terror, he had reached the deck and was in his uncle's arms.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve mounted the ladder cautiously, and approached Signor
+Deodati, with whom he exchanged the most cordial salutations.
+
+Mary remained in the gondola; she saw Geronimo embrace his uncle
+repeatedly; she rejoiced to perceive that the eyes of the old man were
+filled with tears of emotion. She was still more happy when she saw the
+affability with which her father and Geronimo's uncle conversed together,
+as though they were old friends.
+
+Very soon the Signor Deodati descended into the gondola to accompany Mr.
+Van de Werve and Geronimo to the city.
+
+The Flemish cavalier introduced his daughter to the Italian noble.
+
+The old man gazed upon the ravishing beauty of the young girl in
+speechless admiration. Mary's lovely features were illumined by an
+enchanting smile which moved the old man's heart; her large blue eyes were
+fixed upon him with so soft and supplicating an expression that the Signor
+Deodati, extending his hand, murmured: "_E la graziosa donzella!_" (The
+beautiful girl!)
+
+But Mary, encouraged by his look of affection, and unconsciously urged by
+a mysterious instinct, extended both hands to the old man, who folded her
+in his arms and pressed her to his heart.
+
+Geronimo, overjoyed at the reception given to Mary by his uncle, turned
+aside to conceal his emotion.
+
+"_Iddio vi dia pace in nostra patria!_ May God grant you peace in our
+country, Signor Deodati!" said Mary, taking the old man's hand. "Come sit
+by me; I am so happy to know you. Do not think me bold; Geronimo has
+spoken so much of you, that I have long respected and loved you. And then,
+in our Netherlands we always welcome a stranger as a brother."
+
+Signor Deodati seated himself by her as she desired, and as the gondola
+returned to the city, the old man said, in surprise: "But you speak
+Italian like a native of Lucca. How soft and musical my native tongue
+sounds from your lips!"
+
+"There is my teacher," said Mary, pointing to Geronimo.
+
+"That is not true, my uncle. Her modesty causes her to mislead you. Miss
+Van de Werve speaks equally well both Spanish and French, nor is she
+ignorant of Latin."
+
+"Can that be so?" asked the elder Deodati, with an incredulous smile.
+
+"That is nothing extraordinary in our city of Antwerp," said Mr. Van de
+Werve. "Most ladies of noble birth, and even merchants' daughters, speak
+two or three foreign languages. It is a necessity rather than a pleasure
+for us; for since the people of the South will not or can not learn our
+tongue, we are obliged to become familiar with theirs."
+
+The Signor Deodati, as though a new and sudden thought possessed his mind,
+seized his nephew's hand, and fixing his eyes affectionately upon him,
+said in a calm tone: "I am pleased with you, Geronimo. Young as you are,
+you have conducted prudently the affairs of a large commercial house; you
+have acted as an experienced man; in order to please me, you have denied
+yourself pleasures which are so seductive to youth. Taking the place of
+your father, I have kept a vigilant eye upon you, and it gladdens my old
+heart to know that I have in my successor a virtuous cavalier and a
+prudent merchant. I know your desires, my son. Be not disturbed, but
+hopeful. I undertook a long voyage only to recompense you, if possible,
+for your gratitude."
+
+He arose, and said to Mary: "I am loath to leave you, my dear young lady;
+but I have a few words to say privately to your father. You will excuse me
+more readily, as I yield my place to Geronimo."
+
+Saying this, he walked with Mr. Van de Werve to the extremity of the boat,
+where both seated themselves upon a bench.
+
+Trembling with fear, hope, and joyous anticipations, Mary and Geronimo
+watched the two parents, endeavoring to divine from the expression of
+their countenances the result of their conversation. At first both were
+perfectly calm; by degrees they grew more excited; the derisive smile on
+the lips of Mr. Van de Werve betrayed the bitterness of his feelings, as
+the Signor Deodati in a decided manner counted on his fingers. They were
+discussing the great affair--the dowry and inheritance. Their only thought
+was money!
+
+Geronimo turned pale as he saw his uncle shake his head with evident
+dissatisfaction; and Mary trembled as she noticed the displeased
+expression of her father.
+
+The private conversation lasted a long time, and still took no favorable
+turn; on the contrary, the two old men ceased speaking, as though
+displeased with each other.
+
+Signor Deodati addressed a question to Mr. Van de Werve, to which the
+latter replied negatively.
+
+Both then arose, and approaching Geronimo and Mary, sat down in silence.
+Their countenances betrayed vexation and mutual displeasure.
+
+The young man, with tearful eyes, looked inquiringly at his uncle. Mary
+bowed her head, but her heaving bosom gave evidence of the struggle of her
+heart.
+
+For some time there was a painful silence in the gondola. Mr. Van de
+Werve contemplated his daughter, who seemed overwhelmed by sorrow. Signor
+Deodati was deeply moved by Geronimo's earnest gaze.
+
+The Italian noble was the first to break silence. "Come, sir," he said,
+"let us make these young people happy."
+
+"With all my heart, signor; but what will you do? My daughter is descended
+from an illustrious house; she must live in the world in a manner to do
+honor to her birth; as her father, I have duties to fulfil which I cannot
+disregard."
+
+"Poor Geronimo!" said the Signor Deodati, in a tone of compassion, and
+with a deep sigh. "You would accuse me of cruelty, would you not? and this
+lovely young girl would hate the old man for his insensibility. It was not
+for that I crossed the seas in my old age."
+
+He reflected a few minutes, then extending his hand to Mr. Van de Werve,
+he said: "My lord, I wish to show my good-will. I accept entirely your
+conditions, and in recompense for my sacrifices I ask only your
+friendship. Shall our children then be happy?"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve grasped cordially the hand which was extended to him, and
+said to his daughter: "Mary, embrace this good gentleman; he will be your
+second father."
+
+Mary cast herself into the arms of the old man; a cry of joy escaped the
+lips of Geronimo; even the sailors, although they comprehended but little
+of what they saw, were touched.
+
+Whilst they were yet exchanging felicitations, the gondola swept around
+the point of land which had concealed the city from view, and Antwerp,
+with its thousand vessels, its lofty spires and noble edifices, lay spread
+out in all its majestic beauty before the eyes of Signor Deodati.
+
+A cry of admiration burst from his lips.
+
+"_O che bella citta!_ What a beautiful city!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What is that magnificent tower, which like sculptured lace lifts its
+beautiful spire proudly to heaven, and like a giant looks down upon all
+others? What are those singular buildings whose rounded cupolas and
+pointed roofs so far exceed in height the surrounding houses? Oh! let the
+gondola float with the current; your city enchants me, and I wish to enjoy
+the view for a few moments."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve gratified the curiosity of the Italian gentleman by
+pointing out to him the most remarkable buildings of the city, saying:
+"Before you now is the new city constructed at his own expense by
+Gillibert de Schoonbeke--a man to whom Antwerp owes its later increase and
+the creation of countless streets and houses.[9] Those large and massive
+towers, in which you may notice loopholes, and which stand immediately
+upon the Scheldt, were the ancient fortifications of the city. That small,
+graceful spire is the Convent of Faucon; it is called here, Our Lady of
+Valkenbroek. Yonder, near the river, is the church of Borgt, the oldest
+temple of our city; for in 642 a wooden chapel stood on the spot, and in
+1249 it was consecrated as a parish church, just as it now is.[10] That
+lofty edifice at the foot of the gigantic tower of Notre Dame is the
+entrepot of Spain. Every nation has its own manufactories and magazines,
+where every one may claim the protection of his flag. The massive,
+unfinished tower belongs to the church of Saint James; the original plan
+was to elevate it above the spire of Notre Dame, but the work has been
+long discontinued for want of funds. Do you see, a little further on, that
+square building surmounted by a dome? It is the palace of Fugger, the
+Croesus of our times: he was elevated to the nobility by Maximilian on
+account of his wealth. Furnishing money to kings and nations, he sees gold
+daily pouring into his coffers, and if God does not interfere, the royal
+power will bow before that of the opulent banker. On the right you have
+the church of Saint Andrew, and near it the convent of Saint Michael,
+where our Emperor Charles stays when he visits his good city of
+Antwerp."[11]
+
+While the gondola was skimming over the surface of the water, and Mr. Van
+de Werve was explaining to Signor Deodati the various edifices which were
+worthy of remark, there stood upon the shore, at a corner of the
+dock-yard, a man who coolly followed the boat with his eyes, and who
+endeavored to comprehend what was passing in the gondola, and to discover
+what might be the emotions of the young man and the young girl who were
+seated within it.
+
+Notwithstanding the fine weather, the man was enveloped in an ample cloak,
+and wore a hat with broad brim, over which fell a purple plume. His
+doublet was of gold cloth, and his breeches were of brown satin. At his
+side glittered the jewelled hilt of a sword.
+
+He was of lofty stature, and his whole bearing indicated noble birth; his
+style of dress and black hair and eyes attested his Italian origin. The
+most remarkable thing about his person was a long narrow scar across his
+face, as though he had been wounded by a sharp blade. The mark was not
+disfiguring, particularly when his features were in repose; but when he
+was agitated by some violent passion or uncontrollable emotion, the edges
+of the scar assumed different hues, and appeared of a dull white mixed
+with red and purple.
+
+At the moment of which we speak his eyes were fixed upon the gondola with
+an expression of irritated jealousy, and his lips were strongly
+contracted. The color of the scar had changed with his increasing emotion,
+and it was of a deep red. He stood so near the water that his feet touched
+it, and thus he prevented any one from passing before him and witnessing
+the tumult of his soul.
+
+Even the peculiar expression of his countenance did not betray the current
+of his thoughts; but certainly he was preoccupied by no good design, for
+his whole demeanor bespoke a wild despair and burning jealousy.
+
+For some time he watched in the same attitude the course of the gondola,
+which drifted with the current, until he saw the oarsmen seize their oars,
+and he supposed they were about to land.
+
+Then his whole frame shook convulsively under his efforts to control his
+emotion. He became exteriorly calm, the scar on his cheek paled, and in an
+unconcerned manner, with a light step and bright smile, he walked along
+the wharf to the spot where he supposed the gondola would stop.
+
+Geronimo, who had seen him approaching, sprung upon the bank before the
+boat was moored, and ran to him with singular haste. He took his hand, and
+said in an undertone:
+
+"_Ebbene, caro mio Simone?_ Have you obtained the money, Simon? My uncle
+has arrived. Should he discover that the money-vault lacks so considerable
+a sum, you and I are both lost. But you have the money, have you not? You
+will give it to me to-day?"
+
+"Pity me, Geronimo," said the other, sighing. "Various fatal circumstances
+render all my efforts unavailing."
+
+"You have not the money?" murmured the young man, despairingly.
+
+"No; to-morrow, or perhaps day after to-morrow."[12]
+
+"Good heavens! suppose my uncle reproves me in anger. I implore you,
+Simon, to procure the amount. Do not cause my destruction!"
+
+"Oh!" muttered the other, in a hoarse, altered voice, "were I to be the
+cause of any misfortune to you, I would avenge you upon myself in a bloody
+manner."
+
+"No, no," said the young man, in a compassionate tone, "banish these
+horrible thoughts. I will wait; I will seek a delay, and endeavor to
+divert my uncle's attention for a few days. Alas! I am filled with
+anxiety: at the very moment, too, that my uncle has consented to my
+marriage with Mary!"
+
+Simon's face became fearfully contorted.
+
+"Your uncle has consented?" he said, in a stifled voice.
+
+"And Mr. Van de Werve?"
+
+"He agrees to it also. O Simon! pardon me my happiness. I know, my poor
+friend, that this news is most painful to you; but did we not loyally
+promise each other, that were one of us to succeed in our suit, it should
+not break our long-tried friendship?"
+
+"Fool! God has abandoned me!" muttered the other between his teeth.
+
+"There is my uncle with Mr. Van de Werve," said Geronimo.
+
+"Cheer up, Simon; hide your emotion. When I am my own master, I will aid
+you in your affairs. In the meantime put your trust in God."
+
+The man with the scar made a powerful effort to control himself, and
+advancing cheerfully to meet Mr. Van de Werve, he said to his companion:
+
+"My emotion was natural under the circumstances; now that the blow has
+fallen, it is all over. Pained as I am, Geronimo, I congratulate you
+cordially. If I could only obtain the money, and spare you anything
+disagreeable! I will do all in my power."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve joined them, and after the first salutations said to the
+old Deodati: "I am happy to present to you my friend, the Signor Simon
+Turchi, who is at the head of the house of the Buonvisi, and who
+frequently does me the honor to visit me."
+
+"Ah! I know him well," said Deodati, cordially taking Simon's hand. "The
+signor is from Lucca, and the son of an esteemed friend."
+
+"You are welcome this side of the Alps, Signor Deodati," replied Simon
+Turchi. "My father often spoke of your mutual friendship. May God grant
+you prosperity in Brabant!"
+
+"I am under many obligations to you, signor," replied the old Deodati,
+"for the affectionate interest you have shown in my nephew. That my
+business affairs have been as well transacted in this country as though I
+had been here myself, I am indebted to your experience and wise counsels.
+I know from Geronimo's letters that he is sensible of the favor and deeply
+grateful for it."
+
+Simon Turchi was about to disclaim the praise bestowed upon him, but the
+carriage drew near, and Mr. Van de Werve said:
+
+"I hope, signor, that you will honor us with your company this evening. We
+will pass together a few hours with our noble guest."
+
+Simon excused himself, saying that some important commercial affairs
+demanded his attention; but as Mary and Geronimo urged him to accept the
+invitation, he promised to see them, at least for a short time.
+
+They bade adieu as the carriage drove out of the gate of the dock-yard.
+
+Simon Turchi followed it with his eyes, immovable as a statue, until the
+sound of the rolling wheels was lost in the distance. Then he convulsively
+crossed his arms and dropped his head, as though the certainty of a
+terrible misfortune had overwhelmed him.
+
+He remained a long time plunged in thought; but he was startled from his
+reverie by a vehicle which dashed along near him, and by the call of the
+driver warning him of his danger. He stepped aside and looked around him,
+as though seeking a way of escape from the wharf and the crowd of workmen.
+He walked slowly towards the church of Saint Walburga, and around the wall
+enclosing the cemetery. He entered, wandered awhile among the tombs, until
+reaching an obscure spot, where he was concealed by an angle of the
+church, he paused.
+
+He pressed his brow with his hands, as if to shut out painful thoughts;
+the scar on his face frequently changed color, and at intervals his whole
+frame shook with emotion. At last, as if his reflections had assumed a
+determined form, he muttered:
+
+"The arm-chair? it is not completed! And then he would be too late. A
+dagger, a sword, an assassin lying in wait? If Julio were only more
+courageous; but he is a cowardly boaster. Why did I take into my service
+such a poltroon? He would not dare run the risk of striking a fatal blow;
+but I can force him to it, force him even to be bold. I need but pronounce
+his real name; but the murder of a friend is a frightful crime; and then,
+perhaps, to be discovered, betrayed--to die on a scaffold like a common
+felon--I, the head of the house of the Buonvisi!"[13]
+
+This thought made him shudder. After a few moments' reflection, he said,
+more calmly: "I will go to the bailiff Van Schoonhoven; he has espoused my
+cause with Mr. Van de Werve; he will, perhaps, be offended that Mary's
+hand has been disposed of contrary to his urgent solicitations. Perhaps he
+may have influence to prevent the marriage."
+
+An ironical smile curled his lip.
+
+"Fool that I am!" he muttered. "And the ten thousand crowns? and the
+disgrace of bankruptcy? Oh, the infernal thought! might I not take from a
+corpse the acknowledgment of the debt? I will go to Mr. Van de Werve's; I
+must speak with Geronimo; I must know where tins evening he--"
+
+The words died upon his lips, and a sudden terror shook him from head to
+foot.
+
+He had heard behind him the voice of a man who spoke in a low tone, and
+who seemed to be a spy.
+
+Could he have heard what Simon Turchi had so imprudently spoken in this
+solitary corner of the cemetery?
+
+Turning in his anguish, he saw two persons, three or four steps behind
+him, looking at him with a mocking air.
+
+Under other circumstances the Italian cavalier would certainly have called
+the unknown men to account for their insolent curiosity; but fear deprived
+him of all courage and energy.
+
+He dropped his head, concealed his face as far as possible, crossed the
+cemetery with long and rapid strides, and disappeared behind the wall of
+the enclosure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE PALACE OF SIMON TURCHI, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE.
+
+
+Not far from the bridge De la Vigne, Simon Turchi had a magnificent
+dwelling, where the offices of the commercial house of Buonvisi were
+situated; but he possessed also, at the extremity of the city,
+pleasure-grounds, where in fine weather he was accustomed to invite his
+friends and acquaintances to festivals, banquets, and concerts. His
+domains were near the church of Saint George, surrounded by grounds
+belonging to the hospital.
+
+Exteriorly it appeared to be only a wall of enclosure, shaded by lofty
+trees, and without openings. Against the horizon were seen two glittering
+weathercocks surmounting two small towers arising in the midst of foliage.
+Within there was, however, a vast garden diversified with winding paths,
+flowery parterres, hillocks, and grottos. Here and there, scattered among
+the thickets of verdure, appeared marble statues representing principally
+the gods of pagan mythology. In the centre of the garden was a pond, in
+which seemed to float a crowd of monstrous animals, such as dragons,
+basilisks, lizards, and salamanders. It was a fountain; and when the
+robinets were opened these monsters spouted the water in every direction
+from their eyes and mouths.
+
+But at the bottom of the garden and at some distance from the wall of
+enclosure was an antique pavilion of gray-stone, the walls of which were
+nearly covered with ivy, and which, in spite of their dark hue, presented
+a very picturesque appearance.
+
+With the exception of the small and narrow windows, which were protected
+by iron bars, and the staircase of slate which gave admittance, this heavy
+building presented nothing remarkable, unless it were two round turrets,
+which rose above the surrounding roofs and even above the gigantic trees
+in its vicinity.
+
+The garden had been evidently long neglected, for all the walks were
+covered with weeds, and in the flower-beds were the half decayed props
+which had supported the plants of the previous autumn. The statues were
+spotted by the dust and rain; a fine moss covered the monsters of the
+fountains, and the little water remaining in the pond was stagnant.
+
+These evidences of the absence of man, the sombre hue of the edifice, the
+shrubs growing untrimmed, but, above all, the complete silence, gave a
+mournful air of abandonment to the place, and in this solitude the soul
+was necessarily filled with painful reflections.
+
+It was already late in the afternoon; the sun was about to sink below the
+horizon, its slanting rays illumined only the weathercocks on the top of
+the towers. Within the thickets and at the entrance of the grottos, night
+already reigned. Not the slightest sound was heard in this place. The
+noise of the people at work in the city resounded in the air, the chiming
+of the church-bells was wafted from the distance over this solitary
+dwelling; but as no sound arose from the habitation itself, the distant
+hum from an active multitude rendered the silence of the spot all the more
+striking.
+
+Only at intervals a dull sound like the grating noise of a file seemed to
+issue from the old edifice; but it was so indistinct and so often
+interrupted that it was not sufficient to destroy the solitude and silence
+of the place.
+
+Suddenly two heavy strokes, as if from a hammer, resounded through the
+garden. Some one had knocked at the exterior door for admittance.
+
+A few moments afterwards a man appeared on the staircase of the pavilion,
+and descended into the garden.
+
+He was tall and slender; his hair and beard were red, and a red moustache
+covered his upper lip. His cheeks, though sunken and emaciated, were very
+red. His eyes were wild in their expression. His arms and legs were of
+extraordinary length; his movements were heavy and slow, as though his
+limbs had been dislocated and his muscles without strength.
+
+His dress denoted him to be a menial: he wore a vest of black leather, a
+red doublet and breeches of the same color, without embroidery or
+ornament.
+
+At this moment his sleeves were rolled up, and his thin arms were bare to
+the elbows. In his hand he held a file, and apparently he had been
+interrupted in some urgent work by the knock at the door. Having reached
+the outer door, he drew a key from his doublet, and asked in Italian:
+
+"Who knocks?"
+
+"Open the door, Julio; it is your companion Bernardo," was the reply in
+the same tongue.
+
+"Of course, on the way you stopped at the _Camel_, and drank some pots of
+Hamburg beer? Did you bring me as much as a pint?" asked the man with the
+red beard. "Nothing? have you nothing? I have worked until I am exhausted;
+I am dying of hunger, and no one thinks of me. Let me see the spring."
+
+Saying these words, he took from his companion's hands a bent steel spring
+and examined it attentively, closing and opening it as if to judge of its
+form and power of resistance.
+
+Bernardo was a deformed man of low stature; the projection on his back
+might be styled a hump--it was so prominent. His physiognomy denoted
+pusillanimity; but there was, at the same time, a malicious sparkle in his
+eye, and it was with a mocking smile that he contemplated the man with the
+red beard.
+
+The latter said to him in a commanding tone: "The spring appears to be
+good. Go bring me a pint of Rhenish wine from the Saint George."
+
+"You know well that our master has forbidden it. Let me go; the signor
+ordered me to return immediately to the factory."
+
+"Get me the wine, or I will break this spring in a thousand pieces over
+your hump."
+
+"Always threatening!" muttered Bernardo. "You know I am not wanting in
+good-will. I will go for the wine; give me the money."
+
+"Money? I have not a farthing in my pocket. Lend me the price of this
+pint."
+
+"My purse is empty, Julio; but yours? Our master gave you ever so many
+shillings yesterday. You told me so yourself."
+
+"Bah! the dice made way with the whole of it."
+
+"Hardened gambler!" said Bernardo, with a sigh. "You would risk your soul
+at the gaming-table if any one held out to you a gold coin."
+
+"Very likely!" replied Julio, in an indifferent tone; "my soul is hardly
+worth more."
+
+"What impious words! We are alone now, but there is One above who hears
+what we say. He will punish you, Julio."
+
+The red-haired man shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Continue your dissolute habits," resumed Bernardo; "lose your money in
+gambling, drown your senses in intoxication: at the end of this path there
+is a gallows, and behind it the devil, to whom all such souls are welcome.
+Adieu! reflect upon my words, and remember that the justice of God will
+one day demand an account of your life. Adieu!"
+
+Julio sprang towards the small door, locked it, and put the key in his
+pocket.
+
+"Cease this trifling," said the other, evidently ill at ease.
+
+"Open the door, Julio, or I will complain of you to our master."
+
+"What do I care for our master?" said the man, laughing.
+
+"You say, Bernardo, that I shall end my days on the gallows. No, no; the
+proverb says, that he who draws the sword shall perish by the sword. I
+have pierced so many with my dagger, that my turn must come to fall by the
+dagger. Last night, Bernardo, I had rare sport. I knocked down eight,
+wounded one in the arm, and as to three or four others whom I left
+extended on the ground, my dagger knows better than I what mischief was
+done them. Come in with me, and I will tell you all about it."
+
+"No, I have not time."
+
+"You must take the time. You shall not leave here until you have heard my
+adventures of last night."
+
+"It is always the same story over again. If I believed you, I would
+suppose that the cemeteries were too small to contain the bodies of all
+whom you have slain. Open the door, Julio, and let me go, I beg you."
+
+The other took his hand, and dragging him by force into the house, said:
+"I am here alone all day, with no one to whom I can speak one word; it is
+enough to paralyze my tongue. You shall listen to my adventures whether
+you wish it or not. Judge, Bernardo, by the recital of my great deeds what
+an honor it is to you to be the comrade of so intrepid a man. Be not
+ill-humored; you know it is useless to resist me. Don't laugh; were I to
+try it, I could toss you about like a ball; but you are my friend, and
+besides, you are too weak to contend with me. Therefore, fear nothing."
+
+They reached the house and entered a kind of parlor, where Julio threw
+upon the table the spring he held in his hand, and seating himself, he
+said to his companion:
+
+"Take a chair, Bernardo. You are about to hear some strange adventures. Do
+you know the ruffian Bufferio? He is a jolly fellow, who cares as little
+for the life of a man as for that of a fly. There is not a man in the
+parish of Saint Andrew who does not tremble at the sight of him. In a
+by-street there is a tavern in a large cellar, where one can hear the
+rattling of dice all night long, and they play for piles of gold--where it
+comes from, the devil only knows. Late yesterday evening I was passing
+through this street, when the noise of the dice fell upon my ear. You must
+know, Bernardo, that this sound is as enchanting music attracting me; it
+overpowers my will. I descended into the tavern and called for a glass of
+beer. I seated myself among the players, and challenged any of them to
+play against me. I won and lost; but at last good luck was on my side, and
+my pockets were so full that they could hardly bear the weight of the
+florins. To console the losers, I ordered the hostess to bring a pint of
+wine to each of them; but in spite of my generosity the villains looked at
+me angrily, and seemed to excite each other to take revenge upon me. They
+strove to pick a quarrel. They were like a band of thieves and assassins;
+but the rascals saw with whom they had to deal. My defiant look, my bold
+words, my intrepid countenance, kept them at a respectful distance from
+me. Suddenly the dreaded Bufferio entered the cellar. He had no sooner
+learned from his comrades how fortune had favored me than he challenged me
+to play with him. It was just what I wanted. I don't know how it happened,
+but I lost every game. Each time we doubled the stakes; a cold sweat
+bathed my brow as I saw florin after florin quietly put in the pocket of
+my adversary, until I had only one farthing left. This time fortune
+favored me; but Bufferio insisted that the dice had not been fairly
+thrown, and he swept the table of all the money staked. I sprang to my
+feet and called him a cheat. He instantly dealt me a heavy blow. Furious
+and thirsting for vengeance, I drew my dagger. Immediately twenty daggers
+glittered above my head. Perhaps, Bernardo, you think that I trembled? You
+do not know me; when I am thus in the midst of danger, an entire army
+could not terrify me; for in whatever other qualities I may be deficient,
+I do not lack courage and intrepidity. When I saw the villains about to
+rush upon me, I darted forward like a lion, and I cut about on every side
+so furiously with my dagger, that all, even to the gigantic Bufferio, fled
+from the cellar. I pursued them into the street; there the combat
+recommenced; but my adversaries fared badly. In a few moments Bufferio lay
+dead upon the ground between two of his comrades; the others, being badly
+wounded, had taken flight. I stood alone upon the field of battle, a
+triumphant conqueror! I remained in the same spot for a quarter of an
+hour, to see if any other enemies would present themselves, but the
+wretches had had enough for one night."
+
+Bernardo listened to this recital with an incredulous smile. When it was
+concluded, he silently shook his head.
+
+"Well! what have you to say of this adventure?" asked Julio. "Might it not
+be narrated in the chronicles as an heroic adventure?"
+
+"Certainly; in your place many others would have died of fright. But this
+morning I saw this Bufferio, whom you declare to be dead, walking alive in
+the public square."
+
+"Impossible; you are mistaken."
+
+"Perhaps so; but I know the ruffian well, for I have twice seen him in the
+pillory."
+
+"If he is not dead, he will certainly not be able to make his appearance
+in the streets for six months to come."
+
+"Of course, you took your money from Bufferio?"
+
+"How could I?"
+
+"Since he lay lifeless at your feet, why did you not recover the money he
+had stolen from you?"
+
+The red-haired man was at a loss for an answer; but after awhile he
+stammered out: "You are right. In the hurry of the struggle I did not
+think of it, and then I had not the time: the watchmen ran on hearing the
+noise of the affray, and you may imagine that I did not care to fall into
+the hands of the bailiff."
+
+"I do not understand you; it seems to me you mentioned having remained a
+quarter of an hour upon the spot," said Bernardo, with a slight smile. "I
+suppose, Julio, there was much blood shed."
+
+"It flowed in torrents."
+
+Bernardo eyed his companion from head to foot in great surprise.
+
+"I would like to ask you something, but you might not understand the joke,
+and you would be angry with me," he said.
+
+"Say candidly what you think," replied his companion.
+
+"I am extremely surprised, Julio, that there is not the smallest drop of
+blood, not the least spot, upon your clothes. With your permission, I will
+say you dreamed all that?"
+
+Julio sprang from his seat, gnashed his teeth, and looked at his
+companion as if ready to devour him.
+
+"What! you dare to laugh at me? Are you then tired of life? Fool! were I
+only to lay my hand upon you, you would be crushed to atoms."
+
+Bernardo arose also, and said, in a tone half ironical and half
+supplicating: "Pardon me, Julio; I believe all you told me, and I never
+doubted your marvellous courage. If sometimes I laugh at serious things,
+do not be offended; this kind of joking is usual with men."
+
+"If you were not so feeble and powerless a being, I would have already
+laid you at my feet," said Julio; "as it is, I long to plunge my dagger in
+your breast."
+
+"Leave it in its scabbard, Julio, and I will go to buy you a _stoop_[14]
+of Hamburg beer."
+
+"Ah, hypocrite!" exclaimed Julio, "then you have money. I will renew my
+friendship for you, if you will do me a favor. I am in absolute want of
+money; lend me a few shillings, and the first one who insults you, I
+promise you, shall be a dead man."
+
+"But, Julio, were I to give them to you, you would gamble with them at
+once."
+
+"No, you are wrong this time; I would pay for some things our master
+ordered me to buy yesterday."
+
+Bernardo drew a small purse from his doublet, and handed to his companion
+its scanty contents.
+
+"Here is all I possess," he said. "I fear they will go like the others."
+
+Julio thrust the shillings into his pocket, and muttered:
+
+"I do not deny that I may go this evening to the parish of Saint Andrew,
+to see if any one would dare play against me."
+
+"Julio, Julio, I pity you!" said Bernardo, sadly. "I do not wish to
+lecture you; but you have an unfortunate and aged mother who requires your
+aid. You are always talking of sending her assistance, and for six months
+past every farthing has been lost at play. Perhaps in the meantime your
+mother has suffered for want of food."
+
+This reproach seemed to affect Julio deeply. He looked down abashed, and
+then said, dejectedly: "Bernardo, never speak to me again of my mother.
+You touch the only sensitive spot in my heart. And yet you are right; I am
+a monster! Oh! this miserable play! I will do better in future. Go away
+now, and let me continue my work."
+
+"What are you making?" asked Bernardo. "This is the third spring you have
+ordered, and each time from a different locksmith."
+
+"It is a secret known only to my master and myself."
+
+"A secret?" said Bernardo. "Springs, a secret! What can it mean?"
+
+"Come with me, and I will show you. The signor may be angry if he chooses,
+I don't care. But, Bernardo, you must be as silent as one deaf and dumb."
+
+He conducted his companion to a room, and throwing open the door showed
+him a large arm-chair, which in form was like the other chairs around,
+excepting that from each arm extended two bent springs.
+
+"This is what I have worked at, without stopping, for four days. I wish
+the bewitched chair to the devil! I have already exhausted myself; but the
+new spring is good, and in a few minutes I will have finished."
+
+Bernardo examined attentively the unfinished chair, and looked frightened.
+
+"Heavens!" he exclaimed, "a chair for a trap! Do you entrap men here?"
+
+Julio nodded his head affirmatively.
+
+Pale from anxiety, Bernardo muttered: "May God preserve me! What crime is
+in contemplation? Does our master know anything of this terrible piece of
+furniture?"
+
+"Was it not from him that you received the order to bring me the springs?"
+
+The humpbacked man made the sign of the cross, and muttered a few
+indistinct words.
+
+Suddenly Julio laughed immoderately, and slapping him on the shoulder
+exclaimed: "Foolish boy! he already sees a victim in this chair, and the
+blood flowing as freely as in some old woman's story. Be at ease,
+Bernardo; this is done only to satisfy a caprice of our master. He intends
+to clean the garden and repair the fountain. He will place this arm-chair
+in an arbor near the fountain; the guest who seats himself in it will be
+caught, and the salamanders may throw the water upon him as long as they
+please. It is a mania of our master."
+
+"What a coward I am!" said Bernardo, laughing at his own fears. "Open the
+door now, Julio; I should have been at the factory long ago."
+
+They both left the house talking together, and they turned their steps
+towards the exterior door.
+
+The red-haired man soon returned alone. He removed the spring from the
+parlor-table, and took it with him to the room where he had terrified his
+companion by the revelation of his master's secret. He seated himself on
+the ground near the chair, and taking some tools he began to arrange the
+spring, and to try if it would produce the effect intended. Whilst thus
+occupied he laughed aloud, and said:
+
+"The stupid humpback! One could make him believe that cats laid eggs! He
+believed all I told him of Bufferio and his comrades as though they were
+gospel truths. The coward! To empty his pocket of its last farthing, it is
+only necessary to frighten him! I have two shillings. Night is coming on,
+and it is growing dark. Presently I will go to the tavern of the 'Silver
+Dice.' I will play at first with a few farthings, then for white pieces,
+at last for florins and even crowns! This time I will stop playing as soon
+as my pocket is full of money. Then at least I will send something to my
+poor mother. In what condition is she now? Perhaps she no longer lives on
+earth; that would be better for her. Poor and blind, and her only
+dependence a son who must conceal his true name in order to escape the
+gallows; a gambler, drunkard--in a word, a real jail-bird! Yes, if fortune
+favors me, I will send her something. The signor promised me to have it
+conveyed to Lucca. Ah! the spring is fixed. Let me see if the machine does
+its duty."
+
+He rose, placed his hand on the arm of the chair as if about to take his
+seat in it; suddenly he sprang aside, exclaiming: "Fool that you are, you
+were about to do a fine thing! I would have been caught by my own trap;
+and if the signor had forgotten to come this evening, I would have
+remained clasped in that traitorous chair. But don't I hear some one
+coming? A key grating in the lock of the garden gate? Yes, it is the
+Signor Turchi."
+
+Seating himself on the ground before the arm-chair, with his back turned
+to the door, Julio began to work with apparent eagerness; and in order to
+assume a greater air of indifference, he sang snatches of a well-known
+song.
+
+The door opened, and Signor Turchi stood upon the threshold. He remained
+for an instant motionless, contemplating in silence his servant, who
+continued his song as though unconscious of the presence of his master.
+
+Simon slowly approached him and laid his hand upon his shoulder; but
+before he could say a word, Julio drew his dagger from its scabbard, and
+springing to his feet, made a motion as if to stab his master.
+
+"_O cielo, e voi signor?_ Is it you, signor?" cried Julio. "You slip
+through the garden like a thief. It is almost dark; an accident might have
+happened."
+
+"Stop your foolish jesting, Julio. A man does not kill another without
+finding out with whom he is dealing."
+
+"Do you think so, signor? Why, if five or six men were to take me by
+surprise, not one would be left alive."
+
+"You speak as if the life of a man were of no more value than that of a
+bird."
+
+"Less, signor; it is not worth a farthing."
+
+"We will have proof of this," said Simon, in a peculiar tone, as he turned
+towards the door. "For years I have heard you boasting; this evening I
+will discover what you are--a brave man or a coward."
+
+Julio drew himself to his full height, put his arms akimbo, and was about
+to speak, but his master prevented him.
+
+"No useless words!" said Simon, imperiously, "Light the lamp, and come to
+my bed-room."
+
+He left the room without making any inquiry in regard to the chair, and
+ascended a winding staircase. Opening the door of a large room, he threw
+himself upon a chair, and rubbed his brow with his hands like a man
+tormented by painful thoughts.
+
+After awhile his hands fell upon his knees, and his eyes wandering in
+feverish agitation through the dim twilight, he muttered:
+
+"At last it is decided! the murder of a friend! He my friend? He is my
+mortal enemy! Has he not deprived me of Mary's love? Has he not destroyed
+all my hopes? Has he not devoted me to eternal infamy? His uncle has
+consented; he will become his partner, the proprietor of an immense
+fortune, the husband of Mary--of Mary, who was destined by her father to
+be my wife! He will be powerful, rich, and happy; he will be surrounded by
+every luxury; he will astonish the world by the magnificence of his style
+of living, and from the pinnacle of his grandeur he will cast an eye of
+lawful pride upon Turchi dishonored and ruined! Miserable dog that I am!
+Deodati will discover that I owe him ten thousand crowns. He will appeal
+to the courts of justice, and I will be condemned as a rogue; they will
+discover that I have spent more than I possessed. Outraged, despised,
+mocked, shall I fall forever into the abyss of misery and infamy? No, no;
+let him die! His death alone can save me. If he perishes as I have
+planned, I no longer owe him the ten thousand crowns; Mary becomes my
+wife, and I am master of her dowry. In that case I am still the powerful,
+honored chief of the house of Buonvisi! But time presses; to-morrow it may
+be too late! I hear Julio coming. Upon him rests all my hope."
+
+The servant entered and placed a lighted candle upon the table.
+
+"Now, signor," he said, "to what trial do you wish to subject my courage?
+However difficult it may be, it will not be beyond my strength."
+
+"Close the blinds; lower the windows," said Turchi; "sit down and listen
+attentively to my words. I am about to talk to you of an important
+affair."
+
+The red-haired man regarded his master with a malicious and incredulous
+smile, but he took the seat indicated to him without a word of comment.
+
+"Julio," said Simon, "I am dejected and undecided. There is a man who
+pretends to be my friend, but who has secretly been my bitter enemy. He
+has always artfully calumniated and deceived me, and injured me in my
+fortune and honor; he has pushed his machinations to such a degree that I
+will soon be condemned to eternal infamy and misery, unless, by a bold
+stroke of vengeance, I break through the snares he has laid for my
+destruction. Be calm, Julio; it does you honor to be inflamed with anger
+against the enemies of your master; but listen. I discovered, three days
+ago, that it was this treacherous friend who paid the assassins to inflict
+the wound of which I still bear the scar on my face. Thus, he first shed
+my blood and attempted my life; now he plans my ruin and dishonor. Julio,
+what would you do in my place?"
+
+"What would I do? Ask my dagger, signor; if it could speak, it would tell
+you of wonderful exploits."
+
+"Then you would not hesitate to undertake a difficult task?"
+
+"Hesitate! you insult me, signor. I would not hesitate were twenty swords
+brandished over my head."
+
+"Understand, Julio, that had I doubted your intrepidity, I would not have
+spoken to you of such grave affairs. I give you the highest proof of
+confidence by intrusting my vengeance to your hands. I will tell you who
+is my enemy, and where you can strike him secretly. Kill him, and you
+shall be liberally recompensed."
+
+This mission appeared unpalatable to Julio.
+
+"Yes," he stammered; "but that is not my way of acting. I will pick a
+quarrel with your enemy, and if he dares to raise a finger against me, he
+is a dead man."
+
+"Impossible; he is of noble birth."
+
+"And if I insulted him, his valets would fall upon me and beat me."
+
+"That is true. There is but one way, Julio; I will tell you where you can
+stab him at night without the least danger."
+
+"I? shall I treacherously kill your enemy? This gentleman has never
+injured me. Since how long has it been the custom for valets to avenge the
+grievances of their masters? It is your own affair, signor."
+
+"You value the life of a man as little as a farthing, you said," replied
+Simon Turchi, with bitter irony; "and now you allege the most puerile
+reasons as excuses. You are a coward, Julio."
+
+"I am not; but I do not choose to lie in wait and stab a man in the dark."
+
+"That is a feint, a subterfuge, to conceal your cowardice."
+
+"Since it is so simple and easy, why do you not deal the blow yourself,
+signor?"
+
+The scar on Simon Turchi's face became of a livid white; his whole frame
+trembled with rage; but by a strong effort he controlled his emotion, and
+after a few moments he said, with a contemptuous smile upon his lips:
+
+"Four years ago I took you into my service through pity; I have paid you
+well, excused all your faults, your intoxication, your passion for
+gambling; I have not dismissed you, although you have deserved it a
+hundred times; and now, when for the first time you can be useful to me,
+you have not the courage. I wished to try you. What I said was only a
+jest. To-morrow, Julio, you will leave my service. You are a liar and a
+coward."
+
+"Do not condemn me so severely, signor," said the servant, in a
+supplicating tone of voice. "I am willing to risk my life a thousand times
+for you; but to lie in wait for an unknown man and kill him
+deliberately--this is an infamous crime of which I am not capable."
+
+"Hypocrite!" exclaimed Simon Turchi; "you speak as though I were ignorant
+of your past history. If a price is set upon your head in the city of
+Lucca, if at this moment you are under sentence of death, is it not
+because you assassinated or helped to assassinate the Judge Voltai?"
+
+These words struck Julio with terror. He replied, humbly:
+
+"Signor, I have already told you that in this affair I was more
+unfortunate than guilty. I was upon the spot where the murder was
+committed, and I was arrested with those who gave the fatal blow. Believe
+me, I knew nothing of their designs. I do not deny that in a contest or
+quarrel I spare no one; but up to this moment my dagger has never shed
+blood without provocation."
+
+Simon fixed his eyes upon his servant, and said in a menacing tone:
+"Suppose, in order to avenge myself for thy base ingratitude, I should
+make known to the superintendent of Lucca who is the man I have in my
+service? Suppose I were to tell him that the real name of Julio Julii is
+Pietro Mostajo? Who would be bound hand and foot and sent in the hold of a
+ship of war to expiate his crimes upon a scaffold in Italy?"
+
+Julio turned pale and trembled. He moved restlessly upon his chair, and
+complained in a low voice of the false accusations and injustice of men;
+but his master eyed all his movements in a scornful manner, until at last
+the servant, disconcerted, exclaimed impulsively:
+
+"Tell me what to do; I am ready!"
+
+"Will you accomplish my orders with unwavering will and without
+hesitation?"
+
+"I must do so, since you compel me to it! But fear nothing; my decision is
+made."
+
+"And suppose that Geronimo Deodati were my enemy?"
+
+"Geronimo Deodati!" exclaimed Julio, in indescribable terror. "Geronimo,
+your intimate friend? That noble and generous cavalier who loves you as a
+brother? He is as gentle as a girl!"
+
+"He is a false friend, a traitor."
+
+"Geronimo gave you the wound on your face?[15] He would betray you and
+seek your ruin? That is false, false! It is impossible!"
+
+"He is my mortal enemy. You shall kill him, I say!" exclaimed Simon
+Turchi, in a menacing voice.
+
+"Must I kill the Signor Geronimo? Ah! to what horrible crime would you
+urge me?" said Julio, in a plaintive tone.
+
+Simon seized his servant by the arm, shook him violently, and whispered
+hoarsely in his ear: "Pietro Mostajo, remember the superintendent of
+Lucca!"
+
+Julio, as if stupefied, said not a word.
+
+Simon arose and walked towards the door, saying: "It is well; I will go
+and deliver you up to justice."
+
+The terrified servant sprang after him, retained him, and said,
+supplicatingly: "I submit myself to your will, and accept the fate I
+cannot escape. I have never before committed a murder; you take his blood
+upon yourself, do you not, signor? Tell me when I must accomplish this
+horrible crime."
+
+"This very day, Julio."
+
+"To-day?--so soon?"
+
+"To-morrow would be too late."
+
+"Well, command; the sooner the better."
+
+"To-day is the eve of May. Geronimo intends to serenade Miss Van de Werve.
+Only two lute-players will attend him. He invited me to accompany him. I
+will go to bed at the factory under pretence of indisposition; all the
+servants will know that I have not left my dwelling. Do you put on the old
+Spanish cape which has been laid aside for five years; no one will then
+recognize you. You must be in Hoboken Street, near the Dominican Convent,
+before eleven o'clock. There is at that spot a well which Geronimo must
+pass both in going and returning. Hide behind the well until Geronimo
+approaches, then rush upon him and deal him a fatal blow; strike several
+times. The lute-players are cowards, and they will run away. Take from the
+dead body of Geronimo a pocket-book which you will find in a pocket on the
+left side of his doublet; there is in this pocket-book a writing which he
+took from me by a cheat. Leave the spot after having accomplished this,
+and return by the darkest streets; you will not be discovered. Above all,
+do not forget the pocket-book."
+
+Julio's countenance expressed stupefaction and terror. During the
+development of the frightful plot he kept his eyes fixed on his master's
+lips, and he continued to stare at him without moving.
+
+"Well," asked his master, "is not the project cunningly devised?"
+
+"It is astonishing, astonishing!" stammered the servant, lowering his
+eyes.
+
+"You are ready, I suppose, to strike the blow? But why do you hesitate?
+Are you afraid?"
+
+"No, no; but let me reflect a moment," said Julio.
+
+After a few minutes of silence, he looked at his master, and said:
+
+"With your permission, signor, I will say that the plan, as you have
+arranged it, appears to me to be fraught with danger to yourself. Suppose
+that Geronimo should perceive me too soon and defend himself; that by
+chance the lute-players should be men of courage; that I should be wounded
+or made prisoner: any of these events might occur. I would certainly be
+broken on the wheel or burned alive. That, however, would be of little
+consequence, if by my death I could be useful to you. But I am your
+servant, and known as such by all your acquaintances; and as I could have
+no motive of hatred or vengeance against a cavalier who has never spoken
+an unkind word to me, you would be at once suspected of having ordered the
+murder."
+
+"And you, I suppose, would betray me?" said Turchi, with bitter irony.
+
+"Betray you, signor? that would not save myself; but under torture my
+tongue might against my will pronounce your name."
+
+Simon strode up and down the room, muttering between his teeth with
+suppressed rage. His servant glanced at him stealthily, with an almost
+imperceptible smile of joy and triumph.
+
+At last Simon stood still in the middle of the room; the scar on his cheek
+was of a fiery red, and his eyes rolled around restlessly.
+
+"Shall I then be forever ruined? Nothing is left me in the world but
+misery and infamy! Julio, is the arm-chair progressing?"[16]
+
+"The arm-chair! Then the arm-chair was destined as a snare for Geronimo?"
+said the servant, stupefied. "What do you mean?"
+
+"No, no, the chair would come too late!" said Simon Turchi, in an agitated
+voice. "Talk no more about it; this evening you must lie in wait for
+Geronimo and kill him. It is decided; it must be done!"
+
+"I know a means to accomplish your purpose without danger either to you or
+me, signor," said the servant.
+
+"Ah, if what you say be true! Tell me this means of safety!"
+
+"There lives in the parish of Saint Andrew a man of giant stature and
+strength; he is named Bufferio; he will do anything for money; whether it
+be to beat, wound, or kill a man, it is all the same to him. He fulfils
+his mission to the satisfaction of his employers, and he never betrays a
+secret. He has five or six intrepid companions engaged in the same trade
+as himself; they may be relied upon. Give me money to pay this ruffian,
+and you need have no anxiety; Bufferio will think that I am acting from
+personal vengeance; besides, he does not know me. Thus neither of us will
+be suspected nor accused should the affair prove unsuccessful."
+
+Simon seemed surprised by Julio's words, and he remained a few moments in
+deep thought. By degrees a smile parted his lips; it was evident that the
+proposed plan met his approval. He opened his purse and put four gold
+pieces in Julio's hand.
+
+"Is that sufficient?" he asked.
+
+"You jest, signor," replied the servant. "Four gold pieces for the life of
+a nobleman!"
+
+Simon handed him four more.
+
+"Will that do?" he said.
+
+"It is not enough yet."
+
+"How much will be required?"
+
+"I do not know. Perhaps twenty crowns."
+
+"Twenty? I have only fifteen about me, with some small change."
+
+"Give me all, signor. If I had not enough I should be obliged to return
+without concluding the affair."
+
+Simon heaved a deep sigh and emptied the contents of his purse into
+Julio's hand.
+
+"You will bring me back what is left, will you not?"
+
+"Certainly; but I do not think much will remain."
+
+"Come, Julio, I am in a hurry to return to the factory. Fulfil your
+mission skilfully, and I will recompense you largely. But a thought
+strikes me. The pocket-book must not fall into the hands of Bufferio."
+
+"I had forgotten that," said Julio, embarrassed.
+
+"Ah! I have it!" said Simon Turchi, after a moment's reflection, "A little
+before ten o'clock you must go to the house of Geronimo and tell him I am
+ill with fever, and that I have sent you in my place to accompany him
+armed. Follow him closely, and when he falls, take the pocket-book from
+him. Tell Bufferio that it is an unimportant document."
+
+Julio made a movement of displeasure on receiving this new order. He had
+rejoiced in the idea of not being obliged to witness this wicked attack,
+and now he was commanded to take part in it. For fear of being subjected
+to something worse, he did not venture to make any remark.
+
+"Go now," said Simon Turchi, "and get the old Spanish cape. It may serve
+to disguise you from Bufferio. Gird on a sword also, that Geronimo may
+think you are armed for the purpose of defending him in case of attack."
+
+The servant took the lamp from the table and prepared to obey the order.
+
+"What are you doing?" said his master. "Are you going to leave me in the
+dark? Are you afraid to go without a light?"
+
+"I might knock my head against the beams, for I have forgotten where the
+cape was put."
+
+"You had it in your hands only three days ago. You are afraid in the dark,
+Julio. Take the lamp."
+
+The servant soon returned. He had the Spanish cape around his shoulders.
+It was a wide cloak, in which the whole body might be wrapped; and when
+the hood was drawn down it entirely concealed the face.
+
+The master and servant descended the staircase in silence and approached
+the little garden-gate. There Julio put the lamp upon the ground and
+extinguished it.
+
+The lock grated as the key turned; the door was opened and closed, and
+Simon Turchi and his servant disappeared in the dark and solitary street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION--THE ASSASSINATOR SLAIN.
+
+
+A black shadow gliding like an almost impalpable spot, might be seen
+moving along the street of Saint John.
+
+Thick clouds covered the sky. Not a star was visible. Here and there--at
+the corners of the streets and alleys--flickered a small lamp, lighted
+before an image of the Virgin; but these slight flames, far from
+diminishing the obscurity, shone in the foggy atmosphere as glowworms in
+the woods, which glitter but do not give light.
+
+Silence reigned in the deserted streets. If the inhabitants, behind their
+oaken windows, heard occasionally some sound interrupting the stillness of
+the night, it was the hurried step of some benighted artisan who made as
+much noise as possible with his feet in order to frighten away the
+robbers; or it was the slow tread of a highwayman, who, listening
+attentively and peering through the darkness, was on the watch for his
+prey; or it might be the watchmen, who cried the hour and made the
+pavement resound under the stroke of their halberds as if to give
+evil-doers a warning of their approach.
+
+The shadow gliding at this moment along the street of St. John was that of
+a man completely enveloped in a large cloak, his head so covered by the
+hood that his eyes alone were visible. As in passing before an image of
+the Virgin a feeble ray from a lamp fell upon him, one might have seen as
+he hurried along that his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
+
+Was this person an evil-doer, bent upon the commission of some crime, or,
+fearing danger, was he securing to himself the means of defence?
+
+However that may be, he pursued his way undisturbed and reached a narrow
+winding alley, from beneath the ground of which seemed to proceed the
+confused noise of many voices.
+
+The man stopped at the entrance of a cellar, to which admission was gained
+by a ladder, and listened to the joyous sounds which issued from within.
+
+He put his hand in his pocket and chinked some pieces of money.
+
+"The sign of the _Silver Dice_!" said he, sighing. "How merry they are!
+The dice are rolling upon the table. Shall I not risk a shilling? Only
+one?"
+
+Yielding to the irresistible temptation, he placed his foot upon the
+ladder; but a sudden thought seemed to arrest him. He sprang back,
+trembling, and hastened from the cellar. A little farther in the street he
+stopped and murmured in an anxious voice:
+
+"Heavens! what was I about to do? Risk the money upon dice? I would
+certainly have lost the whole. Pietro Mostajo, do not forget the
+Superintendent of Lucca! I am saved. Infernal temptation! I was about to
+stake my head. But, perhaps, I would not be unlucky. I might win a
+fortune. The temptation returns. No, no, I must go seek Bufferio, and I
+have no time to lose. He lives yonder: a low dark door beside the pump."
+
+As he said these last words, he proceeded down the alley, but soon stopped
+near the pump, and said in an undertone:
+
+"Bufferio lives here. How dark it is! I can hardly see the door; but I am
+not mistaken. Here the terrible ruffian has his lair. Strange, how I
+tremble! Perhaps it is a warning of some misfortune about to happen to me!
+Suppose they should take my money and murder me to conceal the theft. What
+shall I do? Shall I tell my master that I could not find Bufferio? Alas!
+the Superintendent of Lucca!"
+
+After a moment of anxious thought he walked towards the low door, saying,
+with a sigh:
+
+"Come, come; I can do nothing else. Of two evils choose the least!"
+
+Although his words indicated an energetic resolution, his hand trembled as
+he raised the knocker of the little door and twice let it fall.
+
+It gave out a deep hollow sound, as though it were the door of a vault for
+the dead.
+
+A long time passed, and no noise within gave evidence that his call was
+heeded.
+
+The visitor became still more terrified in the supposition, that no one
+was in the house, and that consequently he would be obliged to return,
+without concluding the affair, to his master, who would not believe him.
+
+In the little dark door was a small opening, protected by a grating.
+Behind the iron bars two eyes were fixed on the person who had knocked,
+and if he had been left apparently unnoticed, it was probably because two
+inquisitive eyes endeavored to pierce the darkness in order to recognize
+the untimely visitor.
+
+A harsh voice at last asked from behind the grating:
+
+"Who knocked?"
+
+The man in the cloak started back. The unexpected question so close to his
+ear made him tremble violently. However, he soon controlled himself and
+replied in Italian:
+
+"Woman, I do not understand the Flemish tongue. You must know Italian, as
+Bufferio is a Roman. Tell me if Bufferio is at home."
+
+"Who are you?" she replied, in Italian jargon.
+
+"Who am I? I come to arrange a secret affair with Bufferio, and I do not
+choose to tell my name."
+
+"You are an agent of the bailiff, and you wish to deceive me. Go on your
+way and leave me in peace. Bufferio is not at home."
+
+The man took some pieces of silver from his pocket and rattled them
+together.
+
+"You are mistaken, woman. I have need of the services of Bufferio for an
+important affair. He may gain a few crowns of gold. I come with the cash
+in hand: you understand."
+
+Two bolts grated in their rusty staples, and the door opened.
+
+"Enter, signor," said the woman, "and follow me."
+
+"I do not see you; it is as black as Erebus; where is the staircase?"
+cried out the other.
+
+"Follow me, signor. Give me your hand; I will precede you."
+
+She seized the hand of the visitor, and whilst guiding him to the
+staircase, she said:
+
+"Your hand trembles, signor. Are you afraid?"
+
+"I afraid!" said the other, in a faltering voice. "Afraid of what? The
+darkness makes me totter."
+
+"It may be, signor; but I thought your hand was cold and trembling. Here
+is the staircase; now follow me."
+
+The man ascended the staircase behind her, stumbling up the well-worn
+steps, striking his head and elbows against invisible objects, and
+grumbling and swearing as if to show that he was not agitated by fear.
+
+Having reached the first story, the woman opened a door and introduced her
+companion into a room lighted by the smoking flame of an iron lamp. She
+showed him a miserable chair, and said:
+
+"Sit down, signor, if you please, and wait a while. I will go call
+Bufferio, he is engaged at play in the neighborhood. Should any one knock
+at the door during my absence, pay no attention to it; I will lock the
+door on the outside and take the key with me."
+
+The man looked at her surprised and troubled. Her bony limbs, the gray
+locks which fell upon her cheeks, her large mouth and long teeth, made her
+appear to his eyes a hideous being, a worthy companion for Bufferio.
+
+He listened to the sound of her receding steps, until he heard the key
+grate in the lock of the door.
+
+Then he looked around him and examined with mistrust and surprise the
+apartment of Bufferio and the objects it contained.
+
+The room was neither well furnished nor clean: a table, three rickety
+chairs, an oaken bench, a few earthenware vessels near the fireplace, and
+a bed, constituted all the furniture. It was not, however, these common
+objects which fixed the gaze of the visitor. What he could not see without
+shuddering, was the number of strange arms suspended all around the walls
+of the room. In the midst of rusty swords, sharp daggers and knives of
+every size and shape, he saw short clubs with iron heads, steel chains
+like the bit of a horse, ropes with running knots, and various other
+articles whose use was inexplicable to him, although he was convinced that
+these singular instruments were intended for no good purpose.
+
+On the table, beside the lamp, was a large knife, and near it a piece of
+linen and some sand for scouring, showing that the woman had been occupied
+in cleaning these arms when the knock at the door interrupted her.
+
+All these instruments of murder filled with terror the heart of the man
+who was contemplating them. He turned his eyes away from them, trembling
+as he reflected upon the horror of his position. However, a few moments
+only were left him, for the door of the house soon opened and he heard
+steps on the staircase.
+
+The woman entered and said:
+
+"Bufferio will soon be here. When he has the dice in his hand, it is
+difficult to tear him away. Nevertheless, he will come. I think, signor,
+that he has drank deeply. Look well to yourself, and if you value your
+life, do not irritate him, for he would make as little scruple of
+maltreating you as he would of crushing a worm. Apart from that, he is the
+best man in the world."
+
+She seated herself at the table, took up the knife and linen, and
+continued her occupation, whilst observing the stranger with a suspicious
+eye.
+
+He had pulled the hood of the cloak over his face and seated himself in
+silence, fixing his eye vaguely upon space, like a man wearied by long
+waiting. He was deeply agitated, and from time to time his whole frame
+shook. Every time that he glanced towards the table he met the penetrating
+look of the frightful Megaera, who, while continuing to clean the blade of
+the large knife, considered him from head to foot, and seemed endeavoring
+to discover who he was and with what intention he had come.
+
+At last, no longer able to resist his feeling of anxiety, he rose and
+said:
+
+"Woman, show me the way out. I have not time to wait longer. I will return
+to-morrow, during the day."
+
+"I hear Bufferio whistling in the street," she replied.
+
+"He is even now placing the key in the door."
+
+The stranger, as if perfectly satisfied with this intelligence, fell back
+in his chair, with a suppressed sigh, and listened in an agony of fear to
+the heavy footsteps on the staircase.
+
+Bufferio appeared at the door, and looked distrustfully at the man who had
+interrupted him at his game.
+
+The ruffian Bufferio was of giant build. He was obliged to stoop in order
+to enter the door. His head was thrown back defiantly, and his hand rested
+upon the hilt of a dagger which was held by his girdle. A broad-brimmed
+hat shaded his face; his whole dress was of dark-brown cloth, scarcely
+distinguishable in the darkness of night. Under his prominent eyebrows
+twinkled very small eyes, and a cruel, withering smile played about his
+mouth.
+
+He made an imperious gesture to the woman and pointed to the door. She
+left the room grumbling, but gave no other evidence of dissatisfaction.
+
+The ruffian shut the door, took a chair, and said to the stranger, in a
+rough and coarse voice:
+
+"_Perche me disturba?_ Why do you disturb me? Who are you?"
+
+This question was very embarrassing to the stranger. He replied,
+stammering:
+
+"Is it necessary, Signor Bufferio, that you should know my name before
+doing me a service for which I will pay you liberally?"
+
+On hearing these words, the ruffian struck his forehead with his hand, as
+if he thought he recognized the voice of the visitor; but he did not stop
+to reflect longer.
+
+"Come tell me quickly what you want; they are waiting for me at the tavern
+of the _Silver Dice_, and I have no time to lose."
+
+"It is an affair of importance, Signor Bufferio."
+
+"Yes; my wife told me I might gain a few crowns of gold. Speak. Why do you
+beat about the bush in this manner? What embarrasses you? Do you think
+you are dealing with a dishonest man? Fear nothing. Not a hair of your
+head shall be touched in my house."
+
+This assurance restored the stranger's confidence, and he said, in a more
+steady voice:
+
+"Signor Bufferio, you must know that I have an enemy who insults and
+outrages me, and who threatens to drive me to ruin."
+
+"I understand. You wish to be avenged by my instrumentality."
+
+"Yes, signor. How many golden crowns do you ask for such a service?"
+
+"That depends upon the rank of the individual, and upon the kind of
+service you desire. A few blows with a stick, a scratch on the face, do
+not cost as much as a mortal wound."
+
+"The wound must be mortal, signor."
+
+"And who is your enemy? A nobleman or a common citizen? Rich or poor?"
+
+"He is a nobleman, signor, and the possessor of an ample fortune."
+
+"A nobleman? And who are you, who make yourself responsible for payment?"
+
+"I am a poor servant out of service."
+
+The ruffian smiled incredulously.
+
+"Ah!" said he, ironically, "a poor servant out of service! Come, throw
+back your hood. You have red hair; you often play at dice; your name is
+Julio; you live near the bridge _De la Vigne_ with the Signor Simon
+Turchi. Is not that true? You were trying to deceive me."
+
+Julio, thus unexpectedly recognized, was mute from astonishment, and,
+trembling from head to foot, stared at the ruffian, who did not appear in
+the least displeased, but said, in an encouraging tone:
+
+"Be calm; you need not be disturbed because I know who you are. My trade
+is to keep the most important affairs secret. Fear nothing, I will not
+betray you."
+
+It was some minutes before Julio had recovered himself sufficiently to
+speak.
+
+"I am sorry that you know my name," said he; "but no matter. I desire to
+know, Signor Bufferio, what price you demand for ridding me forever of my
+enemy?"
+
+"Your enemy?" said the ruffian, laughing. "A gentleman your enemy? You are
+still endeavoring to deceive me. You mean your master's enemy?"
+
+"No, my personal enemy, who has calumniated me to my master, and who has
+striven to have me ignominiously discharged."
+
+"And you offer me golden crowns? How long is it since servants became
+possessed of such treasures? You request to have a mortal wound inflicted
+upon a gentleman? Well, you must give me fifteen gold crowns."
+
+"Fifteen crowns!" exclaimed Julio, with assumed astonishment. "So large a
+sum! I do not own that much."
+
+"Then pay me twelve; but it must be in advance, before I strike the blow."
+
+"I will pay you immediately, before leaving."
+
+"Give me your hand, Julio; it is a bargain. Now tell me exactly what you
+or your master requires of me."
+
+"Not my master: I alone."
+
+"It is all the same. What am I to do, and when is it to be done?"
+
+"This very night, Bufferio."
+
+"To-night? This will oblige me to renounce my game with the Portuguese
+sailor; and yet I might have won some gold pieces there."
+
+"Listen, Signor Bufferio. To-night, at eleven o'clock, a young nobleman,
+accompanied by two lute-players, will come from the direction of the
+convent of the Dominicans; he will turn the corner at Prince Street, and
+will proceed towards the church of St. James. He will thus be obliged to
+pass before the stone well at the head of Hoboken Street. You will conceal
+yourself behind the well with two or three faithful companions, and as the
+young gentleman passes, you will attack and kill him."
+
+"The affair has been well planned," remarked the ruffian. "I could manage
+it by myself; but since you desire it, I will take with me a couple of my
+brave companions. How will I recognize the one I am to strike?"
+
+"His dress is entirely brown, and his cap is ornamented with a white
+plume; in the darkness you will be able to perceive only the white plume:
+that will be a certain sign."
+
+Bufferio shook his head doubtfully.
+
+"Have you nothing else to observe?" he asked.
+
+"I will merely inform you that I will accompany the young gentleman, and
+when he falls, I will take from his person a writing, which, if it were
+discovered, might involve me in great danger. You will recognize me by
+this Spanish cape, and I will cry out very loud, that you and your men may
+know that I am not an enemy."
+
+"Now where are the gold crowns?"
+
+"Do you accept the commission, Bufferio?"
+
+"I will fulfil it as though I were laboring for myself."
+
+Julio took from his pocket some gold crowns, then continued to draw them
+out one by one, until he held twelve in his hand. He endeavored to conceal
+from the ruffian that he possessed more than the sum agreed upon; but
+Bufferio must have suspected his intention, for he smiled, and said in a
+decided manner:
+
+"You have more gold crowns. I knew it from the first; people do not
+generally enter into such affairs with only the sum absolutely required.
+You need not deceive me. Give me the stipulated amount; I ask no more."
+
+As soon as the other had handed him the money, Bufferio approached the
+lamp, examined and weighed each piece of gold, and then said:
+
+"It is good coin. Have no anxiety, Julio, I will go for my comrades. There
+is but little time left--only a good half hour."
+
+Julio took leave of the ruffian, and was about to quit the room, but he
+stopped and said: "Signor Bufferio, you will not tell your companions who
+requested this service of you?"
+
+"I tell nothing to my companions. The proverb says, If you wish to lose
+your liberty, trust your secrets to others."
+
+"You perfectly understand what you have to do?"
+
+"Yes, yes. At eleven o'clock, behind the well in Hoboken. Street, a young
+gentleman with a white plume in his hat. Be quiet, I myself will deal the
+blow, and I will not miss the mark."
+
+"Adieu, Bufferio."
+
+"Adieu, Julio."
+
+The ruffian accompanied the servant to the lower story, opened the door of
+the street, and closed it behind him.
+
+When Julio found himself in the open air, he walked a short distance, then
+stopped, drew a long breath as if a heavy weight had fallen from his
+shoulders, and said, joyously:
+
+"Heavens! what an escape! I doubt if I am really alive. The difficult
+affair is at last concluded. The signor says that I am a coward. I would
+like to see him in that room with that infernal woman and the terrible
+Bufferio. Now I must go to Geronimo. My greatest difficulty is yet to
+come. If I get through it successfully, I may well say that I was born
+under a lucky star. But I cannot tarry, I have still a long distance to
+walk."
+
+He quickened his pace and soon reached the street on which the Dominican
+Convent stood; he passed the Abbey of Saint Michael and the Mint, and
+entered the grand square without being molested.
+
+On the way he kept his hand in his pocket, that he might enjoy the
+pleasure of passing the gold coin through his fingers. He muttered to
+himself that he had gained three gold crowns which his master would never
+see again, were he to live a hundred years. Once free from his present
+care and anxiety, he would take his seat at a gaming-table, where he would
+remain all day, and perhaps he could win heaps of gold.
+
+Absorbed in these thoughts, he reached Geronimo's residence and knocked at
+the door. It was soon opened, and he was conducted into a room on the
+ground floor, where the young gentleman, in his cap and cloak, seemed to
+be waiting the arrival of friends.
+
+"Peace be to this house!" said Julio, bowing. "Signor, I bring you a
+message which I would deliver with more pleasure were it less sad. My poor
+master is ill with fever, and is unable to leave his bed. He begs you to
+excuse him from accompanying you to-night to the serenade."
+
+Geronimo's countenance assumed an expression of deep compassion. The young
+man concluded that his own happiness, his approaching marriage with Miss
+Van de Werve, had touched the heart of his poor friend, and that his
+present state of health was the consequence of these painful emotions.
+
+"Did the fever attack him suddenly, Julio?" he asked. "Is he very ill?"
+
+"No, signor. It may not have any bad consequences; but he could not
+venture to expose himself to the cold and damp night-air."
+
+Geronimo seemed in deep thought.
+
+"Signor, my master did not send me solely to inform you of his
+indisposition; he directed me to accompany you to the serenade, and to
+protect you in case of danger. He knows how courageous I am, and that were
+five or six to attack you, I would not flee before them."
+
+"I accept your services, Julio. You always seemed to me to be a devoted
+servant. The lute-players have not yet arrived. Go to the kitchen and tell
+the cook to give you a pint of beer."
+
+Julio went to the kitchen, but found the cook asleep. He awoke him, gave
+him his master's order, and received the pint of beer.
+
+He expected, while drinking, to talk with the servant, and he had
+commenced speaking of quarrels, combats, knives, and the heroic deeds in
+which he had been the actor, but the servant had scarcely seated himself
+before he fell again into a deep sleep. Julio emptied his glass in
+silence, until a knock at the door and the sound of stringed instruments
+announced the arrival of the lute-players.
+
+Geronimo called him, and on entering the ante-chamber he found Geronimo
+ready to go out with the lute-players.
+
+Julio was troubled on remarking that these latter were armed. If these
+people were brave men, Bufferio and his comrades would have to deal with
+an equal number of adversaries. Who could foresee the termination of the
+struggle? However, he felt reassured on reflecting that Geronimo and the
+lute-players, being attacked unexpectedly, would not have time to defend
+themselves.
+
+They left the house together, passed the Dominican Convent, and soon
+reached Prince Street, at the upper end of which was the stone well behind
+which Bufferio was concealed, if he had been faithful to his promise.
+
+Up to that time Julio had walked in advance of the others, in order to
+appear bold and intrepid; he now commenced to fall back, and placed
+himself in the rear. His heart failed him; for, however well the plans
+had been laid, the blow might miss its aim, or might not cause death.
+
+They were within about one hundred feet of the well.
+
+The young gentleman, wholly ignorant of the danger which threatened him,
+was thinking of his unhappy friend, Simon Turchi, overpowered by a heart
+sorrow, tossing on a bed of suffering, while he was on his way to serenade
+his beloved Mary. He also, in his own mind, deplored the involved
+condition of Simon's business affairs, and determined to save him, even at
+the cost of great personal sacrifices, as soon as his marriage would
+render him independent.
+
+What would the young cavalier have thought had he known that at a few
+steps, distance from him, three assassins, hired by Simon Turchi, were
+lying in wait to kill him. But no, his mind was filled with compassion and
+affectionate feelings for his cruel enemy.
+
+The little band was not far from Hoboken Street; Julio gazed fixedly into
+the darkness to discover if any one was near the well.
+
+Suddenly he perceived a dark shadow advancing. Trembling in an agony of
+fear, and in order to make himself known to the ruffians, Julio suddenly
+drew his sword and exclaimed:
+
+"_Al assassino! Ajusto! ajusto!_ Murder! help! help!"
+
+But he had spoken too soon for the success of his designs; for, being put
+upon his guard by this exclamation, Geronimo drew his sword, and placed
+his back against the wall of the house that he might not be assailed from
+behind.
+
+The lute-players, screaming from fright, ran away, and Julio stood in the
+middle of the street brandishing his sword.
+
+All this had passed almost instantaneously after the first alarm given by
+Julio. The man whom he had seen coming from the well, followed by two
+companions, rushed to the side of the street where Geronimo had made a
+stand to defend himself. The assassin, who was in advance of the two
+others, fell upon Geronimo and gave him a sword-thrust which he supposed
+pierced his body; but a skilful movement parried the blow, and the
+aggressor himself fell with such force upon Geronimo's sword that the
+blade passed through his body.
+
+The assassin fell heavily, and in a plaintive voice, as though bidding
+adieu to life, exclaimed:
+
+"_O mojo!_ I die! Bufferio is dead!"
+
+Disregarding the villain who had fallen, the gentleman rushed upon the
+other two and wounded one in the shoulder. Convinced that they had to deal
+with a powerful and skilful adversary, they turned and fled, Geronimo
+pursuing them far beyond the well.
+
+Julio followed him, crying, vociferating, and striking with his sword in
+the dark, as though he were contending with numerous enemies. When
+Geronimo returned with the servant to the spot where he had left the dead
+body of the ruffian, he found three or four watchmen calling for help.
+Many heads were thrust from the windows, and one citizen even ventured out
+of his house with a lamp in his hand.
+
+The watchmen, having inquired as to what had taken place, examined the
+body to see if there were any signs of life.
+
+"Leave him!" said one; "it is Bufferio. God be praised! the man has at
+last met the fate which he deserved."
+
+In the meantime, Julio had commenced to boast. He related that he had to
+deal with two assassins at once, that he had wounded one in the face, and
+pierced the other with his sword. How the latter had been able to run
+away, was unaccountable; no doubt he would be found near at hand, dead or
+dying.
+
+The young gentleman, who really believed the story of Turchi's servant,
+thanked him for his assistance, and acknowledged that he owed his life to
+him, as he had given the warning of the approach of the assassins.
+
+The dead body was removed behind the well until the city authorities
+should order its burial.
+
+The head watchman approached Geronimo, and said to him:
+
+"Where do you live, signor? Two of my men will accompany you, lest some
+other accident might befall you. Do not refuse the offer. The villains who
+escaped might be on the watch for you, in order to avenge the death of
+their companions."
+
+"What shall I do?" said the gentleman to Julio. "I cannot give the
+serenade without the lute-players, and, besides, I could not sing after
+such emotion. But Miss Van de Werve is expecting it, and if I do not go,
+she will imagine that some accident has happened to me. It would be better
+for me to see Mr. Van de Werve, so as to remove any cause of anxiety. I
+accept your offer, watchmen, and I will liberally recompense the services
+you render me. I must return to Kipdorp, and you will do me the favor to
+wait a few minutes, in order to accompany me to my dwelling. Follow me."
+
+Geronimo, the watchmen, and Julio soon reached the residence of Mr. Van de
+Werve. He knocked, and was immediately admitted.
+
+The young gentleman again thanked Julio with the liveliest gratitude for
+his assistance, and promised to tell his master how courageously he had
+acted, and the eminent services he had rendered him.
+
+Julio bade adieu, and hastened to his master's dwelling. He was about to
+knock, but, to his great terror, the door was opened at once, as though
+some one were waiting for him.
+
+"Is it you, Julio?" asked a man, in the darkness.
+
+The servant recognized his master's voice, and entered the door.
+
+"Well," said he, in a stifled tone, "is he dead?"
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Who! Geronimo?"
+
+"On the contrary, Bufferio is dead. Geronimo ran him through the body."
+
+"Then you have not the pocket-book?"
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"And the gold crowns?"
+
+"I gave them to Bufferio."
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, you have betrayed me!" hissed the infuriated signor in
+the ear of his servant, shaking him convulsively by the arm. "Tell me
+quickly what has happened! Tremble, stupid coward! the Superintendent of
+Lucca shall know who you are!"
+
+"_Ebbene che sia!_" answered Julio. "Then the Signor Geronimo shall also
+know who hired Bufferio to assassinate him."
+
+A hoarse cry like a stifled groan resounded through the vestibule. The
+door was closed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+VAN DE WERVE'S RECEPTION--SIMON TURCHI'S JEALOUSY AND HATRED.
+
+
+Mr. Van de Werve, whose large fortune justified a lavish expenditure, was
+accustomed to receive at his residence every month the principal gentlemen
+of Antwerp, strangers as well as citizens. His love for art and science
+induced him to bring together the best artists and the most noted literary
+men of the day with the high-born, wealthy, and influential members of
+society at Antwerp; and his house had become the rendezvous of all that
+was excellent and celebrated in the city.
+
+Nearly the whole of the anterior part of the house was occupied by a vast
+hall, called the _Ancestral Hall_, because it was decorated by numberless
+souvenirs of his illustrious family. The walls, for a certain distance
+were sculptured in oak wood, so artistically designed, and so delicately
+wrought, that at the first glance it looked like embroidery in various
+colors. To produce this effect, the natural brown of the oak had been left
+in some places. All the rest shone with gold and silver, which was
+relieved by a beautiful scarlet, brilliant yellow, and the softest
+sky-blue. The many small figures scattered over the ornaments were highly
+gilded. From the wooden wainscot arose slight pillars, which, uniting in
+the Gothic style, supported the heavy beams of the ceiling. Six of these
+beams were visible: all were covered with highly colored sculptures. Their
+decorations harmonized with, those of the wainscot, and seemed an
+expansion of it, as though the architect wished the exquisite ornaments of
+the beams of the ceiling to be considered a luxuriant verdure, springing
+from trunks rooted in the oaken wainscot.
+
+The escutcheon of the Van de Werve family, together with the families
+allied to them, was artistically sculptured in the wood. The emblems and
+devices were in profusion: lions, wild boars, eagles, ermines, bands and
+crosses of gold, silver, green, and blue quartz, so numerous and
+sparkling, that when the noonday sun penetrated into the hall, the eye
+could with difficulty bear the dazzling magnificence.
+
+The armorial bearings of the Van de Werves, Lords of Schilde, painted in
+larger proportions than the others, were at the extremity of the hall.
+They consisted of a black boar on a field of gold, quartered by three
+chevrons of silver on black, surmounted by a helmet ornamented by
+mantlings of black and gold, and above this was a boar's head.
+
+Around these family arms shone a large number of escutcheons of smaller
+size; among others, the coat of arms of the Wyneghem, the Van Immerseel,
+the Van Wilre, the Van Mildert, the Van Coolput, the Van Bruloch, and the
+Van Zymaer, families the most nearly related to that of Van de Werve.
+
+Above the wainscot, within the niches formed by the pillars, hung the
+portraits of some of the most illustrious ancestors of William Van de
+Werve, as well as his own, in which he was represented as captain of a
+German company in the service of Charles V.
+
+The portraits did not occupy all the panels formed in the richly carved
+oak. In a large number appeared valuable paintings from the pencil of the
+most celebrated masters of Netherlands. The eye rested on the creations of
+the immortal brothers Van Eyck, the touching Quintin Massys, the
+intellectual Roger Van der Weydens, the spiritual Jerome Bosch, the
+laborious Lucas de Leyde, and others whose names were favorably mentioned
+in the world of art.
+
+In a corner of the room, beside the fireplace, stood a piano richly
+enamelled in woods of different colors, and upon it lay two lutes and a
+violin--a proof that the charming art of music was cultivated by the
+family of Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+From the ceiling were suspended six gilded chandeliers; on the mantelpiece
+were two candelabras; along the walls, where the pillars formed
+projections, numerous sconces were fastened; and when Mr. Van de Werve
+received his friends in the evening, the reflection of the numberless wax
+candles from the many gold and silver ornaments gave a princely air to the
+hall.
+
+Three days after the attempted assassination of Geronimo by the ruffian
+Bufferio, Mr. Van de Werve was to entertain his friends in the evening, it
+being the time appointed for their reunion. Although he had been deeply
+moved by the murderous assault, and his daughter Mary had scarcely
+recovered from the shock, he had not withdrawn the invitations, hoping
+that the social gathering might help to dissipate painful thoughts.
+
+At the appointed hour the dwelling of Mr. Van de Werve was in a blaze of
+light. The large double door was thrown open, and in the vast hall were
+crowds of domestics, the attendants of the guests who had already arrived.
+
+The large parlor was filled with persons of different conditions and ages.
+There were, however, only men present, for this evening was by a previous
+arrangement to be devoted to artists, men of letters, and notable men of
+commerce.
+
+The first salutations had been exchanged among the guests of Mr. Van de
+Werve; they had separated according to their pleasure in different groups,
+and were engaged in cordial and familiar conversation.
+
+Five or six of the more aged were seated near a table examining some new
+works which excited their admiration; others, whose more simple attire
+proclaimed them to be artists, were showing each other their designs;
+another party, evidently formed of young noblemen, surrounded Geronimo,
+and were asking particulars of the recent attempt upon his life.
+
+At the end of the room, not far from the fireplace, were collected the
+foreigners who were engaged in commerce at Antwerp. Although they had
+assembled for amusement, they were conversing, through habit, upon the
+expected arrival of vessels, and the price of gold and different kinds of
+merchandise. Among these foreigners was to be seen every description of
+costume, and every variety of tongue could be heard. The Spaniard found
+himself beside a native of Lucca, the Portuguese near the Florentine, the
+English with the Genoese, the German next to the Venetian; and, as on
+Change at Antwerp, they found means to understand each other.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve had at first remained near the door in order to welcome
+his guests as they entered; but supposing that the greater part of those
+invited had arrived, he left this place and was walking from group to
+group, joining in conversation for a few moments, and saying some pleasant
+words to each.
+
+The old Deodati had seated himself in an arm-chair apart. So many had
+welcomed him on his arrival at Antwerp, and he had been the object of so
+much polite attention, that, being fatigued from standing and talking, he
+was now seeking some repose.
+
+By his side was Simon Turchi, conversing familiarly and in a low tone with
+the old man. The hypocrite feigned an extraordinary affection for the
+venerable nobleman, and flattered him by every expression of respect and
+esteem. They had already spoken of the attempted assassination, and Simon
+Turchi had expressed his astonishment, for he did not believe that
+Geronimo had an enemy in the world. It was quite likely that Bufferio had
+made a mistake as to the individual, a thing which might easily have
+happened in so dark a night.
+
+While Simon Turchi, with apparent calmness, thus conversed with the old
+gentleman, he was evidently meditating some wicked design; for while
+talking, his eyes incessantly wandered to Geronimo, and he endeavored to
+divine from his countenance the subject of his conversation. He did not
+for one instant lose sight of Mary's betrothed.
+
+After speaking of the assassination, the old Deodati glanced around the
+room upon the different groups of guests, and he asked Turchi:
+
+"Who is the gentleman in purple velvet, who is the object of such marked
+respect from the merchants around him? I do not mean the tall old man, I
+am acquainted with him, he is the rich Fugger of Augsburg; I am speaking
+of the one who stands beside him."
+
+"He is a banker, signor," replied Simon Turchi. "He is very rich, and his
+name is Lazarus Tucher. The gentleman before him is the head of the house
+of the Hochstetter. The gentlemen conversing with him belong to the
+distinguished commercial houses of the Gigli, the Spignoli, and the
+Gualterotti. A little apart, and behind them, is Don Pezoa, the
+superintendent of the king of Portugal; he is speaking with Diego d'Aro,
+and Antonio de Vaglio, superintendents from Spain. The gentlemen near them
+are Italian and Portuguese merchants, whose names I could tell you, for I
+know them all, but such details would not interest you."
+
+"I am indebted to you for your kindness, Signor Turchi," replied Deodati.
+"My nephew, Geronimo, would give me all this information, but he is
+surrounded by his young friends, and as he sees me with you, he is
+undoubtedly convinced that I could not be in better or more agreeable
+company. Have the kindness to tell me the name of the fine-looking old man
+seated near the table, and to give me some information regarding those who
+are listening to him with so much attention."
+
+"Around the table, signor, are the most learned men of Netherlands. That
+gray-headed orator is the old Graphaeus, secretary of the city of Antwerp,
+and the author of several well written Latin works. The young man, on
+whose shoulder he leans, is his son, Alexander, who is also very learned.
+Before him is seated Abraham Ortelius, the great geographer, who is
+regarded as the Ptolemy of his age. Beside Ortelius is his friend and
+fellow-laborer Gerard, also a learned geographer, and one of the
+luminaries of the day. The only one whose dress indicates his Italian
+birth is Louis Guicciardini, a Florentine gentleman, who is here for the
+purpose of collecting materials for an extensive work on the Low
+Countries, and particularly on the powerful commercial city of Antwerp.
+The gentleman plainly dressed, with a black beard, holding a book in his
+hand, is Christopher Plantin; he is engaged in establishing at Antwerp a
+printing-press of great importance. Its dimensions are so large that it
+will occupy the ground on which several spacious houses now stand;
+hundreds of workmen will be employed all day in composing, correcting, and
+printing books in every civilized tongue. You must not fail, signor, to
+visit the building; even in its unfinished state it will cause you
+astonishment."
+
+"The Netherlands is a favored country," said the old Deodati. "If the
+climate is not as mild as in our own beautiful Italy, the men are bold,
+active, intelligent, industrious, and learned, and they possess all the
+qualifications requisite for the material prosperity and moral progress of
+a nation. I am surprised to see you, who are a foreigner, as well
+acquainted with the inhabitants as a native."
+
+"I have lived here many years," replied Turchi. "These gentlemen are
+frequent visitors at the house of Mr. Van de Werve, and I have seen them
+so often, that I know them as old friends. Look at the corner near the
+piano, where those collected together laugh merrily, jest, and chat
+socially. You may easily recognize them by their light playful manners as
+artists."
+
+"Yes. Is not that handsome man with noble features Frans Floris, the
+Flemish Raphael?"
+
+"Yes; he was presented to you yesterday by Mr. Van de Werve, and you may
+remember how enthusiastically he eulogized Italian art."
+
+"Near him is a singular-looking person; his very attitude is amusing, and
+his gestures force one to laugh."
+
+"He is Peter Breughel, a humorist, who so designs his pictures that they
+seem painted only by way of jest. He is, however, in good repute as an
+artist. I saw recently one of his pictures in which he represents the
+Saviour carrying his cross to Calvary. In this he represents pilgrims with
+their staves, Spanish soldiers in doublets, monks and nuns; there is even
+a statue of the Blessed Virgin suspended on a tree, and that at a time
+when there was no Christianity, no Saint James of Compostella, neither
+convents nor Spaniards."
+
+"That is indeed singular," said Deodati, smiling. "It seems to me that
+such conceits do but very little honor to the artist. Is it a custom among
+other artists in the Netherlands to sport thus with holy things?"
+
+"No; Signor Breughel is an exception. The other gentlemen in company with
+the Flemish Raphael are more serious men. Michael Coxie, whom you may
+distinguish by the gray doublet, excels in his portraits of women. The
+handsome young man standing behind him is Martin de Vos, a pupil of
+Floris; he evinces a high order of talent and gives promise of great
+perfection in his art. The others, as well as I can recognize them at this
+distance, are Lambert Van Noord, Egide Mostaert, William Key, Bernard de
+Rycke, and the two brothers Henry and Martin Van Cleef, all celebrated
+historical, fancy, or portrait painters. Near them is Master Grimmer, a
+famous landscape-painter; and the gentleman now speaking is a certain Ack
+of Antwerp, who has painted the large glass windows of the church of Saint
+Gudula at Brussels. The old man sitting apart near the piano is Christian;
+he has marvellous skill in playing on many instruments, but he excels most
+on the violin. You will probably hear him this evening."
+
+Simon Turchi continued to converse familiarly with the Signor Deodati, who
+was charmed with his intelligence, but still more with the kind
+consideration which made him refrain from joining in the general
+conversation in order to entertain an old man.
+
+Geronimo had several times approached his uncle, but each time the latter
+had playfully sent him away, telling him that the agreeable company of the
+Signor Turchi sufficed for him, and that he preferred a quiet
+conversation.
+
+In the meantime the conversation among the guests had become more general.
+Noblemen and bankers, merchants and literary men, manufacturers and
+artists, were mingling with each other; rank and condition were
+disregarded, and the animated conversation of the company resounded
+through the hall like the humming of a swarm of bees.
+
+At this moment the servants entered, bringing silver waiters on which were
+wines of every description, pastry, cakes, rare fruits, and other
+refreshments.
+
+They passed through the room offering the wines to the guests.
+
+"Gentlemen, a glass of Malmsey, Rhenish wine, claret, sherry, Muscatel?"
+
+Whilst these delicious drinks and delicacies were thus distributed,
+Geronimo never lost sight of Mr. Van de Werve, but observed him with an
+eye full of hope and expectation.
+
+When at last he saw Mr. Van de Werve leave the room, a bright smile
+illumined his face. Geronimo knew that Mr. Van de Werve sometimes
+gratified his friends and acquaintances by allowing his beautiful daughter
+to be present at their evening reunion for about an hour, and he had been
+impatiently awaiting the moment when the young girl would appear.
+
+Simon Turchi, although apparently so unmoved, had constantly watched
+Mary's betrothed, noticed the radiant expression of his countenance, and
+understood the cause.
+
+Mary was coming! Perhaps the whole company would know that his suit had
+been rejected, and that Geronimo had succeeded where the powerful
+administrator of the house of Buonvisi had failed!
+
+This thought deeply wounded his pride. He scowled at Geronimo, who was
+looking in another direction. Rage and jealousy goaded him almost to
+madness; he felt that the scar on his face, by its deepening hue, would
+betray his emotion, and to conceal it he covered his eyes with his hand.
+
+Deodati asked him with interest:
+
+"What is the matter, Signor Turchi? Are you ill?"
+
+"The heat is intolerable," said Simon, endeavoring to master his feelings.
+
+"Heat?" murmured Deodati; "it does not seem to me very warm. Shall I
+accompany you for a few moments to the garden, signor?"
+
+But Turchi raised his head, and smiling in an unconcerned manner, said:
+
+"Many thanks, signor, for your kindness. I feel much better. I had been
+looking too long at the large lustre, and its brilliant light made me
+dizzy. But let us rise, signor, there is the beautiful Mary, _la bionda
+maraviglia_!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve appeared at this moment at the door, and introduced his
+beloved child. A murmur of admiration ran through the assembly, and room
+was made for the father and daughter.
+
+The beauty of Mary surpassed all expectation. Her dress consisted of a
+flowing robe of silver-colored satin, with no other ornament than a girdle
+of gold thread. Her own blonde hair was arranged around her head in the
+form of a crown, in the centre of which were placed some white flowers
+fastened by choice pearls. But the admiration of the spectators was
+excited by her large blue eyes, her brilliant complexion, the dignified
+sweetness of her expression, the gentle, innocent, modest smile which
+mirrored on her face the peace and joy of her soul.
+
+Geronimo had never before seen Mary dressed in this style. On the
+contrary, she generally wore dark or unobtrusive colors. Decked as she now
+was in pure white, she had the appearance of a bride. It was, of course,
+by her father's request; but what did it mean? Did he intend by this to
+make it known that Mary was betrothed, and would soon be wedded? Such
+thoughts as these agitated Geronimo as the young girl accompanied her
+father into the room.
+
+The old Deodati rose and advanced to meet her. Simon Turchi took advantage
+of this movement to retire a short distance; for, as his eye fell on the
+beautiful girl, rage filled his heart as he reflected that this noble and
+pure woman would have been his wife had not Geronimo blasted the happiness
+of his life.
+
+The lightning-like glance of hate and envy which he cast upon Geronimo was
+a sinister menace of death. Happily for him, all eyes were turned towards
+the young girl, otherwise many a one might have read the dark soul of
+Simon Turchi and discovered the horrible design he had conceived.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve introduced his daughter to his guests. All expressed in
+courteous terms their admiration and their pleasure in her society.
+
+The noble young girl received the felicitations and compliments addressed
+to her with a gentle and dignified self-possession. There were in her
+manner and tone of voice a rare modesty and reserve, and at the same time
+an exquisite politeness. Still more astonishing was her rich and varied
+knowledge. Whether conversing with a Spaniard, Frenchman, Italian, or
+German, she spoke to each in his own tongue; but the beautiful Italian
+language assumed additional sweetness on her lips.
+
+When presented to the old Deodati, she took both his hands and spoke to
+him so tenderly and affectionately that, overcome by emotion, he could
+only say a few grateful words in acknowledgment.
+
+Passing by Simon Turchi, she said cheerfully:
+
+"God be praised, Signor Turchi, that your health is so soon restored! I am
+happy to see you here this evening. I am sincerely grateful to you,
+signor, for the friendship you manifest to the nephew of Signor Deodati.
+You have a good and generous heart, and I thank God for having given so
+devoted a friend to Geronimo and his uncle!"
+
+The gentle words of the young girl were intolerable torture to Turchi; the
+wound on his face, betraying his emotion, became of a deep-red color. And
+yet it was absolutely necessary for him to appear calm, and to reply
+cordially to the kind salutation of the young girl; for there were at
+least twenty persons near him and within hearing of what passed.
+
+By a powerful effort he mastered his emotion, referring it to the
+impression made upon him by her appearance. He spoke also of sacrifices,
+which, even when voluntarily made, painfully wound the heart; of a
+self-abnegation which could find its consolation in the happiness of a
+friend, but which failed not to leave a sting in the soul that had
+cherished fallacious hopes.
+
+Mary understood him, and was grateful for his kindness.
+
+"Thanks, thanks, signor," she said, warmly, as she passed on to salute
+other guests.
+
+When Mary approached the piano, and addressed a few kind words to Master
+Christian, many Italian gentlemen begged her to favor them with a
+_canzone_.
+
+With her father's permission, the young girl consented to gratify the
+guests. She hesitated awhile as to the language in which to sing, and was
+turning over the leaves of a book handed her by Master Christian. The old
+Deodati expressed a wish to hear a song in the language of the Low
+Countries, and begging pardon of the Italian gentlemen, Mary said she
+would sing a _Kyrie Eleison_ in her maternal tongue.
+
+Master Christian seated himself at the piano, to accompany her, and
+commenced a prelude.
+
+The first notes of the young girl were like a gentle murmur. By degrees
+her voice became firmer and stronger, until at the end of each strophe the
+word _eleison_ rose like a sonorous hymn to heaven.
+
+The measure was remarkably slow, simple, and full of a tranquil melody.
+Mary evidently felt the peculiar character of this chant, for instead of
+endeavoring to add to the effect, she softened still more her singularly
+sweet voice, and let the words drop slowly from her lips, as if the
+songstress herself were ravished in contemplation and was listening to
+celestial music.
+
+At first the Italian gentlemen exchanged glances, as if to express the
+thought that this chant could not compare with the brilliant lively style
+of the Italian music. But this unfavorable opinion was not of long
+duration. They, like all others, soon yielded to the irresistible
+fascination of Mary's exquisite voice. They listened with such rapt
+attention that not the slightest movement was made in the room, and one
+might have heard the murmur of the leaves in the garden as they were
+gently stirred by the breeze of May.
+
+Mary had concluded her song and lifted her eyes to heaven with an
+expression of adoration. All who gazed upon her felt as though they were
+contemplating an angel before the throne of God. Even Simon Turchi was
+subdued by admiration, and he even momentarily lost sight of the hatred
+and jealousy which lacerated his heart.
+
+Mary thus sang:
+
+  Kyrie! Lo, our God comes,
+    Mankind to save from ill and bless:
+  What grateful joy should break our gloom
+    And fill our hearts with happiness!
+
+  Kyrie eleison!--God is born!
+    A virgin mother gives him birth;
+  And sin's dark bonds asunder torn,
+    Sweet heaven again inclines to earth.
+
+  Kyrie!--hear!--the sacred font
+
+    Pours forth its saving waters free--
+  And Thou impressest on our front
+    The sign that drives our foes away.
+
+  Christe!--anointed victim!--Thou,
+    Who in thy death bestowest life--
+  The healing remedy for woe--
+    Ah! earth with many a woe is rife.
+
+  Christe eleison!--brother dear--
+    Our liberator from all ill--
+  Strong in Thy virtue, free from fear,
+    And be our help to virtue still.
+
+  Christe eleison! God and man--
+    Our only consolation here--
+  Oh! do not leave us 'neath the ban
+    Of sorrow perilous and drear.
+
+  Oh! Kyrie, Father--Kyrie Son--
+    Kyrie Spirit--we adore
+  The Triune God--Thee, only One!
+   Grant we may praise Thee evermore!
+
+Silence reigned in the room some moments after the last sound had died
+away, and then arose a murmur of admiration, and the young girl was
+overwhelmed with felicitations.
+
+Whilst being thus complimented, Mary noticed Geronimo at a little distance
+from her. Desirous, perhaps, of escaping the praises lavished upon her,
+or, it may be, yielding to a real desire, she approached the young man,
+drew him towards the piano, and insisted upon his singing an Italian aria.
+
+Geronimo at first refused, but his uncle requested him to yield to the
+entreaties of the young girl. Taking up a lute, he hastily tuned it, and
+sang the first word of the aria _Italia!_ in such a tone of enthusiasm
+that it struck a responsive chord in every Italian heart. The notes fell
+from his lips like a shower of brilliant stars; his bosom heaved, his eyes
+sparkled, and his rich tenor voice filling the hall produced an
+indescribable effect upon the auditors. As his song proceeded, it seemed
+to gain in expression and vigor, and as he repeated the refrain _Mia bella
+Italia!_ for the last time, his compatriots were so carried away by their
+enthusiasm that, forgetful of decorum, all, even the most aged, waved
+their caps, exclaiming:
+
+"_Italia! Italia!_"
+
+Tears stood in the eyes of many.
+
+Geronimo was complimented by all present. His uncle called him his beloved
+son, Mary spoke to him in the most flattering manner, and Mr. Van de Werve
+shook hands with him cordially.
+
+As to Simon Turchi, he was overpowered; all he had just seen and heard was
+such a martyrdom; jealousy so gnawed his heart that he sank deeper and
+deeper into the abyss of hatred and vengeance. He stood a few steps from
+Geronimo, his eyes downcast, and trembling with emotion.
+
+No one noticed him. Had he attracted attention, his friends would have
+supposed that, like the other Italians, he had been moved by the chant of
+his compatriot.
+
+Turchi soon roused himself. Like a man who has taken a sudden resolution,
+he walked up to Geronimo, smiled pleasantly, and threw his arms around his
+neck.
+
+"Thanks, thanks, Geronimo!" he exclaimed. "You have made me truly happy by
+giving me additional cause to be proud of my country."
+
+While embracing him, he also whispered:
+
+"Geronimo, I wish to speak privately to you this evening. I will go to the
+garden presently; try to follow me; you will be pleased."
+
+Having said these words, he fell back as if to make way for Mr. Fugger,
+the rich banker, who wished to offer his congratulations.
+
+The servants reappeared in the hall with wines and various delicacies.
+
+Master Christian was tuning his violin. The guests, informed that this
+excellent artist was about to entertain them with his wonderful skill,
+drew near the piano.
+
+Geronimo, perplexed by the words of Simon Turchi, watched his friend and
+sought an opportunity to speak to him alone. He saw him leave the room,
+and as the entrance of the servants with refreshments, and the desire of
+the guests to approach Master Christian, had caused a stir among the
+company, the young man was enabled to rejoin Simon in the garden.
+
+The garden, situated in the rear of the house, although not large, was
+crossed by several winding paths, and along the wall were wide-spreading
+trees and blocks of verdure.
+
+When Geronimo entered the garden, he perceived several persons who had
+left the heated apartment to enjoy the fresh air, and who were walking in
+different directions.
+
+As he was seeking in the dim light to distinguish Simon Turchi, the latter
+approached from an arbor, took his arm and led him in silence to a retired
+part of the garden, where he seated himself on a bench, and said in low
+tone:
+
+"Sit down, Geronimo! I have good news for you."
+
+"Ah! have you succeeded in obtaining the money?"
+
+"I have been successful. But come nearer! no one must overhear us. A
+foreign merchant, whom I saved two years ago from dishonor and ruin, at
+the risk of my own destruction, will furnish me with the means of
+returning you the ten thousand crowns."
+
+"God be praised!" said Geronimo, with a sigh of relief. "He will not long
+delay, I hope, to fulfil his generous designs."
+
+"I will pay you to-morrow what I owe you."
+
+"To-morrow? how fortunate!"
+
+"But, Geronimo, I cannot bring you the money; you must come for it
+yourself."
+
+"It would be a trifle were I obliged to go to Cologne."
+
+"You need not go so far. Only go to my country-seat near the hospital.
+Silence! some one approaches!"
+
+After a moment's silence, Turchi resumed:
+
+"He has passed. You must know, Geronimo, that the foreign merchant desires
+his presence in Antwerp to remain unknown, and I have promised to keep him
+concealed in my garden for several days.[17] He wishes to assist me, but
+he is over-prudent and distrustful. I will sign the receipt for the sum he
+lends me. He requires, for greater security, that you sign it also."
+
+"What mystery is this?" said the young man. "I must sign with you for
+security! Who is this merchant? Is he a fugitive from justice?"
+
+"What has that to do with the affair? It is not my secret, Geronimo, and I
+promised to conceal his name. If you be saved from your present
+embarrassment, will you not have attained your object? It is true that you
+will be my security, but the ten thousand crowns will be in the money
+vault, and your uncle will not find one florin missing. Your only danger
+would arise from an inability on my part to meet the note. But you need
+fear nothing in that respect. In a few months my resources will be
+abundant. I take this step only to save you from a present imminent
+danger. You must know, Geronimo, that I would prefer to have you alone for
+my creditor."
+
+"Certainly, Simon, and I am most grateful to you for your kindness. Will
+this merchant give me the amount in coin?"
+
+"No, but in bills of exchange on Milan, Florence, and Lucca."
+
+"Good and reliable bills, Simon?"
+
+"You shall be the judge before accepting them. Fear nothing, you shall be
+fully satisfied."
+
+"Well, I will go. After Change, between five and six o'clock, will that
+answer?"
+
+"It makes no difference to me, provided I know the hour beforehand."
+
+"Expect me, then, to-morrow, between five and six o'clock. But let us
+return to the house. Our long absence might cause remark."
+
+Simon Turchi arose, but remained standing in the same spot, and said:
+
+"Geronimo, I have promised the merchant that none but yourself shall know
+of his presence in Antwerp. Say nothing, therefore, to your uncle, to
+Mary, nor to any one else. The least indiscretion might disarrange our
+plans, and be perilous to the stranger. Come alone, without any
+attendant."
+
+"I will do as you direct," said Geronimo, "but it will be impossible for
+me to remain until dark. My uncle will be seriously displeased if I go out
+again at night without a sufficient guard."
+
+"I will not detain you over half an hour."
+
+At that moment a servant from the house entered the garden looking for
+Geronimo.
+
+"Signor Geronimo," he said, "Mr. Van de Werve is inquiring for you, as
+Miss Van de Werve is about to retire from the company, and Signor Deodati
+wishes to return home. He is awaiting you."
+
+The two gentlemen followed the servant; on the way, Turchi again said in a
+low voice:
+
+"To-morrow, between the hours of five and six."
+
+The old Deodati was already at the door with five or six attendants. He
+was displeased by the long absence of his nephew, and was about to
+remonstrate with him. But, by Turchi's explanation, this want of attention
+was pardoned, and he was even permitted to bid a hasty adieu to Mary and
+her father.
+
+He returned almost immediately, and offering his arm to his uncle, he
+left Mr. Van de Werve's house.
+
+As he moved on, Simon Turchi glanced at him entreatingly, as if to insist
+upon secrecy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+SIMON TURCHI WREAKS HIS VENGEANCE ON GERONIMO.
+
+
+It was about five o'clock in the afternoon. Julio was seated in one of the
+rooms of his master's dwelling, his arms crossed upon his breast. Absorbed
+in deep thought, he had his eyes fixed on an arm-chair which stood near
+the only window in the room, and from time to time he shook his head with
+an expression of anxious doubt.
+
+The footsteps of a man in the room above interrupted his reflections; an
+ironical smile passed over his features as he muttered:
+
+"He calls me a coward, the dastard that he is! For one hour he has been
+running about from room to room as though pursued by invisible spectres.
+How cunningly he has devised the whole affair in his own interest. Julio
+is to kill poor Geronimo! Julio is to bury the body in the cellar! Julio
+is to do all by himself! When we deal with false people, we must be on our
+guard. His intention is clear enough to me; he wishes to secure means, in
+case of necessity, of accusing me alone of the crime. He may threaten and
+rage as much as he pleases; he shall deal the mortal blow him self, or
+Geronimo shall leave this place unharmed."
+
+Julio remained silent for a few moments, passed his hand across his brow,
+and said, looking at the chair:
+
+"Think that in one hour that infernal seat will hold a corpse! The corpse
+of the most noble, affable gentleman I have ever known. May his good angel
+prevent him from visiting this cut-throat place! Signor Turchi will kill
+him; but I must aid him.[18] What will be the end of this bloody tragedy?
+The scaffold for the master, and the gallows for the servant. This is the
+consequence of my disorderly life. Had I not gone, in a moment of
+intoxication, and without knowing it, to the place where Judge Voltai was
+assassinated, I would not have been obliged to fly from my country, and
+Signor Turchi would not have it in his power to force me to become his
+accomplice in a frightful crime. The old cure of Porto-Fino said truly,
+that 'Sin is a labyrinth; if once we enter, we loose the thread which
+enables us to return to virtue.' Ah! would I were with my mother in Italy.
+Useless wish. It is too late; I am banished from my country, and a price
+set on my head."
+
+He reflected for a few moments, then, with a gesture of impatience, he
+resumed:
+
+"Come, come; of what good are all such thoughts? I am in his power, and I
+must yield to necessity; but once let the blow be struck, once let him
+commit a crime of which I can produce the proofs, then I will be master,
+and in my turn I will cry in his ears: 'Simon Turchi, fear the bailiff and
+the executioner!' At the present moment I am powerless; if I took any
+means to prevent the attempt, he might destroy all evidence of his
+criminal design, and deliver me up to the authorities of Lucca. I would be
+taken into Italy and broken on the wheel, in the very place where my poor
+old mother lives. I have always been a cause of sorrow to her; at least I
+will spare her this last disgrace. But the signor is coming down. He will
+reiterate his entreaties to me to strike the fatal blow; but I will not
+have the blood of this innocent gentleman on me."
+
+Simon Turchi was approaching. His face was very pale, but the scar which
+furrowed his cheek was of a more ashy hue. He did not tremble, but he
+walked precipitately, and he clasped his hands convulsively, like a man
+whose impatience can brook no delay.
+
+He noticed that his servant was in deep thought, his head bowed upon his
+chest, and it was only on his near approach that Julio suddenly roused
+from his preoccupation. He entered the room and said:
+
+"Julio, the hour is nigh. Of what are you thinking? Are you afraid?"
+
+"Afraid?" replied Julio, with a light laugh; "why should _I_ be afraid?"
+
+"True, true," murmured Simon, "since I alone shall shed his blood."
+
+"But," continued Julio, "if I have no cause for personal fear, would not
+love for my master fill me with painful thoughts? Signor, you are playing
+for dangerous stakes."
+
+"Who will know what has taken place here?"
+
+"Who? Is there not an eye above which sees all? And whilst here, in the
+deepest secrecy, you immolate a human being to your thirst for vengeance,
+will not God hear the cry of agony of the Signor Geronimo?"
+
+Julio saw, with a secret joy, that his words made his master tremble,
+although he tried to dissemble his feelings under an assumed
+insensibility.
+
+"What a good joke!" replied Simon; "Pietro Mostajo talking of God! My
+precautions are too well taken; when the cellar will be the depository of
+the secret, there will be none to tell it."
+
+"Do you think so, signor? When has such a murder ever remained concealed?
+It is not surprising that I bowed my head in thought. In imagination I saw
+such terrible things that I dare not tell them to you. Tears still fill my
+eyes at the thought."
+
+"What did you see?" asked Turchi, with increasing anxiety.
+
+"What did I see? The bailiff and his attendants. They bound a man's hand's
+behind his back; they dragged him through the streets like an odious
+criminal; the people cast filth and dirt upon the prisoner, and cried out,
+'Murderer!' What did I see? A scaffold, and on this scaffold an
+executioner and one condemned to death; then a sword glittered in the
+sunlight, it fell, a stream of blood flowed, and a head rolled in the
+dust."
+
+The servant stopped intentionally; but his master convulsively caught his
+arm, and said in a hoarse voice:
+
+"What then? What then?"
+
+"And then the crowd applauded and poured out maledictions upon the name."
+
+"Whose name?"
+
+"Yours, signor?"
+
+Simon Turchi was so overpowered by the picture thus presented of his
+probable end, that he uttered a cry of terror and sprang back, trembling.
+He cast down his eyes for a moment in silence.
+
+Julio contemplated the signor, thus overpowered by emotion, with a
+derisive smile. He had not called up this vivid scene solely as a means to
+induce his master to renounce his perilous enterprise; his motive was also
+to terrify him and to revenge himself for the violence he had been forced
+to endure from him.
+
+The impression made upon Simon Turchi by this highly-wrought prediction
+did not last long. He raised his head, and said, in a contemptuous manner:
+
+"Base hypocrite; it is your own fear which excites your imagination to see
+such things. The most courageous man would become cowardly with the
+cowardly. It is unfortunate for me that I need you, otherwise I would soon
+rid myself of your presence. But I, at least, will not recoil from the
+undertaking. Speak; tell me how far I may depend upon you. The clock will
+soon strike, and there is no time for hesitation."
+
+"We will see which of us will the more coolly perform his part of the
+task. You are mistaken, signor; fear does not disturb me. Sympathy for you
+suggested the train of thought, and I considered it my duty to place
+before your eyes once more the abyss into which you might fall."
+
+"Be silent; it is too late," exclaimed Simon Turchi, beside himself with
+rage. "Fool, do you desire my ruin--my eternal dishonor? Shall I let my
+enemy live? Shall I let him--him the husband of Mary Van de Werve--look
+down upon me from the height of his grandeur and felicity? No, no. I
+myself will be, must be, happy, rich, prosperous; and even should all
+escape my grasp; should the scaffold be my lot, the rage of vengeance
+which lacerates my heart must be satisfied.... Nothing, nothing, can
+restrain me; and, Julio, were you an obstacle in my path, I would pass
+over your dead body to strike a fatal blow at him who has poisoned my
+life. Do not attempt to thwart me, or I will crush you where you stand."
+
+At these words Simon Turchi placed his hand on the hilt of his sword; his
+face was scarlet, his lips trembled, and his eyes flashed.
+
+This threat did not disturb Julio, probably because he thought his master
+could not execute it. An ironical smile played upon his lips; he stepped
+back one or two paces, drew his knife, and said, mockingly:
+
+"It would be strange, signor, if Geronimo should find us engaged in a
+combat. It might save his life."
+
+"What! would you dare?"
+
+"Why not? Do you think Julio would permit himself to be led like a sheep
+to the slaughter?"
+
+"Listen! Ho comes!" exclaimed Simon Turchi, starting with terror.
+
+The repeated strokes of the knocker resounded through the court-yard where
+the little door gave entrance into the garden.
+
+"Julio, I ask you again," said Turchi, anxiously, "what reliance I may
+place upon you?"
+
+"I will do what I have promised--neither more nor less."
+
+"Then go open the door. Be guarded in your words, and show no disquietude.
+Bring him to this room; tell him that I am engaged with the foreign
+merchant; if he does not sit down at once, watch a favorable moment to
+lead him to the arm-chair. Then call me and I will do the rest."
+
+"You, then, are determined to make me entice the Signor Geronimo to sit
+down in the arm-chair?"
+
+Turchi replied in a threatening voice and with flashing eyes:
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, remember the Superintendent of Lucca."
+
+Julio left the building, went to the garden-gate and opened it.
+
+"Benvenuto, Signor Geronimo," he said, "what good luck brings you here on
+a visit to my master? It is a long time since we have seen you."
+
+"It is indeed a long time," replied the young noble with a genial smile,
+as he walked towards the house. "But the place looks so wild and uncared
+for. Did not the Signor Turchi speak of having the garden put in order?"
+
+"Yes; but for some time my master has been very melancholy, and nothing
+seems to give him pleasure."
+
+"I know it, Julio; but things will be better for him now."
+
+"Would that your words were true, signor!"
+
+"What a heavy sigh, Julio. You excite my fears. Is your master ill?"
+
+The servant felt the importance of self-control, if he would not arouse
+the gentleman's suspicions. He therefore said, in a careless manner:
+
+"Nothing is the matter, signor. My master is very well, and to-day is in a
+good humor. Ever since I saw Bufferio's sword lifted against you, I have
+suffered from an occasional sudden palpitation of the heart. I find relief
+only in a deep sigh."
+
+As they thus talked together, he conducted Geronimo to the room containing
+the large arm-chair.
+
+"Signor Geronimo," he said, "my master is up-stairs. I will inform him of
+your arrival. Please be seated."
+
+Julio left the room; but instead of ascending the staircase, he hid
+himself behind a door and listened attentively to hear the clasping of the
+springs of the chair.
+
+After having waited in vain, for a long time, he returned to the room, and
+said to the gentleman:
+
+"Signor, my master begs you to excuse him for a while. He is engaged
+transacting some business with the merchant of whom he spoke to you
+yesterday. They are preparing a writing for you. Have the kindness to wait
+a few moments."
+
+He now thought that Geronimo would, of his own accord, take the arm-chair,
+and with a beating heart he observed his movements. But he was
+disappointed, for the young cavalier stood at the window, gazing
+thoughtfully into the garden.
+
+Although Julio knew with what mistrust and impatience his master was
+counting each passing moment, he said to Geronimo, with assumed
+indifference:
+
+"It is at least half a mile from the Dominican Convent to this place, and
+you must be fatigued after your walk. Will you not rest in this arm-chair,
+signor?"
+
+"No, I thank you. I am not in the least fatigued. I love to look at those
+beautiful trees clothed in their fresh May verdure."
+
+An involuntary movement of impatience escaped the servant.
+
+"You need not remain here on my account, Julio," said Geronimo. "Go to
+your work; I will stay alone."
+
+"I have no urgent occupation, signor. If I still remain, contrary to your
+wish, it is to ask you a question; and yet I fear that you will be
+displeased at my boldness."
+
+"Not at all, Julio. Can I render you any service? It will give me pleasure
+to show my gratitude for the courage with which you defended me when I was
+attacked by the ruffians."
+
+"I had no reference to that. I heard you were about to marry the beautiful
+Miss Van de Werve. The news rejoiced me; but may your humble servant make
+free to ask you if it be true?"
+
+The name of his betrothed flushed his cheek with joy, and he answered,
+with a smile:
+
+"Yes, Julio, it is true."
+
+"How blessed you are, signor!"
+
+"Yes, Julio, God has bestowed upon me the greatest earthly blessing, for
+which I shall eternally thank him. On the solemn day of our nuptials you
+will have cause to rejoice."
+
+"I, signor?"
+
+"Yes, you, Julio. Miss Van de Werve wishes to recompense you herself for
+the assistance you gave me against Bufferio and his comrades. The day of
+my marriage you will receive a new cloak, a new doublet, new small-clothes
+of fine cloth and silk, such as a servant has never worn."
+
+Julio, touched by this proof of kindness, stammered his thanks
+indistinctly. He heard the young man speaking to him and telling him how
+richly he deserved such a present, but he paid no attention to the words;
+he was endeavoring to bring himself to the degree of audacity requisite to
+fulfil his master's orders. Geronimo stood immediately in front of the
+arm-chair.
+
+With bitter repugnance, but incited by the fear that no more favorable
+opportunity would present itself, he approached Geronimo as though to
+express his thanks anew. With one bound he sprang upon him, placed a hand
+on either shoulder, and pushed him forcibly into the chair.[19]
+
+The seat of the deceptive piece of furniture sank down; from the arms
+started two powerful springs, which caught the young man around the waist,
+and held him so tightly against the back of the chair that it was
+impossible for him to move.
+
+"Julio, Julio, what horrible jest is this?" he exclaimed. "Is it a trap?
+Do you act by your master's orders?"
+
+But the servant, without saying a word in reply, left the room, closing
+the door behind him.
+
+"Tell me, Julio," asked Turchi, descending the staircase to meet his
+servant, "is he caught?"
+
+"The chair has done its work," replied Julio; "go do yours. Lose no time;
+he might give an alarm which would betray us. The fear of death gives
+superhuman strength to a man's lungs. Signor, it seems to me that my head
+is not safe on my shoulders. How does yours feel?"
+
+But Simon Turchi heeded not this jest. He muttered a few indistinct words,
+drew his sword, and rushed down the steps to wreak his vengeance on the
+unfortunate Geronimo.
+
+The servant remained where his master left him, listened to his footsteps
+until he heard the door of the fatal room open and then close again.
+
+At first no sound reached his ear, but soon he heard Geronimo calling for
+help, and his master mocking and menacing him; at least he judged this by
+the tones of their voices, for he was too far off to distinguish the
+words. Urged by feeling rather than curiosity, he descended the staircase,
+and listened at the door of the room in which so horrible a crime was
+about to be committed.
+
+He heard Geronimo say, in an earnest, pleading tone:
+
+"Dear Simon, your mind is deranged. You, my friend, kill me! It is
+impossible. Put down that dagger; at least let me not die without
+confession. If it be the ten thousand crowns exasperating you, I make you
+a present of them; tear up in my presence the acknowledgment of the debt,
+and I will never speak to you of it again."
+
+"Mary, Mary Van de Werve!" howled Simon Turchi, with biting sarcasm.
+
+"I will renounce her hand and leave for Italy, and never again will I see
+a country so fatal to me, to her, to all that I love."
+
+"It is too late--too late. You must die!"
+
+"No, no, Simon; in pity to yourself do not imbue your hands in my innocent
+blood. God sees us; your conscience will torture you; never again will
+there be peace for you on earth, and your poor soul will be miserable for
+all eternity. No, Simon, do not kill me."
+
+Then came a frightful cry, as though he were crushed, and Julio heard a
+sound which seemed like that of a dagger against metal.
+
+This blow, however--if it were a blow--was not mortal, for Geronimo raised
+his voice with the strength of despair, and cried out:
+
+"Help! help! Simon, let me live! Mercy! mercy!"
+
+Then a mournful groan escaped his lips, while, as his voice died away, h
+prayed:
+
+"My God, my God, forgive him! I am dying."
+
+On hearing the conclusion of this horrible tragedy, Julio retired to the
+foot of the staircase. He had hardly reached it, when the door of the room
+opened, and his master appeared.
+
+Disfigured as Simon Turchi's countenance had been by the thirst for
+revenge, crime made it still more frightful. The signor could hardly have
+been recognized. His hair stood upright; his eyes rolled in their sockets;
+a hard, hoarse sound escaped his lips; blood dripped from his hands.
+
+He ran by his servant without speaking to him, ascended the staircase, and
+having reached his room he threw himself panting upon a chair.
+
+Julio, who had followed him, placed himself before him, and asked:
+
+"Well, signor, is the deed accomplished?"
+
+"It is; let me take breath," said Turchi, breathing heavily.
+
+After waiting a few moments, Julio resumed:
+
+"Did he offer any resistance, that you are so fatigued, signor?"
+
+"Resistance? No; but when I attempted the first time to pierce him to the
+heart, the blade of my dagger struck against metal, and grated harshly. He
+wears a breastplate, Julio. Could he have suspected my intentions?"
+
+Turchi's dagger had evidently struck the amulet which the young man always
+wore around his neck.
+
+"Possibly," replied Julio, "Geronimo may wear some guard on his breast; it
+is the place against which a poignard is always aimed, and no one is
+secure in the darkness of night from the assault of an enemy or an
+assassin; but what is there in this circumstance to move you so deeply?"
+
+"So much blood spouted from the wound. The sight of the blood, together
+with Geronimo's piteous cries, struck me with anguish and horror. I
+tottered so that I feared I would fall before completing the work; but
+happily I gained the strength to finish what I had commenced. I pierced
+his throat with my poignard, and hushed his voice forever."
+
+"And is he really dead?"
+
+"Not a drop of blood is left in his veins."
+
+Simon Turchi had recovered from his excessive emotion. He arose and said:
+
+"I must wash the blood from my hands, and efface the least spot that
+might betray me. Then I must go on Change and transact some business with
+people who will remember to have seen me there at that time. Later, I will
+call on Mr. Van de Werve. I must be seen in different places and speak
+with many people. Go down, Julio, and drag the corpse to the cellar. Then
+clear away every sign of blood. I need not tell you that your life, as
+well as mine, depends upon the care with which you perform this task."
+
+"I know it, signor. The blow has been struck, and I am not a man to
+neglect the precautions necessary to escape the gallows, if I can."
+
+"I have accomplished my task, Julio; go do yours."
+
+"Drag the corpse, by myself, into the cellar? No, no, signor; you must
+help me."
+
+"I have not the time, Julio. I must go immediately to the city."
+
+"It is of no consequence to me. I will not remain alone in this cut-throat
+place."
+
+"And what if I ordered you to do so?" exclaimed Turchi, trembling with
+anger.
+
+"You would do so in vain, signor. You will work with me until all is
+done."
+
+"Pietro Mostajo, do you dare to defy me, and that too at the very moment
+when the blood is boiling in my veins? Do as I command, or before night
+the authorities of Lucca shall know who you are."
+
+"Ah!" said Julio, with a scornful laugh, "Pietro Mostajo and the
+authorities of Lucca have lost their power over me. As long as I had no
+proofs of crime against you, I had cause to fear you; but would you dare
+now to reveal my real name, now that by one word I can deliver you into
+the hands of the executioner? Hereafter, signor, you will speak to me
+neither so harshly nor so haughtily. In this affair there is neither
+master nor servant. We are two men, guilty of the same crime. Draw your
+dagger, if you choose. Vain threat! Can you do without me?"
+
+Simon Turchi grit his teeth in impotent rage; but soon recovering himself,
+he took his servant's hand, and said beseechingly:
+
+"You are right, Julio; we are rather two friends than master and servant.
+Let me then, as friend and companion, implore a favor at your hands. You
+must see that it is important for me to go without delay to the factory to
+change my dress. For the safety of both of us I ought to leave immediately
+for the city, in order to prevent suspicion. Geronimo is not heavy; you
+can, without difficulty, drag him down stairs."
+
+The servant shook his head, but was evidently hesitating.
+
+"Come, Julio; I beg, I entreat you to do what the safety of both of us
+requires. You still hesitate, Julio? I will reward you generously. This
+very evening I will give you two crowns if you tell me you have done
+faithfully and carefully what I have requested."
+
+"Will you be here, signor, when I return from the cellar?"
+
+"I don't know, Julio; as soon as I have washed off the blood, I shall
+leave. Make haste, and possibly you may find me here. In all events I will
+wait for you this evening at the factory, and besides the two crowns, I
+will give you a whole bottle of Malmsey."
+
+"Agreed," said Julio; "I will do my best to please you."
+
+He descended the staircase, and when he reached the room where the
+horrible murder had been committed, he stood for a moment with his arms
+folded. He turned pale and shook his head compassionately.
+
+The poor Geronimo was extended in the chair, with his eyes closed. His
+head had fallen on the arm of the chair; his two hands were joined, as if
+in prayer for his cruel murderer. His garments were saturated with blood,
+and his feet rested in a pool of blood. There was a large wound in his
+neck and another in his breast; his face was not in the least stained, and
+although it was covered by the pallor of death, his countenance wore a
+sweet, tranquil expression, as though he had gently fallen asleep.
+
+"Poor Signor Geronimo!" said Julio, sighing heavily. "Beauty! generosity!
+wealth! all fallen under the blade of a wretch! What is man's life? He,
+however, will in heaven, with God, be indemnified for his horrible death.
+And we? But the present is not the time for reflections and lamentations;
+my pity will not restore this corpse to life. I must now close my eyes to
+the future, and fulfil my horrible task."
+
+He knelt behind the chair, passed his arm under it, and turned a screw.
+The springs opened and loosed their hold upon the inanimate body.
+
+Julio held it by the arms and dragged it through the hall until he reached
+a staircase conducting to a cellar. There he left the corpse, entered an
+adjoining room, and returned with a lamp. Holding the light in his hand,
+he descended until he reached a subterranean passage. Very deep under the
+ground, and at the end of this passage, was a kind of vaulted cellar
+closed by a heavy door. Julio opened the door, and by the light of the
+lamp examined a grave which had been dug in one corner of the cellar, and
+on the sides of which lay the earth which had been excavated.[20]
+
+After a rapid survey, he placed the lamp outside the door against the wall
+of the passage, and returned for the dead body.
+
+When he had carried his burden as far as the subterranean passage, he
+panted for breath and seemed overcome by fatigue. He, however, exerted all
+his strength in order to finish as soon as possible his painful task, and
+dragged the corpse into the cellar. There he let it fall upon the side of
+the grave already prepared for its reception. After resting a few moments,
+he was about to cast it into the grave and cover it with earth, but he
+desisted, saying:
+
+"Bah! the poor young man will not run away. Perhaps Signor Turchi has not
+yet left. At any rate, I will first wash away the blood stains, and then I
+will return to bury the body."
+
+He took the lamp and left the cellar, without closing the door.
+
+On reaching the room he found that his master had gone.
+
+The solitude disquieted him, particularly as it was now nearly dark, and
+he could hardly hope to finish before night cleaning the blood-stained
+floors and staircase.
+
+He appeared, however, to submit to necessity, and prepared for his work by
+getting water and brushes.
+
+The evening was far advanced, and still Julio was occupied in scouring.
+How it happened he could not understand, but new spots of blood were
+continually appearing, even in places that he had washed several times.
+This was particularly the case in the room where the murder had been
+committed. Do what he would, he could not efface the marks of blood. The
+sweat poured down his cheeks and he vented his rage in angry words against
+his master.
+
+It may have been fatigue, or perhaps the deepening shades of night
+rendered his nervous system sensitive to the slightest impression; for at
+the least sound of the wind through the leaves of the trees, at the least
+grating of the weathercock as it turned on its pivot, he stopped his work
+and looked anxiously around him.
+
+He succeeded, however, in stifling these emotions, and continued his labor
+on the fatal spot where the chair had stood.
+
+Finally he arose, took the lamp, examined attentively the whole floor, and
+said, with a kind of satisfaction:
+
+"At last I have finished! He who could discover a spot there could see
+through a stone. My arms are almost broken; I can scarcely straighten
+myself. Now for my last task! a grave is soon filled; in a half hour I
+shall be far from this accursed place."
+
+Saying these words, he left the room, and taking the lamp descended again
+the staircase leading to the cellar.
+
+When he had reached the middle of the subterranean passage, he suddenly
+stopped, turned pale from terror, and looked tremblingly around him. He
+thought he heard something, an unusual, mysterious sound, faint but
+distinct.
+
+Having listened for some time, he concluded that his imagination had
+deceived him. Summoning up all his resolution, he walked on towards the
+cellar, and through the open, door he saw the corpse of Geronimo lying as
+he had left it.
+
+As he was approaching the cellar, full of anxiety and slackening his pace,
+suddenly a human voice fell upon his ear. There was articulate sound, no
+spoken word, but only a hollow groan.
+
+Julio, in an agony of terror, dropped the lamp. The oil extinguished the
+flame, and thus left in total darkness he fled from the cellar as rapidly
+as he could by groping along the wall. His heart beat violently, and his
+limbs tottered under him.
+
+He recovered himself a little only after attaining a distant apartment and
+lighting a lamp. Here he remained a long time seated and buried in
+thought; various expressions of fear, anger, and even raillery flitted
+across his face.
+
+At last he arose, drew a knife from its scabbard, and trying its
+sharpness, murmured:
+
+"I cannot bury him alive! Therefore I am forced to deal the death-blow!
+No, no, I will not; I have even braved the vengeance of my perfidious
+master in order not to imbue my hands in his blood, and I will not now be
+guilty of it. But what can I do? I have no other alternative. I must
+either bury him alive or kill him! And I cannot stay here all night."
+
+He took up the lamp and slowly and silently he cautiously descended the
+stairs leading to the cellar; after some hesitation he entered; Geronimo's
+body still lay in the position he left it.
+
+Julio had taken this time a much larger lamp, and it lighted the whole
+cellar; he heard no sound from the breast of the unfortunate victim,
+although he saw plainly that life was not extinct, for there was a slight
+heaving of the breast.
+
+After listening a moment, Julio muttered, with a kind of joy:
+
+"No additional cruelty is necessary. He is in his death-agony, and he will
+soon die. I will shut the door and finish my work to-morrow. But my master
+will ask if all is done? He need know nothing of this circumstance. But I
+long to get away; and may the vengeance of God fall upon this spot
+to-night, and blot out all memento of it!"
+
+Shortly after he left the garden, and with rapid strides threaded the
+obscure streets to rejoin his master, and also to cast off his
+blood-stained garments.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+GRIEF AT GEROME'S ABSENCE--TURCHI'S HYPOCRISY.
+
+
+Mary Van De Werve was in her own apartment, kneeling before a silver
+crucifix; she seemed bowed down by a weight of woe. Her head rested upon
+her clasped hands. She had been weeping bitterly; for there were traces of
+tears upon the _prie-Dieu_.
+
+Had a stranger surprised the young girl in this attitude, he might have
+thought that sleep had overpowered her during prayer; but the gasping
+breath and heaving chest sufficiently attested that she had not sunk in
+sleep, but that she was plunged in an expressible sorrow.
+
+Behind her was seated an old woman, her duenna, with a rosary in her hand.
+She gazed upon the young girl with deep compassion; from time to time she
+shook her head, and wiped away the tears which dimmed her eyes whenever
+Mary's sighs became heavier.
+
+For some time the silence was unbroken; Mary even appeared somewhat
+calmer, when suddenly, influenced by some peculiarly painful thought, she
+extended her arms to heaven and cried out;
+
+"My God and my Saviour! through thy precious blood spare his life! Have
+mercy on him! reject not the prayer of my broken heart!"
+
+Again her head fell on her hands, as if this burning petition had
+exhausted her strength. The duenna approached her, took her arm,
+endeavored to lift her, and said, authoritatively:
+
+"My lady, you must rise and cease your prayer. God may be displeased with
+you for thus deliberately endangering your health. Come, obey me."
+
+Mary arose without reply, and took the seat offered her by the duenna. She
+was very pale, and her eyes were swollen from weeping.
+
+The duenna looked upon her with an eye of pity; she took her hand, and
+said, gently:
+
+"Mary, my child, you cannot continue this; such an excess of sorrow would
+shorten your days. And what pain to the poor Geronimo on his return, to
+find you condemned to a short and suffering life! Through love for him, I
+beg you to control yourself."
+
+"On his return?" repeated Mary, raising her tearful eyes to heaven.
+
+"Why not?" replied the duenna. "Why despair before being certain of the
+evil you dread? More extraordinary things have happened."
+
+"Already five days--five centuries of suspense and fear! Ah! Petronilla,
+what a frightful night I passed! I saw Geronimo extended on the ground,
+the pallor of death on his face, a large wound was in his breast, and his
+lifeless eyes were fixed on me as if with his last breath he had bade me
+adieu."
+
+"These are illusions caused by grief, Mary."
+
+"More than twenty times I saw him thus; in vain I strove to shut out the
+horrible vision; day alone brought me relief."
+
+The duenna took her hand, and said, tenderly:
+
+"You are wrong, Mary, to cherish your grief in this manner. Your dreams at
+night were but the reflection of your thoughts by day. I, too, saw
+Geronimo in sleep more than once."
+
+"You, too, Petronilla, you saw Geronimo?" exclaimed the young girl, with
+emotion, as though she feared the confirmation of her own terrific dream.
+
+"Why not, Mary; do I think of him less than you?"
+
+"You saw him dying, did you not?"
+
+"On the contrary, I saw him return joyfully and cast himself into the arms
+of his uncle and embrace your father. And you, my child, I saw you
+kneeling on this same _prie-Dieu_, thanking God that your dreams were
+false and deceiving."
+
+Mary smiled as she listened to the duenna's consoling words, but scarcely
+had Petronilla ceased speaking than she suspected the artifice.
+
+"You deceive me through friendship and compassion," she said, sadly. "I am
+grateful to you, my good Petronilla; but tell me to what cause you can
+attribute Geronimo's absence. Come, call upon your imagination; find a
+possible, probable explanation."
+
+Disconcerted by this direct interrogation, the duenna shook her head.
+
+"There is no plausible reason," said Mary.
+
+The old Petronilla, in the greatest embarrassment, stammered out a few
+words as to an unexpected journey, secrets he might be unable to divulge;
+she even suggested that his friends might have prevailed upon him to join
+in a party of pleasure; but all these were such vague suppositions that
+Mary plainly saw in them an acknowledgment that she could find no
+reasonable explanation of Geronimo's absence.
+
+Mary's tears flowed faster.
+
+"Oh, Petronilla!" she exclaimed, in heart-rending tones; "the light of my
+life is forever extinguished. Geronimo, so young, so good, so noble, so
+gifted, the unfortunate victim of a mysterious murderer! Frightful
+thought! and no room for hope! Mercy, my God, mercy! My heart is breaking;
+never more will I see him in this world."
+
+And uttering a cry of anguish, she covered her face with her hands.
+
+"I acknowledge, Mary," said the duenna, dejectedly, "that Geronimo's
+absence is inexplicable; but why look on the worst side and accept it as
+truth? You know that during the last four days every possible effort has
+been made to discover Geronimo. Mr. Van Schoonhoven, the bailiff, has
+pledged his honor to find him dead, or alive."
+
+Mary wept in silence, and heeded not the words of the duenna.
+
+"Perhaps, my child," the old woman resumed, "this very day the doubt which
+has caused you so much suffering for five days may be cleared up. Do not
+close your heart against all hope. I remember that once an individual was
+sought for weeks, and found alive when there seemed almost a certainty of
+his death. The bailiff was speaking of it this morning to your father, and
+I recollect having heard my parents relate it. It happened to a banker,
+Liefmans, who was considered very wealthy."
+
+The young girl regarded the duenna with an air of doubt.
+
+"They found him after several weeks of absence? Had he gone on a journey
+without giving notice to any one?"
+
+"No; he was discovered in the cellar of a house in the little by-street of
+Sureau. Robbers had laid in wait for him in the darkness of night, and
+cast him bound into a subterranean cave, in order to obtain a heavy
+ransom. The agents of the bailiff discovered him and liberated him
+unharmed. If God has so decreed, why may not the same have happened to the
+Signor Geronimo? You are silent, Mary. You cannot deny that a similar
+train of circumstances may have been the cause of his disappearance. Is it
+not so? but you yield to despair, and even in the act of begging
+consolation from Almighty God, you reject obstinately every motive of
+consolation."
+
+"Pity me, dear Petronilla," answered the young girl; "your kind words are
+a solace to me, but I dare not open my heart to the whisperings of hope.
+If I accepted your explanations, and afterwards heard of Geronimo's death,
+it would be double suffering to me. No, no, rather let me encourage the
+feeling that there is no room for hope."
+
+"It is impossible to make any impression upon her," said the duenna, in a
+disappointed manner, and as if she were resolved to cease her efforts and
+to abandon the young girl to her grief.
+
+The silence was broken by the sound of voices in the hall.
+
+"I hear the voice of the Signor Deodati," said the duenna; "perhaps he
+brings tidings."
+
+Mary rose quickly to descend; but Petronilla wished to detain her, saying:
+
+"My child, in pity to a sorrowing old man, restrain your grief. Control
+yourself, Mary, for yesterday each word you uttered pierced the heart of
+the poor Deodati like a dagger. It would be cruel and guilty in you to
+cause his tears to flow anew; at his age such affliction wears down the
+strength and shortens life."
+
+"No, Petronilla, I will hide my feelings, and I will appear hopeful. I saw
+that the old man was overpowered by anxiety and trouble. Trust me,
+Petronilla, and let me go; I must know from the Signor Deodati if he has
+received any information."
+
+The duenna accompanied the young girl to the door of the room where Mr.
+Van de Werve and Signor Deodati were conversing together, but she let her
+enter alone.
+
+As soon as Mary's eye fell on the old man, and she read in his face the
+sorrow of his soul, she uttered a stifled cry of anguish. She cast her
+arms around his neck, and rested her head on his shoulder.
+
+The Signor Deodati, deeply moved, seated her by his side, and said, with
+tender compassion:
+
+"My poor Mary, we have no tidings yet of our Geronimo. Are we not unhappy?
+Why did not God recall me to himself ere this? Did I leave Italy and come
+hither to drink the bitter dregs in my chalice of life? Could I weep like
+you, Mary, I might find some relief, but old age has dried up my tears.
+Alas! alas! where is my poor Geronimo, the child whom God gave me, to
+close my eyes on the bed of death? I would give my fortune to save him,
+and the little that remains to me of life to know that he still lives."
+
+Tears filled Mr. Van de Werve's eyes as he contemplated his daughter and
+the desolate old man; but he controlled his emotion, and said:
+
+"Mary, I requested you to stay in your own apartment, because you cannot
+moderate the expression of your sorrow. You have disregarded my desire. I
+willingly pardon you, my child; but if you wish to remain longer with
+Signor Deodati, you must exercise some self-control; otherwise I shall
+send for your duenna to take you away."
+
+He then added, in a more gentle manner:
+
+"Now, Mary, I beg, I supplicate you, comprehend the duty devolving upon
+you. Be courageous, and do your best to console our unhappy friend."
+
+With a heroic effort Mary raised her head, and although still weeping,
+said:
+
+"You are right, father. We grieve as though there were no room for hope;
+but--but--"
+
+So great was the violence she was doing herself that she could scarcely
+draw her breath; but conquering this emotion, she resumed:
+
+"Ah! signor, we cannot know. God is so good, and Geronimo has so pure a
+heart!"
+
+"God is indeed good, my child; but his designs are impenetrable. If I
+could only imagine some probable cause to explain my nephew's absence. But
+nothing--nothing!"
+
+"The bailiff gave us, this morning, a reason for supposing that Geronimo
+may yet return to us unharmed."
+
+"You speak of the banker Liefmans, do you not, father?"
+
+"Yes, my child. He disappeared suddenly. A fortnight had passed in useless
+inquiry; his parents had the service for the dead offered for him, and he
+was found alive and well in a cellar, where some robbers had imprisoned
+him, in order by it to obtain a large sum of money."
+
+"And the same may happen, to Geronimo!" said Mary, with a confidence she
+did not feel, in order to aid her father in his kind intentions.
+
+Signor Deodati shook his head incredulously.
+
+Mary took his hand tenderly, and said, cheerfully:
+
+"We must hope, signor. Perhaps the Lord in his mercy will grant that our
+fears may not be realized. Would we not for the remainder of our lives
+offer our grateful prayers to heaven?"
+
+"Yes, yes; during our whole lives. And I would go in my old age to Our
+Lady of Loretto to express my boundless gratitude to the Madonna. But
+suppose he has fallen under the assassin's sword?"
+
+Mary shuddered at the thought, but she interrupted the old man.
+
+"Signor, Geronimo possessed an amulet which had rested on the tomb of our
+Lord. He was convinced that it would preserve him from a violent death,
+and he always wore it around his neck."
+
+"I know the circumstances under which the amulet was given him," replied
+Deodati. "I myself had some faith in this talisman, because it was the
+recompense of a good action; but we have no proof that the woman who gave
+it to Geronimo had any certain knowledge of its efficacy. However, Mary,
+we will still hope. Your sweet voice has mitigated my sorrow. May my poor
+nephew be restored to me. The happiness I expected in my old age may yet
+be a reality. You, Mary,--pure image of piety, goodness, and love,--you
+will be my child! And when old Deodati will be called to leave this world,
+he will see you and Geronimo by his dying bed, like two angels, pointing
+out to his expiring goal the path to heaven. Oh! no, no; this would be too
+much happiness. My mind wanders. And yet, Mary, let us hope!"
+
+The young girl was deeply moved by the picture of that happiness which she
+had thought was lost to her forever. Her eyes were suffused with tears;
+her limbs trembled, and had not a stern look from her father reminded her
+of her duty, her oppressed heart would have found relief in sobs.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve thought it better to change the conversation, and said to
+Deodati:
+
+"Let us not forget, signor, that we are men, and that it becomes us to
+bear up courageously under a painful suspense, and in a manner to which a
+young girl might be unequal. Have you heard nothing since the morning?
+Have you not seen Signor Turchi?"
+
+"I spoke to Signor Turchi about an hour before 'Change," said the old
+gentleman, more calmly. "The good Turchi! he seemed even more dejected
+than we. Within the last five days, he has lost so much flesh that one
+would scarcely recognize him. He does not give himself a moment's repose.
+From morning until night he is running about from place to place, seeking
+Geronimo as though he were a beloved brother."
+
+"Truly," said Mary, "his is a generous heart. Poor Simon! I have sometimes
+been unjust to him; but it is in affliction that we learn who are our true
+friends. For the rest of my life I will respect and esteem him."
+
+"He will meet me here, presently," replied Deodati. "He may have some
+particular communication to make to me, for he seemed to desire a private
+conversation. The arrival of some merchants of his acquaintance prevented
+him from speaking to me. I almost quarrelled with Signor Turchi."
+
+"Quarrelled!" said Mr. Van de Werve, in astonishment.
+
+"Yes; but it was to his praise, at least. He told me that it was his
+intention to offer a large reward to the first person who would bring
+certain tidings of Geronimo."
+
+"How grateful I am for his generous friendship!" said Mary.
+
+"Of course," continued the old man, "I would not permit it. Whilst
+thanking him for his kindness, I told him that I would offer the reward
+myself. I left Signor Turchi in company with the merchants, and went to
+the town-hall for the purpose; but when I arrived there, I found a decree
+of the burgomaster already issued, promising three hundred florins for any
+information of Geronimo.[21] I spoke with the bailiff at noon. He told me
+that, notwithstanding the most active search, no trace had yet been
+discovered of Bufferio's wife, nor of his companions. All of them must
+have left the country immediately after the ruffian's death. But this
+afternoon the bailiff expects to hear the result of several important
+researches ordered by him this morning. If he receives any communication
+of consequence he will come himself to impart it to us. I hear the clock
+strike five. Signor Turchi will soon be here."
+
+During this explanation Mary remained immovable--her eyes cast down. She
+had probably heard only confusedly what had just been said, for her
+thoughts were evidently far away.
+
+It was only when the servant threw open the door and announced Signor
+Turchi that the young girl, aroused from her reverie, rose hastily and
+went eagerly to meet him, as though she expected him to be the bearer of
+important news.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve and Deodati also met him at the door; Mary involuntarily
+took both his hands in hers, and all three regarded him inquiringly.
+
+"Alas! my friends, I know nothing," said Turchi, in a voice which seemed
+but the echo of a bruised and broken heart. "All my efforts have proved
+unsuccessful. I have vowed before God to spare no expense or trouble in
+order to discover what has become of my unfortunate friend; but so far
+impenetrable darkness covers the terrible secret. What shall we do? Let us
+hope that the bailiff and his officers may be more fortunate than myself,
+who have only my anxiety and affection to guide me."
+
+The words of Simon Turchi effaced the last lingering hope from Mary's
+heart, and she seated herself, exhausted from previous emotion.
+
+Turchi drew a chair beside her, regarded her with an expression of
+profound compassion, and said:
+
+"My poor Mary, your affliction is intense! I know by my own sorrow how
+your loving heart is suffering from this terrible suspense!"
+
+The young girl lifted her eyes to his face, and she saw the tears running
+down his cheeks. Then she began to weep bitterly, and sobbing, she said:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, Simon! I will beg Almighty God to recompense your
+affection and generosity."
+
+Simon's countenance at this moment presented a singular appearance, from
+the remarkable contrast between the pallor of his cheeks and the deep
+scarlet which marked the margin of the scar on his face. The hypocrite
+could shed tears at pleasure and assume an expression of extreme sorrow,
+but the scar was not submissive to his will, and in spite of him its
+deepening red betrayed the wicked joy of his heart at the gentle and
+affectionate words of the young girl.
+
+These words encouraged him to hope that he might fully attain the prize
+for which he strove. He had, it is true, taken from his murdered friend
+the proof of the debt of ten thousand crowns; true he had, as he supposed,
+buried all evidence of his crime in the subterranean vault; but this did
+not satisfy him. In order to feel that he had received the price of the
+frightful assassination, in order to remain rich, powerful, and honored,
+he required the hand of the beautiful Mary Van de Werve. He well knew that
+a long time must elapse before the consummation of his hopes; still, from
+the very day that he had committed the murder, he commenced to lay his
+schemes, weigh his words, and so direct his plans that sooner or later he
+would certainly take Geronimo's place in Mary's heart. He felt secure of
+the consent of the young girl's father. It was on this account that he
+feigned excessive sorrow, and gazed upon Mary with tearful eyes, as though
+the sight of her grief pierced him to the heart.
+
+He took Mary's hands in his, and said:
+
+"Do not yield, to despair, Mary; all hope is not lost. Last night a
+thought--a strange thought--occurred to my mind. And if I be correct,
+there are still well-founded reasons for expecting Geronimo's return."
+
+"Speak, Simon," said Mary, anxiously. "Tell us this thought."
+
+Signor Turchi cast down his eyes in feigned embarrassment.
+
+"Impossible, Mary; it is a secret which I have no right to divulge."
+
+"Alas! is even this consolation refused me?" she exclaimed, despairingly.
+
+"This is unkind, Simon," said Mr. Van de Werve. "Why do you cheer us up
+and awaken our curiosity only to cast us down by your silence? Give no
+names; but at least give us some idea of the reasons we have for hope."
+
+Simon Turchi shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Ah, signor," said Deodati, reproachfully, "you are ungenerous. This
+morning before 'Change you were about to confide the secret to me, when
+you were interrupted by the approach of friends. Tell it to me now."
+
+Simon glanced expressively at Mary, as if to convey the idea that her
+presence prevented him from complying with the old man's request.
+
+"Mary," said Mr. Van de Werve, "I beg you to go to your room. These
+varying emotions are more than you can bear; if I learn anything of
+interest, I will, my child, communicate it to you at once."
+
+The young girl rose without reply, but she glanced reproachfully at Simon
+Turchi.
+
+"Do not blame me, Mary," he said; "I am deeply grieved to cause you pain;
+only rest assured that what I do is caused by affection for Geronimo and
+yourself."
+
+Without noticing this excuse the young girl obeyed her father, and slowly
+left the room.
+
+"Now," said Mr. Van de Werve, "what is the secret you wish to impart to
+us?"
+
+"I am greatly embarrassed," replied Simon Turchi, shaking his head
+doubtfully; "my intention was to speak only to Signor Deodati of the
+affair; perhaps it would be indiscreet in me to reveal to you also, Mr.
+Van de Werve, a secret which, under different circumstances--"
+
+"For the love of God, abandon these useless evasions!" said Signor
+Deodati, roused to a high pitch of excitement by his impatience. "Why
+should not Mr. Van de Werve know that which, in your opinion, would give
+us a clue to my nephew?"
+
+"Since I am forced to speak," said Turchi, with a sigh, "approach and
+listen."
+
+As soon as Deodati and Mr. Van de Werve had drawn their chairs nearer to
+him, Simon said in an undertone, as if he feared his words might be
+overheard:
+
+"Have you not remarked, Mr. Van de Werve, that for some time past Geronimo
+has been disturbed and anxious; that even in the midst of cheerful
+conversation he appeared absent-minded; in a word, that some great trouble
+seemed weighing upon him?"
+
+"I have noticed it," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"And you, Signor Deodati?"
+
+"I have also remarked it. But what do you infer from this?"
+
+"About a month ago I interrogated Geronimo as to the cause of his
+melancholy, and he informed me in confused, vague terms, that he had lost
+a considerable sum at play_."
+
+"At play!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, overpowered by astonishment.
+
+"Was Geronimo a gambler?" exclaimed Deodati, with ill-suppressed
+indignation.
+
+"It is the custom at Antwerp to play for money, and often for considerable
+sums of money," continued Simon Turchi. "I never remarked that my friend
+Geronimo had a passion for play. However that may be, I could never
+discover to whom he had lost the amount, nor would he tell me how much it
+was. His melancholy and agitation were caused by the circumstance I have
+just mentioned. He was tortured by the certainty that his uncle would
+discover, upon examination, the loss of a large amount, which was not
+accounted for on the books. I proposed to advance him the deficit, but he
+absolutely refused, because he preferred to meet his uncle's just anger
+rather than deceive him."
+
+This revelation was stunning to the old Deodati. Nothing could have more
+keenly wounded the honorable, high-toned nobleman than the thought that
+Geronimo had been so dishonest and ungrateful as to use the funds of the
+establishment in gambling.
+
+Trembling with emotion, he asked:
+
+"You say the sum is considerable. What is the amount?"
+
+"I have no idea, signor. Perhaps you might discover it by an examination
+of the books."
+
+There was a short silence. Mr. Van de Werve's eyes were fixed upon the
+ground. Signor Deodati passed his hand across his brow, and was absorbed
+in painful thoughts.
+
+Simon watched for a few moments, with an inquisitive eye, the effect of
+this revelation upon his two companions, trying to penetrate their very
+souls. Then he said to Deodati:
+
+"You look on the bad side of the affair, signor. If there were not a
+brighter, reverse side, I would have considered the confidence of my
+friend sacred, and guarded his secret until death. Up to this time we all
+feared, nay, considered it certain, that Geronimo had fallen under the
+assassin's steel. Now I begin to think that, in order to escape his
+uncle's anger, he has left the city and country."
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"Impossible?" repeated Turchi, "he would have gone ere this, had I not
+persuaded him that he would obtain his uncle's pardon. Even on the day of
+your arrival, Signor Deodati, when Geronimo met me in the dock-yard on the
+bank of the Scheldt, he begged me to inquire for an English vessel which
+would leave on that or the next day, and secretly to engage his passage on
+board. You may well know that I combated this foolish project, and I left
+him only when he promised me to abandon the idea."
+
+"Could he so lightly sacrifice my daughter's love?" said Mr. Van de Werve.
+"Were his expressions of affection for her only hypocrisy? No, no; nothing
+can induce me to believe that."
+
+"His love was real," replied Turchi, "and its very depth, perhaps, blinded
+his judgment. He thought that the discovery of his losses at the
+gaming-table would inevitably deprive him of all hope of Mary's hand. My
+poor friend! he wished to fly from the fate which threatened him, that he
+might not witness the affliction of his beloved uncle."
+
+No one replied to Simon's remarks, and he said, with hypocritical
+surprise:
+
+"How sad you both are! You should rather rejoice at my revelation. Is it
+not a happiness to think that Geronimo, although guilty of a fault, is
+still alive, and not to be forced to believe that he is forever lost to
+our affection by a frightful death?"
+
+Old Deodati arose and said:
+
+"My friends, I must leave you; my mind is troubled; I am ill. Besides, I
+wish to discover by the books the truth or falsity of Signor Turchi's
+statement. Do not attempt to detain me, I beg you. Adieu! May God guard
+you!"
+
+Simon Turchi prepared to accompany the old man; but whilst they were
+speaking together the bailiff, Messire John Van Schoonhoven, suddenly
+entered, and without the formality of a salutation, he exclaimed:
+
+"Gentlemen, I have news!"
+
+Turchi trembled and turned pale; but as the unexpected announcement of the
+bailiff had startled the others, his emotion was not attributed to terror.
+
+"For the love of God be calm, gentlemen, and do not anticipate too much. I
+do not know what has become of the unfortunate Geronimo, but I have just
+cause to hope that we will soon find him--at least we have a clue.' I have
+learned, beyond doubt, that on the day of his disappearance, about five
+o'clock in the evening, he was seen beyond the Square of Meir. A monk from
+the Dominican Convent, who knows him well, saluted him and noticed the
+direction he went. Acting upon this information, one of my most
+intelligent subordinates has been tracing him. A banker saw him pass
+through the quarter of the Jews. This is all I know at present, but these
+facts are sufficient to determine the direction of our researches, and may
+perhaps lead to a fortunate issue. By early dawn to-morrow I will collect
+all the agents at my disposal; I will divide them into small bands, and I
+will order them to search every house, cellar, and garden in a certain
+part of the city, and that in the most thorough manner, without leaving a
+spot unexamined.[22] I myself will superintend the work, and will visit in
+person each hand of workmen to see that my commands are properly
+executed."
+
+Simon Turchi had covered his face with his hands, in order to conceal his
+terror.
+
+Surprised by his emotion, the bailiff said:
+
+"What have I said, Signor Turchi, to excite so much feeling?"
+
+"Ah, you know not how much suffering you cause me," replied Simon. "I
+thought I was about to learn from your lips that my friend was safe, and
+what do you promise me if your search proves successful? Only his dead
+body!"
+
+"It is true," said the bailiff. "It is no use to deceive you. My opinion
+is that he has been assassinated in some by-street near the hospital
+grounds, or in one of the dark alleys between the parishes of Saint George
+and Saint Andrew. But I am determined to discover the truth. Dead or
+alive, I will find him, even if it be necessary to tear up the pavements
+of all the cellars, and dig up all the gardens to the depth of ten feet.
+The whole city is in a state of excitement; the people complain of the
+authorities of Antwerp as though we were accomplices in the crime. This
+affair shall be brought to light, I pledge my honor and my name."
+
+"I thank you for your zeal and solicitude," stammered Turchi. "May God
+direct your steps! How we will all bless you, if you restore Geronimo
+alive to us."[23]
+
+"I have little hope, little hope, signor; but all things are possible,"
+said the bailiff, shaking his head.
+
+Deodati took his hand, and said:
+
+"Messire Van Schoonhoven, I am most grateful to you. Excuse me for the
+remaining longer in your honorable company; but I am indisposed, and I
+must return home. May God protect you, signor."
+
+"And are you going also, Signor Turchi?" asked the bailiff.
+
+When Simon gave him to understand, by a glance of the eye, that he could
+not let the old man go alone, he took his hand affectionately, and said:
+
+"I understand, signor; you are right. Adieu, until to-morrow."
+
+Turchi offered his arm to Deodati, and supported his tottering steps. They
+took leave of Mr. Van de Werve, who accompanied them to the door, and
+admiring Simon Turchi's kindness, he followed them with his eyes as long
+as they were in sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+SIMON TURCHI TRIES TO CONCEAL HIS CRIME.
+
+
+After having accompanied Deodati to his residence, Simon Turchi went to
+his own dwelling near the bridge _De la Vigne_.
+
+He was greatly excited, either by extreme anxiety or by a feverish
+impatience; for he descended to the ground-floor, entered his office,
+pretended to be looking for some papers, went up stairs again, paced the
+room, opened the window, looked up and down the street, closed the window
+petulantly, and at last, stamping his foot, he angrily exclaimed:
+
+"The miserable gamester! he is in some tavern drinking, gambling, amusing
+himself, while I am here on burning coals, almost overpowered by anxiety
+and terror! Julio, Julio, if I escape the fate which now threatens me, I
+will have my revenge for your ingratitude!"
+
+Again he went to the window, and again he was disappointed. Thoroughly
+discouraged, he threw himself upon a chair, heaved a heavy sigh, and after
+a moment's silence exclaimed in accents of despair:
+
+"Alas! alas! is it then true that my crime cannot remain concealed? Who
+was it, to my great misfortune, who sent the Dominican brother just to the
+spot to meet Geronimo, and thus furnished the bailiff with a clue to the
+murder? Who put the Jewish banker on his track, so that the constables
+might be led to my garden? Who suggested the idea to the bailiff to search
+the cellars? Was it chance? But chance is blind, and does not proceed
+with such precision to the fulfilment of a purpose. How frightful if God
+himself conducted justice! if the Supreme Judge, who cannot be deceived,
+has condemned me to an infamous death! How vain then all hope, all effort
+to escape!"
+
+Overpowered by these reflections, Simon Turchi bowed his head upon his
+breast; his hands worked convulsively, and at intervals heart-rending
+sighs escaped him.
+
+Confusedly arose before him a horrible vision: he saw the scaffold
+erected; he beheld the sword of the executioner glitter in the sunlight;
+he heard the shouts of the populace calling down the vengeance of heaven
+upon his guilty head and devoting his name to eternal infamy; he seemed to
+feel the mysterious stroke from the uplifted blade, for his frame shook
+violently, and he uttered a piercing cry of anguish.
+
+He thrust his hand into his doublet, and drew from it slowly a small phial
+half filled with a yellow liquid, and held it before him with a shudder of
+disgust and horror.
+
+"Poison, deadly poison!" he muttered. "He who has the courage to take a
+few drops will sleep a sweet sleep from which there is no awakening. And
+is this my only refuge from the ignominy of the scaffold? Instead of
+wealth and happiness, is a miserable death to be the price of my crime?
+No, no; I must chase away these horrible thoughts."
+
+He replaced the phial in his doublet, and abandoned himself again to his
+dark reflections; but at last he conquered, in a measure, his dejection,
+and he said, less despairingly but still sorrowfully:
+
+"And yet everything was going on so smoothly! I had recovered my note; the
+possession of the ten thousand crowns enabled me to conceal for the
+present the ruined condition of my affairs; Mary did not appear
+indifferent to me, and Geronimo being out of the way, I was certain of
+succeeding with her in the course of time. I would in that case become
+rich and powerful; her dowry would be sufficient to save me from poverty
+and a humiliating discovery. Alas! why do the people accuse the
+magistrates of want of zeal? Things more surprising than the
+disappearance of Geronimo have happened lately without any disturbance
+among the populace. It was the public feeling that forced the bailiff to
+make extraordinary efforts to discover what had become of him; it will be
+the cause of my destruction! Can there be a mysterious impulse to this
+unwonted excitement of the multitude? Vainly then would I struggle to
+escape! Would it not be God himself pursuing me?"
+
+The recurrence of this thought struck terror to the soul of Simon Turchi,
+and he buried his head in his hands. Suddenly he started up, and although
+his lips twitched convulsively, he said, in a firm, strong voice:
+
+"Ah! ah! fatality is a spur which inspires the most cowardly with coinage.
+Avaunt, foolish fears! I must struggle on to the end. The bailiff seeks a
+corpse; he pledges his honor to discover one. Let him find it! Suppose he
+should find it elsewhere than in my summer-house? in a sewer, for example?
+Ah! anxiety had clouded my mind! Still, still, I have means for triumph!
+Oh, if Julio-would come! Could I only imagine in what tavern the rascal is
+gambling, I would send Bernardo for him."
+
+Saying these words, he approached the window and looked out.
+
+"There comes the loiterer! He walks as composedly as if nothing weighed
+upon his conscience! He cares not for the preservation of my honor and my
+life; since the death of Geronimo he hates and despises me. I must appear
+angry and indignant, for should he suspect the fear and anxiety torturing
+my soul, he would be insolent, and perhaps would laugh at my anguish."
+
+As Julio approached the house, Simon attracted his attention by loud
+talking, and having succeeded in this, he made signs of his impatience and
+anger until Julio reached the door. He then closed the window, and
+assuming an expression of rage he turned to meet his servant.
+
+When Julio on entering saw his master standing with folded arms and
+menacing countenance, a slight and ironical smile flitted across his face.
+
+"Wretch!" exclaimed Simon, "did I not order you to await me here after
+Change? Look well to yourself, or I will avenge myself by your blood. You
+laugh! beware, or I will crush you like a worm!"
+
+"Come, come, signor, why give way to such useless anger? It is not long
+since Change. It is not my fault that you have been obliged to wait."
+
+"Have you not been going from tavern to tavern, gambling, as you have been
+doing the last five days?"
+
+"Yes, truly. I was intolerably thirsty; but if I was not here in time, you
+must blame the clock of Notre Dame; it could not have struck right, I am
+sure. So be calm, signor: you know that your anger makes no impression on
+me. Make haste and tell me what you want me to do. We lose precious time
+in this nonsensical sort of talk. I left some friends to come and receive
+your orders, and I must add that I intend returning to them as soon as I
+have fulfilled your commands. You need not shake your fist at me, nor get
+into a passion; it will do no good."
+
+The disrespectful language of his servant wounded and provoked Turchi; but
+perhaps seeing how useless it was to give expression to his feelings, he
+suddenly changed his manner. Tears filled his eyes; grief was depicted
+upon his countenance, and seating himself, he sighed and said:
+
+"Forgive me, Julio, for my harsh words; they were spoken in impatience. It
+is too early yet for you to do what I wish, and I was wrong to complain of
+your long absence."
+
+The servant, surprised at his master's humble language, regarded him
+distrustfully.
+
+"Is there any danger?" he demanded.
+
+Turchi took his hand, and said, piteously:
+
+"Alas! Julio, my friend, to-morrow, in all probability, we will be cast,
+manacled, into a dungeon, there to await an infamous death."
+
+"Is it not your own fear, signor, which inspires such a thought?" asked
+Julio, trembling.
+
+"No; I have heard a terrible piece of news. Geronimo was seen in the
+Quarter of the Jews, and he was met going towards the Hospital Grounds.
+The bailiff has determined to search to-morrow morning all the cellars in
+that vicinity, and even to dig the ground on the spot where my garden
+lies. The police agents are to proceed at daybreak to the Hospital
+meadows, and as they cannot fail to remark that the earth has been newly
+turned up, they will certainly discover what they seek. You pushed
+Geronimo into the arm-chair; you buried his body; consequently you will
+accompany me to the scaffold, unless, in your capacity of servant, they
+may choose to hang you or break you on the wheel. O Julio! does not this
+information awaken you to a sense of our perilous condition?"
+
+"From whom did you learn all that?" asked the affrighted servant.
+
+"From the bailiff himself."
+
+"From his own lips?"
+
+"Yes, my friend, from his own lips. In spite of your courage and coolness,
+I think I may say that you have no stronger desire than myself to die by
+the hand of the executioner."
+
+Julio put his hand to his throat and said, dejectedly:
+
+"The affair looks serious. I seem to be strangling; I feel the rope around
+my neck. It is all your fault, signor. Why did you murder your best
+friend? Did I not warn you that so frightful a crime would come to light?"
+
+"Call it crime, if you will; but at least my just vengeance is satisfied,
+and now neither complaints nor recriminations can recall the past nor
+shelter us from danger."
+
+"But, signor, what can we do to escape punishment?"
+
+"There is a means, easy and certain. There is a means; but, Julio, it
+requires good will and resolution. May I rely upon you for this last
+effort?"
+
+"What would not one be willing to do in order to escape this gallows or
+the wheel?"
+
+"Then listen to me. I told you that the bailiff would search the cellars.
+If he finds the corpse in my house, we are both ruined."
+
+"Certainly, signor."
+
+"But suppose it be found in another place, far from this spot, who would
+suspect us of the murder?"
+
+"An excellent thought!" exclaimed Julio, joyfully. "We must carry the dead
+body to a distant street and leave it there."
+
+"Not so. They would naturally suppose that it had been removed to that
+spot from some other place. A better plan is to throw it into the sewer in
+the Vleminck Field. The officers of justice will then conclude that
+Geronimo fell under the hand of some unknown assassin."
+
+"That is still better! Ah! signor, you frightened me without cause. I
+place very little value on my life, and yet the thought of a certain death
+shatters my nerves. Now I am myself again. But how shall we manage to
+transport Geronimo's body to the Vleminck Field?"
+
+"It was for that purpose, Julio, that I was waiting so impatiently for
+you," said Simon Turchi; "it was because I needed your aid to execute a
+project which will save us both. Nothing is easier. You will disinter the
+body, and you will throw it into the sewer."[24]
+
+"Alone?" said the servant, in a tone which prognosticated a refusal.
+
+"Why not alone, since you are able to do it?"
+
+"It is very easy, signor, for you to say: 'Take the body on your shoulders
+and traverse three or four streets.' Signor Geronimo is heavier than you
+suppose, and I doubt if by the exertion of all my strength I could carry
+it twenty steps."
+
+Simon Turchi took his servant's two hands in his, and said,
+supplicatingly:
+
+"Julio, my friend, be generous; it is not a difficult task for one like
+yourself. Reflect that it is our only means of safety; it is as much for
+your interest as mine. I will recompense you largely, and I will be
+grateful to you all my life."
+
+"Well, signor, if you say so, I will try it; but I am afraid it will turn
+out badly. I shall be obliged to rest on the way, and that will take more
+time than will be prudent. And then how shall I be able each time to
+replace the body on my shoulders? It requires two to transport it with
+sufficient rapidity."
+
+"Two?" said Turchi, "You know well that we can confide our secret to no
+one."
+
+"To escape death, one would submit to anything. Suppose you help me
+yourself, signor?"
+
+"I!" replied Turchi, shuddering, "I carry a dead body through the streets!
+I, a nobleman! No, no; better a dungeon and death!"
+
+"What a strange sentiment of honor!" muttered the astonished servant.
+"Would to God, signor, that you had sooner remembered that you were a
+nobleman, we would not thus be seeking, in mortal anguish, the means to
+save our lives. Consider the affair as you will, you must confess that if
+I carry the corpse alone, ten chances to one we shall be discovered."
+
+While the servant thus spoke, Turchi seemed preoccupied by torturing
+thoughts. After a moment he said, with a sigh:
+
+"Alas! there is no other means; it is dangerous, but necessity demands it.
+Julio, go to the summer-house, and I will send Bernardo this evening to
+help you."
+
+"What" said Julio, ironically, "will you reveal your secret?"
+
+"No; I will command him, under penalty of his life, to do whatever you
+order him; threaten to stab him at the least show of resistance, and he
+will obey you."
+
+"Impossible! Signor Bernardo is a good, pious man. He would inform upon
+us. I might as well put the halter around my neck. I will have none of his
+aid."
+
+Simon Turchi, in despair at the failure of all his efforts to succeed in
+his design, paced the floor impatiently. Suddenly he stopped before his
+servant, and with sparkling eyes he said, in a suppressed voice:
+
+"Julio, there must be an end to all this hesitation. We have no choice,
+and whatever may be the means, we must not deliberate in presence of the
+death which menaces us. Stab Bernardo, and throw him into the sewer above
+the body of Geronimo."[25]
+
+"Oh, signor, murder Bernardo!" exclaimed Julio, in horror. "And do you
+suppose that he would not defend himself? that he would not give the
+alarm? In that case, your servant would be recognized, and thus they would
+put them on the track of the criminals. Your mind wanders."
+
+Grinding his teeth in his agony, Turchi tossed his arms convulsively, and
+at last said, hoarsely:
+
+"You will not undertake it alone? You have not the wish to succeed. Coward
+that you are, for what are you fit but to boast and drink and gamble in
+the taverns? Would that I had never seen you! Leave the corpse in the
+cellar; let the bailiff discover it there; we will see which of us will
+meet the more courageously an infamous death!"
+
+A prey to the keenest emotion, he fell back in his chair, and while
+uttering bitter invectives against his servant, he tore his hair in real
+or feigned despair.
+
+The sight of-his master's desolation seemed to make some impression upon
+Julio; he regarded him compassionately, and at last said, kindly:
+
+"Come, signor, calm yourself. All is not lost, and if my good-will can
+save you, I will show you that Julio has the courage and resolution to
+carry him through a difficult enterprise. Since you think I am able to
+take the corpse alone to the sewer, I will attempt it. Perhaps I may
+overrate the difficulties. Be calm, and rely upon my word."
+
+The signor knew that once having made up his mind, his servant would
+unhesitatingly execute what he had undertaken, and he comprehended by his
+manner that his promise was seriously made. He pressed his hand, and said,
+joyfully:
+
+"Thanks, Julio, I owe to you my honor and my life. I will never forget it,
+and when once the sword, now hanging over my head, is removed, I will
+reward you magnificently. Go now to the country-house, disinter the body,
+and carry it up to the ground-floor. This will give you less work later.
+Fill the grave thoroughly, and as far as possible destroy all appearance
+of the earth having been recently dug."
+
+Julio apparently let his master's words fall unheeded on his ear; he
+suddenly struck his forehead with his fist, as if an unwelcome idea had
+forced itself upon him.
+
+"What is the matter?" asked Turchi, anxiously.
+
+"Fool that I am!" exclaimed Julio.
+
+"Speak lower," said Simon. "What troubles you?"
+
+"Did you not notice, signor, how bright it was last night? It is clear
+weather, and the moon is full! How could I carry a dead body to the sewer
+with such light to betray me? It is impossible; I cannot think of it."
+
+These words forced from Simon a cry of anguish. He seemed crushed under
+the fate which was visibly pursuing him. The cowardice and ill-will of his
+servant had not cast him into despair like this last obstacle; for he well
+knew that either by threats or promises of reward he could overcome
+Julio's resistance; but what could prevent the moon from shining? It was
+clear that no way remained of removing Geronimo's body from the cellar,
+and the officers of the law would infallibly discover where the murder had
+been committed.
+
+It was then true that for him there was no escape from ruin; that a
+mysterious power opposed all his plans; perhaps God himself was
+interposing to prevent him from saving his life.
+
+The supposition made him shudder; nevertheless he tortured his mind to
+discover some plank of safety; a thousand tumultuous thoughts presented
+themselves. Might they not bury the body in a retired spot of the garden,
+plunge it in the basin of the fountain, or conceal it under the stones of
+the grotto? But none of these plans could be accomplished without leaving
+traces which would lead to certain discovery.
+
+Suddenly a happy idea seemed to occur to him, for his face brightened; he
+arose and said:
+
+"Julio, you must leave the country; it is your only means of safety."
+
+"I leave the country!" said Julio; "and you, signor?"
+
+"Would that I could accompany you! but I cannot say as you can: 'Where my
+body is, there is all I have and all I care for.' I must of necessity
+remain here: I have many interests to detain me."
+
+Julio was astonished by the advice.
+
+"Where shall I go? In Italy a price is set upon my head; I dare not be
+seen beyond the mountains. It is too late for me to leave for England;
+there are no vessels ready to sail. What could I do in Germany, ignorant
+of the language of the country and without means of subsistence?"
+
+"Save your life, Julio; go to Germany," said Turchi. "I will give you
+money, plenty of money."
+
+The deep red of the scar on his master's face, his expression of cunning,
+his evident satisfaction, made Julio suspect some deception. He was
+unable at first to imagine his secret design; but a light suddenly broke
+upon his mind, and recoiling with horror and anger, he exclaimed:
+
+"What an odious trap you are setting for me! You intend to accuse me of
+the murder in my absence? And while poor Julio, charged with a double
+crime, finds no resting-spot upon earth, you will enjoy here in entire
+security, in the midst of wealth and honor, the price of the innocent
+blood which you have shed. No, no, I will bring no new anathema on my
+head."
+
+"You are silly, Julio," said Simon Turchi, disdainfully. "Should we be
+arrested to-morrow, and the truth known, would you not be equally punished
+for having treacherously pushed Geronimo into the chair?"
+
+"Yes; but all would know that I neither conceived the crime, nor profited
+by its commission."
+
+"A fine consolation, to contend on the scaffold!" said the signor
+ironically, repressing his impatience. "But I will speak to you plainly
+and without reserve. I will state my conditions; if you refuse them, then
+all is at an end between us. Each of us is at liberty to save himself even
+at the sacrifice of the other. The worst part of the whole is that I might
+feel myself obliged, for my own security, to make known to the authorities
+of Lucca who you are."
+
+The servant regarded his master with an expression of disgust and
+aversion.
+
+"These are my conditions," said Simon. "You will leave immediately for
+Germany, and reach the Rhine as soon as possible. I will give you two
+hundred crowns. Procure a carriage and horse at the very first village,
+and do not stop until you are in a place of safety. To prevent any
+detention on the way, I will give you a letter to Signor Mazzuchelli, a
+banker at Cologne. If on the journey you are asked why you have undertaken
+it, say that you are on urgent business for your master, and if necessity
+require it, show the letter; but once in Cologne, do not present the
+letter to Mazzuchelli. Two hundred crowns! that is a fortune, Julio. With
+that you can live luxuriously for two or three years. And what difference
+will it make whether you know the language of the country or not. Money
+understands and speaks all languages."[26]
+
+"And when the two hundred crowns are spent, what will become of me?" said
+the servant.
+
+"I will not forsake you, Julio," said Turchi. "Whenever you need money,
+inform me of it, and I will send you enough to keep you from want. But you
+must change your name and simply notify me that you need money to continue
+your business. And your new name? It seems to me that 'Marco Castagno'
+would answer. What say you?"
+
+Julio shook his head doubtfully, muttering between his teeth. Although the
+promise of two hundred crowns was seductive, he hesitated to accept his
+master's proposition.
+
+"Why deliberate so long?" said Simon. "I offer you a certain means of
+escaping the gallows, and you hesitate! Moreover, I secure you a life of
+ease, independent, without cares, the free, joyous life of a lord, and yet
+you refuse."
+
+Julio seemed to have come to a decision.
+
+"Will you give me two hundred crowns?" he demanded.
+
+"Two hundred crowns in coin."
+
+"Before my departure?"
+
+"Immediately."
+
+"Give them to me. I am in a hurry to depart."
+
+"I will go for them," said Turchi, leaving the room.
+
+Julio seated himself and rested his head upon his hands. But he had not
+long for reflection; his master returned after a short absence.
+
+Simon Turchi held a purse in his hands. He went to the table and counted
+out four piles of gold pieces.
+
+The sight of so much money made an impression on Julio, and he approached
+the table. Joy sparkled in his eyes, and whilst he contemplated the
+shining pieces, he nodded his head with an air of satisfaction.
+
+"You see," said Simon, "that the sum is correct, and you will not find the
+gold heavy to carry. Now put it in your doublet. Going down stairs I
+reflected upon your good-will, and I considered whether I might not avoid
+accusing you of the murder of Geronimo, and my friendship for you
+suggested a means. Now that I am sure of being able, under any
+circumstances, of exculpating myself, it is not necessary for me to bring
+any accusation against you. Besides, Julio, I dislike to be separated from
+you. If in two or three months I could bring you back without danger, I
+would be delighted."
+
+"I would be well pleased, signor," said Julio, with a sigh.
+
+"In order to secure this chance to ourselves, Julio, you must, before
+leaving, go to the country-house, level, as far as possible, the earth in
+the cellar, throw sand and dust upon the grave, and then fill the cellar
+with fire-wood and empty casks."
+
+"But, signor, that would take time."
+
+"That is of no consequence. At this hour there are too many people passing
+through the city gates. It is better for you to pass the night at the
+pavilion, and to-morrow morning, as soon as the gates are open, you will
+leave. At daybreak you will be certain of meeting no one who would notice
+what direction you had taken. I suggest this for your own sake, Julio, not
+mine; for suppose the officers of the law should search my summer-house,
+those precautions would divert their attentions from the cellar, while
+otherwise they would infallibly discover that the earth had been recently
+dug. Perhaps, through respect for me, the bailiff may exempt my lands from
+search. In either case I will wait until the impression made by the murder
+has worn away. I will say nothing of you, except that you left me in
+consequence of a sharp rebuke, and that I do not know what has become of
+you. As soon as the present excitement subsides and the search is
+abandoned, I promise to recall you. Now will you go to the pavilion and
+accomplish faithfully what I advise?"
+
+"I will."
+
+"Do not forget your new name."
+
+"Marco Castagno? It is easily remembered."
+
+"Yes; Marco Castagno, and you are travelling on business. I had nearly
+forgotten the letter of recommendation. Wait here an instant; do not come
+down-stairs. I will write it at once."
+
+When Julio was left alone he put his hand in his pocket, chinked the gold
+coins, and drew out a handful for the pleasure of contemplating them; but
+he soon returned the money to his doublet, and fell into deep thought.
+
+"If," he muttered, "I could only set off at once! Here I am obliged to
+pass a whole night in that accursed pavilion! The signor thinks that
+Geronimo has been buried for five days, and his corpse is still above
+ground. To fill up the grave is not much. Suppose I let that alone, and
+leave this evening with the money? No, no; I will execute faithfully what
+I promised. My master is so generous to me, I will show him that I am not
+ungrateful."
+
+"Here is the letter of recommendation," said Simon Turchi, entering the
+room. "It is in the name of Marco Castagno. Forget your other names, and
+be prudent, remembering that the least indiscretion might cost our lives.
+Go to the pavilion, Julio. I bid you adieu, with the hope of soon seeing
+you again at Antwerp."
+
+"Shall I not take my clothes, signor, or a traveling cloak?"
+
+"No; the cloak you have on will suffice. Were you seen with any baggage,
+your intention might be suspected. Appear indifferent. You can buy
+whatever you may need."
+
+The servant extended his hand to his master, and going to the door, said:
+
+"Adieu, signor; if you do not refuse to aid me when I am in want, I will
+keep your secret faithfully."
+
+"Do your work in the cellar carefully, Julio. I wish you a pleasant
+journey."
+
+Julio descended the staircase and walked slowly down the street.
+
+His master opened the window and watched him until he was out of sight.
+
+Simon Turchi drew a long breath, as though the weight of a mountain had
+been removed from his heart. A smile lighted up his face, and he said in
+an accent of intense joy:
+
+"He has gone! Now I have nothing to fear. The bailiff may find the body;
+Julio committed the crime; I know nothing of it; I am as innocent as a
+lamb. Ah! I thought I was lost. Now I must arrange my plans as though I
+were certain of the discovery of the body. I feel new strength; hope and
+certainty animate my heart. Mary, Mary, your name, your fortune, your love
+will be mine. My life will yet be crowned with grandeur, wealth, and
+happiness."
+
+And in feverish excitement he closed the window.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+GERONIMO RESURRECTED.
+
+
+The clock in the steeple of Saint George struck seven, and night was
+coming on, when Julio opened the garden-gate of his master's country-seat
+and walked with a light step towards the house.
+
+He kept one hand wrapped in his cloak, as if to conceal some object; the
+other was in his pocket, turning over the gold pieces given him by Simon
+Turchi. Joy sparkled in his eyes, as he said to himself:
+
+"God be praised! I resisted the temptation. They urged me to drink and
+play at the 'Swan,' but my gold coins reminded me that I had a serious
+duty to perform. After work comes the recompense. What I hold in my hand
+will indemnify me for the thirst I have suffered and for the time lost. It
+is the very best Spanish wine--as dear as if it were melted silver, and as
+strong as if it were liquid fire."
+
+On entering a room in the house, he drew two bottles from his doublet and
+one from under his cloak, placed them upon the table, and looked at them
+longingly.
+
+"No, no, not now; presently! Business first. Your bewitching smile cannot
+seduce me. Patience, my friends; an hour hence we will become acquainted.
+To fill up a grave and roll some empty casks into the cellar is a small
+matter. But it is getting so dark that I can no longer distinguish the
+image of the emperor on the gold pieces; I must light the lamp."
+
+Taking a wooden box from the mantelpiece, he drew out a flint and struck
+it. It was some time before the tinder took fire, and Julio laughed at his
+own failures; but at last he succeeded in his efforts, and a large lamp
+made the whole room bright with its rays.
+
+Julio approached the table and said:
+
+"Now at least I can gratify the desire which has irritated my nerves
+during the last hour. To possess two hundred crowns, to be as rich as a
+banker, to feel my pockets weighed down by gold, and still unable to feast
+my eyes on the treasure! Now I am alone; there is no one to ask whence it
+came. The time has arrived. I may enjoy my wealth without anxiety!"
+
+He drew an arm-chair to the table, reclined in it comfortably, with
+extended limbs, and placed the gold coin by handfuls under the light of
+the lamp.
+
+After searching his pocket and doublet and convincing himself that all the
+crowns were spread out before him, he heaped them up and ran his hands
+through them as if to enjoy the sparkle and jingle of the gold. He held
+his breath, for fear of losing the least sound; with eyes wide open he
+contemplated the brilliant treasure.
+
+For a long time Julio remained, with a smile of happiness upon his lips,
+in mute admiration, and, perhaps scarcely aware of what he was doing, he
+ranged the crowns in a line and counted them; then he separated them into
+piles of twenty pieces each; then he tossed them from hand to hand, until,
+wearied of this amusement, he looked at them musingly. At last he
+exclaimed in a joyous outbreak:
+
+"Two hundred crowns! What will I do with them? How will I spend them?
+Shall I drink Malmsey, Muscatel, the very best, such as brings pleasure to
+the heart? But at that rate I shall soon see the end of my money. Shall I
+play for florins and crowns? That would be an excellent means, certainly,
+of either becoming a hundred times richer or of losing every farthing.
+Strange! how fearful and avaricious money makes me! I do not even care to
+play; no, I will not do it. I will dress like a nobleman: in satin,
+velvet, and silk; I will drink and eat of the most exquisite dishes; I
+will Jive in luxury and abundance, as though the world were a terrestrial
+paradise. Ah, what a glorious life!
+
+"But what a cowardly wretch I am! My only anxiety is to know how to spend
+or rather squander this treasure, and at this moment there lives, far from
+me, one who perhaps is stretching out her hand to me to beg an alms! My
+poor mother! she may even need bread. Were she to curse her ungrateful
+son, would he not have deserved it a hundred times? I am afraid of myself!
+With ten crowns, with the twentieth part of what I am going to throw away
+in dissipation, she might be saved from misery for more than a year. Why
+did I not give twenty crowns to my master to send to her? Suppose I return
+to the factory to execute this good thought? Impossible! Signor Turchi
+would be enraged; besides, I have no confidence in him. I will inquire,
+when in Germany, if she still lives, and if she be in want I will send her
+money."
+
+He took up twenty crowns, one by one, from the table, counted them,
+regarded them wistfully, and said, as he dropped them into his pocket:
+
+"Twenty crowns! that is a large sum; but it may make my blind old mother
+happy. I will put her portion by itself."
+
+His eye again rested on the glittering coin. The sight appeared to deject
+him.
+
+"How visibly it has diminished!" he said, sighing. "I believed my treasure
+inexhaustible, and by one thought the twentieth part has disappeared. Will
+it not go as fast in Germany? Will not gambling and drinking deprive me of
+the whole in a few months and leave me in misery? What sombre thoughts! A
+moment ago, and everything wore a smiling aspect; now, my mind is tortured
+by fear and anxiety. But why need I be troubled? When I have spent the two
+hundred crowns, Signor Turchi will send me more. But it is not well to
+rely too much upon that; his head may fall under the axe of the
+executioner. In that case I would be as badly off myself. The discovery
+would drive me from Germany into Netherlands or Italy. Instead of living
+in luxury, I would infallibly fall into the lion's jaw, and the gallows or
+the wheel would be my well-merited fate. But if the murderer of Geronimo
+be not discovered, I can return quietly, and my master would receive me
+kindly for fear I would betray his secret. That depends in a great measure
+upon my care in acquitting myself of the task entrusted to me. I will
+accomplish it loyally and well. The sight of this gold no longer gives me
+pleasure. A full cup of wine first, and then to work bravely!"
+
+He uncorked one of the bottles and half emptied it; then muttering a few
+words as to the strength and energy imparted by the liquor, he took the
+lamp, and fixing his eye on the bottle, said:
+
+"It will take me only a few minutes to throw the body into the grave and
+fill it up; but the rest of the work will require more than an hour. That
+is a long time to be separated from you, is it not? To keep me company, I
+will take the half-empty bottle; that will not hinder me from doing my
+duty properly; on the contrary, it will give me courage and strength. Now
+to work!"
+
+He re-corked the bottle, put it inside of his doublet, took the lamp, and
+slowly descended the staircase.
+
+The passage leading to the cellar in which Julio had thrown Geronimo's
+body was rather long, and he had time to feel the effect of the wine, and
+it so raised his spirits that he commenced jesting about hid past anxiety,
+and on nearing the cellar he sang the first notes of a joyful song.
+
+But the words expired upon his lips, he trembled in every limb, and turned
+ashy pale.
+
+A voice answered him from the cellar.
+
+Immovable from terror, Julio fixed his eyes upon the door, and strove to
+comprehend the words which fell indistinctly upon his ear.
+
+"Heavens!" he exclaimed, "it is Geronimo; he lives!"
+
+Shuddering, he withdrew a short distance down the passage, and was for a
+time as motionless as a statue. At last, with deep emotion, he said:
+
+"What can this mean? The signor said at the first thrust his dagger met
+metal, but that the wound in his neck was deep. Suppose it were merely a
+flesh-wound? What shall I do? Shall I let him live?"
+
+He was painfully undecided.
+
+"Impossible!" he said. "It would be the death-warrant of both my master
+and myself. I must choose between his death and ours. Implacable fatality
+urges me on--in truth, I have no choice. One blow, and all is over! I must
+not hesitate; my knife is sharp."
+
+He drew his dagger from its scabbard, examined the blade, tried it with
+his finger. He shuddered, and a cry of horror escaped him.
+
+"Fatal position!" he exclaimed. "To kill a man in cold blood! an innocent
+man! What harm has poor Geronimo ever done me? Stab him! My heart fails
+me--I cannot perpetrate such a cruelty. And yet, and yet I must! The crime
+horrifies me, but I have no alternative. Only by the sacrifice of his life
+can my master escape the scaffold, and I the gallows. Fate irresistibly
+pursues me; I am the slave of necessity--I must follow whither it leads!"
+
+With staggering step and in a blind frenzy, Julio ran down the passage,
+caught his dagger between his teeth, put the key in the lock, and turned
+the light so that it might fall upon his victim.
+
+He stopped trembling in the middle of the cellar, and pity filled his soul
+as his eye rested on Geronimo. He had indeed drawn his dagger to complete
+the horrible crime; but now, touched and moved by compassion, he
+considered the unfortunate young man, who extended to him his suppliant
+hands and begged for help.
+
+Geronimo was kneeling on the side of the grave which had been dug to
+receive his corpse. His face was partly covered with clotted blood; the
+portion visible was excessively pale, and his cheeks were so sunken that
+those few days of suffering had left only the skin to cover his bones. His
+eyes, rolling wildly, were sunk in their sockets; his neck, weakened by
+the wound, could not support his head, which fell upon his right shoulder.
+His clothes were blood-stained and covered with dirt. It was evident that
+in his struggle against death he had dragged himself around the tomb to
+try, if possible, to escape it.
+
+"Whoever you may be," cried out Geronimo, "for the love of God, one drop
+of water!"
+
+His voice was weak, but capable of moving the hardest heart.
+
+Julio shook his head, without speaking.
+
+"Water! water!" repeated the young man. "I am burning up, consumed by
+thirst. Water! water! one drop of water! Save me from a frightful death!"
+
+Moved by pity and forgetting, as it were, his own situation, Julio thrust
+his hand under his doublet, drew out the bottle, uncorked it, and without
+speaking gave it to the wounded gentleman. He uttered a cry of joy, seized
+the bottle with feverish energy, and kissed with transport the hand which
+presented him the saving beverage.
+
+Julio, with palpitating heart, watched the unfortunate Geronimo, as with
+trembling joy he placed the bottle to his lips, as if the contents were
+imparting to him a new life.
+
+And indeed, after having quaffed a deep draught, Geronimo appeared to have
+new strength; for a sweet smile appeared upon his face, his eyes sparkled
+with gratitude, and lifting his hands to Julio, he said:
+
+"May God bless you! you have saved me from a frightful death. May Heaven
+hear my prayer and reward you on the day of judgment for all the good I
+may have done in my life. The light blinded me; I could not see. Are you
+not Julio?"
+
+This recognition struck Geronimo with terror, and in a feeble and
+discouraged voice he said:
+
+"Julio, Julio, you pushed me into the chair!"
+
+Then seeing the dagger in Julio's hands, he shuddered.
+
+"A dagger in your hand! Ah! you come to kill me?"
+
+"Yes, signor," replied Julio, sadly, "I come to take your life; but do not
+suppose I fulfil this fatal mission without emotion; on the contrary, my
+heart bleeds for you, and I feel an indescribable repugnance to deal the
+fatal blow."
+
+"Ah! you are not merciless; you will have pity on me," said Geronimo.
+
+"Impossible!" replied Julio. "Fatality governs us both; it has irrevocably
+condemned you to death, and me to inhumanity. All prayer, all supplication
+is useless; nothing can save your life. I beg you, signor, not to increase
+the difficulties of my task; accept with resignation a fate you cannot
+escape."
+
+A sharp cry escaped Geronimo, as these unfeeling words convinced him that
+all hope was lost.
+
+"My God!" he exclaimed, "is it then true that this dungeon is to become my
+tomb? Must I die without confession? Shall my body lie in unconsecrated
+ground? Oh, mercy! mercy!"
+
+"Necessity is a merciless law, signor," replied Julio, "and I have more
+cause than you to complain of its harshness. You, at least, will receive
+in heaven the recompense of your innocent life, while I must commit here a
+crime from which I recoil with horror, but which is forced upon me by an
+irresistible power, and for which my poor soul will stand accused before
+the judgment-seat of God. But do not cherish a deceitful hope; there is no
+hope for you. Before I depart from here, that grave must receive your
+body. That I did not immediately on entering fulfil my sad mission is
+partly owing to the fact that an uncontrollable compassion paralyzed my
+arm, but still more, to my desire to afford you time to say some prayers.
+Therefore prepare your soul for its last passage. I will wait patiently
+even for a quarter of an hour. Pray with a tranquil mind--I will not
+strike without giving notice."
+
+Saying these words, Julio put down the lamp replaced his dagger in its
+scabbard, and seated himself on a block of wood which was in a corner of
+the cellar.
+
+Geronimo, overwhelmed by Julio's insensibility, bowed his head upon his
+breast. For some time he neither spoke nor moved, seeming to accept his
+fate with complete resignation. But the terror of death again possessed
+him.
+
+"Impossible!" he exclaimed. "You will not kill me, Julio? I conjure you,
+by your soul's salvation, not to imbrue your hands in my blood!"
+
+And the unfortunate young man endeavored to drag his feeble body to
+Julio's feet; but the latter drew his dagger in a threatening manner.
+
+Geronimo uttered a cry of despair, crawled back to the side of the grave,
+and fell exhausted on the ground, where he bewept his sad fate.
+
+His stifled sobs were so heart-breaking that Julio's soul was stirred
+within him, and without being conscious of it, he wiped away the tears
+which fell from his eyes.
+
+In a voice full of compassion he said:
+
+"Come, signor, be calm, and submit with resignation to the irrevocable
+decree of fate. When one has lived like you in the fear of God, honorably
+and loyally, death is but the passage to a better life."
+
+A cry of indignation mingled with the convulsive sobs of the young
+gentleman.
+
+"I understand you," said Julio; "you think that my pity is a cruel irony;
+you believe me to be inhuman. Even in the tomb you might justly call down
+maledictions on the head of the murderer who of his own will and choice
+would deprive you of life. But, alas! signor, I have neither will nor
+choice in the matter. To-morrow the officers of justice will search this
+house and cellar."
+
+"To-morrow!" exclaimed Geronimo, a new hope-springing up in his heart.
+
+"If I let you live, they would infallibly find you here," pursued Julio.
+"This hope inspires you with joy; vain hope! signor, for should it be
+realized, my master would perish on the scaffold, and I would expiate my
+crime on the gallows!"
+
+"Julio," said Geronimo, beseechingly, "I will remove all suspicion from
+you; I will declare you innocent; I will reward you magnificently."
+
+"It would be useless, signor. The law knows no mercy. My master would
+betray the part I had in the deed; and do you think the judges would
+pardon me for having pushed you into the chair?"
+
+"Save me, spare my life, Julio; and if necessary for your acquittal, I
+will kneel to the bailiff, I will appeal to the emperor himself."
+
+"There is another reason, unknown to you, signor," replied Julio,
+bitterly. "I am a fugitive, condemned to death by the laws of Italy. My
+master alone knows my real name. The least infidelity on my part would
+make him deliver me into the hands of those who for five years have been
+seeking me. Think you, then, that it is in my power to spare you? It is my
+own and my master's death you demand. And what a death! For him, the axe
+of the executioner and eternal infamy to his family; for me, the rack, the
+wheel, the gallows. Do not blame me then, signor; do not contend against
+implacable fate; employ your last moments in prayer, or tell me that you
+are ready to receive the mortal blow. Nothing can save you; that open tomb
+tells you a sad but pitiless truth. Again I beg you, signor, lift up your
+heart to God, and do not force me to make use of sudden violence."
+
+"Die so young and guiltless!" lamented Geronimo. "Never again to see the
+light of heaven! O Mary, my beloved! how you will deplore my fate! My poor
+uncle! sorrow will bring your gray hairs to the grave!"
+
+The accents of despair made Julio shudder; but he said, in a cold manner:
+
+"Are you ready, signor?"
+
+"A moment more, one moment for prayer!" said Geronimo.
+
+He joined his hands and uttered a fervent prayer; but although he
+apparently accepted his fate with resignation, it was equally evident that
+his soul struggled against the death which was hanging over him.
+
+By degrees, however, prayer brought resignation and consolation to
+Geronimo, for the nervous trembling of his limbs ceased and his voice
+became more distinct and calm.
+
+Julio fixed his eyes on Geronimo, and his heart was touched when he
+thought he heard him ask pardon of God for his enemies; but when the lips
+of the young man pronounced his own name in ardent supplication, and he
+distinctly heard his unfortunate victim praying for the soul of his
+murderer, Julio dropped his knife, and said, with a deep sigh:
+
+"My courage has forsaken me! I have not the strength to accomplish this
+cruel act."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Geronimo, as Julio pronounced these words, "it is a voice
+from heaven speaking to your heart. Hearken to it. Have pity on me! spare
+my life!"
+
+Julio was too absorbed in his own thoughts to heed Geronimo. In accents of
+despair he muttered:
+
+"Frightful situation! Beside the very grave I have dug for him, he prays
+for my soul! And can I shed his blood? But there is no help for it. I
+must--I must!"
+
+The young gentleman remarked the struggle in Julio's soul, and he mustered
+up all his strength to approach him; but Julio, seeing Geronimo's design,
+picked up his knife, took the lamp, and left the cellar, saying:
+
+"It is useless, signor. Fate is more powerful than we are; and struggle as
+we may against its inevitable decrees, they must be accomplished! The
+sight of your sorrow has deprived me of all courage. I go to regain
+strength. I will soon return. Be prepared, for this time I will act
+without delay!"
+
+He closed the door and walked slowly down the passage. Having reached his
+room, he stamped with anger, uttered desperate words, struck his forehead
+with his fist, vented his impatience, because he could see no solution of
+his difficulties. He paced the room like a madman, fought the air,
+stopped, resumed his walk,--until exhausted he threw himself into a chair.
+Sorrow, anguish, and rage, by turns were depicted on his countenance. He
+lamented the necessity of the murder, and complained in bitter terms of
+his sad fate. But in vain he tortured his brain--not a ray of light came
+to illumine his darkness. The pitiless "I must do it!" was the invariable
+refrain.
+
+By chance his eye fell upon the two bottles which he had placed upon the
+table, and as if the sight had inspired him with a sudden resolution, he
+seized one of the bottles, uncorked it, and putting it to his lips, drank
+a long draught, stopped a moment for breath, then emptied the bottle.
+
+He remained some time immovable as if to test the influence of the wine on
+his mind, swallowed half of the second bottle, drew his dagger, took the
+lamp, and descended the stairs, saying:
+
+"Now my courage will not fail me! No more words: a single blow and all
+will be over! I must strike him in the back; he wears a cuirass on his
+breast."
+
+Opening the door of the cellar, he placed the lamp on the ground without
+speaking, and raising his dagger, he walked directly towards Geronimo, who
+lifted his hands imploringly.
+
+Within a few steps of his victim, Julio, with an exclamation of surprise,
+stopped suddenly as if immovable. His eye fell upon an object which
+Geronimo held in his hand and extended to him, as though it had power to
+turn aside the mortal blow.
+
+It was a flat copper medal, in the centre of which was a cross and other
+emblems, and attached to it was a bright steel chain.
+
+Julio, forgetful of what he was about to do, sprang forward, seized the
+strange medal, examined it closely, and said, in astonishment:
+
+"This amulet in your hands, signor! What does it mean? How came you by
+it?"
+
+Geronimo, whose every thought was fixed upon death, was too much startled
+by the sudden transition to reply immediately.
+
+"Speak, tell me whence comes this amulet? Who gave it to you?"
+
+"From Africa--from a blind woman," answered Geronimo, almost
+unintelligibly.
+
+"In Africa? And the woman's name?" said Julio, beside himself with
+impatience.
+
+"Mostajo. Teresa Mostajo!"
+
+"Teresa Mostajo! You are then the liberator of my poor blind mother!"
+
+"Then you will spare my life! God of mercy, I thank thee, there is still
+hope!"
+
+But Julio heeded not the words of the young man.
+
+"This amulet," he said, "recalls my native village. I see again my father,
+mother, friends. I see myself as I was before dissipation led me to sin
+and vice. This amulet, brought by my grandfather from Jerusalem, protected
+my father against many dangers, saved my mother's life; and you, signor,
+you owe to the same amulet escape from a violent death, for it turned
+aside my master's dagger from your breast. Strange and mysterious power
+which thus shields the victim from his executioner!"
+
+"Julio," said Geronimo, "keep me not in suspense. Say that you will not
+take my life. Be merciful to the man whose name is blessed by the lips of
+your mother!"
+
+"Fear not, signor; rather than shed one drop of your blood, I would pay
+the penalty of my guilty life on the gallows. But I must reflect upon our
+peculiar situation, for my mind is not clear; perhaps I may discover a
+means of escape. Do not disturb me, I beg you."
+
+He withdrew to the corner of the cellar where he had been previously
+seated, and remained motionless for some time, without giving any sign of
+the agitation of his mind.
+
+Geronimo regarded him at first with a look of joyful anticipation; by
+degrees, however, his face wore an expression of sadness and surprise; it
+seemed to him that Julio had fallen asleep. He was mistaken, however, for
+Julio arose after a while, and said:
+
+"Now I see my way clearly. I will save you, signor; but in doing that, I
+might as well avoid securing a halter for myself. You must have patience
+until to-morrow. It is now about nine o'clock in the evening, and the
+time, I know, will be very long to you. But you must submit to a condition
+which is necessary for the preservation of my own life. To-morrow, at
+daybreak, I shall quit the city and country. Before leaving, I will set
+you at liberty. Do not attempt to shake my resolution; let me go now,
+signor, and expect with confidence your deliverance."
+
+Geronimo joined his hands, and said, feebly:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, and may the good God show you the mercy you have shown to
+me! I have yet a favor to implore, a benefit to ask."
+
+"Speak, signor, what do you wish?"
+
+"It is long since I awoke from my death-like stupor. I know not how long,
+and I am tormented by hunger and thirst; you have kept life in me by the
+wine so kindly bestowed, but now my body demands nourishment. Give me
+bread."
+
+"Bread!" said Julio, "there is not a mouthful of food in the house."
+
+But seeing Geronimo's eyes fixed in supplication upon him, he added:
+
+"It is not late; perhaps I may find some shop still open. I will return
+presently; remain quiet, and have no anxiety, signor."
+
+He took the lamp, left the cellar, closing the door after him, and
+ascended to his room. There folding his arms, he began to muse:
+
+"How strange! the young merchant who, at the risk of his own life,
+defended my mother from her Moslem master, who paid her ransom, and
+liberated her from slavery--that merchant was Geronimo! By some mysterious
+influence the amulet protected his heart from the blade of his vindictive
+enemy; and when I am about to shed his blood, behold, the amulet paralyzes
+my arm. It is incomprehensible!"
+
+The current of his thoughts changed. Seizing the half empty bottle, he
+drank its contents.
+
+"Strange," said he, "how the bad effects of liquor are controlled by the
+emotions! I have taken enough to deprive me of consciousness, and I feel
+my mind as clear as though I had not touched a drop. This last draught,
+however, has mounted to my brain. So it is decreed that my master, Simon
+Turchi, must die upon the scaffold? It is disagreeable for both of us, but
+I could not help it. I shall not know what to do when the two hundred
+crowns are spent; necessity will force me to seek other resources, even at
+the risk of the gallows, and in all probability the fatal noose will
+encircle my neck. Bah! if it is predestined, who can prevent it? My master
+and I will receive only what we deserve. But I am forgetting the starving
+young gentleman; I must go out to procure him some food. It will be a fine
+opportunity to drink a pint of wine at the _Swan_; that cannot be closed
+yet, for gamblers do not keep early hours. Only one pint in passing! not
+more, for if my reason became clouded, I cannot answer for the
+consequences; but there is no need to fear that, for my life is at stake.
+I will return in half an hour."
+
+He extinguished the lamp, and hastily traversed the garden.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+SIMON TURCHI'S ALARM--CRIME BEGETS CRIME.
+
+
+Some time after the hour of Change, Simon Turchi had returned home, and
+was apparently preparing to go out again, for he had changed his doublet
+for one of a darker color, and his cloak lay on a chair beside him.
+
+The signor was in high spirits; he carried his head proudly, a radiant
+smile illumined his countenance, and from time to time he rubbed his hands
+with an air of triumph. Julio had left for Germany! Nothing could have
+prevented his departure, for he had not been seen in the city. Simon
+Turchi has therefore no cause for fear, for if, contrary to expectation,
+his garden be searched and the corpse of Geronimo be discovered, the
+murder could easily be fastened upon Julio.
+
+Already, by vague remarks to his servants and acquaintances, Turchi had
+prepared the way for making the accusation in case of necessity. He had
+exhibited great anxiety at Julio's absence the night before and during
+that day. He said that he had sharply reproved his servant for his
+dissipated habits and his neglect of duty. Julio had left him in evident
+anger.
+
+The servants, who could not comprehend their master's anxiety, thought
+that he might be in some tavern, drowning his feelings with drink and
+awaiting the night to return home. To this Turchi answered that he had
+remarked for some time Julio's strange manner, that he seemed so
+absent-minded, was often heard to sigh and weep--in a word, something
+weighty appeared pressing on his conscience.
+
+Early in the morning he sent Bernardo to the pavilion to see if Julio were
+there. Bernardo reported that there was no evidence of his having been
+there, except two empty bottles upon a table. Simon pretended that he had
+the bottles placed in the room, and Bernardo thought no more of the
+affair.
+
+Simon Turchi would have satisfied himself by personal examination if Julio
+had thoroughly performed his work before his departure, but he feared to
+excite attention by his appearance in that direction; or, perhaps, he
+might even be obliged to assist at the search of his garden, should the
+bailiff refuse to exempt it. He determined to go to the cellar at
+nightfall, when the search must be interrupted, to examine the
+arrangements made by Julio. When therefore twilight was commencing to
+replace the glare of day, and Simon was certain of not meeting the
+officers of the law, he threw his cloak around his shoulders, turned with
+a light step and joyous heart the corner of the street, and took the
+direction to the square of Meir.
+
+He had gone but a short distance, when he met Messire John Van
+Schoonhoven.
+
+A smile lighted up Turchi's countenance. He was delighted to be
+accidentally brought into the bailiff's company, as he would thus learn
+the result of the researches already made.
+
+After a polite salutation, Messire Van Schoonhoven said:
+
+"I am happy to meet you. I was on my way to your house."
+
+"To my house?" said Turchi. "Have you news of my friend?"
+
+"No, signor; I wish to see you concerning an affair which, although not
+serious, necessitates a conversation with you. I would have spoken to you
+on this subject this evening when at Mr. Van de Werve's, but the place was
+inappropriate to such discussions."
+
+"Return then with me," stammered Turchi, with ill-disguised anxiety.
+
+"Where were you going, signor?" said the bailiff.
+
+"I was going to take a walk along the Scheldt, in order to seek some
+diversion to the grief I feel for the disappearance of the unfortunate
+Geronimo."
+
+"What I have to say, signor, need not interfere with your walk. I will
+accompany you a part of the way and enjoy with you the evening breeze."
+
+The bailiff turned and walked by Turchi's side.
+
+Looking around, to assure himself that they were not overheard, Messire
+Van Schoonhoven said:
+
+"The affair in question would not require so many precautions were I not
+bailiff and you my friend. But in consequence of these two reasons, my
+mission becomes painful, and I must claim in advance your forbearance. You
+know that my agents are searching every house, building, and garden in the
+vicinity of the Hospital Grounds where Geronimo was last seen. The
+greatest part of this quarter has been carefully examined without any
+result."
+
+Simon Turchi perfectly understood the bailiff's design, and although his
+heart beat painfully, he mastered his emotion, and said in an indifferent
+tone:
+
+"And you think, Messire Van Schoonhoven, that my garden should be searched
+in like manner? It is very natural. No one is above the law--the knight
+and the peasant are there equal."
+
+"Believe me, signor, that the thought of so disrespectful a conduct
+towards an honorable nobleman, and that nobleman my friend for years,
+would never have occurred to me. But the search became a necessity without
+any fault of mine. The presence of at least twenty of my agents in that
+quarter attracted the curious. A crowd followed those engaged in the
+search, and when it was noticed that your summer-house was the only one
+exempted, the magistrates were openly accused of injustice. The people
+were told that this was done by my order; but so great was the commotion
+that the affair reached the ears of the burgomaster and the constables,
+and these gentlemen waited on me, urging me to visit your garden likewise,
+so as to remove all cause of complaint."
+
+"This explanation is wholly unnecessary, at least as far as regards
+myself," interrupted Simon Turchi. "I desire you to search my
+country-house as you do all the other dwellings in the vicinity."
+
+They were not far from the bridge of Meir, and they ceased speaking, as in
+so frequented a place they were in danger of being overheard. Farther on,
+Turchi said:
+
+"I acknowledge, however, that I am hurt and irritated by the disrespect
+and audacity of the populace. One might be tempted to suppose that they
+considered me capable of killing my best friend! My blood boils at the
+idea of such a suspicion!"
+
+Simon gladly availed himself of the opportunity thus offered of
+attributing to a just indignation the cruel anxiety which tortured him. He
+had anticipated the announcement just made him by the bailiff, and in
+consequence had taken suitable measures to screen himself in case of
+discovery; but now a terrible doubt as to the result of the search, and as
+to the confidence which might be reposed in his statements, arose in his
+mind. The least unforeseen accident, the slightest oversight in his
+arrangement, might be his ruin.
+
+"It is scandalous!" he exclaimed, shaking his fist. "To express publicly
+the opinion that a nobleman could so far degrade himself as to become a
+secret assassin! I will know who my insolent calumniators are, and I will
+then see if justice has power at Antwerp to protect an innocent stranger
+against the defamation of the people!"
+
+"Calm yourself, signor," said Messire Van Schoonhoven; "I comprehend your
+well-founded indignation; but you are mistaken if you think the
+perquisition ordered by the burgomaster and constables be, in your regard,
+aught but a condescension to the clamors of the multitude. As for myself,
+I beg you not to be displeased with me for accomplishing my duty."
+
+"You need offer no excuse, messire," said Simon, speaking more calmly. "It
+is but proper and natural to search my garden. I am irritated solely by
+the insolence of the people. Do your duty, and continue to honor me with a
+friendship of which I am proud, and of which I will always strive to be
+worthy."
+
+"When will it be convenient to you, Signor Turchi, to have the officers
+visit your house?" asked the bailiff.
+
+"The time is perfectly indifferent to me."
+
+"But appoint an hour; I would regret causing you any inconvenience or
+trouble."
+
+Simon Turchi reflected a moment, and said:
+
+"To-morrow morning urgent affairs demand my attention; come then about
+noon."
+
+"Suppose we say two o'clock?"
+
+"Very well; between two and three."
+
+"I will call for you to accompany me, signor. Do not be disturbed by this
+domiciliary visit; it implies no suspicion, but, as I said before, it is a
+simple condescension to the populace. Shall I have the honor of meeting
+you this evening at the house of Mr. Van de Werve?"
+
+"I do not know, messire. Mary's excessive grief affects me so much that it
+haunts me day and night. Would that I could offer the least consolation to
+the afflicted young girl! But of what use is it to mingle my tears with
+hers, when there is no ray of hope to illumine the darkness of her
+despair?"
+
+Messire Van Schoonhoven pressed Simon's hand.
+
+"Your sincere friendship for Geronimo does you honor, signor," he said.
+"Were he your own brother, you could not be more deeply grieved. And how
+great is your generosity! Geronimo was your friend, but he was at the same
+time an obstacle to the accomplishment of the dearest wish of your heart.
+Through affection for him you have sacrificed your fondest hopes of
+happiness. But the inexplicable disappearance of Geronimo spreads out
+before you a brighter future. Time will alleviate the bitterness of Mary's
+sorrow, and who so well as yourself, signor, could restore her to
+happiness--you who possess her father's confidence and esteem?"
+
+"Speak not of such things," said Simon. "I would gladly yield all the
+happiness the future might have in store for me to see my friend once more
+unharmed. But alas! alas!"
+
+"That does not prevent me, signor, from cherishing the hope that, if
+Geronimo is really dead, you may one day receive the reward of your
+sincere friendship and your magnanimous generosity. To-morrow at two
+o'clock! May God be with you, signor!"
+
+"And may He protect you, messire!"
+
+Simon Turchi watched him until he was lost to sight, and then glanced
+around in order to note the degree of darkness. He drew his cloak closely
+around him, and walked rapidly down a side street, which soon brought him
+before the gate of his own garden. Unlocking the door, he traversed the
+walk rendered almost invisible by the darkness.
+
+Beaching the house, he lighted a lamp and ascended the stairs to a room,
+which, in better times, he was accustomed to use as a bed-room, when
+occasionally he passed the night at the pavilion.
+
+Casting his cloak upon a chair, he seated himself near a table, evidently
+a prey to distracting thoughts. He drew a phial from his doublet, and
+fixed his eyes upon it. By degrees, however, the clouds seemed to pass
+from his mind. He replaced the phial in his doublet, and said, calmly:
+
+"Why am I so terrified? Did I not expect the search? Have not my
+precautions been well taken? What have I to fear? Julio is already at
+such a distance that he cannot be overtaken. If the corpse be found in the
+cellar, I will impute the crime to Julio. My explanation will be such that
+there will be no room for suspicion. But suppose it should be known! O
+torturing doubt! What a desperate game! Wealth, honor, power, and the hand
+of Mary Van de Werve, against my life and the honor of my family! Triumph
+and happiness on the one hand; disgrace and death on the scaffold on the
+other! Suppose I go to the bailiff, and accuse Julio of the murder? That
+would put me above suspicion. But no; the search will be superficial, mere
+matter of form for the sake of appearances. If Julio as arranged things
+properly, they will merely cast a glance into the cellar. My presence will
+be a restraint upon the officers, and will prevent them from pushing their
+search so far as to imply a suspicion. If they do not find the body, as is
+probable, the affair will forever remain secret, and I will have in future
+no cause for alarm. I must take courage and descend into the cellar, to
+see how Julio performed the task assigned him before his departure."
+
+He approached a large wardrobe, took from it a bottle, poured out a large
+glass of wine and drank it. Lighted by the lamp, he descended the
+staircase and approached the cellar; but before proceeding through the
+subterranean passage, he hesitated and stepped back:
+
+"Singular!" he said; "I am overpowered by fear! I recoil in terror before
+that dark cave, as though the dead could arise from the grave to take
+revenge. What! I had the courage to stab him while living, and yet I
+tremble upon approaching the spot where lie his inanimate remains! Away
+with this childish terror!"
+
+However bold his words, the Signor Turchi did not become calm, and his
+heart beat violently as he again slowly approached the entrance to the
+cellar. He hesitated an instant, as he looked down the long, dark passage,
+but was about to proceed, when a noise outside the building made him shake
+with fear.
+
+"What can it be? Am I not mistaken? Some one unlocks the garden-gate! Will
+I be found here? Am I betrayed?"
+
+After a moment of torturing doubt he fled from the cellar to his room, his
+hair bristling with terror.
+
+"They open the door of the house! They are within! They come! Great
+heavens! What can it mean?"
+
+A man appeared on the threshold of the room in which Simon Turchi had
+taken refuge.
+
+"Julio! it is Julio!" exclaimed Simon, in despair.
+
+The servant reeled under the influence of liquor. His cheeks were flushed,
+his eyes wandering, and while the smile upon his lips indicated a
+disagreeable surprise at the presence of his master, it also said plainly
+that he feared not Simon's anger. He held in his hand a small wheaten
+loaf, but he hid it hastily under his doublet as if unwilling for Turchi
+to see it.
+
+Casting upon him a look of fury, Simon Turchi sprang to his feet, clenched
+his fist, and exclaimed in a rage:
+
+"This is too much! Infamous traitor! cowardly rascal! whence do you come?
+Does hell itself bring you here for the destruction of both of us? Speak,
+base drunkard, and tell me why you are here! Quick, or I will stretch you
+dead at my feet. I thirst for your blood."
+
+Julio drew his knife from the scabbard and stammered, in a voice
+indistinct from intoxication:
+
+"Wait awhile, signor. Wine, good wine has dulled my senses. You want to
+kill me? It would be very fortunate for one of us to die here--the
+executioner would have less work. But which of us must first render our
+account before the supreme tribunal, my knife and your dagger will decide.
+I am ready."
+
+"Insolent wretch!" cried Turchi, grinding his teeth, "my own safety and
+yours compel me to a painful circumspection; but beware how you brave me!
+Tell me why you are not on your way to Germany."
+
+"You ask me something that I don't know myself. But let me see. Just as I
+was about to leave I went to the _Swan_, and drank a few pints of wine.
+This morning, when I awoke, I was seated before a table at the _Silver
+Dice_. How I came there, I cannot tell. It was then too late for me to
+pass the gate. I determined to wait until to-morrow, and I came here to
+take a night's rest before setting out on the journey."
+
+"And you played at dice?" said Turchi.
+
+"I think I did; for the rattling of the dice still sounds in my ears."
+
+"And the money? the two hundred crowns?"
+
+"Be quiet, signor, on that point. I ask you for nothing. What business is
+it of yours that I have spent or lost a few pieces of gold, provided I
+leave for Germany to-morrow at daybreak?"
+
+Simon Turchi was like one frenzied.
+
+"Yes," he exclaimed, "and at the first tavern you meet on the way you will
+drown your senses with drink, and you will squander my money."
+
+"Not so, signor; rely upon me--I will leave to-morrow morning at daybreak,
+and if I drink on the way it will only be to quench a burning thirst."
+
+Simon Turchi's eye shone with a sudden and mysterious light, excited by
+some secret thought. He became calm, and shrugging his shoulders, said
+quietly, as though he submitted with resignation to the contradictions
+which he could not avoid:
+
+"I ought, Julio, to punish your want of fidelity. If the bailiff had come
+here to-day, as I expected, your culpable neglect of duty would have
+placed us both in the hands of justice. Fortunately the visit will not be
+made before noon to-morrow. As your negligence has had no evil
+consequences, I fully pardon you, upon condition that you leave the city
+before sunrise, and that you travel without stopping until you reach the
+Rhine."
+
+"Never fear this time, signor," replied Julio. "I will pass the night
+here, and at early dawn I will be beyond the city gate. In the first
+village I will buy a horse, and I will make such speed that he who would
+catch me must needs have wings."
+
+He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, and said:
+
+"I am overpowered by fatigue and sleep. If you have no other directions to
+give, permit me, signor, to go to bed, that I may be ready for the
+morning."
+
+"Then I may rely upon you, Julio?"
+
+"Have no anxiety about my journey; the rising sun will not find me at
+Antwerp."
+
+"Are you certain?"
+
+"As certain as I am that a halter hangs over my head, and over yours
+something quite as disagreeable."
+
+This jest of his servant made Turchi convulsively contract his lips, but
+he restrained any expression of feeling, and arose, saying:
+
+"Julio, would you like a glass of good Malmsey?"
+
+"Ah, signor," replied the servant, "I was just thinking that a cup of
+Malmsey would relieve my parched throat, when, lo! my desire finds an echo
+in your heart."
+
+"One single glass--a parting bumper."
+
+"One or many, signor, as you wish--either will be welcome; but the
+excellent wine locked in the cupboard of your room will be particularly
+acceptable."
+
+"Well, Julio, come with me, and we will drink to the happy termination of
+your journey."
+
+He arose, traversed a passage, and ascended to the upper story. The
+servant followed him staggering, and trying to steady himself by the wall.
+
+Having reached his bed-room, Turchi drew a second chair to the table, and
+said:
+
+"Sit down, Julio; here is a bottle already opened. If I did not fear its
+effects, we would empty it in honor of your departure."
+
+Julio sat down, and held the bottle before the lamp.
+
+"Bah!" he exclaimed, "it only contains about four glasses. You need not
+trouble yourself about that quantity."
+
+Signor Turchi took two large glasses from the cupboard, placed them on the
+table, and filled their to the brim.
+
+"A pleasant journey to you, Julio," he said, "and may you arrive safely at
+your destination."
+
+They both emptied their glasses at one draught, but the servant pushed his
+glass to his master, saying:
+
+"Oh, the divine liquor! it is a cooling balm to my burning throat. One
+more glass, signor, I beg you."
+
+Simon filled the glasses again, and said:
+
+"Yes, but on condition that you wait awhile before drinking it."
+
+Hoping that his obedience might procure him a third glass, Julio resisted
+the temptation to gratify himself at once.
+
+In the meantime, Turchi contemplated his servant with a peculiar
+expression. There was a malicious sparkle in his eye, and a smile of
+triumph on his lips. He evidently had some purpose in thus watching Julio;
+but what could be his secret design?
+
+At last he pretended that he was about to take the wine, but by a quick
+movement he upset it.
+
+With an exclamation of impatience he raised the glass, and said:
+
+"It is a sin to spill such wine. Now I have no more in which to drink your
+health. Get another bottle, Julio, from the cupboard; it is perhaps the
+last time that we shall drink together. On the third shelf, the bottle
+with the long neck."
+
+Julio arose with difficulty from his chair, and staggered to the cupboard.
+
+Simon Turchi thrust his hand in his doublet, and drew out a very small
+phial. He hastily poured nearly the whole contents into Julio's glass, and
+immediately concealed the phial; and although he trembled in every limb,
+he said, calmly:
+
+"A little higher, Julio--to the left; that is the right bottle."
+
+The servant brought the bottle to his master, who uncorked it; but as he
+was about to pour out the wine, he said:
+
+"Empty your glass, Julio; this is a different wine, and the mixture would
+spoil both."
+
+Julio drank the wine, but no sooner had he swallowed it than he exclaimed:
+
+"What was in my glass? It had a strange, bitter taste. Did you put poison
+in it?"
+
+"What a silly idea!" said Turchi, turning pale.
+
+"You are capable of such a deed, signor."
+
+"The lees gave the bad taste, Julio. Take another glass, and it will pass
+away."
+
+Emptying his glass again, Julio said:
+
+"You are right; it is gone. I never tasted anything in my life more
+disagreeable."
+
+Turchi watched his servant narrowly. With assumed carelessness he said:
+
+"Take care, Julio, to be up by daybreak. Go on foot to the village of
+Lierre; buy a good horse there, and make all possible haste to reach
+Diest; that is the shortest route, and you will be more likely to escape
+notice than on the highway. Once in Cologne, you are out of danger; but be
+careful not to remain there. Merchants from Antwerp frequently visit that
+city; you might possibly be recognized and arrested. You must leave the
+territories of the emperor. When the affair is forgotten, and when by my
+marriage with Miss Van de Werve I will have acquired a considerable
+fortune, I will send for you, and you will live with me as a friend rather
+than a servant. You shall spend your days in pleasure, and you will never
+have cause to regret what you have done for me. But, Julio, you do not
+answer? Is not such a fate desirable?"
+
+"I am overpowered by sleep," stammered Julio, almost unintelligibly.
+
+A triumphant smile flitted across Turchi's face.
+
+"To-morrow at two o'clock," he continued, "the officers of justice will
+make a domiciliary visit here, but the bailiff will permit no search which
+intimates a suspicion. Since you have filled the cellar with fire-wood and
+empty casks, the bailiff will be satisfied that all is right. Perhaps,
+Julio, I may be able to recall you in two or three months."
+
+Julio's head had fallen upon the table, but from time to time he started
+and muttered some indistinct words, showing that he was not in a deep
+sleep. Without once removing his eye from him, Simon continued to speak,
+although he was convinced that Julio no longer heard his words.
+
+Suddenly Julio groaned. His head and limbs fell as though he had been
+struck by death; but the heaving of the chest and the deep scarlet of the
+cheeks proved that he was in a heavy sleep.
+
+Simon quietly contemplated him for a while longer with a smile of
+satisfaction. Then he arose, approached his servant, shook him violently,
+and cried out:
+
+"Julio, Julio, wake up!"
+
+Julio did not stir.
+
+"It succeeds according to my wishes," he said. "The poison is doing its
+work. He is deaf and insensible; he reposes in an eternal sleep. Life will
+be extinguished by degrees until sleep makes way for death. But I must not
+tarry. I must act quickly and forget nothing. And first the money!"
+
+He searched Julio's pocket, and found in it one hundred and twenty crowns.
+After counting them on the table, he exclaimed:
+
+"Eighty crowns spent already! It is impossible. He has either lost them at
+the gaming-table, or been robbed while he was sleeping in the tavern."
+
+Still doubtful, he examined his garments, and found in a purse under his
+girdle the twenty crowns which he had destined for his mother.
+
+"Ah, ah!" said Simon, laughing; "I had not all; I hear the sound of gold."
+
+He put the twenty crowns with the rest of the money, and having satisfied
+himself that no more remained on the person of Julio, he was about to
+transfer the crowns to his pocket, when a sudden idea occurred to his
+mind.
+
+"If I leave all this money on his person, they might think he had been
+paid to commit the deed; if I leave nothing, there will be no reason to
+conclude that he killed the Signor Geronimo to rob him. I wonder how much
+money Geronimo generally carried about him. I should suppose five or six
+crowns, or perhaps ten. I will leave six crowns and all the small change.
+And the keys? He must keep them, or, of course, he could not have entered
+without my knowledge. But should he be roused to consciousness by the
+death-agony, he might have sufficient strength to get out. I will leave
+him all the keys but that of the outer building. Iron bars render the
+place secure; he could not even enter the garden. Now I will put the phial
+in his doublet--no, in the pocket of his girdle; it will be as easily
+found. I will remove the bottles and everything which could indicate the
+presence of two persons."
+
+He locked up the bottles and glasses, arranged the chairs, and wiped up
+the wine which had been spilled on the table and the floor.
+
+While thus engaged, he muttered to himself:
+
+"I must not remain longer. I myself must go to the bailiff and accuse
+Julio of the murder. Shall I go this evening? No; they might come and find
+him alive, and a powerful antidote might perhaps rouse him from sleep.
+To-morrow, then--to-morrow morning. But how shall I explain the affair?
+When and how did he reveal his crime? Night will suggest a means. All is
+done. I will go home and appear calm and cheerful."
+
+He threw his cloak around his shoulders, took the lamp from the table, and
+walked to the door. There he stopped for a moment to contemplate his
+victim and precipitately descended the staircase. At the foot of the steps
+he extinguished the light, traversed the garden, opened the gate, and
+disappeared in the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FOOD AT LAST--DEATH OF JULIO.
+
+
+When Julio left the cellar for the purpose of procuring bread, Geronimo
+cast himself on his knees, full of gratitude to God, to return thanks for
+the unexpected deliverance.
+
+Julio had said "soon," but an hour passed, then another, then many more,
+and he came not.
+
+A painful doubt began to take possession of Geronimo's mind. Had an
+accident happened to Julio? Had he perhaps cruelly abandoned his victim?
+Had he set out for Germany with the certainty that hunger would kill him
+whom the dagger had spared?
+
+The unfortunate cavalier had no means of measuring the flight of time.
+What in the immutable darkness of his prison seemed to him a century,
+might in reality be only a few hours, and the promised bread would soon
+appear to his eyes as the star of safety--in a quarter of an hour, in a
+minute--that very instant.
+
+By such reflections Geronimo sought to endure patiently the pangs of
+hunger. He put his ear to the keyhole and ceased breathing that he might
+catch the slightest sound. Alas! hour after hour passed in unbroken
+silence. Although Geronimo knew not whether it was day or night, his
+increasing sufferings were to him a sure indication of the passage of
+time. For a while he encouraged himself by the thought that Julio would
+not bring him the promised bread until dawn, and that he would give him at
+the same time food and liberty.
+
+This hope by degrees diminished, and at last vanished entirely. The
+suffering young man could not longer deceive either his body or his mind;
+it became evident to him that the hour which he had hoped would restore
+him to freedom had long passed.
+
+He had been abandoned--devoted to a cruel martyrdom, a frightful death! He
+was then to die in the midst of the torments of hunger--to die slowly in
+indescribable suffering, and fall into the yawning grave prepared for him!
+
+Struck with terror by the conviction thus forced upon him, the unfortunate
+cavalier arose despairingly and ran panting and crying around the cellar,
+as though he could thus escape the death which menaced him.
+
+The pain of his wounds was increased by this violent and feverish
+agitation. His breast heaved under his difficult respiration, but the
+gnawing hunger which agonized him made these sufferings seem light.
+Falling to the ground from exhaustion, he commenced, as soon as he had
+gained a little strength, his struggle against the tortures of hungry. At
+times his despair was cheered by the thought that even yet Julio might
+come. But Julio was plunged by the influence of poison into a mortal
+sleep, and in all probability would appear before Geronimo at the
+judgment-seat of God.
+
+Hoping against hope, the young man seated himself on the ground. The
+violence of his sufferings seemed to abate and leave him at rest for a few
+moments. His thoughts wandered to all he loved upon earth, but the respite
+was of short duration. Soon the agony he endured drew from him piercing
+cries. During his long martyrdom no torment had equalled the present. It
+seemed as though he were being devoured by flames, or as if molten lead
+were coursing through his veins.
+
+He writhed in convulsions, beat his breast, and in heart-rending accents
+called upon God for help. But nothing relieved his horrible sufferings.
+
+He filled the air with his groans and screams, he beat the door with blind
+fury, tore the flesh from his fingers in his useless efforts to make an
+opening in his prison-walls, and ran from side to side as though the pangs
+of hunger had driven him mad.
+
+At last, exhausted and convinced that there was no escape, that he must
+soon enter into his last agony, he threw himself upon the ground, bowed
+his head and joined his hands in prayer, begging for resignation to meet
+the death which would end his cruel martyrdom. His mind now appeared
+clear, and he was perfectly conscious, for after a while he shed a torrent
+of tears. His lips moved, giving utterance to confused sounds, but by
+degrees his words became more distinct, and fixing his eye in the darkness
+on the spot where he knew the grave had been dug, he said:
+
+"No more hope! All is over. I must die! The grave yawns to receive me.
+Alas! what a place for my mortal remains! Forgotten, unknown, concealed by
+the darkness of a horrible crime! Not a tear will fall upon the tomb of
+the unfortunate victim; not a cross will mark the spot where I lie; not a
+prayer will be whispered over my body! Death approaches. Ah! I must not
+thus cling to life; I will pray and lift my hands in supplication to God.
+He alone--"
+
+He stopped under the influence of a sudden emotion.
+
+"Heavens! did I not hear a noise?"
+
+He listened breathlessly for a time to catch the indistinct sound he
+thought he had heard; but he was mistaken.
+
+"Why should I hope, when hope is no longer possible? Let me rather seek
+strength in the consideration of the better life which awaits me. The
+death I endure will purify me from all my sins. If God, in His
+impenetrable designs, has appointed this to be my earthly fate, He will,
+in His mercy, take into account before his judgment-seat what I have
+innocently suffered here below. Consoling hope, which, encourages me to
+look with confidence into eternity!
+
+"And yet my life was so happy! Everything in the world smiled upon me; my
+path was strewn with roses; the future spread out before me like a
+cloudless sky resplendent with stars. God had not only given me health,
+fortune, and peace of heart, but also the hope of uniting my fate with
+that of a lovely young girl. Mary Van de Werve! the incarnation of all
+that men admire and heaven loves: virtue, piety, modesty, charity, beauty,
+love! Alas! alas! must I leave all that? Must I say a last adieu, renounce
+my hopes, and never see her again? Die and sleep forever in an unknown
+tomb, while she lives!"
+
+A cry of anguish escaped him. But it was caused rather by his train of
+thought than by the adieu he had just spoken, for he added, in a suppliant
+voice:
+
+"Pardon, O Lord, pardon! Thy creature clings to life; but be not angry
+with the weakness of my nature. Should I die by the terrible death of
+starvation, I humbly accept Thy holy will, and I bless Thy hand which
+deals the blow! God of mercy, grant that I may find grace with Thee!"
+
+Calmed by this invocation, he resumed, with less emotion and in a tone
+which proved that his soul had received consolation:
+
+"And if I be permitted in my last hour to offer to Thee my supplications,
+I pray Thee, O God of mercy, to spare my uncle, and let not my misfortune
+deprive him also of life. He was my father and benefactor; he taught me to
+live in the fear of Thy holy name. By the cruel sufferings which I endure,
+by my terrible death, have pity on him! Let Thy angels also guard and
+protect the pious and pure young girl who is before Thee as an immaculate
+dove! Jesus, Saviour of mankind, on the cross you prayed to your heavenly
+Father for those who crucified Thee. Demand not an account of my blood
+from my enemy. Pardon him, lead him back to the path of virtue, and after
+death grant him eternal rest! My strength fails; the sweat of death is on
+my brow. O my God! in this, my last hour, grant me the grace to die with
+Thy love alone in my heart, and Thy holy name alone upon my lips!"
+
+The last words of this prayer had scarcely fallen from his lips, when he
+cried aloud, arose trembling, and eagerly fixed his eyes upon the opposite
+wall, upon which a faint streak of light flickered.
+
+"O my God! what means this?" he exclaimed. "Light? light? a voice? Is some
+one coming? Is there still hope? I shall not die! Cruel dream! Frightful
+illusion! But no, it is indeed a light; it becomes brighter. I hear a
+human voice. Alas! this suspense is worse than death!"
+
+Tottering from weakness, and supporting himself by the sides of the wall,
+he gained the door, and trembling between hope and fear, he put his eye to
+the keyhole in order to discover who was approaching his person.
+
+He saw in the distance a man with a lamp in his hand; but his gestures
+were so strange, and his countenance so singular, that he was at a loss to
+know whether it were a human being, or only a creation of his own
+disordered brain.
+
+Still he heard confused sounds in the passage; a voice seemed to complain,
+curse, and call for aid.
+
+By degrees the mysterious apparition drew nearer, and Geronimo recognized
+the servant of Simon Turchi; but why was Julio writhing in such horrible
+convulsions? Why was his face so horribly contorted? Why did he threaten
+and rage in such harsh accents?
+
+A horrible conviction forced itself upon Geronimo's mind. Julio had sought
+in drink the courage necessary to accomplish the work which fate exacted
+of him. He had thus drowned his senses, and had come now to slay his
+victim without mercy.
+
+The thought for the moment roused his fears; but he remembered that he had
+just offered to God his life in expiation of his sins. He retired to the
+other side of the cellar, knelt by the side of the grave, and with a smile
+upon his lips and his eyes lifted to heaven, he calmly awaited the fatal
+blow.
+
+He heard Julio trying to insert the key in the lock as if his hand were
+unsteady. He noticed that there was no finger in his tone of voice; on the
+contrary, the cries which escaped him were rather those of alarm and
+distress; but before he had time for reflection the door opened.
+
+Julio put down the lamp as if his strength had entirely failed him, and
+fell upon the ground, exclaiming in a supplicating voice:
+
+"O signor, help, help! I am poisoned! A burning fire consumes me! Take
+pity on me! For the love of God, deliver me from this torture!"
+
+"Poisoned!" exclaimed Geronimo, hastening to Julio. "What has happened to
+you? The mark of death is on your face!"
+
+"Simon Turchi gave me last night poisoned wine, in order to destroy the
+witness who could prove your death by his hand. He made me pay Bufferio to
+assassinate you. He wishes to marry Mary Van de Werve, and he desires to
+remove any cause of fear that his happiness may be disturbed. Ah! the
+poison consumes me!"
+
+"Tell me, Julio, what I can do for your relief."
+
+Saying this, he knelt by Julio, and threw open his doublet to give him
+air:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, O my God! here is bread!" exclaimed Geronimo, almost wild
+with joy, and snatching with feverish haste the small loaf which Julio had
+concealed, and which he had entirely forgotten since his fatal stupor.
+
+The young man, absorbed in satisfying his devouring hunger, no longer
+heeded Julio's complaints, but having soon appeased its cravings, he took
+his hands, saying:
+
+"I bless you, Julio, and may the omnipotent God reward you in heaven. Tell
+me what I can do to save you. Set me at liberty, and I will fly for
+physician and priest. The keys--quick, the keys!"
+
+"Alas!" said Julio, in a hopeless voice, "my cruel murderer took from me
+the keys of the door. We are shut up in the building. But I cannot die
+thus, consumed by poison, without confession, without hope of pardon for
+my soul! Go up-stairs, signor, call aloud, break open the door, wrest the
+iron bars from the windows. Collect all your strength, take pity on me and
+help me!"
+
+Geronimo seized the keys, and, lighted by the lamp, he hastily traversed
+the subterranean passage, and mounted the staircase.
+
+The gray dawn was appearing in the east, but to the eyes of the young man
+so long accustomed to utter darkness it was almost as bright as noonday.
+
+Convinced that Julio's condition demanded immediate aid, Geronimo hastily
+tried all the keys in the exterior door, pulled all the bolts, endeavored
+to wrench the door from the hinges, and worked with so much energy that at
+last he fell from weakness.
+
+Taking a short rest, he arose, threw up the windows, shook the iron bars,
+ran up-stairs and called aloud for help. But all his efforts were
+useless--the pavilion was too far removed from any habitation to permit
+him to indulge the hope that his voice, weak as it was, could be heard.
+
+In running through the building--almost maddened by despair--to seek an
+outlet, he entered the kitchen, where he perceived a vessel full of water.
+The sight filled him with joy. Perhaps water, taken in large quantities,
+might deaden the effects of the poison and save Julio's life. At any rate,
+he had no other remedy, and as it was his only hope, he grasped at it as
+if it were an inspiration from heaven.
+
+Filling a pitcher, he ran with it to the cellar, and radiant with joy,
+approached Julio, who had barely strength to ask in a feeble voice:
+
+"Is the priest coming? Will the doctor be here? Ah! it is too late!"
+
+"Drink," said Geronimo, holding the pitcher to his lips; "the water will
+cool the inflammation and refresh you."
+
+Julio took the water.
+
+"Thank you, signor; it is useless, the water does me no good."
+
+"Take more, I beg you, Julio,--as much as you can."
+
+Julio obeyed mechanically and nearly emptied the pitcher. His respiration
+became very labored, and the sweat ran in big drops from his brow.
+
+"Do you feel better, Julio?" asked the young man.
+
+"A little better; the heat is not so burning."
+
+"There is still hope!" exclaimed Geronimo, joyfully. "Take courage, Julio;
+have confidence in the mercy of God. When all human aid fails us, then God
+gives his omnipotent assistance."
+
+"But," said Julio, "my heart beats so feebly, my limbs are benumbed.
+Signor, I am dying. The poison is killing me."
+
+"Die? Julio! You have delivered me from death, and shall I be powerless to
+save you? What shall I do? O my God, what can I try?"
+
+"Think no more of it, signor," said the dying man. "I feel that there is
+no hope. Alas! I was partly the cause of your bitter sufferings: I pushed
+you into the chair; I intended to kill you, the deliverer of my blind
+mother! Take pity on me! Let not your just malediction follow my poor soul
+into eternity. Pardon me, signor, pardon!"
+
+"Speak not thus, Julio. But for you, that yawning grave would now cover my
+corpse. Shall I refuse pardon to you who spared my life? No; I will pray
+for you, I will give alms for the repose of your soul. Have confidence in
+the goodness of God."
+
+"Confidence?" said Julio, in a dying voice. "I shudder to think of the
+judgment which awaits me. In this, my death agony, I see with frightful
+clearness. I dare not hope in God's mercy. I have done nothing to merit
+it. A dark veil is before my eyes."
+
+The death-rattle was in his throat.
+
+Geronimo passed his arm around his neck and raised his head, and seeing
+Julio's eyes fixed upon him, he said, tenderly and fervently:
+
+"Julio, listen to me! You say you dare not hope in the mercy of God' Have
+you forgotten that Jesus Christ shed his blood to redeem fallen man? Do
+you not know that there is joy before the angels when a sinner, by sincere
+repentance, escapes the eternal enemy of man and enters triumphant into
+heaven? You repent, do you not? You sincerely repent?"
+
+Julio bowed affirmatively.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Geronimo, "if I cannot save your body from death, at least
+let me keep your soul from eternal torments. Oh! if I could thus repay the
+debt of gratitude I owe you! Julio, were God to prolong your life, would
+you renounce evil and return courageously and sincerely to the path of
+duty and virtue? You say yes? You implore God's mercy, do you not? You
+have confidence in the inexhaustible treasure of his goodness? Then,
+Julio, raise your dying eyes to heaven, direct your last thoughts to Him
+who is the source of all mercy, and with full confidence let your soul
+wing its flight to the supreme tribunal. Already from the highest heaven
+God absolves the repentant sinner!"
+
+A triumphant hope illumined the countenance of Julio as he endeavored to
+raise his eyes to heaven.
+
+"Saved--his soul is saved!" exclaimed Geronimo, transported with a pious
+joy.
+
+A slight convulsion passed over the limbs of Julio, his muscles became
+paralyzed, his head fell heavily on Geronimo's shoulder, and drawing his
+last breath, he murmured, almost unintelligibly:
+
+"Mercy! O my God!"
+
+"He is dead!" said Geronimo. "May thy soul receive my fraternal embrace in
+its passage to eternity! May this mark of reconciliation weigh in the
+balance of eternal justice!"
+
+He bent over the dead; but as if contact with the corpse had deprived him
+of his little remaining strength, he fell as it were lifeless. Not a limb
+moved, his arms dropped motionless, his eyes closed, it seemed that his
+soul had also taken its flight to heaven to accompany the soul of Julio
+before God's judgment seat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+IS IT HIS GHOST?--THE GUILTY EXPOSED.
+
+
+It was scarcely eight o'clock in the morning when Signor Deodati was on
+his way to the residence of Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+The old merchant was walking very slowly, with his eyes cast down. From
+time to time he shook his head, as if disturbed by painful thoughts. His
+countenance expressed dissatisfaction rather than sorrow; indeed, it might
+even be said to indicate angry and bitter feelings.
+
+The servant who opened the door ushered him into a parlor and went to call
+his master. Deodati threw himself into a chair, covered his face with his
+hands, and was so absorbed in thought that he was not aware of Mr. Van de
+Werve's entrance.
+
+"Good morning, signor," said the Flemish noble, saluting him. "Your early
+visit encourages me to hope that you have news of our poor Geronimo."
+
+"Bad news, Mr. Van de Werve, bad news," said the old man, with tearful
+eyes. "Sit down near me, for I have not power to raise my voice."
+
+"I notice, signor, that you are very pale. Are you ill?"
+
+"My emotion has its origin in something worse than illness. Day before
+yesterday Signor Turchi asserted in your presence that Geronimo had lost a
+considerable sum at play, and that he had fled the country to escape my
+just indignation. Great as was my confidence in Turchi, I could not credit
+the truth of this revelation. I determined to seek in my nephew's accounts
+the marks of his ingratitude, or rather the proofs of his innocence. I
+passed a portion of the night in calculating over and over again; for the
+invariable result was so frightful that my mind and heart refused to
+accept the evidence of my senses. The sum lost in gambling by my nephew is
+incredible."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, "then the Signor Turchi was not
+mistaken in his suspicions?"
+
+"Ten thousand crowns!" said Deodati sighing.
+
+"Ten thousand crowns!" replied Mr. Van de Werve. "Impossible! That is a
+fortune of itself."
+
+"And yet it is true. There is a deficit of ten thousand crowns in the
+money vault of the house, and there are exactly ten thousand crowns
+unaccounted for on the books. Not a line, not a mark refers in any manner
+to the employment or destination of this sum. Evidently it must have been
+used otherwise than in the business transactions of the house, and as
+Geronimo himself told the Signor Turchi that he had lost a considerable
+amount at play, I am forced in spite of myself to admit the painful truth.
+Ten thousand crowns! Can neither virtue nor fidelity be found upon earth?
+A child whom I treated as my own son, whom I loved with blind affection,
+and over whose welfare I would have watched as long as I lived. And this
+is the return for all my love! Ah! signor, this ingratitude is like a
+dagger in my heart."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve gazed abstractedly as if in deep thought. Then he said,
+seriously:
+
+"You are truly unhappy, signor, and I commiserate your sorrow. How can it
+be possible? All is deceit and perfidy. Geronimo seemed the soul of virtue
+and loyalty; he lived with so much economy and conducted himself so
+honorably, that to those who knew him not he might have appeared either a
+poor man or a precocious miser. And this tranquil, modest, prudent young
+man loses at the gaming-table ten thousand crowns, the property of his
+benefactor! His laudable course of conduct was but a base hypocrisy!"
+
+"And nevertheless," murmured the old Deodati, "my unfortunate nephew had a
+pure and loving heart! Might not his blindness have been the effect of one
+solitary and momentary error? Perhaps so. Man sometimes meets fatal
+temptations which attract him irresistibly, but to which he yields only
+once in his life."
+
+"Why then did he fly, and thus acknowledge his guilt? No, signor, no
+excuse can palliate such misdeeds. I burn with indignation at the thought
+that such signal favors have met with such cold and base ingratitude. The
+idea of your affliction restrains me from speaking of the outrage done my
+daughter. Fortunately, the reputation and social position of my family is
+such as to screen it from the consequences of such an act. But, signor, I
+hope you will agree with me that there can no longer be a question of an
+alliance between my daughter and your nephew. He may return and obtain
+your pardon, but that will not change my determination. From this day
+forward the Signor Geronimo is as a stranger whom we have never known."
+
+Deodati regarded the irritated nobleman with tearful eyes, and seemed to
+deprecate the inflexible decree.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve took his hand, and said in a calmer manner:
+
+"Be reasonable, signor, and do not let yourself be blinded by affection.
+What a dishonor to my name, were I to permit a man with so tarnished a
+reputation to enter my family! Could I confide the happiness of my good
+and noble child to one who was not withdrawn from a culpable love of play
+by life-long benefits? Could I accept as my son a man whom I could not
+esteem, whom on the contrary I would despise for his ingratitude to you?
+Acknowledge with me that such a union is impossible, and let us talk no
+more of it. Be still my friend, however, as long as you remain at
+Antwerp."
+
+The merchant shook his head, and after a few moments' silence, he replied:
+
+"Alas! I ought to admit that there is no hope of realizing this honorable
+alliance. What happiness Geronimo has staked on the cast of a die! I thank
+you, Mr. Van de Werve, for your proffered friendship, but I shall not
+remain at Antwerp. To-day I shall beg Signor Turchi to settle up the
+affairs of the house in this city. Now that I have no one in the world to
+care for, none for whom to work and amass money, I shall retire from
+commerce. I have ordered the _Il Salvatore_ to be provisioned, and I shall
+set sail by the first favorable wind."
+
+"You are right, signor. By returning to your own beautiful country, you
+will the sooner forget this misfortune."
+
+"God knows when I will revisit my country!" replied the old man.
+
+"Are you not going to Italy?" demanded Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"No, sir; but to England."
+
+"In search of your nephew? Signor Turchi led us to suppose that he had
+sought refuge in that island. I admire your unbounded love for a man so
+little deserving of it; but, signor, you require rest. Follow my advice:
+go to Italy, and do not shorten your life by the sorrows which may await
+you in England."
+
+"The advice is no doubt good," replied Deodati; "but I cannot follow it.
+However guilty he may be, Geronimo is the only son of my deceased brother,
+whom I promised on his death-bed to watch over his child as if he were my
+own. Were I to abandon Geronimo entirely, he might be pushed by want and
+misery into the path of vice, perhaps of infamy. I will fulfil my duty to
+the last. If I love him less than formerly, at least I will save him from
+utter ruin."
+
+"What generosity!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, in admiration. "You travel
+about in search of your nephew; you endanger your health. I foresee that
+he has but to speak to obtain pardon. And this great sacrifice, this
+magnanimous affection meets with such a return! It is frightful!"
+
+"No, sir," replied Deodati, "I will not pardon Geronimo. He will never be
+the same to me. Should I find him, or should he return to me, I will give
+him an income sufficient to keep him from want; that being done, I shall
+renounce the world and retire into a cloister, to await there in solitude
+and peace the time when it may please God to call me to himself."
+
+Mr. Van de Werve heard the street-door open, and said eagerly to the old
+merchant:
+
+"Signor, my daughter is at church and may return at any moment. I beg you
+not to speak of these things in her presence. Since the disappearance of
+Geronimo, she does nothing but weep and pray; no consideration alleviates
+her sorrow, nothing consoles her. If she were suddenly to lose all hope,
+it might cause her death. Heavens! Signor Turchi, what has happened to
+him?"
+
+He arose hastily and regarded in astonishment Simon Turchi, who entered
+and attempted to speak, but the words seemed to die upon his lips; for he
+stood trembling in the centre of the room, uttering unintelligible sounds.
+He was pale as death.
+
+Deodati arose also, and looked inquiringly at Turchi.
+
+The latter said, hurriedly:
+
+"I went to the house of the bailiff; he was not at home. He has been sent
+for, and he will be here immediately with his officers to accompany me to
+my garden. Oh! I have terrible news to communicate; but my mind wanders, I
+am losing my senses. I can tell nothing, particularly to you, Signor
+Deodati. Unhappy old man! Why did God reserve such a trial for your old
+age?"
+
+"Another misfortune? Speak, Simon, speak," said Deodati, in suppliant
+tones, and trembling from anxiety.
+
+Turchi fell, as if from exhaustion, upon a chair, and said, in a voice
+broken by sobs:
+
+"No, signor, ask me nothing; I could not break your heart by such stunning
+tidings. Alas! alas! who anticipated such a misfortune? My unhappy friend!
+my poor Geronimo!"
+
+A torrent of tears fell from his eyes, and while Deodati and Mr. Van de
+Werve begged him to tell the cause of big extraordinary emotion, he
+stammered:
+
+"Oh! let me be silent; despair tortures my heart. I can tell no one but
+the bailiff; he will soon be here. If I could but doubt! But no, it is too
+true; there is no more hope! May the God of mercy receive his poor soul
+into heaven!"
+
+"Of whom do you speak?" exclaimed Deodati. "His soul? Whose soul?
+Geronimo's?"
+
+Steps were heard in the vestibule. Simon Turchi went to the door, and
+said:
+
+"Here is the bailiff! He will know the secret which is breaking my heart."
+
+The bailiff entered the room, looked around in surprise, and at last said
+to Simon Turchi, who continued to talk confusedly:
+
+"You have sent for me in all haste, in order to make a terrible
+revelation; I am here with my officers. Have you discovered Geronimo's
+assassins? Speak, Simon, and tell us what you know."
+
+"So horrible is this secret, messire, that my tongue refuses to tell it.
+Ah! if I could forever--"
+
+"Calm yourself, signor," said the bailiff, with perfect self-possession.
+"What have you learned?"
+
+"But--but I must be alone with you. The news I have to communicate must
+not be revealed before Signor Deodati."
+
+The old man said, with tearful eyes:
+
+"You are cruel, Signor Simon! What could you say more terrible? You speak
+of Geronimo's soul; you announce his death, and yet you leave me in this
+horrible doubt. Speak, I conjure you."
+
+All that Simon Turchi had said was only a deception practised upon his
+auditors, in order to make them believe that grief had affected his mind,
+and to prepare the way for his revelation.
+
+At last he appeared to yield to necessity, and said:
+
+"God grant that the frightful news may not afflict you as it did me!
+Listen! you know that two days ago my servant Julio left my service
+because I severely reproved his irregularities. This disquieted me,
+because I had noticed that he was pursued by some secret remorse. Just
+now, hardly a half hour ago, I left my residence, and was going towards
+the Dominican church to pray for my poor friend. On the way I thought of
+my servant Julio, and feared that in his despair he might have taken his
+life. When I was near the bridge, I heard my own name timidly pronounced.
+I turned and saw Julio. I commenced to reproach him with his absence, but
+putting his finger on his lips, he whispered:
+
+"'Signor, I beg you to follow me; I have a secret to reveal to you.'
+
+"His manner and tone of voice were so peculiar that I accompanied him to a
+retired spot. His revelation caused me such intense grief that I could
+hardly stand, and I was obliged to support myself against the wall as I
+received the confession of the penitent assassin."
+
+A cry of horror escaped Deodati. Eager to hear the remainder, Mr. Van de
+Werve gazed fixedly upon the narrator. The bailiff was more calm--he
+listened attentively and nodded his head, as if he foresaw the conclusion
+of Turchi's narrative.
+
+"I hardly dare continue," he said. "My soul revolts--but I must disregard
+my feelings," and in a more tranquil manner, he resumed:
+
+"Shuddering with horror, I heard Julio say:
+
+"'Master, I have committed a frightful murder. Remorse pursues me as a
+malediction from God. I shall put an end to my guilty life. In an hour I
+shall be in eternal torments, but I wish the body of my victim to be
+buried in holy ground. Go to your pavilion. In the lowest cellar, at the
+extremity of the subterranean passage, you will find the corpse of Signor
+Geronimo buried.'"
+
+Tears fell fast from the eyes of Signor Deodati, and sobs convulsed his
+frame.
+
+Turchi continued:
+
+"'Signor Geronimo!' I exclaimed, in terror. 'Have you killed my poor
+friend?'
+
+"'Yes, I put to death Signor Geronimo. I needed money to spend at the
+taverns, and you would not give it to me. I killed him in order to get the
+money he might have about him. Adieu! This very day all will be over with
+me.' Before I had sufficiently recovered from the shock to think of
+seizing Julio, he had disappeared. Probably, to-day--"
+
+"Heavens!" exclaimed Simon Turchi, "I hear Miss Van de Werve."
+
+"For the love of God, not a word in her presence," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+Mary entered the room, looking around anxiously. She had seen the officers
+at the door, and she seemed to inquire of her father the cause of their
+presence.
+
+She remarked her father's pallor and embarrassment. Simon Turchi looked
+down, as if in despair. Deodati covered his face with his hands.
+
+A cry of anguish escaped the young girl, and she glanced in turns at her
+father, Deodati, Turchi, and the bailiff; but they each seemed anxious to
+avoid her eye.
+
+"Go to your room, Mary," said Mr. Van de Werve.
+
+"Give me this proof of affection. Ask nothing."
+
+The young girl, struck by these evidences of some misfortune, ran to her
+father and exclaimed, joining her hands:
+
+"Speak, father, and tell me what has happened. Leave me not in this
+terrible suspense. Tell me that they have not found Geronimo's dead body.
+Alas! he is dead! Is it not so?"
+
+Throwing her arms around her father's neck, she wept bitterly, conjuring
+him to tell her the cause of their emotion.
+
+Without giving her any explanation, Mr. Van de Werve attempted to lead his
+daughter out of the room; but she, like one crazed by grief, released her
+hand from her father's, fell upon her knees before Turchi, and exclaimed:
+
+"By the love you bore him, signor, take pity on me and tell me what has
+happened to him. Let me not leave the room under the frightful conviction
+that he is dead!"
+
+Turchi remained silent, gazing upon her with an expression of profound
+sadness.
+
+"You, too, are implacable, inexorable!" she said, rising.
+
+"But you, at least--his uncle, his father--will be more merciful."
+
+She ran to the weeping merchant, gently forced his hands from his face,
+and conjured him, in piteous accents, to give her some information which
+would relieve the torturing suspense.
+
+The old Deodati, still weeping, threw his arms around her neck, and
+murmured:
+
+"God bless you, my child, for your love. Let us pray for him!"
+
+Mr. Van de Werve had left the room to call Petronilla. He returned with
+her, and said to his daughter:
+
+"Mary, go with your duenna. You must not remain here longer."
+
+The young girl seemed not to hear her father's words, for she was
+immovable as if petrified by grief.
+
+He added, in an impatient, severe tone:
+
+"Mary, leave the room. I wish it; I command it. Obey me."
+
+She arose and walked slowly towards the door. Tears flowed down her
+cheeks; she supported her trembling limbs by leaning on the arm of her
+duenna. Mr. Van de Werve feared she would lose consciousness before
+reaching her own apartment.
+
+All, with the exception of the perfidious Turchi, were moved by compassion
+for the unhappy young girl.
+
+As the duenna opened the door to let her mistress pass out, strange sounds
+were heard in the vestibule.
+
+Mary started, and stepped back into the room, as though in presence of
+some apparition.
+
+"It is his ghost, his spirit," she exclaimed, "arisen from the grave to
+demand vengeance upon his murderers!"
+
+She gazed with intense emotion, then added, in accents of the wildest joy:
+
+"He smiles upon me; it is himself! He lives! It is Geronimo!"
+
+Pronouncing this cherished name, she fell insensible in the arms of her
+attendant, who, assisted by the bailiff, carried her to an armchair.
+
+Signor Geronimo entered. His face was as pale and fleshless as that of a
+skeleton. The wound he had received in his neck appeared like a large spot
+of clotted blood--his garments were disordered, soiled, and blood stained.
+He seemed really a spectre just arisen from the tomb.
+
+As soon as Turchi recognized his victim, he recoiled, uttering a cry of
+terror; and imagining that God had permitted a miracle in order to punish
+his crime, he extended his trembling hands to Geronimo, as if to implore
+pardon.
+
+The young man cast upon him a look of disgust and contempt, and exclaimed:
+
+"You here, assassin? Tremble, for the Supreme Judge will demand of you an
+account of my blood and of Julio's death."
+
+A murmur of surprise and terror ran through the room; all eyes were fixed
+on Simon Turchi, who seemed crushed by Geronimo's words.
+
+Having thus addressed Turchi, Geronimo rushed into his uncle's arms and
+embraced him in a transport of joy.
+
+"Oh, unexpected happiness!" he exclaimed. "It is permitted me to see my
+uncle again in this world! I know you have suffered; you have suffered as
+a father deprived of his only child! No more sorrow now. I will repay you
+for your tender affection; I will love you; I will show my gratitude; I
+will venerate you. Ah! bless the God of mercy, who has saved me from the
+fangs of that tiger thirsting for my blood! But Mary, where is Mary? Ah!
+there she is! My beloved friend, what has happened?"
+
+He ran to the insensible young girl, knelt before her, and endeavored to
+recall her to consciousness by every endearing epithet.
+
+In the meantime Mr. Van de Werve aided the duenna in her exertions to
+restore animation. Taking advantage of this, Simon Turchi walked towards
+the door with the intention of making his escape; but the bailiff
+discovering his design, drew his sword and placed himself in the doorway.
+
+Then Simon Turchi understood the fate awaiting him. He bowed his head and
+covered his face with his hands. He trembled in every limb, and his breast
+heaved with sighs of anguish. Every expectation of escape by flight, or by
+making an appeal for pardon, vanished as he beheld the indignant
+expression of the bailiff.
+
+Mary at last recovered from the faint into which she had fallen. She
+looked around her in surprise, as if ignorant of what had happened; but
+when Geronimo's voice fell in joyous accents on her ear, a bright smile
+irradiated her countenance, and she exclaimed:
+
+"It is not a dream! He lives! I see him once more! Geronimo! Geronimo!"
+
+The young noble was too overpowered to do more than call the name of his
+beloved.
+
+Only a few minutes had elapsed since Geronimo's entrance; all were too
+much moved to express their surprise in words. But the bailiff resolved to
+put an end to this harrowing scene by the performance of a painful duty.
+
+He said, in an imperative manner:
+
+"Signor Geronimo, be pleased to interrupt for a moment the expression of
+your happiness. By the authority of the law I ask you what has happened,
+and why you stigmatize the Signor Turchi as an assassin. Approach, and
+obey my order."
+
+Turchi, foreseeing that his frightful crime was about to be revealed,
+writhed convulsively and was covered with shame and confusion. He dared
+not look upon his accuser.
+
+"Declare the truth," ordered the bailiff.
+
+"Five or six weeks ago," said Geronimo, "Simon Turchi told me that
+unforeseen circumstances made it an imperative necessity for him to raise
+the sum of ten thousand crowns, adding that if he did not succeed in
+obtaining it immediately, the credit of his house would be gone, and that
+he himself would be irretrievably ruined. He needed the sum, he said, only
+for one month. I lent him the ton thousand crowns, and at his earnest
+solicitation, in order to conceal the knowledge of this loan from the
+clerks, I made no entry upon the books of the transaction, but was
+satisfied with an acknowledgment in writing of the debt."
+
+Old Deodati made an exclamation of joy, ran to his nephew, and embraced
+him affectionately.
+
+"God be praised! Dear Geronimo, you restore me to life. That wicked man
+tried to persuade me that you had lost ten thousand crowns at play. You
+were too virtuous, too grateful for that, my beloved boy!"
+
+"Observe the respect due the law, Signor Deodati. Continue your statement,
+Signor Geronimo."
+
+"What an odious falsehood!" said the young man.
+
+Then turning to the bailiff, he continued:
+
+"When we last met in this house, Signor Turchi told me that a foreign
+merchant, who wished to remain unknown, would repay me the ten thousand
+crowns. I was to go to his country-house alone, and secretly to return the
+note I held, and receive reliable bills of exchange upon Italy. When I
+went, Julio, Simon Turchi's servant, pushed me into a chair prepared as a
+trap, in which my body was caught and held immovable by steel springs.
+Then Simon entered with a dagger in his hand; he took from me the note,
+and destroyed it in my presence. He attempted to stab me in the breast,
+but the blow was warded off by a copper amulet which I wore around my
+neck. I then received in my neck what I considered a mortal wound; I felt
+my blood flowing freely, and I bade, as I supposed, an eternal adieu to
+life."
+
+Old Deodati, without being aware of it, had drawn his sword from the
+scabbard as if he were about to pierce Turchi to the heart; but he was
+restrained by a look of severity from the bailiff, although he continued
+playing with the hilt, and muttering in an undertone menaces against the
+murderer.
+
+"I awoke to consciousness," continued Geronimo, "in a dark dungeon; I was
+lying beside a grave which had been dug to receive my remains. When Julio
+returned to bury my corpse, he found me living. He was about to kill me,
+but he recognized the amulet I wore around my neck, and I was saved. The
+old blind woman who gave me the amulet as a recompense for delivering her
+from the hands of the Moslems was Julio's mother. Last night Signor Turchi
+gave poisoned wine to Julio, who died in my arms, declaring to me that
+Signor Turchi hired Bufferio to assassinate me. I labored for hours before
+I succeeded in obtaining egress from the garden. Now behold me saved from
+a frightful death through the miraculous protection of God, and restored
+to all that is dear to me on earth!"
+
+The bailiff's voice was heard, issuing his commands, in the vestibule.
+Turchi comprehended the order. He cast himself on his knees, extended his
+hands, and weeping, cried out:
+
+"Oh! Messire Van Schoonhoven,--Geronimo,--I have been guilty of a
+frightful crime. I deserve your hatred, your contempt and death; but have
+pity on me! Spare me the shame of the scaffold; do not cover my family
+with eternal infamy. Exile me to the ends of the earth; but pardon,
+pardon, deliver me not to the executioner!"
+
+Five officers of justice appeared at the door.
+
+"What are your commands?" asked the chief.
+
+"Bind the signor's hands behind his back!"
+
+"Heavens! bind my hands like a thief!" exclaimed Turchi.
+
+"Bind the hands of a nobleman?" repeated the chief in surprise.
+
+"Execute my order immediately! This nobleman is an infamous robber and a
+cowardly assassin. Cast him in the deepest dungeon; he shall pay the
+penalty of his crime upon the scaffold."
+
+The command was promptly obeyed, and Turchi, in spite of his resistance,
+was dragged from the room followed by the bailiff.
+
+Mary and Geronimo wept with joy. Deodati claimed their attention saying:
+
+"My dear children, let us fulfil a sacred duty of gratitude. God has so
+visibly protected innocence that the feeling of His presence in our midst
+overpowers me. Your hopes will become a reality. Let us pray!"
+
+He knelt before the crucifix, bowed his head and joined his hands.
+
+Geronimo and Mary knelt beside the old man, Mr. Van de Werve behind them.
+
+For a long time they lifted their grateful hearts in thanksgiving to the
+God of goodness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MARY VAN DE WERVE'S (NOW MADAME GERONIMO DEODATI) DEPARTURE FOR ITALY--THE
+PUNISHMENT OF SIMON TURCHI.
+
+
+It was six o'clock in the morning.
+
+The height of the sun indicated that the warm season of summer had
+replaced the mild month of May. It was apparently a festival day at
+Antwerp, for through all the gates people poured from the surrounding
+country into the city. The streets were filled with persons of all ages,
+who, talking and laughing, hastened to the centre of the city, as though
+they anticipated some magnificent spectacle.
+
+Before Mr. Van de Werve's residence was a compact mass of citizens who
+seemed impatient at the delay. Through a sentiment of respect, they were
+perfectly quiet, speaking in very low tones, and making way to afford a
+passage through the crowd every time that a cavalier or any notable
+personage presented himself for admission into the house.
+
+The attraction to the centre of the city must have been very powerful, for
+the greater part of those who passed neither stopped nor turned their
+heads. Some approached, and learning upon inquiry as to the cause of the
+gathering, that Miss Van de Werve was about to leave for Italy, they
+immediately resumed their walk, as if the sight of this departure were no
+equivalent to the imposing spectacle they were going to witness. A few,
+however, remained in order to discover the real object of so large a
+concourse of people.
+
+An old gray-headed peasant, after having listened to the conversation
+going on among the peasants, recognized in the crowd a man from his own
+village, who had been residing for some time in the city, near the church
+of Saint James, and who consequently, he thought, must be better informed
+than the others in regard to Miss Van de Werve.
+
+He elbowed his way through the crowd until he reached his friend, struck
+him on the shoulder, and said:
+
+"What is going on here, Master John, to collect such an assembly? I heard
+some one say that Miss Van de Werve was about to leave for Italy."
+
+"Ah! Master Stephen," said the other, "call her Madame Geronimo Deodati."
+
+"Is she married?"
+
+"One would say, Master Stephen, that our village is at the other end of
+the world. Even the children of Antwerp bless this marriage as a striking
+proof of God's justice."
+
+"I did hear, friend John, that God had visibly avenged virtue and punished
+crime. The assassin dies by a frightful death, and the victim becomes the
+husband of the noblest and wealthiest young lady in the marquisate. Do you
+know her, Master John?"
+
+"Do I know her? She passes my house twice every day in going to church. I
+furnish the family with bread, and I have frequent opportunities of
+speaking with this amiable young lady."
+
+"I would like to see her," said the old man, "but if I wait, I shall
+arrive too late at the public square."
+
+"You need not fear," replied Master John. "The executioner's car will not
+leave the prison for an hour to come."
+
+The peasant hesitated as to what he should do.
+
+"Are you sure that the young lady will leave at once?"
+
+"Immediately, Master Stephen. Mr. Van de Werve urges the departure--he
+wishes to be out of the city before the executioner commences his work."
+
+"Why," said the peasant, "did they wait until to-day? In their place I
+would have gone long ago."
+
+"Ah!" replied Master John, "here is another evidence of God's intervention
+in these terrible affairs. The vessel which bears them to Italy has been
+ready to sail for a week. During all that time the wind blew constantly
+from the south-west; it changed to the east only last night, so that their
+departure before was impossible. But the tide is high now and will
+commence to ebb at the very hour fixed for the death of the assassin. You
+see that God himself willed Mr. Van de Werve to remain here until his
+vengeance was accomplished."
+
+"Does she go to Italy to reside?"
+
+"Oh, no; she only goes on a wedding trip. She will return in the course of
+a year, when the impression of the perfidy and cruelty of Simon Turchi
+will be less painful. Back, back, Master Stephen, they are coming!"
+
+From the crowd arose a joyous shout. Each was anxious to approach Madame
+Deodati. Those who did not know her desired to see the noble young woman
+whose name was so painfully connected with the bloody history of Simon
+Turchi, and who was esteemed a model of pure virtue, fervent piety, and
+ideal beauty. The neighbors and those who had the honor of knowing her
+collected in order to salute her, to bid her a respectful and cordial
+adieu, and to wish her a happy voyage.
+
+Mary Van de Werve, now Madame Geronimo Deodati, appeared at the door
+accompanied by her husband. As soon as the people perceived her, loud and
+long acclamations greeted her; they waved their caps, clapped their hands,
+rent the air with their cries of joy, and strove to obtain a glance of the
+angelic features of the beautiful lady and the noble countenance of her
+husband, who had been so miraculously preserved, by the providence of God,
+from the hands of his cruel enemy, Simon Turchi.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve walked by his daughter's side; the old Deodati was near
+his beloved nephew Geronimo. Then followed Mary's two married brothers and
+a large number of her father's near relatives and friends, as well as many
+Italians, Portuguese, and Spaniards, who wished to escort Geronimo to the
+ship.
+
+When Mary heard the benedictions and joyous shouts of the people, and saw
+all eyes fixed upon her with looks of love, the blood mantled to her
+cheeks, and she modestly cast down her eyes. But immediately raising them,
+she saluted the crowd as a mark of her gratitude for their kindness. The
+multitude, at a sign from Mr. Van de Werve, opened a passage for the
+party, and they proceeded to the Scheldt amid acclamations testifying the
+love and respect they inspired. Their drive resembled a triumphal
+procession. The old Deodati was deeply moved. He seemed rejuvenated. A
+sweet smile was upon his lips, and he looked proudly upon Geronimo. Thus
+full of the thought of their future happiness, they reached the dock-yard.
+In the middle of the Scheldt was the _Il Salvatore_, decked with flags and
+rocking upon the waves as if conscious of the precious treasure about to
+be confided to it.
+
+A part of the sailors were occupied in unmooring the vessel; even the
+harsh grating sound of the capstan could be heard on the wharf. The rest
+of the crew manned the masts, and they waved their caps in the air,
+shouting:
+
+"_Benvenuto! benvenuto! Viva, viva la nostra signora!_"
+
+At the same time the sound of five or six cannon from the _Il Salvatore_
+boomed over the waters, prolonged by the echoes from either side as it
+floated down the river. The multitude replied by three cheers, and the
+last reverberation of the cannon was lost in the _vivas_ of those on the
+shore and ships.
+
+In the meantime parents and friends were bidding adieu. Many tears were
+shed, and it was with tearful eyes that Mary Van de Werve received upon
+her brow her brothers' kiss.
+
+The _Il Salvatore_ weighed anchor; the sails caught the wind, and the
+vessel floated majestically down the river with the tide.
+
+Mr. Van de Werve, Deodati, and their two happy children, entered the bark
+which awaited them. Petronilla seated herself beside her mistress. They
+exchanged a last adieu, and the eight oars fell simultaneously in the
+water. The bark, under the strokes of the robust oarsmen, cut the waves in
+a rapid course.
+
+At this moment Geronimo's eyes were filled with tears. Lifting his eyes to
+heaven, he said:
+
+"Blessed be Thou, my God, for all the sufferings Thou hast sent me;
+blessed be Thou for Thy infinite goodness. I thank Thee for the wife it
+has pleased Thee to give me; she will be my companion in my much loved
+country. A thousand thanks for all Thy benefits!"
+
+The bark had reached the galley. A ladder was lowered, and, aided by the
+sailors, the party ascended the deck. The pilot gave the signal, the sails
+were unfurled, the ship rocked for a moment as if courting the breeze,
+and then it rapidly cleaved the waves.
+
+The cannon again boomed from the _Il Salvatore_, and again the
+acclamations of the crowd rent the air.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sounds had hardly died away when the spectators, as if impelled by one
+thought, immediately retired, and made all speed to reach the central part
+of the city.
+
+The crowd which left the wharf so precipitately soon arrived at the grand
+square, but they found it already occupied by so compact a mass of human
+beings, that it was impossible for them to penetrate it. As far as the eye
+could reach, there was a sea of heads; all the windows were crowded with
+women and even children; the roofs swarmed with curious spectators; the
+iron balustrades seemed to bend under the weight of the children who had
+climbed upon them.
+
+A solemn silence reigned in the midst of the vast multitude. Not a sound
+was heard save the slow and mournful tolling of the death-bell, and at
+intervals a scream so piercing, so frightful, that those who listened to
+it turned pale and trembled. Every eye was fixed upon a particular spot,
+whence clouds of smoke curled in the air, and from which escaped the cries
+of distress.
+
+What passed that day on the grand square of Antwerp is thus related by
+Matthew Bandello, Bishop of Agen, who lived at that period, and who wrote
+from the testimony of an eye-witness:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Upon the appointed day, Simon Turchi was enclosed in the same chair and
+driven on a wagon through the streets of Antwerp, the good priest
+accompanying him and exhorting him. When they reached the grand square,
+the chair was removed from the wagon. The executioners lighted a slow
+fire, which they kept alive with wood, but in such a manner that the
+flames should not rise too high, but sufficed to roast slowly the unhappy
+Turchi. The priest remained as near to him as the heat permitted, and
+frequently said to him:
+
+"'Simon, this is the hour for repentance!'
+
+"And Simon, as long as he could speak, replied:
+
+"'Yes, father.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Simon Turchi evinced great repentance and much patience, and he accepted
+with resignation the painful and infamous death to which he was condemned.
+When it was certain that he was dead, his body, partially consumed, was
+conveyed outside the city gates and attached to a stake by an iron chain.
+The dagger with which he had stabbed Geronimo was thrust into his side.
+The stake was so placed on the public road that it could be seen by all
+who passed, in order that the punishment inflicted for murder might serve
+as a warning to others, and prevent the commission of infamous crimes.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+ENDNOTES
+
+
+[Footnote 1: "All the foreign merchants who resided at Bruges, with the
+exception of a few Spaniards, established themselves here about the year
+1516, to the great disadvantage of Bruges and to the advantage of
+Antwerp."--Le Guicciardini, _Description of the Low Countries_. Arnhem,
+1617, p. 113.]
+
+[Footnote 2: C. Schibanius, in his _Origines Antwerpien Sum_, says that he
+has often seen in the Scheldt twenty-five hundred vessels, many of which
+were detained at anchor for two or three weeks before being able to
+approach the wharf.]
+
+[Footnote 3: The stables, and coach-houses used by this company for
+transportation still exist at Antwerp. Although they are now occupied as
+barracks, they preserve their original name--_Hessenhaus_.]
+
+[Footnote 4: See the statistics of population given by Schibanius in the
+_History of Antwerp_, by Mertens & Torfo, Part IV., ch. v.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The inhabitants of Antwerp are experienced and skilled in
+commercial affairs, and although they may not have left their own country
+the greater part of them, even the women, can speak four, five, and
+sometimes seven different languages.]
+
+[Footnote 6: "The nobles of Netherlands do not engage in commerce like the
+Italian noblemen from Venice, Florence, Genoa, and Lucca."--L.
+Guiccardini, _Description of the Low Countries_, p. 140.]
+
+[Footnote 7: "Two well-known Italian merchants, both of noble birth,
+natives of Lucca, who were great friends." Van Mertens, _History of the
+Low Countries_, Vol. I.]
+
+[Footnote 8: The bailiff (schoat) was the representative of the prince in
+the prosecution of crimes. He alone, and his agents by his orders, could
+make arrests, except in cases of flagrant crime or of persons lying in
+wait. This high functionary was also called the _margrave_, because the
+margrave of the Low Countries was, in virtue of that office, the bailiff
+of the city of Antwerp.]
+
+[Footnote 9: "It is estimated that three thousand new houses were either
+erected by himself, or by others through his assistance."--Mertens &
+Torfo, _History of Antwerp_.]
+
+[Footnote 10: This church was demolished at the commencement of this
+century. The spot upon which it stood is now called the "_Plain of Saint
+Walburga_."]
+
+[Footnote 11: In the _History of Antwerp_, by Mertens & Torfo, Part IV.,
+chapter iii., is found a view of the city, from the banks of the Scheldt,
+as it was in 1556, and details concerning the principal edifices.]
+
+[Footnote 12: "Geronimo went to Simon and demanded payment of the sum
+lent, and for which he held a note. Turchi made various excuses, and put
+off payment from day to day."--_Matteo Bandello._]
+
+[Footnote 13: "A fierce desire of vengeance took possession of Simon, and
+he sought to kill Geronimo."--_Matieo Bandello._]
+
+[Footnote 14: A measure of four pints.]
+
+[Footnote 15: "One night, when passing through the streets, he received
+from the hands of an enemy an ugly wound in the face. He suspected
+Geronimo of having inflicted it; in which he was mistaken, for the author
+of the attack was afterwards discovered."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 16: "After Simon Turchi had determined to revenge himself, and
+after long consideration, he ordered a large wooden arm-chair, to which
+were attached two iron bars, so arranged that whoever should sit down in
+it would be caught by the legs below the knees, and would be unable to
+move."--Van Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 17: "Geronimo, a merchant from Lyons desires to see you, but as
+he does not wish to be known at Antwerp now, he is concealed in my garden.
+He begs that you will meet him there."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 18: "This chair being made, he told one of his servants, named
+Julio, who was proscribed in Italy, and under sentence of death."--Van
+Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 19: "And the said Julio pushed Geronimo into a large arm-chair,
+which sprang and closed."--_Origin and Genealogy of the Dukes and
+Duchesses of Brabant_. Antwerp, 1565; p. 308.]
+
+[Footnote 20: "In the cellar ... in a grave which had been prepared by the
+said Julio to bury Geronimo after the commission of the murder."--_Origin
+and Genealogy of the Dukes and Duchesses of Brabant_.]
+
+[Footnote 21: _Order and Proclamation of Messire Van Schoonhoven, bailiff,
+and of the Burgomaster, Constables, and Council of the city of Antwerp_:
+
+"It having come to the knowledge of the bailiff, burgomaster, and
+constables of this city that Geronimo Deodati, a merchant of Lucca, went
+out yesterday afternoon, about four o'clock, from his residence in this
+city, near the Convent of the Dominicans, and that he was seen for the
+last time beyond the Square of Meir, and since then he has not been heard
+of, and we know not what has become of him, so that there is great
+suspicion that the said Geronimo has been maltreated, or even put to
+death; therefore, the magistrates of the same city do proclaim that he who
+first will give information as to what has become of the said Geronimo,
+will receive the sum of three hundred florins."--_Extract from the "Book
+of Laws of the City of Antwerp_."]
+
+[Footnote 22: "The bailiff said that the magistrates had determined to
+search all the stables, cellars, and gardens, to discover whether the
+ground in any of these places had been recently dug."--E. Van Meteren,
+_History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+[Footnote 23: "Simon Turchi was known to be a perverse and immoral man; in
+a word, he was a compound of every vice and every evil
+inclination."--_Matteo Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 24: "Go and do what I have commanded you. Disinter the body,
+take it on your shoulders and cast it into the sewer which is in the
+square where the three streets meet."--_Simon Turchi_.--_Matteo
+Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 25: "I will send Bernardo to help you, and I will order him to
+obey you, whatever you may command. When you have thrown the body into the
+sewer, you can, by a quick movement, push Bernardo in also. The sewer is
+deep, and whoever falls into it is immediately drowned."--_Matteo
+Bandello_.]
+
+[Footnote 26: "Simon Turchi begged Julio to take the crime upon
+himself."--Van Meteren, _History of the Low Countries_.]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Amulet, by Hendrik Conscience
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AMULET ***
+
+***** This file should be named 13835.txt or 13835.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/8/3/13835/
+
+Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Valerine Blas and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/old/13835.zip b/old/13835.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc0b529
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/13835.zip