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.