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."