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?"