The Amulet

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!"