The Amulet

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.