The Amulet

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.