The Amulet

"Then I may rely upon you, Julio?"

"Have no anxiety about my journey; the rising sun will not find me at

Antwerp."

"Are you certain?"

"As certain as I am that a halter hangs over my head, and over yours

something quite as disagreeable."

This jest of his servant made Turchi convulsively contract his lips, but

he restrained any expression of feeling, and arose, saying: "Julio, would you like a glass of good Malmsey?"

"Ah, signor," replied the servant, "I was just thinking that a cup of

Malmsey would relieve my parched throat, when, lo! my desire finds an echo

in your heart."

"One single glass--a parting bumper."

"One or many, signor, as you wish--either will be welcome; but the

excellent wine locked in the cupboard of your room will be particularly

acceptable."

"Well, Julio, come with me, and we will drink to the happy termination of

your journey."

He arose, traversed a passage, and ascended to the upper story. The

servant followed him staggering, and trying to steady himself by the wall.

Having reached his bed-room, Turchi drew a second chair to the table, and

said: "Sit down, Julio; here is a bottle already opened. If I did not fear its

effects, we would empty it in honor of your departure."

Julio sat down, and held the bottle before the lamp.

"Bah!" he exclaimed, "it only contains about four glasses. You need not

trouble yourself about that quantity."

Signor Turchi took two large glasses from the cupboard, placed them on the

table, and filled their to the brim.

"A pleasant journey to you, Julio," he said, "and may you arrive safely at

your destination."

They both emptied their glasses at one draught, but the servant pushed his

glass to his master, saying: "Oh, the divine liquor! it is a cooling balm to my burning throat. One

more glass, signor, I beg you."

Simon filled the glasses again, and said: "Yes, but on condition that you wait awhile before drinking it."

Hoping that his obedience might procure him a third glass, Julio resisted

the temptation to gratify himself at once.

In the meantime, Turchi contemplated his servant with a peculiar

expression. There was a malicious sparkle in his eye, and a smile of

triumph on his lips. He evidently had some purpose in thus watching Julio;

but what could be his secret design?

At last he pretended that he was about to take the wine, but by a quick

movement he upset it.