The Amulet

"If you were not so feeble and powerless a being, I would have already

laid you at my feet," said Julio; "as it is, I long to plunge my dagger in

your breast."

"Leave it in its scabbard, Julio, and I will go to buy you a stoop[14]

of Hamburg beer."

"Ah, hypocrite!" exclaimed Julio, "then you have money. I will renew my

friendship for you, if you will do me a favor. I am in absolute want of

money; lend me a few shillings, and the first one who insults you, I

promise you, shall be a dead man."

"But, Julio, were I to give them to you, you would gamble with them at

once."

"No, you are wrong this time; I would pay for some things our master

ordered me to buy yesterday."

Bernardo drew a small purse from his doublet, and handed to his companion

its scanty contents.

"Here is all I possess," he said. "I fear they will go like the others."

Julio thrust the shillings into his pocket, and muttered: "I do not deny that I may go this evening to the parish of Saint Andrew,

to see if any one would dare play against me."

"Julio, Julio, I pity you!" said Bernardo, sadly. "I do not wish to

lecture you; but you have an unfortunate and aged mother who requires your

aid. You are always talking of sending her assistance, and for six months

past every farthing has been lost at play. Perhaps in the meantime your

mother has suffered for want of food."

This reproach seemed to affect Julio deeply. He looked down abashed, and

then said, dejectedly: "Bernardo, never speak to me again of my mother.

You touch the only sensitive spot in my heart. And yet you are right; I am

a monster! Oh! this miserable play! I will do better in future. Go away

now, and let me continue my work."

"What are you making?" asked Bernardo. "This is the third spring you have

ordered, and each time from a different locksmith."

"It is a secret known only to my master and myself."

"A secret?" said Bernardo. "Springs, a secret! What can it mean?"

"Come with me, and I will show you. The signor may be angry if he chooses,

I don't care. But, Bernardo, you must be as silent as one deaf and dumb."

He conducted his companion to a room, and throwing open the door showed

him a large arm-chair, which in form was like the other chairs around,

excepting that from each arm extended two bent springs.