The Amulet

The servant entered and placed a lighted candle upon the table.

"Now, signor," he said, "to what trial do you wish to subject my courage?

However difficult it may be, it will not be beyond my strength."

"Close the blinds; lower the windows," said Turchi; "sit down and listen

attentively to my words. I am about to talk to you of an important

affair."

The red-haired man regarded his master with a malicious and incredulous

smile, but he took the seat indicated to him without a word of comment.

"Julio," said Simon, "I am dejected and undecided. There is a man who

pretends to be my friend, but who has secretly been my bitter enemy. He

has always artfully calumniated and deceived me, and injured me in my

fortune and honor; he has pushed his machinations to such a degree that I

will soon be condemned to eternal infamy and misery, unless, by a bold

stroke of vengeance, I break through the snares he has laid for my

destruction. Be calm, Julio; it does you honor to be inflamed with anger

against the enemies of your master; but listen. I discovered, three days

ago, that it was this treacherous friend who paid the assassins to inflict

the wound of which I still bear the scar on my face. Thus, he first shed

my blood and attempted my life; now he plans my ruin and dishonor. Julio,

what would you do in my place?"

"What would I do? Ask my dagger, signor; if it could speak, it would tell

you of wonderful exploits."

"Then you would not hesitate to undertake a difficult task?"

"Hesitate! you insult me, signor. I would not hesitate were twenty swords

brandished over my head."

"Understand, Julio, that had I doubted your intrepidity, I would not have

spoken to you of such grave affairs. I give you the highest proof of

confidence by intrusting my vengeance to your hands. I will tell you who

is my enemy, and where you can strike him secretly. Kill him, and you

shall be liberally recompensed."

This mission appeared unpalatable to Julio.

"Yes," he stammered; "but that is not my way of acting. I will pick a

quarrel with your enemy, and if he dares to raise a finger against me, he

is a dead man."

"Impossible; he is of noble birth."

"And if I insulted him, his valets would fall upon me and beat me."

"That is true. There is but one way, Julio; I will tell you where you can

stab him at night without the least danger."