"Ah, if what you say be true! Tell me this means of safety!"
"There lives in the parish of Saint Andrew a man of giant stature and
strength; he is named Bufferio; he will do anything for money; whether it
be to beat, wound, or kill a man, it is all the same to him. He fulfils
his mission to the satisfaction of his employers, and he never betrays a
secret. He has five or six intrepid companions engaged in the same trade
as himself; they may be relied upon. Give me money to pay this ruffian,
and you need have no anxiety; Bufferio will think that I am acting from
personal vengeance; besides, he does not know me. Thus neither of us will
be suspected nor accused should the affair prove unsuccessful."
Simon seemed surprised by Julio's words, and he remained a few moments in
deep thought. By degrees a smile parted his lips; it was evident that the
proposed plan met his approval. He opened his purse and put four gold
pieces in Julio's hand.
"Is that sufficient?" he asked.
"You jest, signor," replied the servant. "Four gold pieces for the life of
a nobleman!"
Simon handed him four more.
"Will that do?" he said.
"It is not enough yet."
"How much will be required?"
"I do not know. Perhaps twenty crowns."
"Twenty? I have only fifteen about me, with some small change."
"Give me all, signor. If I had not enough I should be obliged to return
without concluding the affair."
Simon heaved a deep sigh and emptied the contents of his purse into
Julio's hand.
"You will bring me back what is left, will you not?"
"Certainly; but I do not think much will remain."
"Come, Julio, I am in a hurry to return to the factory. Fulfil your
mission skilfully, and I will recompense you largely. But a thought
strikes me. The pocket-book must not fall into the hands of Bufferio."
"I had forgotten that," said Julio, embarrassed.
"Ah! I have it!" said Simon Turchi, after a moment's reflection, "A little
before ten o'clock you must go to the house of Geronimo and tell him I am
ill with fever, and that I have sent you in my place to accompany him
armed. Follow him closely, and when he falls, take the pocket-book from
him. Tell Bufferio that it is an unimportant document."
Julio made a movement of displeasure on receiving this new order. He had
rejoiced in the idea of not being obliged to witness this wicked attack,
and now he was commanded to take part in it. For fear of being subjected
to something worse, he did not venture to make any remark.