The Amulet

"Go now," said Simon Turchi, "and get the old Spanish cape. It may serve

to disguise you from Bufferio. Gird on a sword also, that Geronimo may

think you are armed for the purpose of defending him in case of attack."

The servant took the lamp from the table and prepared to obey the order.

"What are you doing?" said his master. "Are you going to leave me in the

dark? Are you afraid to go without a light?"

"I might knock my head against the beams, for I have forgotten where the

cape was put."

"You had it in your hands only three days ago. You are afraid in the dark,

Julio. Take the lamp."

The servant soon returned. He had the Spanish cape around his shoulders.

It was a wide cloak, in which the whole body might be wrapped; and when

the hood was drawn down it entirely concealed the face.

The master and servant descended the staircase in silence and approached

the little garden-gate. There Julio put the lamp upon the ground and

extinguished it.

The lock grated as the key turned; the door was opened and closed, and

Simon Turchi and his servant disappeared in the dark and solitary street.