He made an imperious gesture to the woman and pointed to the door. She
left the room grumbling, but gave no other evidence of dissatisfaction.
The ruffian shut the door, took a chair, and said to the stranger, in a
rough and coarse voice: "Perche me disturba? Why do you disturb me? Who are you?"
This question was very embarrassing to the stranger. He replied,
stammering: "Is it necessary, Signor Bufferio, that you should know my name before
doing me a service for which I will pay you liberally?"
On hearing these words, the ruffian struck his forehead with his hand, as
if he thought he recognized the voice of the visitor; but he did not stop
to reflect longer.
"Come tell me quickly what you want; they are waiting for me at the tavern
of the Silver Dice, and I have no time to lose."
"It is an affair of importance, Signor Bufferio."
"Yes; my wife told me I might gain a few crowns of gold. Speak. Why do you
beat about the bush in this manner? What embarrasses you? Do you think
you are dealing with a dishonest man? Fear nothing. Not a hair of your
head shall be touched in my house."
This assurance restored the stranger's confidence, and he said, in a more
steady voice: "Signor Bufferio, you must know that I have an enemy who insults and
outrages me, and who threatens to drive me to ruin."
"I understand. You wish to be avenged by my instrumentality."
"Yes, signor. How many golden crowns do you ask for such a service?"
"That depends upon the rank of the individual, and upon the kind of
service you desire. A few blows with a stick, a scratch on the face, do
not cost as much as a mortal wound."
"The wound must be mortal, signor."
"And who is your enemy? A nobleman or a common citizen? Rich or poor?"
"He is a nobleman, signor, and the possessor of an ample fortune."
"A nobleman? And who are you, who make yourself responsible for payment?"
"I am a poor servant out of service."
The ruffian smiled incredulously.
"Ah!" said he, ironically, "a poor servant out of service! Come, throw
back your hood. You have red hair; you often play at dice; your name is
Julio; you live near the bridge De la Vigne with the Signor Simon
Turchi. Is not that true? You were trying to deceive me."