The Amulet

Julio, thus unexpectedly recognized, was mute from astonishment, and,

trembling from head to foot, stared at the ruffian, who did not appear in

the least displeased, but said, in an encouraging tone: "Be calm; you need not be disturbed because I know who you are. My trade

is to keep the most important affairs secret. Fear nothing, I will not

betray you."

It was some minutes before Julio had recovered himself sufficiently to

speak.

"I am sorry that you know my name," said he; "but no matter. I desire to

know, Signor Bufferio, what price you demand for ridding me forever of my

enemy?"

"Your enemy?" said the ruffian, laughing. "A gentleman your enemy? You are

still endeavoring to deceive me. You mean your master's enemy?"

"No, my personal enemy, who has calumniated me to my master, and who has

striven to have me ignominiously discharged."

"And you offer me golden crowns? How long is it since servants became

possessed of such treasures? You request to have a mortal wound inflicted

upon a gentleman? Well, you must give me fifteen gold crowns."

"Fifteen crowns!" exclaimed Julio, with assumed astonishment. "So large a

sum! I do not own that much."

"Then pay me twelve; but it must be in advance, before I strike the blow."

"I will pay you immediately, before leaving."

"Give me your hand, Julio; it is a bargain. Now tell me exactly what you

or your master requires of me."

"Not my master: I alone."

"It is all the same. What am I to do, and when is it to be done?"

"This very night, Bufferio."

"To-night? This will oblige me to renounce my game with the Portuguese

sailor; and yet I might have won some gold pieces there."

"Listen, Signor Bufferio. To-night, at eleven o'clock, a young nobleman,

accompanied by two lute-players, will come from the direction of the

convent of the Dominicans; he will turn the corner at Prince Street, and

will proceed towards the church of St. James. He will thus be obliged to

pass before the stone well at the head of Hoboken Street. You will conceal

yourself behind the well with two or three faithful companions, and as the

young gentleman passes, you will attack and kill him."

"The affair has been well planned," remarked the ruffian. "I could manage

it by myself; but since you desire it, I will take with me a couple of my

brave companions. How will I recognize the one I am to strike?"