The Amulet

"I will do as you direct," said Geronimo, "but it will be impossible for

me to remain until dark. My uncle will be seriously displeased if I go out

again at night without a sufficient guard."

"I will not detain you over half an hour."

At that moment a servant from the house entered the garden looking for

Geronimo.

"Signor Geronimo," he said, "Mr. Van de Werve is inquiring for you, as

Miss Van de Werve is about to retire from the company, and Signor Deodati

wishes to return home. He is awaiting you."

The two gentlemen followed the servant; on the way, Turchi again said in a

low voice: "To-morrow, between the hours of five and six."

The old Deodati was already at the door with five or six attendants. He

was displeased by the long absence of his nephew, and was about to

remonstrate with him. But, by Turchi's explanation, this want of attention

was pardoned, and he was even permitted to bid a hasty adieu to Mary and

her father.

He returned almost immediately, and offering his arm to his uncle, he

left Mr. Van de Werve's house.

As he moved on, Simon Turchi glanced at him entreatingly, as if to insist

upon secrecy.