The Amulet

"So much blood spouted from the wound. The sight of the blood, together

with Geronimo's piteous cries, struck me with anguish and horror. I

tottered so that I feared I would fall before completing the work; but

happily I gained the strength to finish what I had commenced. I pierced

his throat with my poignard, and hushed his voice forever."

"And is he really dead?"

"Not a drop of blood is left in his veins."

Simon Turchi had recovered from his excessive emotion. He arose and said: "I must wash the blood from my hands, and efface the least spot that

might betray me. Then I must go on Change and transact some business with

people who will remember to have seen me there at that time. Later, I will

call on Mr. Van de Werve. I must be seen in different places and speak

with many people. Go down, Julio, and drag the corpse to the cellar. Then

clear away every sign of blood. I need not tell you that your life, as

well as mine, depends upon the care with which you perform this task."

"I know it, signor. The blow has been struck, and I am not a man to

neglect the precautions necessary to escape the gallows, if I can."

"I have accomplished my task, Julio; go do yours."

"Drag the corpse, by myself, into the cellar? No, no, signor; you must

help me."

"I have not the time, Julio. I must go immediately to the city."

"It is of no consequence to me. I will not remain alone in this cut-throat

place."

"And what if I ordered you to do so?" exclaimed Turchi, trembling with

anger.

"You would do so in vain, signor. You will work with me until all is

done."

"Pietro Mostajo, do you dare to defy me, and that too at the very moment

when the blood is boiling in my veins? Do as I command, or before night

the authorities of Lucca shall know who you are."

"Ah!" said Julio, with a scornful laugh, "Pietro Mostajo and the

authorities of Lucca have lost their power over me. As long as I had no

proofs of crime against you, I had cause to fear you; but would you dare

now to reveal my real name, now that by one word I can deliver you into

the hands of the executioner? Hereafter, signor, you will speak to me

neither so harshly nor so haughtily. In this affair there is neither

master nor servant. We are two men, guilty of the same crime. Draw your

dagger, if you choose. Vain threat! Can you do without me?"