The Amulet

Mr. Van de Werve thought it better to change the conversation, and said to

Deodati: "Let us not forget, signor, that we are men, and that it becomes us to

bear up courageously under a painful suspense, and in a manner to which a

young girl might be unequal. Have you heard nothing since the morning?

Have you not seen Signor Turchi?"

"I spoke to Signor Turchi about an hour before 'Change," said the old

gentleman, more calmly. "The good Turchi! he seemed even more dejected

than we. Within the last five days, he has lost so much flesh that one

would scarcely recognize him. He does not give himself a moment's repose.

From morning until night he is running about from place to place, seeking

Geronimo as though he were a beloved brother."

"Truly," said Mary, "his is a generous heart. Poor Simon! I have sometimes

been unjust to him; but it is in affliction that we learn who are our true

friends. For the rest of my life I will respect and esteem him."

"He will meet me here, presently," replied Deodati. "He may have some

particular communication to make to me, for he seemed to desire a private

conversation. The arrival of some merchants of his acquaintance prevented

him from speaking to me. I almost quarrelled with Signor Turchi."

"Quarrelled!" said Mr. Van de Werve, in astonishment.

"Yes; but it was to his praise, at least. He told me that it was his

intention to offer a large reward to the first person who would bring

certain tidings of Geronimo."

"How grateful I am for his generous friendship!" said Mary.

"Of course," continued the old man, "I would not permit it. Whilst

thanking him for his kindness, I told him that I would offer the reward

myself. I left Signor Turchi in company with the merchants, and went to

the town-hall for the purpose; but when I arrived there, I found a decree

of the burgomaster already issued, promising three hundred florins for any

information of Geronimo.[21] I spoke with the bailiff at noon. He told me

that, notwithstanding the most active search, no trace had yet been

discovered of Bufferio's wife, nor of his companions. All of them must

have left the country immediately after the ruffian's death. But this

afternoon the bailiff expects to hear the result of several important

researches ordered by him this morning. If he receives any communication

of consequence he will come himself to impart it to us. I hear the clock

strike five. Signor Turchi will soon be here."