The Amulet

Simon Turchi had covered his face with his hands, in order to conceal his

terror.

Surprised by his emotion, the bailiff said: "What have I said, Signor Turchi, to excite so much feeling?"

"Ah, you know not how much suffering you cause me," replied Simon. "I

thought I was about to learn from your lips that my friend was safe, and

what do you promise me if your search proves successful? Only his dead

body!"

"It is true," said the bailiff. "It is no use to deceive you. My opinion

is that he has been assassinated in some by-street near the hospital

grounds, or in one of the dark alleys between the parishes of Saint George

and Saint Andrew. But I am determined to discover the truth. Dead or

alive, I will find him, even if it be necessary to tear up the pavements

of all the cellars, and dig up all the gardens to the depth of ten feet.

The whole city is in a state of excitement; the people complain of the

authorities of Antwerp as though we were accomplices in the crime. This

affair shall be brought to light, I pledge my honor and my name."

"I thank you for your zeal and solicitude," stammered Turchi. "May God

direct your steps! How we will all bless you, if you restore Geronimo

alive to us."[23] "I have little hope, little hope, signor; but all things are possible,"

said the bailiff, shaking his head.

Deodati took his hand, and said: "Messire Van Schoonhoven, I am most grateful to you. Excuse me for the

remaining longer in your honorable company; but I am indisposed, and I

must return home. May God protect you, signor."

"And are you going also, Signor Turchi?" asked the bailiff.

When Simon gave him to understand, by a glance of the eye, that he could

not let the old man go alone, he took his hand affectionately, and said: "I understand, signor; you are right. Adieu, until to-morrow."

Turchi offered his arm to Deodati, and supported his tottering steps. They

took leave of Mr. Van de Werve, who accompanied them to the door, and

admiring Simon Turchi's kindness, he followed them with his eyes as long

as they were in sight.