"Why not alone, since you are able to do it?"

"It is very easy, signor, for you to say: 'Take the body on your shoulders

and traverse three or four streets.' Signor Geronimo is heavier than you

suppose, and I doubt if by the exertion of all my strength I could carry

it twenty steps."

Simon Turchi took his servant's two hands in his, and said,

supplicatingly: "Julio, my friend, be generous; it is not a difficult task for one like

yourself. Reflect that it is our only means of safety; it is as much for

your interest as mine. I will recompense you largely, and I will be

grateful to you all my life."

"Well, signor, if you say so, I will try it; but I am afraid it will turn

out badly. I shall be obliged to rest on the way, and that will take more

time than will be prudent. And then how shall I be able each time to

replace the body on my shoulders? It requires two to transport it with

sufficient rapidity."

"Two?" said Turchi, "You know well that we can confide our secret to no

one."

"To escape death, one would submit to anything. Suppose you help me

yourself, signor?"

"I!" replied Turchi, shuddering, "I carry a dead body through the streets!

I, a nobleman! No, no; better a dungeon and death!"

"What a strange sentiment of honor!" muttered the astonished servant.

"Would to God, signor, that you had sooner remembered that you were a

nobleman, we would not thus be seeking, in mortal anguish, the means to

save our lives. Consider the affair as you will, you must confess that if

I carry the corpse alone, ten chances to one we shall be discovered."

While the servant thus spoke, Turchi seemed preoccupied by torturing

thoughts. After a moment he said, with a sigh: "Alas! there is no other means; it is dangerous, but necessity demands it.

Julio, go to the summer-house, and I will send Bernardo this evening to

help you."

"What" said Julio, ironically, "will you reveal your secret?"

"No; I will command him, under penalty of his life, to do whatever you

order him; threaten to stab him at the least show of resistance, and he

will obey you."

"Impossible! Signor Bernardo is a good, pious man. He would inform upon

us. I might as well put the halter around my neck. I will have none of his

aid."




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024