The Amulet

"I will not forsake you, Julio," said Turchi. "Whenever you need money,

inform me of it, and I will send you enough to keep you from want. But you

must change your name and simply notify me that you need money to continue

your business. And your new name? It seems to me that 'Marco Castagno'

would answer. What say you?"

Julio shook his head doubtfully, muttering between his teeth. Although the

promise of two hundred crowns was seductive, he hesitated to accept his

master's proposition.

"Why deliberate so long?" said Simon. "I offer you a certain means of

escaping the gallows, and you hesitate! Moreover, I secure you a life of

ease, independent, without cares, the free, joyous life of a lord, and yet

you refuse."

Julio seemed to have come to a decision.

"Will you give me two hundred crowns?" he demanded.

"Two hundred crowns in coin."

"Before my departure?"

"Immediately."

"Give them to me. I am in a hurry to depart."

"I will go for them," said Turchi, leaving the room.

Julio seated himself and rested his head upon his hands. But he had not

long for reflection; his master returned after a short absence.

Simon Turchi held a purse in his hands. He went to the table and counted

out four piles of gold pieces.

The sight of so much money made an impression on Julio, and he approached

the table. Joy sparkled in his eyes, and whilst he contemplated the

shining pieces, he nodded his head with an air of satisfaction.

"You see," said Simon, "that the sum is correct, and you will not find the

gold heavy to carry. Now put it in your doublet. Going down stairs I

reflected upon your good-will, and I considered whether I might not avoid

accusing you of the murder of Geronimo, and my friendship for you

suggested a means. Now that I am sure of being able, under any

circumstances, of exculpating myself, it is not necessary for me to bring

any accusation against you. Besides, Julio, I dislike to be separated from

you. If in two or three months I could bring you back without danger, I

would be delighted."

"I would be well pleased, signor," said Julio, with a sigh.

"In order to secure this chance to ourselves, Julio, you must, before

leaving, go to the country-house, level, as far as possible, the earth in

the cellar, throw sand and dust upon the grave, and then fill the cellar

with fire-wood and empty casks."