The clock in the steeple of Saint George struck seven, and night was
coming on, when Julio opened the garden-gate of his master's country-seat
and walked with a light step towards the house.
He kept one hand wrapped in his cloak, as if to conceal some object; the
other was in his pocket, turning over the gold pieces given him by Simon
Turchi. Joy sparkled in his eyes, as he said to himself: "God be praised! I resisted the temptation. They urged me to drink and
play at the 'Swan,' but my gold coins reminded me that I had a serious
duty to perform. After work comes the recompense. What I hold in my hand
will indemnify me for the thirst I have suffered and for the time lost. It
is the very best Spanish wine--as dear as if it were melted silver, and as
strong as if it were liquid fire."
On entering a room in the house, he drew two bottles from his doublet and
one from under his cloak, placed them upon the table, and looked at them
longingly.
"No, no, not now; presently! Business first. Your bewitching smile cannot
seduce me. Patience, my friends; an hour hence we will become acquainted.
To fill up a grave and roll some empty casks into the cellar is a small
matter. But it is getting so dark that I can no longer distinguish the
image of the emperor on the gold pieces; I must light the lamp."
Taking a wooden box from the mantelpiece, he drew out a flint and struck
it. It was some time before the tinder took fire, and Julio laughed at his
own failures; but at last he succeeded in his efforts, and a large lamp
made the whole room bright with its rays.
Julio approached the table and said: "Now at least I can gratify the desire which has irritated my nerves
during the last hour. To possess two hundred crowns, to be as rich as a
banker, to feel my pockets weighed down by gold, and still unable to feast
my eyes on the treasure! Now I am alone; there is no one to ask whence it
came. The time has arrived. I may enjoy my wealth without anxiety!"
He drew an arm-chair to the table, reclined in it comfortably, with
extended limbs, and placed the gold coin by handfuls under the light of
the lamp.
After searching his pocket and doublet and convincing himself that all the
crowns were spread out before him, he heaped them up and ran his hands
through them as if to enjoy the sparkle and jingle of the gold. He held
his breath, for fear of losing the least sound; with eyes wide open he
contemplated the brilliant treasure.