The Amulet

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.