ay be the means, we must not deliberate in presence of the
death which menaces us. Stab Bernardo, and throw him into the sewer above
the body of Geronimo."[25]

"Oh, signor, murder Bernardo!" exclaimed Julio, in horror. "And do you
suppose that he would not defend himself? that he would not give the
alarm? In that case, your servant would be recognized, and thus they would
put them on the track of the criminals. Your mind wanders."

Grinding his teeth in his agony, Turchi tossed his arms convulsively, and
at last said, hoarsely:

"You will not undertake it alone? You have not the wish to succeed. Coward
that you are, for what are you fit but to boast and drink and gamble in
the taverns? Would that I had never seen you! Leave the corpse in the
cellar; let the bailiff discover it there; we will see which of us will
meet the more courageously an infamous death!"

A prey to the keenest emotion, he fell back in his chair, and while
uttering bitter invectives against his servant, he tore his hair in real
or feigned despair.

The sight of-his master's desolation seemed to make some impression upon
Julio; he regarded him compassionately, and at last said, kindly:

"Come, signor, calm yourself. All is not lost, and if my good-will can
save you, I will show you that Julio has the courage and resolution to
carry him through a difficult enterprise. Since you think I am able to
take the corpse alone to the sewer, I will attempt it. Perhaps I may
overrate the difficulties. Be calm, and rely upon my word."

The signor knew that once having made up his mind, his servant would
unhesitatingly execute what he had undertaken, and he comprehended by his
manner that his promise was seriously made. He pressed his hand, and said,
joyfully:

"Thanks, Julio, I owe to you my honor and my life. I will never forget it,
and when once the sword, now hanging over my head, is removed, I will
reward you magnificently. Go now to the country-house, disinter the body,
and carry it up to the ground-floor. This will give you less work later.
Fill the grave thoroughly, and as far as possible destroy all appearance
of the earth having been recently dug."

Julio apparently let his master's words fall unheeded on his ear; he
suddenly struck his forehead with his fist, as if an unwelcome idea had
forced itself upon him.

"What is the matter?" asked Turchi, anxiously.

"Fool that I am!" exclaimed Julio.

"Speak lower," said Simon. "What troubles you?