efended my mother from her Moslem master, who paid her ransom, and
liberated her from slavery--that merchant was Geronimo! By some mysterious
influence the amulet protected his heart from the blade of his vindictive
enemy; and when I am about to shed his blood, behold, the amulet paralyzes
my arm. It is incomprehensible!"

The current of his thoughts changed. Seizing the half empty bottle, he
drank its contents.

"Strange," said he, "how the bad effects of liquor are controlled by the
emotions! I have taken enough to deprive me of consciousness, and I feel
my mind as clear as though I had not touched a drop. This last draught,
however, has mounted to my brain. So it is decreed that my master, Simon
Turchi, must die upon the scaffold? It is disagreeable for both of us, but
I could not help it. I shall not know what to do when the two hundred
crowns are spent; necessity will force me to seek other resources, even at
the risk of the gallows, and in all probability the fatal noose will
encircle my neck. Bah! if it is predestined, who can prevent it? My master
and I will receive only what we deserve. But I am forgetting the starving
young gentleman; I must go out to procure him some food. It will be a fine
opportunity to drink a pint of wine at the _Swan_; that cannot be closed
yet, for gamblers do not keep early hours. Only one pint in passing! not
more, for if my reason became clouded, I cannot answer for the
consequences; but there is no need to fear that, for my life is at stake.
I will return in half an hour."

He extinguished the lamp, and hastily traversed the garden.

CHAPTER X.

SIMON TURCHI'S ALARM--CRIME BEGETS CRIME.

Some time after the hour of Change, Simon Turchi had returned home, and
was apparently preparing to go out again, for he had changed his doublet
for one of a darker color, and his cloak lay on a chair beside him.

The signor was in high spirits; he carried his head proudly, a radiant
smile illumined his countenance, and from time to time he rubbed his hands
with an air of triumph. Julio had left for Germany! Nothing could have
prevented his departure, for he had not been seen in the city. Simon
Turchi has therefore no cause for fear, for if, contrary to expectation,
his garden be searched and the corpse of Geronimo be discovered, the
murder could easily be fastened upon Julio.

Already, by vague remarks to his servants and acquaintances, Turchi had
prepared the way for making the acc