usation in case of necessity. He had
exhibited great anxiety at Julio's absence the night before and during
that day. He said that he had sharply reproved his servant for his
dissipated habits and his neglect of duty. Julio had left him in evident
anger.

The servants, who could not comprehend their master's anxiety, thought
that he might be in some tavern, drowning his feelings with drink and
awaiting the night to return home. To this Turchi answered that he had
remarked for some time Julio's strange manner, that he seemed so
absent-minded, was often heard to sigh and weep--in a word, something
weighty appeared pressing on his conscience.

Early in the morning he sent Bernardo to the pavilion to see if Julio were
there. Bernardo reported that there was no evidence of his having been
there, except two empty bottles upon a table. Simon pretended that he had
the bottles placed in the room, and Bernardo thought no more of the
affair.

Simon Turchi would have satisfied himself by personal examination if Julio
had thoroughly performed his work before his departure, but he feared to
excite attention by his appearance in that direction; or, perhaps, he
might even be obliged to assist at the search of his garden, should the
bailiff refuse to exempt it. He determined to go to the cellar at
nightfall, when the search must be interrupted, to examine the
arrangements made by Julio. When therefore twilight was commencing to
replace the glare of day, and Simon was certain of not meeting the
officers of the law, he threw his cloak around his shoulders, turned with
a light step and joyous heart the corner of the street, and took the
direction to the square of Meir.

He had gone but a short distance, when he met Messire John Van
Schoonhoven.

A smile lighted up Turchi's countenance. He was delighted to be
accidentally brought into the bailiff's company, as he would thus learn
the result of the researches already made.

After a polite salutation, Messire Van Schoonhoven said:

"I am happy to meet you. I was on my way to your house."

"To my house?" said Turchi. "Have you news of my friend?"

"No, signor; I wish to see you concerning an affair which, although not
serious, necessitates a conversation with you. I would have spoken to you
on this subject this evening when at Mr. Van de Werve's, but the place was
inappropriate to such discussions."

"Return then with me," stammered Turchi, with ill-disguised anxiety.

"Where wer