spring is fixed. Let me see if the machine does
its duty."

He rose, placed his hand on the arm of the chair as if about to take his
seat in it; suddenly he sprang aside, exclaiming: "Fool that you are, you
were about to do a fine thing! I would have been caught by my own trap;
and if the signor had forgotten to come this evening, I would have
remained clasped in that traitorous chair. But don't I hear some one
coming? A key grating in the lock of the garden gate? Yes, it is the
Signor Turchi."

Seating himself on the ground before the arm-chair, with his back turned
to the door, Julio began to work with apparent eagerness; and in order to
assume a greater air of indifference, he sang snatches of a well-known
song.

The door opened, and Signor Turchi stood upon the threshold. He remained
for an instant motionless, contemplating in silence his servant, who
continued his song as though unconscious of the presence of his master.

Simon slowly approached him and laid his hand upon his shoulder; but
before he could say a word, Julio drew his dagger from its scabbard, and
springing to his feet, made a motion as if to stab his master.

"_O cielo, e voi signor?_ Is it you, signor?" cried Julio. "You slip
through the garden like a thief. It is almost dark; an accident might have
happened."

"Stop your foolish jesting, Julio. A man does not kill another without
finding out with whom he is dealing."

"Do you think so, signor? Why, if five or six men were to take me by
surprise, not one would be left alive."

"You speak as if the life of a man were of no more value than that of a
bird."

"Less, signor; it is not worth a farthing."

"We will have proof of this," said Simon, in a peculiar tone, as he turned
towards the door. "For years I have heard you boasting; this evening I
will discover what you are--a brave man or a coward."

Julio drew himself to his full height, put his arms akimbo, and was about
to speak, but his master prevented him.

"No useless words!" said Simon, imperiously, "Light the lamp, and come to
my bed-room."

He left the room without making any inquiry in regard to the chair, and
ascended a winding staircase. Opening the door of a large room, he threw
himself upon a chair, and rubbed his brow with his hands like a man
tormented by painful thoughts.

After awhile his hands fell upon his knees, and his eyes wandering in
feverish agitation through the dim twilight, he muttered:

"At last it is