This assurance restored the stranger’s confidence, and he said, in a more steady voice: 

“Signor Bufferio, you must know that I have an enemy who insults and outrages me, and who threatens to drive me to ruin.”

“I understand.  You wish to be avenged by my instrumentality.”

“Yes, signor.  How many golden crowns do you ask for such a service?”

“That depends upon the rank of the individual, and upon the kind of service you desire.  A few blows with a stick, a scratch on the face, do not cost as much as a mortal wound.”

“The wound must be mortal, signor.”

“And who is your enemy?  A nobleman or a common citizen?  Rich or poor?”

“He is a nobleman, signor, and the possessor of an ample fortune.”

“A nobleman?  And who are you, who make yourself responsible for payment?”

“I am a poor servant out of service.”

The ruffian smiled incredulously.

“Ah!” said he, ironically, “a poor servant out of service!  Come, throw back your hood.  You have red hair; you often play at dice; your name is Julio; you live near the bridge De la Vigne with the Signor Simon Turchi.  Is not that true?  You were trying to deceive me.”

Julio, thus unexpectedly recognized, was mute from astonishment, and, trembling from head to foot, stared at the ruffian, who did not appear in the least displeased, but said, in an encouraging tone: 

“Be calm; you need not be disturbed because I know who you are.  My trade is to keep the most important affairs secret.  Fear nothing, I will not betray you.”

It was some minutes before Julio had recovered himself sufficiently to speak.

“I am sorry that you know my name,” said he; “but no matter.  I desire to know, Signor Bufferio, what price you demand for ridding me forever of my enemy?”

“Your enemy?” said the ruffian, laughing.  “A gentleman your enemy?  You are still endeavoring to deceive me.  You mean your master’s enemy?”

“No, my personal enemy, who has calumniated me to my master, and who has striven to have me ignominiously discharged.”

“And you offer me golden crowns?  How long is it since servants became possessed of such treasures?  You request to have a mortal wound inflicted upon a gentleman?  Well, you must give me fifteen gold crowns.”

“Fifteen crowns!” exclaimed Julio, with assumed astonishment.  “So large a sum!  I do not own that much.”

“Then pay me twelve; but it must be in advance, before I strike the blow.”

“I will pay you immediately, before leaving.”

“Give me your hand, Julio; it is a bargain.  Now tell me exactly what you or your master requires of me.”

“Not my master:  I alone.”

“It is all the same.  What am I to do, and when is it to be done?”

“This very night, Bufferio.”

“To-night?  This will oblige me to renounce my game with the Portuguese sailor; and yet I might have won some gold pieces there.”