“Listen, Signor Bufferio.  To-night, at eleven o’clock, a young nobleman, accompanied by two lute-players, will come from the direction of the convent of the Dominicans; he will turn the corner at Prince Street, and will proceed towards the church of St. James.  He will thus be obliged to pass before the stone well at the head of Hoboken Street.  You will conceal yourself behind the well with two or three faithful companions, and as the young gentleman passes, you will attack and kill him.”

“The affair has been well planned,” remarked the ruffian.  “I could manage it by myself; but since you desire it, I will take with me a couple of my brave companions.  How will I recognize the one I am to strike?”

“His dress is entirely brown, and his cap is ornamented with a white plume; in the darkness you will be able to perceive only the white plume:  that will be a certain sign.”

Bufferio shook his head doubtfully.

“Have you nothing else to observe?” he asked.

“I will merely inform you that I will accompany the young gentleman, and when he falls, I will take from his person a writing, which, if it were discovered, might involve me in great danger.  You will recognize me by this Spanish cape, and I will cry out very loud, that you and your men may know that I am not an enemy.”

“Now where are the gold crowns?”

“Do you accept the commission, Bufferio?”

“I will fulfil it as though I were laboring for myself.”

Julio took from his pocket some gold crowns, then continued to draw them out one by one, until he held twelve in his hand.  He endeavored to conceal from the ruffian that he possessed more than the sum agreed upon; but Bufferio must have suspected his intention, for he smiled, and said in a decided manner: 

“You have more gold crowns.  I knew it from the first; people do not generally enter into such affairs with only the sum absolutely required.  You need not deceive me.  Give me the stipulated amount; I ask no more.”

As soon as the other had handed him the money, Bufferio approached the lamp, examined and weighed each piece of gold, and then said: 

“It is good coin.  Have no anxiety, Julio, I will go for my comrades.  There is but little time left—­only a good half hour.”

Julio took leave of the ruffian, and was about to quit the room, but he stopped and said:  “Signor Bufferio, you will not tell your companions who requested this service of you?”

“I tell nothing to my companions.  The proverb says, If you wish to lose your liberty, trust your secrets to others.”

“You perfectly understand what you have to do?”

“Yes, yes.  At eleven o’clock, behind the well in Hoboken.  Street, a young gentleman with a white plume in his hat.  Be quiet, I myself will deal the blow, and I will not miss the mark.”

“Adieu, Bufferio.”

“Adieu, Julio.”