The lute-players, screaming from fright, ran away, and Julio stood in the middle of the street brandishing his sword.

All this had passed almost instantaneously after the first alarm given by Julio.  The man whom he had seen coming from the well, followed by two companions, rushed to the side of the street where Geronimo had made a stand to defend himself.  The assassin, who was in advance of the two others, fell upon Geronimo and gave him a sword-thrust which he supposed pierced his body; but a skilful movement parried the blow, and the aggressor himself fell with such force upon Geronimo’s sword that the blade passed through his body.

The assassin fell heavily, and in a plaintive voice, as though bidding adieu to life, exclaimed: 

“O mojo! I die!  Bufferio is dead!”

Disregarding the villain who had fallen, the gentleman rushed upon the other two and wounded one in the shoulder.  Convinced that they had to deal with a powerful and skilful adversary, they turned and fled, Geronimo pursuing them far beyond the well.

Julio followed him, crying, vociferating, and striking with his sword in the dark, as though he were contending with numerous enemies.  When Geronimo returned with the servant to the spot where he had left the dead body of the ruffian, he found three or four watchmen calling for help.  Many heads were thrust from the windows, and one citizen even ventured out of his house with a lamp in his hand.

The watchmen, having inquired as to what had taken place, examined the body to see if there were any signs of life.

“Leave him!” said one; “it is Bufferio.  God be praised! the man has at last met the fate which he deserved.”

In the meantime, Julio had commenced to boast.  He related that he had to deal with two assassins at once, that he had wounded one in the face, and pierced the other with his sword.  How the latter had been able to run away, was unaccountable; no doubt he would be found near at hand, dead or dying.

The young gentleman, who really believed the story of Turchi’s servant, thanked him for his assistance, and acknowledged that he owed his life to him, as he had given the warning of the approach of the assassins.

The dead body was removed behind the well until the city authorities should order its burial.

The head watchman approached Geronimo, and said to him: 

“Where do you live, signor?  Two of my men will accompany you, lest some other accident might befall you.  Do not refuse the offer.  The villains who escaped might be on the watch for you, in order to avenge the death of their companions.”

“What shall I do?” said the gentleman to Julio.  “I cannot give the serenade without the lute-players, and, besides, I could not sing after such emotion.  But Miss Van de Werve is expecting it, and if I do not go, she will imagine that some accident has happened to me.  It would be better for me to see Mr. Van de Werve, so as to remove any cause of anxiety.  I accept your offer, watchmen, and I will liberally recompense the services you render me.  I must return to Kipdorp, and you will do me the favor to wait a few minutes, in order to accompany me to my dwelling.  Follow me.”