“And is he really dead?”

“Not a drop of blood is left in his veins.”

Simon Turchi had recovered from his excessive emotion.  He arose and said: 

“I must wash the blood from my hands, and efface the least spot that might betray me.  Then I must go on Change and transact some business with people who will remember to have seen me there at that time.  Later, I will call on Mr. Van de Werve.  I must be seen in different places and speak with many people.  Go down, Julio, and drag the corpse to the cellar.  Then clear away every sign of blood.  I need not tell you that your life, as well as mine, depends upon the care with which you perform this task.”

“I know it, signor.  The blow has been struck, and I am not a man to neglect the precautions necessary to escape the gallows, if I can.”

“I have accomplished my task, Julio; go do yours.”

“Drag the corpse, by myself, into the cellar?  No, no, signor; you must help me.”

“I have not the time, Julio.  I must go immediately to the city.”

“It is of no consequence to me.  I will not remain alone in this cut-throat place.”

“And what if I ordered you to do so?” exclaimed Turchi, trembling with anger.

“You would do so in vain, signor.  You will work with me until all is done.”

“Pietro Mostajo, do you dare to defy me, and that too at the very moment when the blood is boiling in my veins?  Do as I command, or before night the authorities of Lucca shall know who you are.”

“Ah!” said Julio, with a scornful laugh, “Pietro Mostajo and the authorities of Lucca have lost their power over me.  As long as I had no proofs of crime against you, I had cause to fear you; but would you dare now to reveal my real name, now that by one word I can deliver you into the hands of the executioner?  Hereafter, signor, you will speak to me neither so harshly nor so haughtily.  In this affair there is neither master nor servant.  We are two men, guilty of the same crime.  Draw your dagger, if you choose.  Vain threat!  Can you do without me?”

Simon Turchi grit his teeth in impotent rage; but soon recovering himself, he took his servant’s hand, and said beseechingly: 

“You are right, Julio; we are rather two friends than master and servant.  Let me then, as friend and companion, implore a favor at your hands.  You must see that it is important for me to go without delay to the factory to change my dress.  For the safety of both of us I ought to leave immediately for the city, in order to prevent suspicion.  Geronimo is not heavy; you can, without difficulty, drag him down stairs.”

The servant shook his head, but was evidently hesitating.

“Come, Julio; I beg, I entreat you to do what the safety of both of us requires.  You still hesitate, Julio?  I will reward you generously.  This very evening I will give you two crowns if you tell me you have done faithfully and carefully what I have requested.”