Simon Turchi prepared to accompany the old man; but whilst they were speaking together the bailiff, Messire John Van Schoonhoven, suddenly entered, and without the formality of a salutation, he exclaimed: 

“Gentlemen, I have news!”

Turchi trembled and turned pale; but as the unexpected announcement of the bailiff had startled the others, his emotion was not attributed to terror.

“For the love of God be calm, gentlemen, and do not anticipate too much.  I do not know what has become of the unfortunate Geronimo, but I have just cause to hope that we will soon find him—­at least we have a clue.’  I have learned, beyond doubt, that on the day of his disappearance, about five o’clock in the evening, he was seen beyond the Square of Meir.  A monk from the Dominican Convent, who knows him well, saluted him and noticed the direction he went.  Acting upon this information, one of my most intelligent subordinates has been tracing him.  A banker saw him pass through the quarter of the Jews.  This is all I know at present, but these facts are sufficient to determine the direction of our researches, and may perhaps lead to a fortunate issue.  By early dawn to-morrow I will collect all the agents at my disposal; I will divide them into small bands, and I will order them to search every house, cellar, and garden in a certain part of the city, and that in the most thorough manner, without leaving a spot unexamined.[22] I myself will superintend the work, and will visit in person each hand of workmen to see that my commands are properly executed.”

Simon Turchi had covered his face with his hands, in order to conceal his terror.

Surprised by his emotion, the bailiff said: 

“What have I said, Signor Turchi, to excite so much feeling?”

“Ah, you know not how much suffering you cause me,” replied Simon.  “I thought I was about to learn from your lips that my friend was safe, and what do you promise me if your search proves successful?  Only his dead body!”

“It is true,” said the bailiff.  “It is no use to deceive you.  My opinion is that he has been assassinated in some by-street near the hospital grounds, or in one of the dark alleys between the parishes of Saint George and Saint Andrew.  But I am determined to discover the truth.  Dead or alive, I will find him, even if it be necessary to tear up the pavements of all the cellars, and dig up all the gardens to the depth of ten feet.  The whole city is in a state of excitement; the people complain of the authorities of Antwerp as though we were accomplices in the crime.  This affair shall be brought to light, I pledge my honor and my name.”

“I thank you for your zeal and solicitude,” stammered Turchi.  “May God direct your steps!  How we will all bless you, if you restore Geronimo alive to us."[23]

“I have little hope, little hope, signor; but all things are possible,” said the bailiff, shaking his head.