Simon seemed surprised by Julio’s words, and he remained a few moments in deep thought.  By degrees a smile parted his lips; it was evident that the proposed plan met his approval.  He opened his purse and put four gold pieces in Julio’s hand.

“Is that sufficient?” he asked.

“You jest, signor,” replied the servant.  “Four gold pieces for the life of a nobleman!”

Simon handed him four more.

“Will that do?” he said.

“It is not enough yet.”

“How much will be required?”

“I do not know.  Perhaps twenty crowns.”

“Twenty?  I have only fifteen about me, with some small change.”

“Give me all, signor.  If I had not enough I should be obliged to return without concluding the affair.”

Simon heaved a deep sigh and emptied the contents of his purse into Julio’s hand.

“You will bring me back what is left, will you not?”

“Certainly; but I do not think much will remain.”

“Come, Julio, I am in a hurry to return to the factory.  Fulfil your mission skilfully, and I will recompense you largely.  But a thought strikes me.  The pocket-book must not fall into the hands of Bufferio.”

“I had forgotten that,” said Julio, embarrassed.

“Ah!  I have it!” said Simon Turchi, after a moment’s reflection, “A little before ten o’clock you must go to the house of Geronimo and tell him I am ill with fever, and that I have sent you in my place to accompany him armed.  Follow him closely, and when he falls, take the pocket-book from him.  Tell Bufferio that it is an unimportant document.”

Julio made a movement of displeasure on receiving this new order.  He had rejoiced in the idea of not being obliged to witness this wicked attack, and now he was commanded to take part in it.  For fear of being subjected to something worse, he did not venture to make any remark.

“Go now,” said Simon Turchi, “and get the old Spanish cape.  It may serve to disguise you from Bufferio.  Gird on a sword also, that Geronimo may think you are armed for the purpose of defending him in case of attack.”

The servant took the lamp from the table and prepared to obey the order.

“What are you doing?” said his master.  “Are you going to leave me in the dark?  Are you afraid to go without a light?”

“I might knock my head against the beams, for I have forgotten where the cape was put.”

“You had it in your hands only three days ago.  You are afraid in the dark, Julio.  Take the lamp.”

The servant soon returned.  He had the Spanish cape around his shoulders.  It was a wide cloak, in which the whole body might be wrapped; and when the hood was drawn down it entirely concealed the face.

The master and servant descended the staircase in silence and approached the little garden-gate.  There Julio put the lamp upon the ground and extinguished it.