"So much blood spouted from the wound. The sight of the blood, together
with Geronimo's piteous cries, struck me with anguish and horror. I
tottered so that I feared I would fall before completing the work; but
happily I gained the strength to finish what I had commenced. I pierced
his throat with my poignard, and hushed his voice forever."
"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?"