seeking in the dim light to distinguish Simon Turchi, the latter
approached from an arbor, took his arm and led him in silence to a retired
part of the garden, where he seated himself on a bench, and said in low
tone:

"Sit down, Geronimo! I have good news for you."

"Ah! have you succeeded in obtaining the money?"

"I have been successful. But come nearer! no one must overhear us. A
foreign merchant, whom I saved two years ago from dishonor and ruin, at
the risk of my own destruction, will furnish me with the means of
returning you the ten thousand crowns."

"God be praised!" said Geronimo, with a sigh of relief. "He will not long
delay, I hope, to fulfil his generous designs."

"I will pay you to-morrow what I owe you."

"To-morrow? how fortunate!"

"But, Geronimo, I cannot bring you the money; you must come for it
yourself."

"It would be a trifle were I obliged to go to Cologne."

"You need not go so far. Only go to my country-seat near the hospital.
Silence! some one approaches!"

After a moment's silence, Turchi resumed:

"He has passed. You must know, Geronimo, that the foreign merchant desires
his presence in Antwerp to remain unknown, and I have promised to keep him
concealed in my garden for several days.[17] He wishes to assist me, but
he is over-prudent and distrustful. I will sign the receipt for the sum he
lends me. He requires, for greater security, that you sign it also."

"What mystery is this?" said the young man. "I must sign with you for
security! Who is this merchant? Is he a fugitive from justice?"

"What has that to do with the affair? It is not my secret, Geronimo, and I
promised to conceal his name. If you be saved from your present
embarrassment, will you not have attained your object? It is true that you
will be my security, but the ten thousand crowns will be in the money
vault, and your uncle will not find one florin missing. Your only danger
would arise from an inability on my part to meet the note. But you need
fear nothing in that respect. In a few months my resources will be
abundant. I take this step only to save you from a present imminent
danger. You must know, Geronimo, that I would prefer to have you alone for
my creditor."

"Certainly, Simon, and I am most grateful to you for your kindness. Will
this merchant give me the amount in coin?"

"No, but in bills of exchange on Milan, Florence, and Lucca."

"Good and reliable bills, Simon?"

"You shall be the judge b