that he
might not witness the affliction of his beloved uncle."

No one replied to Simon's remarks, and he said, with hypocritical
surprise:

"How sad you both are! You should rather rejoice at my revelation. Is it
not a happiness to think that Geronimo, although guilty of a fault, is
still alive, and not to be forced to believe that he is forever lost to
our affection by a frightful death?"

Old Deodati arose and said:

"My friends, I must leave you; my mind is troubled; I am ill. Besides, I
wish to discover by the books the truth or falsity of Signor Turchi's
statement. Do not attempt to detain me, I beg you. Adieu! May God guard
you!"

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," replie