hook his head doubtfully, muttering between his teeth. Although the
promise of two hundred crowns was seductive, he hesitated to accept his
master's proposition.

"Why deliberate so long?" said Simon. "I offer you a certain means of
escaping the gallows, and you hesitate! Moreover, I secure you a life of
ease, independent, without cares, the free, joyous life of a lord, and yet
you refuse."

Julio seemed to have come to a decision.

"Will you give me two hundred crowns?" he demanded.

"Two hundred crowns in coin."

"Before my departure?"

"Immediately."

"Give them to me. I am in a hurry to depart."

"I will go for them," said Turchi, leaving the room.

Julio seated himself and rested his head upon his hands. But he had not
long for reflection; his master returned after a short absence.

Simon Turchi held a purse in his hands. He went to the table and counted
out four piles of gold pieces.

The sight of so much money made an impression on Julio, and he approached
the table. Joy sparkled in his eyes, and whilst he contemplated the
shining pieces, he nodded his head with an air of satisfaction.

"You see," said Simon, "that the sum is correct, and you will not find the
gold heavy to carry. Now put it in your doublet. Going down stairs I
reflected upon your good-will, and I considered whether I might not avoid
accusing you of the murder of Geronimo, and my friendship for you
suggested a means. Now that I am sure of being able, under any
circumstances, of exculpating myself, it is not necessary for me to bring
any accusation against you. Besides, Julio, I dislike to be separated from
you. If in two or three months I could bring you back without danger, I
would be delighted."

"I would be well pleased, signor," said Julio, with a sigh.

"In order to secure this chance to ourselves, Julio, you must, before
leaving, go to the country-house, level, as far as possible, the earth in
the cellar, throw sand and dust upon the grave, and then fill the cellar
with fire-wood and empty casks."

"But, signor, that would take time."

"That is of no consequence. At this hour there are too many people passing
through the city gates. It is better for you to pass the night at the
pavilion, and to-morrow morning, as soon as the gates are open, you will
leave. At daybreak you will be certain of meeting no one who would notice
what direction you had taken. I suggest this for your own sake, Julio, not
mine; for suppose the off