gh he submitted with resignation to the contradictions
which he could not avoid:

"I ought, Julio, to punish your want of fidelity. If the bailiff had come
here to-day, as I expected, your culpable neglect of duty would have
placed us both in the hands of justice. Fortunately the visit will not be
made before noon to-morrow. As your negligence has had no evil
consequences, I fully pardon you, upon condition that you leave the city
before sunrise, and that you travel without stopping until you reach the
Rhine."

"Never fear this time, signor," replied Julio. "I will pass the night
here, and at early dawn I will be beyond the city gate. In the first
village I will buy a horse, and I will make such speed that he who would
catch me must needs have wings."

He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, and said:

"I am overpowered by fatigue and sleep. If you have no other directions to
give, permit me, signor, to go to bed, that I may be ready for the
morning."

"Then I may rely upon you, Julio?"

"Have no anxiety about my journey; the rising sun will not find me at
Antwerp."

"Are you certain?"

"As certain as I am that a halter hangs over my head, and over yours
something quite as disagreeable."

This jest of his servant made Turchi convulsively contract his lips, but
he restrained any expression of feeling, and arose, saying:

"Julio, would you like a glass of good Malmsey?"

"Ah, signor," replied the servant, "I was just thinking that a cup of
Malmsey would relieve my parched throat, when, lo! my desire finds an echo
in your heart."

"One single glass--a parting bumper."

"One or many, signor, as you wish--either will be welcome; but the
excellent wine locked in the cupboard of your room will be particularly
acceptable."

"Well, Julio, come with me, and we will drink to the happy termination of
your journey."

He arose, traversed a passage, and ascended to the upper story. The
servant followed him staggering, and trying to steady himself by the wall.

Having reached his bed-room, Turchi drew a second chair to the table, and
said:

"Sit down, Julio; here is a bottle already opened. If I did not fear its
effects, we would empty it in honor of your departure."

Julio sat down, and held the bottle before the lamp.

"Bah!" he exclaimed, "it only contains about four glasses. You need not
trouble yourself about that quantity."

Signor Turchi took two large glasses from the cupboard, placed them on t