On hearing the conclusion of this horrible tragedy, Julio retired to the foot of the staircase. He had hardly reached it, when the door of the room opened, and his master appeared. Disfigured as Simon Turchi's countenance had been by the thirst for revenge, crime made it still more frightful. The signor could hardly have been recognized. His hair stood upright; his eyes rolled in their sockets; a hard, hoarse sound escaped his lips; blood dripped from his hands. He ran by his servant without speaking to him, ascended the staircase, and having reached his room he threw himself panting upon a chair. Julio, who had followed him, placed himself before him, and asked: "Well, signor, is the deed accomplished?" "It is; let me take breath," said Turchi, breathing heavily. After waiting a few moments, Julio resumed: "Did he offer any resistance, that you are so fatigued, signor?" "Resistance? No; but when I attempted the first time to pierce him to the heart, the blade of my dagger struck against metal, and grated harshly. He wears a breastplate, Julio. Could he have suspected my intentions?" Turchi's dagger had evidently struck the amulet which the young man always wore around his neck. "Possibly," replied Julio, "Geronimo may wear some guard on his breast; it is the place against which a poignard is always aimed, and no one is secure in the darkness of night from the assault of an enemy or an assassin; but what is there in this circumstance to move you so deeply?" "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.