Simon Turchi would have satisfied himself by personal examination if Julio had thoroughly performed his work before his departure, but he feared to excite attention by his appearance in that direction; or, perhaps, he might even be obliged to assist at the search of his garden, should the bailiff refuse to exempt it. He determined to go to the cellar at nightfall, when the search must be interrupted, to examine the arrangements made by Julio. When therefore twilight was commencing to replace the glare of day, and Simon was certain of not meeting the officers of the law, he threw his cloak around his shoulders, turned with a light step and joyous heart the corner of the street, and took the direction to the square of Meir. He had gone but a short distance, when he met Messire John Van Schoonhoven. A smile lighted up Turchi's countenance. He was delighted to be accidentally brought into the bailiff's company, as he would thus learn the result of the researches already made. After a polite salutation, Messire Van Schoonhoven said: "I am happy to meet you. I was on my way to your house." "To my house?" said Turchi. "Have you news of my friend?" "No, signor; I wish to see you concerning an affair which, although not serious, necessitates a conversation with you. I would have spoken to you on this subject this evening when at Mr. Van de Werve's, but the place was inappropriate to such discussions." "Return then with me," stammered Turchi, with ill-disguised anxiety. "Where were you going, signor?" said the bailiff. "I was going to take a walk along the Scheldt, in order to seek some diversion to the grief I feel for the disappearance of the unfortunate Geronimo." "What I have to say, signor, need not interfere with your walk. I will accompany you a part of the way and enjoy with you the evening breeze." The bailiff turned and walked by Turchi's side. Looking around, to assure himself that they were not overheard, Messire Van Schoonhoven said: "The affair in question would not require so many precautions were I not bailiff and you my friend. But in consequence of these two reasons, my mission becomes painful, and I must claim in advance your forbearance. You know that my agents are searching every house, building, and garden in the vicinity of the Hospital Grounds where Geronimo was last seen. The greatest part of this quarter has been carefully examined without any result." Simon Turchi perfectly understood the bailiff's design, and although his heart beat painfully, he mastered his emotion, and said in an indifferent tone: "And you think, Messire Van Schoonhoven, that my garden should be searched in like manner? It is very natural. No one is above the law--the knight and the peasant are there equal."