"I hardly dare continue," he said. "My soul revolts—but I must disregard my feelings," and in a more tranquil manner, he resumed:
"Shuddering with horror, I heard Julio say:
"'Master, I have committed a frightful murder. Remorse pursues me as a malediction from God. I shall put an end to my guilty life. In an hour I shall be in eternal torments, but I wish the body of my victim to be buried in holy ground. Go to your pavilion. In the lowest cellar, at the extremity of the subterranean passage, you will find the corpse of Signor Geronimo buried.'"
Tears fell fast from the eyes of Signor Deodati, and sobs convulsed his frame.
Turchi continued:
"'Signor Geronimo!' I exclaimed, in terror. 'Have you killed my poor friend?'
"'Yes, I put to death Signor Geronimo. I needed money to spend at the taverns, and you would not give it to me. I killed him in order to get the money he might have about him. Adieu! This very day all will be over with me.' Before I had sufficiently recovered from the shock to think of seizing Julio, he had disappeared. Probably, to-day—"
"Heavens!" exclaimed Simon Turchi, "I hear Miss Van de Werve."
"For the love of God, not a word in her presence," said Mr. Van de Werve.
Mary entered the room, looking around anxiously. She had seen the officers at the door, and she seemed to inquire of her father the cause of their presence.