"And suppose that Geronimo Deodati were my enemy?"
"Geronimo Deodati!" exclaimed Julio, in indescribable terror. "Geronimo, your intimate friend? That noble and generous cavalier who loves you as a brother? He is as gentle as a girl!"
"He is a false friend, a traitor."
"Geronimo gave you the wound on your face?[15] He would betray you and seek your ruin? That is false, false! It is impossible!"
"He is my mortal enemy. You shall kill him, I say!" exclaimed Simon
Turchi, in a menacing voice.
"Must I kill the Signor Geronimo? Ah! to what horrible crime would you urge me?" said Julio, in a plaintive tone.
Simon seized his servant by the arm, shook him violently, and whispered hoarsely in his ear: "Pietro Mostajo, remember the superintendent of Lucca!"
Julio, as if stupefied, said not a word.
Simon arose and walked towards the door, saying: "It is well; I will go and deliver you up to justice."
The terrified servant sprang after him, retained him, and said, supplicatingly: "I submit myself to your will, and accept the fate I cannot escape. I have never before committed a murder; you take his blood upon yourself, do you not, signor? Tell me when I must accomplish this horrible crime."