"Ah, if what you say be true! Tell me this means of safety!"
"There lives in the parish of Saint Andrew a man of giant stature and strength; he is named Bufferio; he will do anything for money; whether it be to beat, wound, or kill a man, it is all the same to him. He fulfils his mission to the satisfaction of his employers, and he never betrays a secret. He has five or six intrepid companions engaged in the same trade as himself; they may be relied upon. Give me money to pay this ruffian, and you need have no anxiety; Bufferio will think that I am acting from personal vengeance; besides, he does not know me. Thus neither of us will be suspected nor accused should the affair prove unsuccessful."
Simon seemed surprised by Julio's words, and he remained a few moments in deep thought. By degrees a smile parted his lips; it was evident that the proposed plan met his approval. He opened his purse and put four gold pieces in Julio's hand.
"Is that sufficient?" he asked.
"You jest, signor," replied the servant. "Four gold pieces for the life of a nobleman!"
Simon handed him four more.
"Will that do?" he said.
"It is not enough yet."
"How much will be required?"
"I do not know. Perhaps twenty crowns."