"I am sorry that you know my name," said he; "but no matter. I desire to know, Signor Bufferio, what price you demand for ridding me forever of my enemy?"
"Your enemy?" said the ruffian, laughing. "A gentleman your enemy? You are still endeavoring to deceive me. You mean your master's enemy?"
"No, my personal enemy, who has calumniated me to my master, and who has striven to have me ignominiously discharged."
"And you offer me golden crowns? How long is it since servants became possessed of such treasures? You request to have a mortal wound inflicted upon a gentleman? Well, you must give me fifteen gold crowns."
"Fifteen crowns!" exclaimed Julio, with assumed astonishment. "So large a sum! I do not own that much."
"Then pay me twelve; but it must be in advance, before I strike the blow."
"I will pay you immediately, before leaving."
"Give me your hand, Julio; it is a bargain. Now tell me exactly what you or your master requires of me."
"Not my master: I alone."
"It is all the same. What am I to do, and when is it to be done?"