"I will fulfil it as though I were laboring for myself."
Julio took from his pocket some gold crowns, then continued to draw them out one by one, until he held twelve in his hand. He endeavored to conceal from the ruffian that he possessed more than the sum agreed upon; but Bufferio must have suspected his intention, for he smiled, and said in a decided manner:
"You have more gold crowns. I knew it from the first; people do not generally enter into such affairs with only the sum absolutely required. You need not deceive me. Give me the stipulated amount; I ask no more."
As soon as the other had handed him the money, Bufferio approached the lamp, examined and weighed each piece of gold, and then said:
"It is good coin. Have no anxiety, Julio, I will go for my comrades. There is but little time left—only a good half hour."
Julio took leave of the ruffian, and was about to quit the room, but he stopped and said: "Signor Bufferio, you will not tell your companions who requested this service of you?"
"I tell nothing to my companions. The proverb says, If you wish to lose your liberty, trust your secrets to others."
"You perfectly understand what you have to do?"
"Yes, yes. At eleven o'clock, behind the well in Hoboken. Street, a young gentleman with a white plume in his hat. Be quiet, I myself will deal the blow, and I will not miss the mark."
"Adieu, Bufferio."