"Enemies, you say? How many were there?"
"Two. They were Arabs. Ajassuas, as I believe. Oh, beware of them!"
"Bertuccio, since twenty years you have been a faithful friend to me. Speak, and I swear on my honor I will do what you say."
"My dear master—it is—about—that wretch."
"You speak of Benedetto?"
"Yes. I would have killed him then if you had not held me back, but yet I am glad I did not do it. I ask you as a favor to—"
"To what?"
"To let Benedetto live, if he should ever cross your path. He must not die by your hand."
"I swear not to kill him, Bertuccio; by the head of my child."
Bertuccio muttered his thanks, and passed silently away.