Ah! the spring is fixed.

Let me see if the machine does its duty." He rose, placed his hand on the arm of the chair as if about to take his seat in it; suddenly he sprang aside, exclaiming: "Fool that you are, you were about to do a fine thing! I would have been caught by my own trap; and if the signor had forgotten to come this evening, I would have remained clasped in that traitorous chair.

But don't I hear some one coming?
A key grating in the lock of the garden gate?
Yes, it is the Signor Turchi." Seating himself on the ground before the arm-chair, with his back turned to the door, Julio began to work with apparent eagerness; and in order to assume a greater air of indifference, he sang snatches of a well-known song.
The door opened, and Signor Turchi stood upon the threshold.

He remained for an instant motionless, contemplating in silence his servant, who continued his song as though unconscious of the presence of his master.
Simon slowly approached him and laid his hand upon his shoulder; but before he could say a word, Julio drew his dagger from its scabbard, and springing to his feet, made a motion as if to stab his master.
"_O cielo, e voi signor ?_ Is it you, signor ?" cried Julio.

"You slip through the garden like a thief.