He replied, humbly: "Signor, I have already told you that in this affair I was more unfortunate than guilty.

I was upon the spot where the murder was committed, and I was arrested with those who gave the fatal blow.

Believe me, I knew nothing of their designs.

I do not deny that in a contest or quarrel I spare no one; but up to this moment my dagger has never shed blood without provocation." Simon fixed his eyes upon his servant, and said in a menacing tone: "Suppose, in order to avenge myself for thy base ingratitude, I should make known to the superintendent of Lucca who is the man I have in my service?
Suppose I were to tell him that the real name of Julio Julii is Pietro Mostajo?
Who would be bound hand and foot and sent in the hold of a ship of war to expiate his crimes upon a scaffold in Italy ?" Julio turned pale and trembled.

He moved restlessly upon his chair, and complained in a low voice of the false accusations and injustice of men; but his master eyed all his movements in a scornful manner, until at last the servant, disconcerted, exclaimed impulsively: "Tell me what to do; I am ready!" "Will you accomplish my orders with unwavering will and without hesitation ?" "I must do so, since you compel me to it! But fear nothing; my decision is made." "And suppose that Geronimo Deodati were my enemy ?" "Geronimo Deodati!" exclaimed Julio, in indescribable terror.