Maybe I cut myself loose from his service.
Maybe I would do him an ill turn.

I can tell you a secret, sir." He lowered his voice and looked around, as if in fear of eavesdroppers.
"In your ear, sir," he said.
I recoiled.

"Stand back," I cried, "or you will cull no more simples this side of hell!" "Hell!" he answered.

"There's no such place.

I will not tell my secret aloud." "Nicolo the Italian! Nicolo the Poisoner! Nicolo the Black Death! I am coming for the soul you sold me.