Thus arrayed as became my station, I engaged rooms at the chief hotel of Palermo for some weeks--weeks that were for me full of careful preparation for the task of vengeful retribution that lay before me.

One of my principal objects was to place the money I had with me in safe hands.

I sought out the leading banker in Palermo, and introducing myself under my adopted name, I stated that I had newly returned to Sicily after some years' absence.

He received me well, and though he appeared astonished at the large amount of wealth I had brought, he was eager and willing enough to make satisfactory arrangements with me for its safe keeping, including the bag of jewels, some of which, from their unusual size and luster, excited his genuine admiration.

Seeing this, I pressed on his acceptance a fine emerald and two large brilliants, all unset, and requested him to have a ring made of them for his own wear.