Approach, and obey my order." Turchi, foreseeing that his frightful crime was about to be revealed, writhed convulsively and was covered with shame and confusion.

He dared not look upon his accuser.
"Declare the truth," ordered the bailiff.
"Five or six weeks ago," said Geronimo, "Simon Turchi told me that unforeseen circumstances made it an imperative necessity for him to raise the sum of ten thousand crowns, adding that if he did not succeed in obtaining it immediately, the credit of his house would be gone, and that he himself would be irretrievably ruined.

He needed the sum, he said, only for one month.

I lent him the ton thousand crowns, and at his earnest solicitation, in order to conceal the knowledge of this loan from the clerks, I made no entry upon the books of the transaction, but was satisfied with an acknowledgment in writing of the debt." Old Deodati made an exclamation of joy, ran to his nephew, and embraced him affectionately.
"God be praised! Dear Geronimo, you restore me to life.

That wicked man tried to persuade me that you had lost ten thousand crowns at play.