It is too late; I am banished from my country, and a price set on my head." He reflected for a few moments, then, with a gesture of impatience, he resumed: "Come, come; of what good are all such thoughts?
I am in his power, and I must yield to necessity; but once let the blow be struck, once let him commit a crime of which I can produce the proofs, then I will be master, and in my turn I will cry in his ears: 'Simon Turchi, fear the bailiff and the executioner!' At the present moment I am powerless; if I took any means to prevent the attempt, he might destroy all evidence of his criminal design, and deliver me up to the authorities of Lucca.

I would be taken into Italy and broken on the wheel, in the very place where my poor old mother lives.

I have always been a cause of sorrow to her; at least I will spare her this last disgrace.

But the signor is coming down.

He will reiterate his entreaties to me to strike the fatal blow; but I will not have the blood of this innocent gentleman on me." Simon Turchi was approaching.