Chapter III: Part 3

“Happening one day to be taking a stroll out of the city, near a pretty large rivulet, I observed some very fine linen on the banks, which a laundress had just washed and spread out upon the grass. Such opportunities as these always tempted me; and I could not resist my extreme desire of making myself master of some part of this linen; the more especially as I really was in want of some. I only waited, therefore, for the moment when I could make the attempt without being perceived, and that moment at length arriving, I performed the exploit with such rapidity, that to possess myself of some of the very best of the linen, and take the way back to the town, was done in the twinkling of an eye. Though the old washerwoman had not observed the action at the moment, it so happened that she just afterwards turned her head to look at her linen. Astonished to perceive a reduction of at least two-thirds she looked quickly around her, and seeing nobody but me, she thought rightly enough that I must be the thief, and accordingly, leaving the remainder of her linen to take its chance, she ran after me, crying out: _stop thief! stop thief!_ in a voice which made the country resound. In this embarrassment, what could I do? I let the parcel slip gently from under my cloak upon the ground, hoping that the laundress satisfied with having her property, would pursue me no further; but, whether she thought that I had more about me, or was bent upon my ruin, she followed me up to the city gates, where the sentry stopped me, asking what was the matter. The washerwoman was soon up with us, and began immediately by cuffing me, saying that I had stolen the whole of her linen. I was then searched all over, and as my cloak and the under part of my arm were wet through, it was easy enough to guess that I had got rid of the bundle, in order to deny that I had robbed my accuser. Nothing more was necessary to entitle me to a lodging in one of the palaces of justice.

“I communicated my imprisonment to our lawyer, who came to me immediately. I told him the circumstances, and he repaired to a criminal judge. They had a long conversation together, which ended with the promise that I should be set at liberty that very day. He brought me the good news, and I prepared to leave the place. The order was already made out, the gaoler satisfied, and I had one foot out of prison, when by the malice of the devil, my friend the notary, who had been so actively in search for me, and who happened to have a little business there, presented himself before me. He stared me full in the face, and recognizing me immediately, he flew in a passion, gave me a violent blow with his fist, which made me reel back into the prison again, and told the gaoler to lock me in, for that I had robbed him, and he would certainly get me committed. Our lawyer, who was present, exerted all his flowers of rhetoric to appease him. He even went so far as to promise the value of the robe; but the cursed notary, preferring the pleasure of being revenged on me, to that of recovering his property, was inexorable: the consequences of which were that I was honoured with a hearty whipping, and banished the kingdom.

“After this disgrace, which I bore as patiently as I could, my captain, by way of consolation, offered me a letter of recommendation to a friend of his, the chief of a banditti who inhabited a retreat in the Roman mountains, which, not knowing what better I could do, I accepted of. The chief had no sooner read my letter than he gave me a most gracious reception. He introduced me to the cavaliers of his company, than whom I never saw more savage looking animals. It is true, that having left at Naples comrades so perfectly civilized, it was impossible but these mountaineers must have appeared to me wild and unsociable. Nevertheless, as one must always follow the fashion, I by degrees became accustomed to them, notwithstanding the terrible life they led. We made some good hits, and I found myself in a short time with a purse well stocked. No sooner was this the case than I determined on leaving these honest folks. With this view, I requested leave of our chief for two months, under pretence of having some business at Rome. This was readily granted me, on my taking oath that I would return at the expiration of that time. This oath I certainly submitted to, but fully determined to forget it as soon as I got to Rome.

“I had pictured to myself that in so fine a city, I should find opportunities to exercise my talents at every step I took. When, however, I had been there long enough to study the genius of the inhabitants, they appeared to me to be so cunning themselves, that I stood no chance among them. I made a few hits, but of such a nature as would do me no credit to repeat. In the last of these I narrowly escaped detection. This caused me to leave Rome suddenly, whence I thought proper to make the tour of Italy, that I might know it well, and I spent all my money in this wandering life. At length, being at Bologna, chance made me acquainted with Alexander Bentivoglio, who received me into his little troop. This man seems born for his profession. His custom is to leave his native place from time to time, and travel through the different towns in search of dupes; and after he has made any good stroke, he returns to Bologna, where he is always sure to be safe, as though nothing had happened. I occasionally accompanied him in these trips, and I was at Rome on his business, the day on which your lordship was persecuted by the mob. I called upon you at the Ambassador’s--you had the imprudence to display all your property and expose all your affairs to me--I reported this to captain Alexander, who immediately planned the trick we played you. This action, continued he, is always present to my mind; and my extreme sorrow on this account will be constantly nourished by your excessive kindness to me.”

Sayavedra here concluded his history. After which his various adventures formed the topic of our conversation on the road towards Milan, where we arrived both fresh and merry, and similarly well-disposed to possess ourselves of the property of others.

CHAP. XL.

_Of the daring enterprize which Guzman and Sayavedra formed
together in the city of Milan._

We passed the first three days in walking about the streets, examining the different articles with which the shops were decked out, without thinking as yet of turning our genius to advantage. Happy times for the citizens of Milan!

As we were strolling as usual one morning, a young man, tolerably well dressed, accosted Sayavedra who was behind me. I always walked first, and did not perceive him until I had got about a hundred paces on. I then looked attentively at this young man who had stopped my confidant, and there was something mettlesome and cunning in his appearance which I did not like. Oh, oh! thought I, who can this chap be; what business can they have together? This is what I must know; but how can I possibly learn? Were I to call Sayavedra, and ask him the subject of this conversation, he would not fail to frame a lie in an instant, and I should not be a bit the wiser. All I can do then is to keep quiet, let them go on their own way, betray no suspicion of Sayavedra, but keep a sharp eye over him.

Their conversation lasted above a quarter of an hour; after which, the young man took his leave of my confidant, who rejoined me with a thoughtful air, which by no means dissipated my suspicions. I was in hopes that he would have explained the rencontre to me; but he said not a word about it, still remaining in a reverie. I kept silence also until after dinner, when finding myself alone with him, and being able no longer to contain myself: “Mr. Sayavedra,” said I, smiling, “may I presume to ask who that young man might be with whom you had so serious a conversation this morning? I think I have seen him at Rome. Is not his name Mendocia?” “No Sir,” replied he, “he is named Aguilera, and I assure you very appropriately so called; for he shews himself a true eagle whenever he has occasion to use his claws. He is a good companion, has a tolerable share of wit, and is very clever in many respects. We have known each other for a long time, have travelled in company, and have suffered a great deal together. His head is at present full of a scheme, which, if it succeed, will make his fortune. He proposed to me to be a party to it, offering me half the profits. I told him that I would undertake nothing, without first apprising you of it. I even went so far as to add that you were so extremely kind to me, that I felt assured you would not refuse us your advice in an affair of such consequence.” “No,” said I, “undoubtedly I would not: on the contrary, my friend, I am well disposed to assist you both. Let me know what is the subject in debate.” “Sir,” replied he, “Aguilera is to call here this afternoon, when you can speak to him yourself. He will disclose his whole project to you, and if there be any alteration required in his plan, you can adjust it to perfection.”

He had no sooner said these words, than he was informed that a young man wished to speak with him. We had no doubt but this was Aguilera, for we knew no one else at Milan. Sayavedra ran to meet him; and after having prepared him for the conversation we should have together, he introduced him to me. We saluted each other with much politeness. Aguilera was a well looking young man, and appeared to me to possess good sense. He confirmed every thing my confidant had told me, and related to me in an agreeable manner several of their exploits together. He then informed me, that having come to Milan in the hope of making some good hit, he had found means to introduce himself to the service of a rich banker, with whom he had lived about six months as his clerk: that he had by his assiduity and fidelity entirely gained the confidence of his patron, waiting patiently until he found a good opportunity of robbing him: that such a one now presented itself; but, that he had occasion for a second to avail himself of it, and that in meeting Sayavedra, he looked upon him as a man sent from heaven for that express purpose, being well acquainted with his abilities that way. I asked him, “if there would be any difficulty in the execution of his design.” “Not a great deal,” replied he, “but you shall judge for yourself. The banker has within these few days deposited in his strong box a large shamois leather purse, containing one thousand good pistoles. It is my intention to take possession of these on Sunday morning, while my patron is at mass, and to join Sayavedra at a certain place, where he shall have two horses in waiting. We shall be off in an instant, and ride our hacks so vigorously that we shall be far enough from the city, before the banker can discover the copious bleeding his strong box shall have sustained.”

After having listened to Aguilera very attentively, I told him that his undertaking was of a much more delicate nature than he himself seemed to imagine: that, being known in the town as the confidential clerk of the banker, he might meet some person on the road, who, surprised to see him travelling on a post horse, would naturally suspect him of some roguery, and immediately communicate his suspicions to his master: that the banker on his return from mass would perhaps immediately discover that he had been robbed; that this report would soon spread itself about the town, and that it would soon be ascertained that Aguilera had set off with post horses: the consequence of which would be, that his patron would have him pursued by certain persons well mounted, whom it might be rather difficult to escape. I urged many other objections, which convinced him that his plan was but ill-conceived. He confessed this, but told me at the same time, that he should nevertheless execute it, as he saw no better way. I have to do, continued he, with a man who never leaves his house, except on Sundays to hear mass, and then immediately on his return shuts himself up as before in the room in which he keeps his papers and money.

“It matters nothing,” replied I, “be he never so vigilant, ’twill be easy enough to get this same shamois leather purse into our hands, without exposing yourself to the danger you are willing to rashly to incur. In good faith, gentlemen, if you know no better than this, you are as yet but apprentices to your trade. I will shew you a genius superior to that of many besides you. I will take upon myself, if it so please you, the charge of conducting this enterprise, and without implicating you in any misfortune that may happen to me in consequence; even though fortune be adverse to me, I will answer for the thousand pistoles, provided they remain in the strong box eight days longer.” Sayavedra and his friend laughed heartily at this speech, at which they were almost as much delighted as if the pistoles were already in their hands. They thanked me for the offer, and readily left the conducting of this affair to me; well persuaded, particularly Sayavedra, that I should not talk in this strain without being well assured of the event. “Give yourselves no further trouble about it then, gentlemen,” added I, “you shall see that one who has been a page five or six years is somewhat wiser than a Roman bandit.” This hit at Sayavedra redoubled their mirth, and we were all very merry together. I then proceeded to question this confidential clerk of the banker’s more particularly.

“By what means,” said I, “did you intend to get the purse out of the strong box; you have not the key of it?” “Certainly not,” replied he, “for my patron will trust it to nobody. He occasionally gives it to me when I happen to be with him in his private room, and some person happens to come in, when he is himself engaged, for the payment of a bill. He throws me the key to take out a bag of which he tells me the number, and while I am counting the money, he keeps one eye on what he is writing and the other on me.” “This being the case,” continued I, “it would be very difficult to take an impression of the key.” “Much less so, perhaps, than you imagine,” answered Aguilera. “I have, God be praised, a pretty dexterous hand, and will undertake to bring you the impression of it; and also, if you think proper, that of the press, in which the banker locks up his account-books and his daily cash.” At these words, which delighted me, I told him that if he could procure both the impressions, we should be much more sure of success.

I did not forget to ascertain the situation of the room; the manner in which the bags were tied up; their marks; in fact every particular that I considered necessary, of which I wrote down a circumstantial account. I then sent Aguilera home to his master, telling him that I would give him timely notice of the part he would have to play. After his departure, I told my confidant that I had put his friend to a difficult trial, and that I doubted much whether he would procure the impressions of the keys. But Sayavedra, who had a better opinion of his talents, thought otherwise, and he was certainly right. Within two days after Aguilera kept his word, and informed me, also, where I might find a locksmith who would make me two false keys, provided I paid him handsomely. “I have but one more question to ask you,” said I, “at what hour is your master to be seen? for bankers are generally particular.” Aguilera answered, “that the best time was between ten o’clock and noon.” “Good,” said I, “return home then, and remember well what I now tell you: I shall not fail to be at the banker’s house by ten o’clock to-morrow morning; arrange it so that you be with him at that time, and be sure you lose not a word of my conversation with him, in order that you may be brought forward as a witness, if necessary.”

Every thing being so far arranged, I carried the impressions to the honest locksmith I had been recommended to, and whom I found in reality the man for my business. He promised to make me two keys immediately for two pistoles, one of which I paid him in advance. On my return to my inn, I espied in a shop window a very neat sort of jewel box, which after having carefully examined, I bought. Sayavedra who accompanied me, appeared somewhat surprised at this purchase. I could not resist laughing at his astonishment: “Friend,” said I, “be assured that this little casket will not be without its use.” “I do not doubt it,” answered he smiling; “you have not made a fool’s bargain. You doubtless know the use you intend to put it to, and I leave that as well as every thing else to your superior judgment.”

I went the next morning at ten precisely to the banker’s counting-house. Aguilera was there, and two or three gentlemen on business. I bowed to the master on entering the room, and addressing him in a loud voice, told him that I was come to Milan with the intention of making some purchases previously to my marriage: that I had brought a considerable sum of money which I should be glad to place in safety, and that instead of leaving it at my inn where there were all sorts of people, I had thought it much better to trust it to a man like him, whose probity I had heard much commended: I added, that I had a short voyage to take to Venice which would oblige me to have a credit from his house. The banker, greedy of gain, made me a thousand offers of service, accompanied by the most profound bows, and asked me the amount of the sum I wished to deposit in his hands. I answered, about twelve thousand franks of gold, and a small bag of silver specie, which I would send him in about an hour. He replied that my time was his: then reaching down his day-book from the press, he enquired my name, which I gave him as Don Juan Osorio. This he immediately wrote down, with the date of the day and month, the better to ensure my keeping my word.

After this, having no further business with him at that time, I took my leave, after a thousand mutual compliments, entreating him not to leave his house until my return. I reached home well satisfied with the happy commencement of my scheme. Sayavedra, who was waiting for me, with the more impatience, as he was more interested in the business than I was, was not a little astonished, when I informed him what I had just done. “But, sir,” said he, “pray where do you intend to get these twelve thousand franks which you have promised to carry to the banker’s? I am at a loss to know this.” “That need not give you the least uneasiness,” answered I, “he has them already. I know well enough that this is Hebrew to you, but I have my reasons. Press me no more on this point at present, but tell me whether your friend Aguilera reckons among his talents that of being able to forge writing.” “Forge!” cried he with transport, “he can counterfeit any one’s hand; it is his fort. Would to heaven that I had only the money he has touched by such means! if he had not excelled in that art, he would still have been at Rome; but he was obliged to decamp thence somewhat abruptly, for fear of falling into the hands of a brute of a merchant, who, having discovered that he had forged his signature, was in pursuit of him.” “This being the case,” replied I, “our enterprise must infallibly succeed.”

The reliance that Sayavedra placed in my skill, prevented his doubting the success I assured him of, though he knew nothing of my plans. All that vexed him was, that I had allotted no part in the performance to him, of which he complained to me, asking if he was to be dumb in the comedy. “Never fear,” said I, “I have reserved a character for you, which you will perform to admiration.” At the same time I ordered him to take under his arm the casket I had purchased and filled with lumps of lead. In addition to this I loaded him with a bag of money, bound round with red ribbon, and stained with ink in the middle, because, as well as I could remember, there was one exactly similar to it in the strong box. We left our chamber together, as if with the intention of carrying all this to the banker’s. Having got into the street, I said to my confidant, return for one moment into the kitchen, under pretence of asking our landlord what hour we shall dine, and what he intends for our dinner. In short, take care that his wife and he cannot fail to observe the casket with curiosity and attention. It is very essential to us that they should both take particular notice of it before you rejoin me.

No man in the world could be better adapted than Sayavedra, to acquit himself well on such a commission. He went into the kitchen, where, after having asked the landlord the question I had desired him, he displayed without ceremony the casket and bag of money. The landlord and landlady immediately fixed their eyes on them: the casket, especially, was so much admired by the wife, that she could not resist requesting to be allowed to examine it more closely. Her husband did the same, and exclaimed, “Good God, how heavy it is!” “It may well be so,” said Sayavedra, “since it is full of gold coin, to the amount of twelve thousand franks, which we are now going to deposit in a banker’s hands.” “At a banker’s!” cried the landlord abruptly, “though they contained above a hundred thousand franks, both that casket and bag would be as much in safety at my house as at the richest banker’s in the town.” The landlady, as ticklish as her husband on points of honour, added: “Yes, we have occasionally deposits of value left with us; and, thank God and the Virgin Mary, we have always taken good care of them.” “I doubt it not in the least,” replied Sayavedra. “Were you not considered honest people, my master would never have come to lodge with you with so much money. Think not then that he has a bad opinion of your house; but, the fact is, that he is on the point of setting out for Venice, and having occasion for a letter of credit to that city, we are in fairness bound to leave these twelve thousand franks with the banker who will supply him with one.”

“That alters the case,” replied the host, appeased; “I have nothing more to say to it. What is the banker’s name?” “Plati,” replied my confidant. “Plague on him,” continued the landlord, “he is as rich as Croesus, but a very Jew. He will make you pay handsomely for your confidence, I can tell you. If you had only said one word to me, I could have recommended you to a much more reasonable house.” “It is too late now,” said Sayavedra; “my master has already agreed with this banker. But think not,” continued he, “that I can gossip much longer with you, for my master is waiting for me. I merely came into the kitchen to ascertain whether we should have time to settle our business before dinner.” The landlord begged that we would not hurry ourselves, and hoped that we should always find him ready to accommodate us in any way while in his house.

My confidant having repeated this conversation to me, we took a walk together quite out of the town. We returned after some time to the inn, where Sayavedra, by my desire, entered without being observed, and replaced both the casket and bag in my chamber. The table was not yet laid, the landlord, out of respect to me, having kept back the dinner, which was served up immediately he was told of my arrival. Having dined, I retired into my chamber and sent for the landlord, who immediately came up, begging to know in what he could serve me. I have a complaint to make against you, said I; how could you think me capable of suspecting so honourable a man as you? To convince you of the injustice you do me, I entreat you to take care of this purse containing a hundred pistoles, until my departure for Venice. So saying, I drew from my pocket a perfumed purse containing that sum exactly. He was so sensible of this mark of confidence, that he could scarcely restrain his joy.

In the evening the banker’s clerk stole from his master to join us: “Well, Aguilera,” said I, “your patron was doubtless very much surprised at not having seen me again this morning.” “In truth he was,” replied he: “after having waited above an hour expecting you, he began to fear that you would return no more. As he cannot be ignorant of his bad repute at Milan, he thinks that some person has been charitable enough to caution you against him, and I could perceive that he was extremely mortified.” “Did the three gentlemen who were with him when I called this morning, stay long after I was gone?” said I. “No,” answered Aguilera, “nor did any one else drop in during the whole of the morning.” I was much pleased at this circumstance, and assured my companions, that in three or four days, at latest, we should bring this piece to a finale. The banker’s confidential gentleman, overjoyed with this prospect, wished me good night; but before we parted I desired that he would not call again at the inn, representing the consequences to him, and arranging between us that every day at a certain hour he should repair to a certain place, where Sayavedra should meet him and bring instructions from me.

My false keys were brought home two days after this. Aguilera, who was soon informed of this, told his friend he should have an opportunity of making use of them on the following Sunday after dinner, while the banker was amusing himself, as was his custom, at a game of chess, with one of his neighbours. I then let Sayavedra completely into the secret, in order that he might the better give his friend his instructions; and, on the Saturday evening I despatched him to the rendezvous, entrusting to his care the two false keys, and the casket, in which I put ten quadruples, thirty Roman crowns, and some slips of manuscript, instead of the lead which it before contained. As for the bag of money, I begged leave to keep that at home, having besmeared it with ink, and tied it up with red ribbon, merely that it might be exhibited to our landlord and his wife in that state, that they might testify to having seen it; so I had only put the lead into the casket to make it heavy, and to make these good folks believe that it was full of gold.

As soon as my confidant saw Aguilera, he said to him: “now my friend, listen to me with the utmost attention, and be particular in remembering what I tell you. Take these keys, and to-morrow, when you open the strong box, take out the shamois leather purse which is in it, and empty it into this casket; but be sure you take thirty pistoles out of the thousand you will find there, and substitute these ten quadruples in their place. You will not fail also to put this manuscript in, which contains a specification of the sum, and declares that it is the property of Don Juan Osorio, which is the name my master has assumed in this affair. This other slip of paper,” continued he, “you must thrust into the bag in which you say there are three hundred and thirty crowns, and which is stained with ink, and tied up with a red ribbon. You will at the same time extract from this bag thirty of these crowns, and slip in these thirty Roman crowns in their stead. I have but one thing now to tell, and which is most important of all; that is, to open the press in which your patron keeps his account books, and write in his journal the words you will find on this third paper, taking good care to let it be under the name of Don Juan Osorio, which you will find there entered, and also to imitate with your utmost dexterity the hand-writing of Signor Plati. Signor Don Guzman, my master,” added he, “requires nothing more of you but what will be the easiest part of the performance, namely: that on Monday, at the wind up of the scheme, you affect to be a most zealous servant, call him all the vile names you can think of, and even strike him to make the scene more natural.”

Aguilera here interrupted his friend. “Enough,” said he; “I see plainly the whole of the project, and that the master you serve is indeed a thorough-bred thief. You may assure him that I shall do every thing he has prescribed for me, and it shall not be my fault if his plans be defeated.” Sayavedra thereupon delivered up to him the casket with the three papers, the ten quadruples, and thirty Roman crowns, which Aguilera carried home and hid, until the time came to make use of them.

CHAP. XLI.

_What was the success of this stratagem._

I did not pass the Sunday without some uneasiness, fearing lest some untoward circumstance might defeat our enterprise; but my confidant having been to the usual place of rendezvous in the evening, returned full of joy to announce to me that every thing had been executed as I desired, and that Aguilera was preparing himself to play his part well the next day. This news restored my spirits, and I waited patiently for the hour when I should appear before the banker.

No sooner had it arrived, than I repaired to his house; he was alone in his counting-house. After saluting him very politely, I told him I had called to request that he would return me what I had brought him a few days before. He inquired with astonishment what I had brought him. “Zounds!” said I, “why the gold and silver specie which I deposited in your hands.” “What gold and silver,” answered he. “Oh, oh!” replied I, “what you affect to joke? Upon my soul, this is not bad.” “Much more of a joke,” rejoined he, “that you should expect me to refund what has never been given to me.” “Let us have no more jesting, however,” said I, “on matters of business, which, I assure you, is by no means to my taste.” “Surely,” said he, “it must be you that jest: I recollect well enough that a few days since you called upon me, and promised that within an hour you would bring me twelve thousand franks; but you forfeited your word.” “Rather,” answered I, “confess that you have lost your memory. I protest that I delivered that sum into your own hands, and will not quit this house until it be refunded in the very same coins in which I paid it to you.” “Go about your business,” replied he, “or I shall grow impatient with your nonsense. I neither know any thing of you, nor have I ever had any thing that belongs to you. Go and get your money from those to whom you entrusted it.”

As the banker and I began now every moment to assume a higher tone, all the passers-by stopped to listen to our conversation, very anxious to know the subject of our dispute. That they might not be long in suspense I cried aloud, “Oh, traitor and infamous thief! may the justice of God and man unite to punish you! When I entrusted you with my money you received me most obsequiously, but now I am come to reclaim it you affect not to know who I am, and with the most bare-faced effrontery deny the deposit! Cause the money to be counted out to me on this table instantly, or I will tear your soul out!” The banker on his side called me all the names I deserved, until from abusing each other we insensibly came to action, and he endeavoured to push me out of the room by his shoulders; but I repulsed him with such a blow as laid him sprawling on the floor. Aguilera then rushed upon me with a furious air, and gave me a few fisticuffs, which I returned in such sort, that several of the spectators entered to separate us. The confidential clerk finding himself restrained from rejoining me, pretended to struggle with those who held him, like a madman; while on my side, with my eyes glittering and my mouth foaming with rage, I defied him to approach me.

The affray had already lasted an hour, when the Bargello, by chance, or perhaps from some one’s having told him what was going on, made his appearance. The first thing he did was to ask the subject of our quarrel, and the struggle now was which of us should speak first. He desired us both to hold our tongues; then having informed himself which of us was the complainant, he desired me to speak first, after which he would hear what my adversary had to say. At these words a profound silence succeeded, and every one present listened attentively. “Six days since,” said I, “I came into this counting-house, and requested this same Signor Plati to allow me to deposit in his hands a considerable sum of money which I had brought to Milan with me, and which I did not think sufficiently secure at the inn where I lodge. He answered with much politeness that I had only to send him the money, and he would take care of it as long as I thought proper. I accordingly returned home immediately, and returned an hour after with my servant, who carried in a gilt casket a thousand pistoles in gold, and in a bag stained with ink and tied with a red ribbon three hundred and thirty crowns, thirty of which were Roman. The banker counted and weighed the coin, which he put with their specification in the casket and bag again, and then locked them altogether in his strong box.”

Up to this moment the banker, not having dared to interrupt me, although in the fury that possessed him he could with difficulty restrain, had contented himself by raising his hands and eyes towards Heaven to witness my imposture: but his patience now entirely forsook him, and he could hold out no longer. “You see before you,” cried he, “one of the most bare-faced liars on the face of the earth. Should there be found in my house a casket such as that he mentions, I shall be content to forfeit my life and every thing I possess in the world.” “And if what I have told you be not true,” cried I, in my turn, “I will consent that the banker enjoy my property in peace, and that my ears be cut off like a traitor and audacious thief who dares demand what does not belong to him. It is a very easy matter,” continued I, “to discover the truth. Nothing remains but to open the strong box, where you will find my casket and bag, with the accounts which will inform you that the money belongs to me. Give orders, Signor Bargello, give orders immediately, I beseech you, that this old rogue show you his account books, where you will see what he himself wrote the day he received the money.” “You are right,” replied the Bargello, “and further conversation would be superfluous. Come, Signor Plati, if this gentleman gave you the specie, there will of course be an entry in your books.” “Undoubtedly,” answered the banker; “but I have no fear of your finding it, and if there should be any mention made of twelve thousand franks which this stranger assures you he entrusted to me, I will confess that he tells the truth, and that I am the impostor.” At the same time he told his clerk to reach him down the large account book out of his press. Aguilera had no sooner handed this to him, than I cried out: “No, no, thou knave! this is not the book that will bear witness against thee, it was a smaller but longer one.” Aguilera then said to his master, “He must surely mean our journal.” “Let it be the journal then,” replied the banker; “bring forward all the books in the house.” Aguilera then produced the journal, and asked me if that was the one I meant. I replied that it was. The Bargello immediately began to look it over, and finding in it what our colleague had written by my order, he read the following words in a loud voice:

“_This day, the 13th of February 1586, Don Juan Osorio remitted me nine hundred and sixty pistoles in gold coin, Spanish and Italian, and ten quadruples, which make together the sum of one thousand pistoles, and which will be found in my strong box in a gilt casket. Moreover, I received from the said Don Juan the same day, a bag tied with red ribbon, in which are three hundred and thirty crowns, thirty of which are Roman._”

The company had no sooner heard this entry read than they all began to murmur against Signor Plati, thus giving me a decided advantage over him. Fortunately also for me, the banker did not pass in the town for an over-scrupulous man; so that every one readily believed the possibility of his having played me the roguish trick of which I accused him. The Bargello made him read these words, and asked him if he had not written them. The citizen, confounded by so extraordinary a circumstance, answered in an agitation which almost deprived him of the power of speech, “that he had written the first words, but not the remainder.” “How so,” replied the officer of justice, “it appears to be all in the same hand-writing.” “I cannot deny that,” rejoined the banker, “but, nevertheless it is not all my writing.” “It will avail you nothing to deny it in this manner,” said the Bargello; “you must prove its falsity.”

A fresh scene now contributed to convince the standers-by that I had not complained without cause. A voice of thunder resounded through the house, and a man with his kitchen apron and a large carving knife at his side made his appearance. This was mine host, whom Sayavedra had been in search of, and who, hearing that the banker denied having received the money, was furiously exasperated against him. “Why,” cried he as he entered, “do they not hang this arch Jew? Why not fire his house, and burn him with all his race?” Then perceiving the officer of justice, “can you allow,” said he, in a respectful and more moderate tone, “that a cavalier should be robbed, ruined, and struck, with impunity, for having trusted his property to a thief. This good gentleman lodges at my house, and I most solemnly assure you, that I have seen and handled the casket, as well as the bag which he has unfortunately confided to this banker, who is already but too well known at Milan for what he really is.”

Signor Plati, thunderstruck as he was, said what he could in his own defence; but his feeble voice, which was scarcely audible at two paces from him, stood no chance with that of my landlord, which could be distinctly heard from one end of the street to the other. The people, therefore, who generally give the palm in such cases to him who makes the most noise, no longer doubting the justice of my complaint, cried aloud, that the banker should be compelled instantly to refund. The Bargello, addressing himself to the accused, represented to him, “that it was in vain to resist in retaining money which did not belong to him; that he would be compelled to make restitution, and that it was his duty to search his house for the casket and bag. Give me,” added he, “the key of your strong box; let us begin by visiting that, as your accuser affirms it is there you have deposited them.” Plati being apprehensive of pillage during this uproar could not make up his mind to deliver the key; upon which the general cry was to lead him to prison. “We will do better than that,” said the officer, “if he obey not this instant, I will have the strong box forced open.”

The unfortunate banker seeing that all resistance was useless, drew from his pocket the key, and delivered it into the hands of the officer, who, after having chosen four citizens out of those present, to be witness of the intended ceremony, opened the strong box before them and Plati, who almost fainted away when the gilt casket and bag were drawn forth. The Bargello then turning to this poor devil, “friend,” said he, “did you not say you would forfeit your life and property if this casket were found in your house? what if we take you at your word? Good heavens! what a trustworthy banker.” Thus saying, he shut down the strong box, and held up the casket in one hand and the bag in the other. The company present no sooner saw them, than they began, especially mine host, to load the banker with curses and revilings. The officer, in order to sift the thing to the bottom, determined to open the casket. He asked me if I had the key. I drew it from my pocket, and handed it to him. The first thing that presented itself to his view, was the specification in these terms: “_This Casket contains nine hundred and sixty pistoles in gold, and ten quadruples; the whole making one thousand pistoles, and belonging to Don Juan Osorio._” The quadruples were in a parcel by themselves. These he shewed to the banker, and then proceeded to open the bag in which were found the thirty Roman crowns and the others with a similar account.

The cries of the company redoubled at sight of the sums exactly as I had stated them, and every one pressed the Bargello to give me up the casket and bag; which the officer would immediately have acceded to, if I had not declared that I would not receive my money except at the hands of justice, since we were in a city where, thank God, upright judges were to be found. The banker, being once more called upon to say what he had to allege against such positive proof, answered, more dead than alive, and not knowing what to think of an adventure which appeared so natural; “that it was all magic to him, and that the devil must assuredly have had a hand in it.” “If you have no better argument than that to bring forward,” said the officer to him, “you have every chance of losing your cause, and being punished severely to boot.” Thus saying, he left the casket and bag in the custody of a rich merchant in the neighbourhood, and went to make his report to the Judges, who cited Signor Plati and me to appear before them the next morning. The banker was himself so ill that he found it impossible to attend, and contented himself by sending his wife and clerk with some of his friends. As for me, I appeared boldly accompanied by Sayavedra, my landlord and landlady, all three of whom were interrogated alternately, and asserted a great deal, especially the two last, more than they had either seen or heard. The judges heard Aguilera and his mistress in their turns, who confessed that not having been in the counting-house the whole of the day on which I stated that I had brought the money, they could not conscientiously swear that I had not been there.

Upon all these depositions the magistrates condemned my adversary to restore my gold and silver, and pay all costs, prohibiting him from ever practising the profession of banker again in Milan. The Bargello, in execution of this sentence, conducted me to the merchant with whom he had left the casket and bag, and having restored them to me, I returned triumphantly to my inn. When I arrived there, I was not a little time occupied in receiving congratulations on my success. The landlord and his wife among the rest could not moderate their joy. To testify my gratitude I made them some trifling presents, and all their servants had reason to praise my generous disposition.

CHAP. XLII.

_What share of the booty Guzman gives to his associates, and the
resolution he takes of leaving Milan._

As soon as I was safely in possession of a sum of money so honestly acquired, I could have wished myself far enough from Milan; but as too precipitate a departure might have raised suspicions against me, I resolved to defer it for a few days. Sayavedra was so overjoyed at our good fortune, that he scarcely knew whether he was awake or dreaming. Then thinking of the stratagem I had invented, he extolled me above all the rogues in the world. “I did not give you credit for such a genius,” said he, “though I confess I had an excellent opinion of your abilities before; but I see clearly now that I am a long way behind you.” “Friend Sayavedra,” said I, “there is nothing very extraordinary in the scheme. What will be most worthy of praise is how to avoid the possibility of danger by flight: for,” added I, smiling, “than to walk into a gentleman’s house, the door of which stands open, steal a velvet robe from thence, and afterwards to receive a hundred lashes for one’s pains, nothing can be more easy.”

We passed the remainder of the day at the inn, and when night came on went out together to meet Aguilera at the rendezvous. As soon as he saw us approach, he began to laugh most heartily, and we followed his example. He then complimented me on my address, after which I proceeded to divide the booty. I drew from my pocket a purse containing three hundred pistoles which I gave to him, telling him that I intended the same sum for Sayavedra, and that I should keep the remainder myself, it being but fair that he who had done the most work should be the best paid. My two associates assured me they were perfectly well satisfied. This business being ended, and having nothing else to detain us, we bade Aguilera adieu, and returned home, where I employed myself after supper in counting my money. How overjoyed was I at finding myself in possession of upwards of seven thousand franks, independent of those I had won at Bologna. I had never been so rich before, and I thought no longer of having been robbed at Sienna.

As I was walking out the next day I chanced to espy in a shop window a gilt chain so well wrought that I mistook it for gold. I went in and asked its weight. The shop-keeper answered with a smile that all was not gold that glittered; but that if I wished to purchase this chain I should have it cheap. Being tempted by this offer, I gave him what he asked, and carried it off with me. Sayavedra, who was with me, could not restrain his laughter at my fine bargain, and when we had left the shop, said to me, “Signor Don Juan Osorio, if I mistake not, means to make this chain more expensive to some other person that it has been to him?” “That is by no means impossible,” replied I, and with that praiseworthy intention I immediately carried it to a skilful goldsmith, who in a few days made me a chain of gold so exactly similar to mine, that it was difficult to distinguish the one from the other.

At length I left Milan, carrying with me these two articles of jewellery, as well as all the feathers I had plucked out of Signor Plati’s wings. I gave out at the inn, previously to my departure, that I was going to Venice; but instead of following that route, I took that to Pavia. I stopped some time at this latter place, in order to make preparations for my second journey to Genoa, which I had resolved upon making if ever I found myself in a condition to appear before my relations without making them blush. After some consideration I determined to act the part of a Spanish Abbot returning from Rome. To this effect I purchased some fine cloth, with which one of the most famous tailors in Pavia made me a cassock and long cloak. To these I added some black morocco shoes and silk stockings, and the rest of my dress to correspond with that of a prelate. I desired Sayavedra to provide himself with two large baggage trunks, and when all was ready I set out in a litter conducted by a muleteer, with my squire on horseback, a new valet on foot, and another muleteer who led a mule laden with my goods. In this grand equipage was Genoa revisited by that same Guzman whom it had seen six or seven years before in a situation miserable enough.

CHAP. XLIII.

_Of Guzman’s arrival at Genoa, and the gracious reception he met
with from his relations when they learnt who he was._

We went to lodge at the White Cross, which at that time was the best inn in the place. It was already night, but as my squire had gone before us to prepare the landlord to receive an Abbot of the first rank, I found the house all in a bustle when I arrived. Some of the servants were at the doors with flambeaux, and after Sayavedra had assisted me in alighting from the litter, the master conducted me to the best apartment in the house, from which a gentleman much more worthy to occupy it had been turned out to make room for me.

The inn was at that time full of people of consequence, most of whom were not a little curious to know who I was, and my new valet, well instructed by Sayavedra, told all who questioned him that I was the Abbot Don Juan de Guzman, son of a noble Genoese who had married at Seville. I did not quit my chamber the first day, thinking it better to affect the Abbot of consequence fatigued with his journey from Rome, and to get every thing in readiness to shew myself at Genoa the next morning in the character of a prelate. While I was employed in decorating myself with this view, my faithful squire, who was assisting me, could not refrain from saying, “I fear my dear master grows suspicious of me, since he has not yet deigned to communicate the plan he has in contemplation.” “No, my friend,” replied I, “thou hast always had my confidence. If during our stay at Pavia I procured this new dress without telling you my reasons, it was merely because it was not at that time necessary that you should know them. But I will now satisfy your curiosity; for so far from wishing to conceal my project from you, I cannot execute it without your assistance.