Marc R. Schorer and August William Derleth

“ He uncorked the phial as he spoke. * 'First, Messer Como, there will be a terrible burning feeling as the liquid travels down the gullet. But that, Messer, is nought compared to the gnawing pain in the vitals. A thousand times you will wish yourself dead; a thousand times you will regret that you had ever been born. Then, Messer, it will attack your brain in a most subtle manner. All you see will appear a bright glaring red and suddenly you will go blind."
He looked at Messer Como suggestively. Messer Como's forehead was covered with a cold sweat of terror. ”

“ Messer Girolani reseated himself and stared meditatively into the flames. For a long time he sat thus, pondering. The body of the unfortunate child lay at full length on the table, covered with a heavy cloth. At length the alchemist started up and replenished the fire, and turned the hour-glass. As he turned from the fireplace he faced the Duke di Sforza, who had entered silently. The firelight flickered horribly on his drawn features.
“Quick, Messer Girolani, the elixir!” ”

“ For two whole months, Messer, you will live upon a rack. Everything you touch will seem like hot coal; everything you eat will taste like putrefied flesh—but enough of my inadequate description. You shall see for yourself."
Messer Como seemed to have shrunk in his clothes; for he sat immobile, staring at the marmoset that had defeated his purpose.
The magician was advancing toward him, the phials containing the fatal poisons grasped firmly in his hands. But at that moment the wizard's pet leapt away from the door. With a hoarse cry Messer Como flung himself into the court without. ”

“ The wizard grasped a goblet and walked quickly to the fireplace. He bent over the pot and dipped out a bit of the life-giving fluid. There was a rattle of coins as his Magnificence cast his pouchful of ducats upon the table. ”

“ He smiled in secret admiration of the feat. Like a bat he would accomplish his object under the sheltering robe of night. He glanced eagerly down the street. A single, feebly illuminated window greeted his gaze ”