Marc R. Schorer and August William Derleth

“ Somewhere in the gloomy abode a door closed softly. Impatient and apprehensive, Messer Girolani trod the oaken floor with a step that reverberated through the corridors without. The dancing flames of the fire increased the gloom, by the fantastic shadows they threw about the chamber. There was no sound save the tread of the magician and the crackling fire. ”

“ The duke waved a jeweled hand and silenced the wizard.
"Come, come, Messer Girolani, you, a magician—what is there for you to fear? Are you not allied with Satan, the root of evil?"
"But, my lord, I have not the elixir completed." ”

“ 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!” ”