Marc R. Schorer and August William Derleth

“ For quite some time he stood there in the shadows. Messer Marri was late in retiring. But no matter, the watching man would attain his object, if wait he must until morning. The window was dark now, but he must bide his time and give the magician a space in which to fall into slumber. There was no doubt that it was Messer Marri who had bewitched his daughter. And now she was gone! His hand wandered to the hilt of his dagger and he grasped the weapon to make certain that it was still firmly in its place. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”