The pot was now removed from the furnace and allowed to cool. Then before the astounded spectators, there fell from it, sparkling and resounding on the earthen floor, a bar of gold. The alchemist pointed dramatically, and exclaimed:--
'Unheard of! Incredible! Against all the laws of nature and of logic!' murmured Marliani in stupefaction.
The face of Galeotto was white, his eyes glowed with the fire of inspiration, and looking up to heaven, he cried:--
'_Laudetur Deus in æternum!_ Praise God in eternity who deigns to give part of his infinite power unto us, the most abject of his creatures.'
The gold was tested with sulphuric acid. It proved to be purer than the finest of Hungary or Arabia. The company pressed about the venerable philosopher, congratulating him, and wringing his hands. Il Moro took him aside.
'You serve me in fidelity and truth, Messer Galeotto?'
'I would I had more lives than one, that I might dedicate them all to your Excellency,' replied the alchemist.
'Then, Galeotto, beware lest any of the other princes----'
'_Illustrissimo_, if there be one of them who shall get even a scent of it, have me hanged for a hound.' And after a pause he added, bowing very low, 'I would pray of your Excellency----'
'God is my witness, 'tis for the last time.'
The duke reflected, reduced the sum by a thousand, and promised. It was now late; Madonna Beatrice might be anxious; the company hastened to take their leave, each one receiving from the alchemist a fragment of the new-made gold. Only Leonardo remained behind.
When they were alone Galeotto said to him, 'Well, Master, what think you of my experiment?'
'The gold was in the rods,' replied Leonardo dryly.
'The rods with which you stirred the molten metal. I saw all.'
'Did you not yourself examine all my utensils?'
'Have I not told you I saw everything?' repeated Leonardo with a smile. 'Be not obstinate, Galeotto. The gold was concealed in hollow rods tipped with wood. When the wooden ends were consumed in the molten mass, the gold fell into it.'
The old man's legs shook; over his face spread a look at once abject and pathetic. Leonardo touched him on the shoulder.
'Fear not, Messer Galeotto, none shall know. I am no tale-bearer.'