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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/16566-8.txt b/16566-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..40321c8 --- /dev/null +++ b/16566-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8426 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad, by Edith Van Dyne + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad + + +Author: Edith Van Dyne + + + +Release Date: August 21, 2005 [eBook #16566] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES ABROAD*** + + +E-text prepared by Afra Ullah, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg Online +Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/) + + + +AUNT JANE'S NIECES ABROAD + +by + +EDITH VAN DYNE + +Author of +"Aunt Jane's Nieces," "Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville," +"Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society," etc. + + +Publishers +The Reilly & Britton Co. +Chicago + +1906 + + + + + + * * * * * + + +The Aunt Jane's Nieces Series + +BOOKS FOR GIRLS + +By EDITH VAN DYNE + +[Illustration] + +SEVEN TITLES + + + _Aunt Jane's Nieces_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces on Vacation_ + + + * * * * * + + Distinctly girls' books and yet stories that will appeal to + _brother_ as well--and to older folk. Real and + vital--rousing stories of the experiences and exploits of + three real girls who do things. Without being sensational, + Mrs. Van Dyne has succeeded in writing a series of stories + that have the tug and stir of fresh young blood in them. + Each story is complete in itself. + + Illustrated 12mo. Uniform cloth binding, stamped in colors, + with beautiful colored inlay. Fancy colored jackets. Price + 60 cents each + + * * * * * + + + + +LIST OF CHAPTERS + + +CHAPTER PAGE + + I. THE DOYLES ARE ASTONISHED 1 + + II. UNCLE JOHN MAKES PLANS 12 + + III. "ALL ASHORE!" 24 + + IV. SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES AND A WARNING 36 + + V. VESUVIUS RAMPANT 54 + + VI. UNDER A CLOUD 57 + + VII. A FRIEND IN NEED 69 + + VIII. ACROSS THE BAY 76 + + IX. COUNT FERRALTI 85 + + X. THE ROAD TO AMALFI 94 + + XI. THE EAGLE SCREAMS 110 + + XII. MOVING ON 120 + + XIII. "IL DUCA" 137 + + XIV. UNCLE JOHN DISAPPEARS 153 + + XV. DAYS OF ANXIETY 169 + + XVI. TATO 180 + + XVII. THE HIDDEN VALLEY 189 + + XVIII. THE GUESTS OF THE BRIGAND 202 + + XIX. A DIFFICULT POSITION 217 + + XX. UNCLE JOHN PLAYS EAVESDROPPER 228 + + XXI. THE PIT 241 + + XXII. NEWS AT LAST 250 + + XXIII. BETH BEGINS TO PLOT 263 + + XXIV. PATSY'S NEW FRIEND 272 + + XXV. TURNING THE TABLES 283 + + XXVI. THE COUNT UNMASKS 292 + + XXVII. TATO IS ADOPTED 304 + +XXVIII. DREAMS AND DRESS-MAKING 312 + + XXIX. TATO WINS 326 + + XXX. A WAY TO FORGET 337 + + XXXI. SAFE HOME 345 + + +[Illustration] + +PREFATORY: + + +The author is pleased to be able to present a sequel to "Aunt Jane's +Nieces," the book which was received with so much favor last year. Yet +it is not necessary one should have read the first book to fully +understand the present volume, the characters being taken to entirely +new scenes. + +The various foreign localities are accurately described, so that those +who have visited them will recognize them at once, while those who have +not been so fortunate may acquire a clear conception of them. It was my +good fortune to be an eye witness of the recent great eruption of +Vesuvius. + +Lest I be accused of undue sensationalism in relating the somewhat +dramatic Sicilian incident, I will assure my reader that the story does +not exaggerate present conditions in various parts of the island. In +fact, Il Duca and Tato are drawn from life, although they did not have +their mountain lair so near to Taormina as I have ventured to locate +it. Except that I have adapted their clever system of brigandage to the +exigencies of this story, their history is truly related. Many who have +travelled somewhat outside the beaten tracks in Sicily will frankly +vouch for this statement. + +Italy is doing its best to suppress the Mafia and to eliminate +brigandage from the beautiful islands it controls, but so few of the +inhabitants are Italians or in sympathy with the government that the +work of reformation is necessarily slow. Americans, especially, must +exercise caution in travelling in any part of Sicily; yet with proper +care not to tempt the irresponsible natives, they are as safe in Sicily +as they are at home. + +Aunt Jane's nieces are shown to be as frankly adventurous as the average +clear headed American girl, but their experiences amid the environments +of an ancient and still primitive civilization are in no wise +extraordinary. + + EDITH VAN DYNE. + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +THE DOYLES ARE ASTONISHED + + +It was Sunday afternoon in Miss Patricia Doyle's pretty flat at 3708 +Willing Square. In the small drawing room Patricia--or Patsy, as she +preferred to be called--was seated at the piano softly playing the one +"piece" the music teacher had succeeded in drilling into her flighty +head by virtue of much patience and perseverance. In a thick cushioned +morris-chair reclined the motionless form of Uncle John, a chubby little +man in a gray suit, whose features were temporarily eclipsed by the +newspaper that was spread carefully over them. Occasionally a gasp or a +snore from beneath the paper suggested that the little man was +"snoozing" as he sometimes gravely called it, instead of listening to +the music. + +Major Doyle sat opposite, stiffly erect, with his admiring eyes full +upon Patsy. At times he drummed upon the arms of his chair in unison +with the music, nodding his grizzled head to mark the time as well as to +emphasize his evident approbation. Patsy had played this same piece from +start to finish seven times since dinner, because it was the only one +she knew; but the Major could have listened to it seven hundred times +without the flicker of an eyelash. It was not that he admired so much +the "piece" the girl was playing as the girl who was playing the +"piece." His pride in Patsy was unbounded. That she should have +succeeded at all in mastering that imposing looking instrument--making +it actually "play chunes"--was surely a thing to wonder at. But then, +Patsy could do anything, if she but tried. + +Suddenly Uncle John gave a dreadful snort and sat bolt upright, gazing +at his companions with a startled look that melted into one of benign +complacency as he observed his surroundings and realized where he was. +The interruption gave Patsy an opportunity to stop playing the tune. She +swung around on the stool and looked with amusement at her newly +awakened uncle. + +"You've been asleep," she said. + +"No, indeed; quite a mistake," replied the little man, seriously. "I've +only been thinking." + +"An' such _beaut_chiful thoughts," observed the Major, testily, for he +resented the interruption of his Sunday afternoon treat. "You thought +'em aloud, sir, and the sound of it was a bad imithation of a bullfrog +in a marsh. You'll have to give up eating the salad, sir." + +"Bah! don't I know?" asked Uncle John, indignantly. + +"Well, if your knowledge is better than our hearing, I suppose you do," +retorted the Major. "But to an ignorant individual like meself the +impression conveyed was that you snored like a man that has forgotten +his manners an' gone to sleep in the prisence of a lady." + +"Then no one has a better right to do that," declared Patsy, soothingly; +"and I'm sure our dear Uncle John's thoughts were just the most +beautiful dreams in the world. Tell us of them, sir, and we'll prove the +Major utterly wrong." + +Even her father smiled at the girl's diplomacy, and Uncle John, who was +on the verge of unreasonable anger, beamed upon her gratefully. + +"I'm going to Europe," he said. + +The Major gave an involuntary start, and then turned to look at him +curiously. + +"And I'm going to take Patsy along," he continued, with a mischievous +grin. + +The Major frowned. + +"Conthrol yourself, sir, until you are fully awake," said he. "You're +dreaming again." + +Patsy swung her feet from side to side, for she was such a little thing +that the stool raised her entirely off the floor. There was a thoughtful +look on her round, freckled face, and a wistful one in her great blue +eyes as the full meaning of Uncle John's abrupt avowal became apparent. + +The Major was still frowning, but a half frightened expression had +replaced the one of scornful raillery. For he, too, knew that his +eccentric brother-in-law was likely to propose any preposterous thing, +and then carry it out in spite of all opposition. But to take Patsy to +Europe would be like pulling the Major's eye teeth or amputating his +good right arm. Worse; far worse! It would mean taking the sunshine out +of her old father's sky altogether, and painting it a grim, despairing +gray. + +But he resolved not to submit without a struggle. + +"Sir," said he, sternly--he always called his brother-in-law "sir" when +he was in a sarcastic or reproachful mood--"I've had an idea for some +time that you were plotting mischief. You haven't looked me straight in +the eye for a week, and you've twice been late to dinner. I will ask you +to explain to us, sir, the brutal suggestion you have just advanced." + +Uncle John laughed. In the days when Major Doyle had thought him a poor +man and in need of a helping hand, the grizzled old Irishman had been as +tender toward him as a woman and studiously avoided any speech or +epithet that by chance might injure the feelings of his dead wife's +only brother. But the Major's invariable courtesy to the poor or +unfortunate was no longer in evidence when he found that John Merrick +was a multi-millionaire with a strongly defined habit of doing good to +others and striving in obscure and unconventional ways to make everybody +around him happy. His affection for the little man increased mightily, +but his respectful attitude promptly changed, and a chance to reprove or +discomfit his absurdly rich brother-in-law was one of his most +satisfactory diversions. Uncle John appreciated this, and holding the +dignified Major in loving regard was glad to cross swords with him now +and then to add variety to their pleasant relations. + +"It's this way, Major Doyle," he now remarked, coolly. "I've been +worried to death, lately, over business matters; and I need a change." + +"Phoo! All your business is attended to by Isham, Marvin & Co. You've no +worry at all. Why, we've just made you a quarter of a million in C.H. & +D's." + +The "we" is explained by stating that the Major held an important +position in the great banking house--a position Mr. Merrick had secured +for him some months previously. + +"That's it!" said Uncle John. "You've made me a quarter of a million +that I don't want. The C.H. & D. stocks were going to pieces when I +bought them, and I had reason to hope I'd lose a good round sum on them. +But the confounded luck turned, and the result is an accumulation of all +this dreadful money. So, my dear Major, before I'm tempted to do +some-other foolish thing I've determined to run away, where business +can't follow me, and where by industry and perseverance I can scatter +some of my ill-gotten gains." + +The Major smiled grimly. + +"That's Europe, right enough," he said. "And I don't object, John, to +your going there whenever you please. You're disgracefully countryfied +and uninformed for a man of means, and Europe'll open your eyes and +prove to you how insignificant you really are. I advise you to visit +Ireland, sor, which I'm reliably informed is the centhral jewel in +Europe's crown of beauty. Go; and go whinever you please, sor; but +forbear the wickedness of putting foolish thoughts into our Patsy's +sweet head. She can't go a step, and you know it. It's positive cruelty +to her, sir, to suggest such a thing!" + +The Major's speech had a touch of the brogue when he became excited, but +recovered when he calmed down. + +"Why, you selfish old humbug!" cried Uncle John, indignantly. "Why can't +she go, when there's money and time to spare? Would you keep her here to +cuddle and spoil a vigorous man like yourself, when she can run away and +see the world and be happy?" + +"It's a great happiness to cuddle the Major," said Patsy, softly; "and +the poor man needs it as much as he does his slippers or his oatmeal for +breakfast." + +"And Patsy has the house to look after," added the Major, complacently. + +Uncle John gave a snort of contempt. + +"For an unreasonable man, show me an Irishman," he remarked. "Here +you've been telling me how Europe is an education and a delight, and in +the next breath you deliberately deprive your little daughter, whom you +pretend to love, of the advantages she might gain by a trip abroad! And +why? Just because you want her yourself, and might be a bit lonesome +without her. But I'll settle that foolishness, sir, in short order. You +shall go with us." + +"Impossible!" ejaculated the Major. "It's the time of year I'm most +needed in the office, and Mr. Marvin has been so kind and considerate +that I won't play him a dirty trick by leaving him in the lurch." + +Patsy nodded approval. + +"That's right, daddy," she said. + +Uncle John lay back in the chair and put the newspaper over his face +again. Patsy and her father stared at one another with grave intentness. +Then the Major drew out his handkerchief and mopped his brow. + +"You'd like to go, mavourneen?" he asked, softly. + +"Yes, daddy; but I won't, of course." + +"Tut-tut! don't you go putting yourself against your old father's will, +Patsy. It's not so far to Europe," he continued, thoughtfully, "and you +won't be away much longer than you were when you went to Elmhurst after +Aunt Jane's money--which you didn't get. Mary takes fine care of our +little rooms, and doubtless I shall be so busy that I won't miss you at +all, at all." + +"Daddy!" + +She was in his lap, now, her chubby arms clasped around his neck and her +soft cheek laid close beside his rough and ruddy one. + +"And when ye get back, Patsy darlin'," he whispered, tenderly stroking +her hair, "the joy of the meeting will make up for all that we've +suffered. It's the way of life, mavourneen. Unless a couple happens to +be Siamese twins, they're bound to get separated in the course of +events, more or less, if not frequently." + +"I won't go, daddy." + +"Oh, yes you will. It's not like you to be breakin' my heart by stayin' +home. Next week, said that wicked old uncle--he remoinds me of the one +that tried to desthroy the Babes in the Woods, Patsy dear. You must try +to reclaim him to humanity, for I'm hopin' there's a bit of good in the +old rascal yet." And he looked affectionately at the round little man +under the newspaper. + +Uncle John emerged again. It was wonderful how well he understood the +Doyle family. His face was now smiling and wore a look of supreme +satisfaction. + +"Your selfishness, my dear Major," said he, "is like the husk on a +cocoanut. When you crack it there's plenty of milk within--and in your +case it's the milk of human kindness. Come! let's talk over the trip." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +UNCLE JOHN MAKES PLANS + + +"The thought came to me a long time ago," Uncle John resumed; "but it +was only yesterday that I got all the details fixed and settled in my +mind. I've been a rough old duffer, Patsy, and in all my hard working +life never thought of such a thing as travelling or enjoying myself +until I fell in with you, and you taught me how pleasant it is to +scatter sunshine in the hearts of others. For to make others happy means +a lot of joy for yourself--a secret you were trying to keep from me, you +crafty young woman, until I discovered it by accident. Now, here I am +with three nieces on my hands--" + +"You may say two, sir," interrupted the Major. "Patsy can take care of +herself." + +"Hold your tongue," said Uncle John. "I say I've got three nieces--as +fine a trio of intelligent, sweet and attractive young women as you'll +run across in a month of Sundays. I dare you to deny it, sir. And they +are all at an age when an European trip will do them a world of good. So +off we go, a week from Tuesday, in the first-class steamer 'Princess +Irene,' bound from New York for the Bay of Naples!" + +Patsy's eyes showed her delight. They fairly danced. + +"Have you told Beth and Louise?" she asked. + +His face fell. + +"Not yet," he said. "I'd forgotten to mention it to them." + +"For my part," continued the girl, "I can get ready in a week, easily. +But Beth is way out in Ohio, and we don't know whether she can go or +not." + +"I'll telegraph her, and find out," said Uncle John. + +"Do it to-day," suggested the Major. + +"I will." + +"And to-morrow you must see Louise," added Patsy. "I'm not sure she'll +want to go, dear. She's such a social butterfly, you know, that her +engagements may keep her at home." + +"Do you mean to say she's engaged?" asked Mr. Merrick, aghast. + +"Only for the parties and receptions, Uncle. But it wouldn't surprise me +if she was married soon. She's older than Beth or me, and has a host of +admirers." + +"Perhaps she's old enough to be sensible," suggested the Major. + +"Well, I'll see her and her mother to-morrow morning," decided Uncle +John, "and if she can't find time for a trip to Europe at my expense, +you and Beth shall go anyhow--and we'll bring Louise a wedding present." + +With this declaration he took his hat and walking stick and started for +the telegraph station, leaving Patsy and her father to canvass the +unexpected situation. + +John Merrick was sixty years old, but as hale and rugged as a boy of +twenty. He had made his vast fortune on the Pacific Coast and during his +years of busy activity had been practically forgotten by the Eastern +members of his family, who never had credited him with sufficient +ability to earn more than a precarious livelihood. But the man was +shrewd enough in a business way, although simple almost to childishness +in many other matters. When he returned, quite unheralded, to end his +days "at home" and employ his ample wealth to the best advantage, he for +a time kept his success a secret, and so learned much of the +dispositions and personal characteristics of his three nieces. + +They were at that time visiting his unmarried sister, Jane, at her +estate at Elmhurst, whither they had been invited for the first time; +and in the race for Aunt Jane's fortune he watched the three girls +carefully and found much to admire in each one of them. Patsy Doyle, +however, proved exceptionally frank and genuine, and when Aunt Jane at +last died and it was found she had no estate to bequeath, Patsy proved +the one bright star in the firmament of disappointment. Supposing Uncle +John to be poor, she insisted upon carrying him to New York with her and +sharing with him the humble tenement room in which she lived with her +father--a retired veteran who helped pay the family expenses by keeping +books for a mercantile firm, while Patsy worked in a hair-dresser's +shop. + +It was now that Uncle John proved a modern fairy godfather to Aunt +Jane's nieces--who were likewise his own nieces. The three girls had +little in common except their poverty, Elizabeth De Graf being the +daughter of a music teacher, in Cloverton, Ohio, while Louise Merrick +lived with her widowed mother in a social atmosphere of the second class +in New York, where the two women frankly intrigued to ensnare for Louise +a husband who had sufficient means to ensure both mother and daughter a +comfortable home. In spite of this worldly and unlovely ambition, which +their circumstances might partially excuse, Louise, who was but +seventeen, had many good and womanly qualities, could they have been +developed in an atmosphere uninfluenced by the schemes of her vain and +selfish mother. + +Uncle John, casting aside the mask of poverty, came to the relief of all +three girls. He settled the incomes of substantial sums of money upon +both Beth and Louise, making them practically independent. For Patsy he +bought a handsome modern flat building located at 3708 Willing Square, +and installed her and the Major in its cosiest apartment, the rents of +the remaining flats giving the Doyles an adequate income for all time to +come. Here Uncle John, believing himself cordially welcome, as indeed he +was, made his own home, and it required no shrewd guessing to arrive at +the conclusion that little Patsy was destined to inherit some day all +his millions. + +The great banking and brokerage firm of Isham, Marvin & Co. had long +managed successfully John Merrick's vast fortune, and at his +solicitation it gave Major Doyle a responsible position in its main +office, with a salary that rendered him independent of his daughter's +suddenly acquired wealth and made him proud and self-respecting. + +Money had no power to change the nature of the Doyles. The Major +remained the same simple, honest, courteous yet brusque old warrior who +had won Uncle John's love as a hard working book-keeper; and Patsy's +bright and sunny disposition had certain power to cheer any home, +whether located in a palace or a hovel. + +Never before in his life had Uncle John been so supremely happy, and +never before had Aunt Jane's three nieces had so many advantages and +pleasures. It was to confer still further benefits upon these girls that +their eccentric uncle had planned this unexpected European trip. + +His telegram to Elizabeth was characteristic: + +"Patsy, Louise and I sail for Europe next Tuesday. Will you join us as +my guest? If so, take first train to New York, where I will look after +your outfit. Answer immediately." + +That was a message likely to surprise a country girl, but it did not +strike John Merrick as in any way extraordinary. He thought he could +depend upon Beth. She would be as eager to go as he was to have her, and +when he had paid for the telegram he dismissed the matter from further +thought. + +Next morning Patsy reminded him that instead of going down town he must +personally notify Louise Merrick of the proposed trip; so he took a +cross-town line and arrived at the Merrick's home at nine o'clock. + +Mrs. Merrick was in a morning wrapper, sipping her coffee in an upper +room. But she could not deny herself to Uncle John, her dead husband's +brother and her only daughter's benefactor (which meant indirectly her +own benefactor), so she ordered the maid to show him up at once. + +"Louise is still sweetly sleeping," she said, "and won't waken for hours +yet." + +"Is anything wrong with her?" he asked, anxiously. + +"Oh, dear, no! but everyone does not get up with the milkman, as you do, +John; and the dear child was at the opera last night, which made her +late in getting home." + +"Doesn't the opera let out before midnight, the same as the theatres?" +he asked. + +"I believe so; but there is the supper, afterward, you know." + +"Ah, yes," he returned, thoughtfully. "I've always noticed that the +opera makes folks desperately hungry, for they flock to the restaurants +as soon as they can get away. Singular, isn't it?" + +"Why, I never thought of it in that light." + +"But Louise is well?" + +"Quite well, thank you." + +"That's a great relief, for I'm going to take her to Europe with me next +week," he said. + +Mrs. Merrick was so astonished that she nearly dropped her coffee-cup +and could make no better reply than to stare blankly at her +brother-in-law. + +"We sail Tuesday," continued Uncle John, "and you must have my niece +ready in time and deliver her on board the 'Princess Irene' at Hoboken +at nine o'clock, sharp." + +"But John--John!" gasped Mrs. Merrick, feebly, "it will take a month, at +least, to make her gowns, and--" + +"Stuff and rubbish!" he growled. "That shows, Martha, how little you +know about European trips. No one makes gowns to go abroad with; you buy +'em in Paris to bring home." + +"Ah, yes; to be sure," she muttered. "Perhaps, then, it can be done, if +Louise, has no other engagements." + +"Just what Patsy said. See here, Martha, do you imagine that any girl +who is half human could have engagements that would keep her from +Europe?" + +"But the requirements of society--" + +"You'll get me riled, pretty soon, Martha; and if you do you'll wish you +hadn't." + +This speech frightened the woman. It wouldn't do to provoke Uncle John, +however unreasonable he happened to be. So she said, meekly: + +"I've no doubt Louise will be delighted to go, and so will I." + +"You!" + +"Why--why--whom do you intend taking?" + +"Just the three girls--Aunt Jane's three nieces. Also mine." + +"But you'll want a chaperone for them." + +"Why so?" + +"Propriety requires it; and so does ordinary prudence. Louise, I know, +will be discreet, for it is her nature; but Patsy is such a little +flyaway and Beth so deep and demure, that without a chaperone they might +cause you a lot of trouble." + +Uncle John grew red and his eyes flashed. + +"A chaperone!" he cried, contemptuously; "not any in mine, Martha +Merrick. Either we young folks go alone, without any death's head to +perpetually glower at us, or we don't go at all! Three better girls +never lived, and I'll trust 'em anywhere. Besides that, we aren't going +to any of your confounded social functions; we're going on a reg'lar +picnic, and if I don't give those girls the time of their lives my name +ain't John Merrick. A chaperone, indeed!" + +Mrs. Merrick held up her hands in horror. + +"I'm not sure, John," she gasped, "that I ought to trust my dear child +with an uncle who disregards so openly the proprieties." + +"Well, I'm sure; and the thing's settled," he said, more calmly. "Don't +worry, ma'am. I'll look after Patsy and Beth, and Louise will look after +all of us--just as she does after you--because she's so discreet. Talk +about your being a chaperone! Why, you don't dare say your soul's your +own when Louise is awake. That chaperone business is all +humbuggery--unless an old uncle like me can be a chaperone. Anyhow, I'm +the only one that's going to be appointed. I won't wait for Louise to +wake up. Just tell her the news and help her to get ready on time. And +now, I'm off. Good morning, Martha." + +She really had no words of protest ready at hand, and it was long after +queer old John Merrick had gone away that she remembered a dozen +effective speeches that she might have delivered. + +"After all," she sighed, taking up her cup again, "it may be the best +thing in the world for Louise. We don't know whether that young Weldon, +who is paying her attentions just now, is going to inherit his father's +money or not. He's been a bit wild, I've heard, and it is just as well +to postpone any engagement until we find out the facts. I can do that +nicely while my sweet child is in Europe with Uncle John, and away from +all danger of entanglements. Really, it's an ill wind that blows no +good! I'll go talk with Louise." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +"ALL ASHORE" + + +Beth De Graf was a puzzle to all who knew her. She was a puzzle even to +herself, and was wont to say, indifferently, that the problem was not +worth a solution. For this beautiful girl of fifteen was somewhat bitter +and misanthropic, a condition perhaps due to the uncongenial atmosphere +in which she had been reared. She was of dark complexion and her big +brown eyes held a sombre and unfathomable expression. Once she had +secretly studied their reflection in a mirror, and the eyes awed and +frightened her, and made her uneasy. She had analyzed them much as if +they belonged to someone else, and wondered what lay behind their mask, +and what their capabilities might be. + +But this morbid condition mostly affected her when she was at home, +listening to the unpleasant bickerings of her father and mother, who +quarrelled constantly over trifles that Beth completely ignored. Her +parents seemed like two ill tempered animals confined in the same cage, +she thought, and their snarls had long since ceased to interest her. + +This condition had, of course, been infinitely worse in all those +dreadful years when they were poverty stricken. Since Uncle John had +settled a comfortable income on his niece the grocer was paid promptly +and Mrs. De Graf wore a silk dress on Sundays and held her chin a little +higher than any other of the Cloverton ladies dared do. The Professor, +no longer harrassed by debts, devoted less time to the drudgery of +teaching and began the composition of an oratorio that he firmly +believed would render his name famous. So, there being less to quarrel +about, Beth's parents indulged more moderately in that pastime; but +their natures were discordant, and harmony in the De Graf household was +impossible. + +When away from home Beth's disposition softened. Some of her +school-friends had seen her smile--a wonderful and charming phenomenon, +during which her expression grew sweet and bewitchingly animated and her +brown eyes radiant with mirthful light. It was not the same Beth at all. + +Sometimes, when the nieces were all at Aunt Jane's, Beth had snuggled in +the arms of her cousin Louise, who had a way of rendering herself +agreeable to all with whom she came in contact, and tried hard to win +the affection of the frankly antagonistic girl. At such times the +gentleness of Elizabeth, her almost passionate desire to be loved and +fondled, completely transformed her for the moment. Louise, shrewd at +reading others, told herself that Beth possessed a reserve force of +tenderness, amiability and fond devotion that would render her adorable +if she ever allowed those qualities full expression. But she did not +tell Beth that. The girl was so accustomed to despise herself and so +suspicious of any creditable impulses that at times unexpectedly +obtruded themselves, that she would have dismissed such a suggestion as +arrant flattery, and Louise was clever enough not to wish to arouse her +cousin to a full consciousness of her own possibilities. + +The trained if not native indifference of this strange girl of fifteen +was demonstrated by her reception of Uncle John's telegram. She quietly +handed it to her mother and said, as calmly as if it were an invitation +to a church picnic: + +"I think I shall go." + +"Nothing like that ever happened to me," remarked Mrs. De Graf, +enviously. "If John Merrick had an atom of common sense he'd have taken +me to Europe instead of a troop of stupid school girls. But John always +was a fool, and always will be. When will you start, Beth?" + +"To-morrow morning. There's nothing to keep me. I'll go to Patsy and +stay with her until we sail." + +"Are you glad?" asked her mother, looking into the expressionless face +half curiously. + +"Yes," returned Beth, as if considering her reply; "a change is always +interesting, and I have never travelled except to visit Aunt Jane at +Elmhurst. So I think I am pleased to go to Europe." + +Mrs. De Graf sighed. There was little in common between mother and +daughter; but that, to a grave extent, was the woman's fault. She had +never tried to understand her child's complex nature, and somewhat +resented Beth's youth and good looks, which she considered contrasted +unfavorably with her own deepening wrinkles and graying hair. For Mrs. +De Graf was vain and self-important, and still thought herself +attractive and even girlish. It would really be a relief to have Beth +out of the way for a few months. + +The girl packed her own trunk and arranged for it to be taken to the +station. In the morning she entered the music room to bid the Professor +good-bye. He frowned at the interruption, for the oratorio was +especially engrossing at the time. Mrs. De Graf kissed her daughter +lightly upon the lips and said in a perfunctory way that she hoped Beth +would have a good time. + +The girl had no thought of resenting the lack of affection displayed by +her parents. It was what she had always been accustomed to, and she had +no reason to expect anything different. + +Patsy met her at the train in New York and embraced her rapturously. +Patsy was really fond of Beth; but it was her nature to be fond of +everyone, and her cousin, escaping from her smacking and enthusiastic +kisses, told herself that Patsy would have embraced a cat with the same +spontaneous ecstacy. That was not strictly true, but there was nothing +half hearted or halfway about Miss Doyle. If she loved you, there would +never be an occasion for you to doubt the fact. It was Patsy's way. + +Uncle John also was cordial in his greetings. He was very proud of his +pretty niece, and discerning enough to realize there was a broad strata +of womanliness somewhere in Elizabeth's undemonstrative character. He +had promised himself to "dig it out" some day, and perhaps the European +trip would give him his opportunity. + +Patsy and Elizabeth shopped for the next few days most strenuously and +delightfully. Sometimes their dainty cousin Louise joined them, and the +three girls canvassed gravely their requirements for a trip that was as +new to them as a flight to the moon. Naturally, they bought much that +was unnecessary and forgot many things that would have been useful. You +have to go twice to Europe to know what to take along. + +Louise needed less than the others, for her wardrobe was more extensive +and she already possessed all that a young girl could possibly make use +of. This niece, the eldest of Uncle John's trio, was vastly more +experienced in the ways of the world than the others, although as a +traveller she had no advantage of them. Urged thereto by her worldly +mother, she led a sort of trivial, butterfly existence, and her +character was decidedly superficial to any close observer. Indeed, her +very suavity and sweetness of manner was assumed, because it was so much +more comfortable and effective to be agreeable than otherwise. She was +now past seventeen years of age, tall and well formed, with a delicate +and attractive face which, without being beautiful, was considered +pleasant and winning. Her eyes were good, though a bit too shrewd, and +her light brown hair was fluffy as spun silk. Graceful of carriage, +gracious of manner, yet affecting a languor unsuited to her years, +Louise Merrick was a girl calculated to draw from the passing throng +glances of admiration and approval, and to convey the impression of good +breeding and feminine cleverness. + +All this, however, was outward. Neither Patsy nor Beth displayed any +undue affection for their cousin, although all of the girls exhibited a +fair amount of cousinly friendship for one another. They had once been +thrown together under trying circumstances, when various qualities of +temperament not altogether admirable were liable to assert themselves. +Those events were too recent to be already forgotten, yet the girls were +generous enough to be considerate of each others' failings, and had +resolved to entertain no sentiment other than good will on the eve of +their departure for such a charming outing as Uncle John had planned for +them. + +Mr. Merrick being a man, saw nothing radically wrong in the dispositions +of any of his nieces. Their youth and girlishness appealed to him +strongly, and he loved to have them by his side. It is true that he +secretly regretted Louise was not more genuine, that Beth was so +cynical and frank, and that Patsy was not more diplomatic. But he +reflected that he had had no hand in molding their characters, although +he might be instrumental in improving them; so he accepted the girls as +they were, thankful that their faults were not glaring, and happy to +have found three such interesting nieces to cheer his old age. + +At last the preparations were complete. Tuesday arrived, and Uncle John +"corralled his females," as he expressed it, and delivered them safely +on board the staunch and comfortable ocean greyhound known as the +"Princess Irene," together with their bags and baggage, their flowers +and fruits and candy boxes and all those other useless accessories to a +voyage so eagerly thrust upon the departing travellers by their +affectionate but ill-advised friends. + +Mrs. Merrick undertook the exertion of going to Hoboken to see her +daughter off, and whispered in the ear of Louise many worldly +admonitions and such bits of practical advice as she could call to mind +on the spur of the moment. + +Major Gregory Doyle was there, pompous and straight of form and wearing +an assumed smile that was meant to assure Patsy he was delighted at her +going, but which had the effect of scaring the girl because she at first +thought the dreadful expression was due to convulsions. + +The Major had no admonitions for Patsy, but she had plenty for him, and +gave him a long list of directions that would, as he said, cause him to +"walk mighty sthraight" if by good luck he managed to remember them all. + +Having made up his mind to let the child go to Europe, the old fellow +allowed no wails or bemoanings to reach Patsy's ears to deprive her of a +moment's joyful anticipation of the delights in store for her. He +laughed and joked perpetually during that last day, and promised the +girl that he would take a vacation while she was gone and visit his old +colonel in Virginia, which she knew was the rarest pleasure he could +enjoy. And now he stood upon the deck amusing them all with his quaint +sayings and appearing so outwardly jolly and unaffected that only Patsy +herself suspected the deep grief that was gripping his kindly old +heart. + +Uncle John guessed, perhaps, for he hugged the Major in a tight embrace, +whispering that Patsy should be now, as ever, the apple of his eye and +the subject of his most loving care. + +"An' don't be forgetting to bring me the meerschaum pipe from Sicily an' +the leathern pocket-book from Florence," the Major said to Patsy, +impressively. "It's little enough for ye to remember if ye go that way, +an' to tell the truth I'm sending ye abroad just for to get them. An' +don't be gettin' off the boat till it stops at a station; an' remember +that Uncle John is full of rheumatics an' can't walk more n' thirty mile +an hour, an'--" + +"It's a slander," said Uncle John, stoutly. "I never had rheumatics in +my life." + +"Major," observed Patsy, her blue eyes full of tears but her lips trying +to smile, "do have the tailor sponge your vest every Saturday. It's full +of spots even now, and I've been too busy lately to look after you +properly. You're--you're--just disgraceful, Major!" + +"All ashore!" called a loud voice. + +The Major gathered Patsy into an embrace that threatened to crush her, +and then tossed her into Uncle John's arms and hurried away. Mrs. +Merrick followed, with good wishes for all for a pleasant journey; and +then the four voyagers pressed to the rail and waved their handkerchiefs +frantically to those upon the dock while the band played vociferously +and the sailors ran here and there in sudden excitement and the great +ship left her moorings and moved with proud deliberation down the bay to +begin her long voyage to Gibraltar and the blue waters of the +Mediterranean. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES, AND A WARNING + + +For an inexperienced tourist Uncle John managed their arrangements most +admirably. He knew nothing at all about ocean travel or what was the +proper method to secure comfortable accommodations; but while most of +the passengers were writing hurried letters in the second deck gallery, +which were to be sent back by the pilot, Mr. Merrick took occasion to +interview the chief steward and the deck steward and whatever other +official he could find, and purchased their good will so liberally that +the effect of his astute diplomacy was immediately apparent. + +His nieces found that the sunniest deck chairs bore their names; the +most desirable seats in the dining hall were theirs when, half famished +because breakfast had been disregarded, they trooped in to luncheon; the +best waiters on the ship attended to their wants, and afterward their +cabins were found to be cosily arranged with every comfort the heart of +maid could wish for. + +At luncheon it was found that the steward had placed a letter before +Uncle John's plate. The handwriting of the address Louise, who sat next +her uncle, at once recognized as that of her mother; but she said +nothing. + +Mr. Merrick was amazed at the contents of the communication, especially +as he had so recently parted with the lady who had written it. + +It said: "I must warn you, John, that my daughter has just escaped a +serious entanglement, and I am therefore more grateful than I can +express that you are taking her far from home for a few weeks. A young +man named Arthur Weldon--a son of the big railroad president, you +know--has been paying Louise marked attentions lately; but I cautioned +her not to encourage him because a rumor had reached me that he has +quarrelled with his father and been disinherited. My informant also +asserted that the young man is wild and headstrong and cannot be +controlled by his parent; but he always seemed gentlemanly enough at +our house, and my greatest objection to him is that he is not likely to +inherit a dollar of his father's money. Louise and I decided to keep him +dangling until we could learn the truth of this matter, for you can +easily understand that with her exceptional attractions there is no +object in Louise throwing herself away upon a poor man, or one who +cannot give her a prominent position in society. Imagine my horror, +John, when I discovered last evening that my only child, whom I have so +fondly cherished, has ungratefully deceived me. Carried away by the +impetuous avowals of this young scapegrace, whom his own father disowns, +she has confessed her love for him--love for a pauper!--and only by the +most stringent exercise of my authority have I been able to exact from +Louise a promise that she will not become formally engaged to Arthur +Weldon, or even correspond with him, until she has returned home. By +that time I shall have learned more of his history and prospects, when I +can better decide whether to allow the affair to go on. Of course I have +hopes that in case my fears are proven to have been well founded, I can +arouse Louise to a proper spirit and induce her to throw the fellow +over. Meantime, I implore you, as my daughter's temporary guardian, not +to allow Louise to speak of or dwell upon this young man, but try to +interest her in other gentlemen whom you may meet and lead her to +forget, if possible, her miserable entanglement. Consider a loving +mother's feelings, John. Try to help me in this emergency, and I shall +be forever deeply grateful." + +"It's from mother, isn't it?" asked Louise, when he had finished reading +the letter. + +"Yes," he answered gruffly, as he crumpled the missive and stuffed it +into his pocket. + +"What does she say, Uncle?" + +"Nothing but rubbish and nonsense. Eat your soup, my dear; it's getting +cold." + +The girl's sweet, low laughter sounded very pleasant, and served to calm +his irritation. From her demure yet amused expression Uncle John guessed +that Louise knew the tenor of her mother's letter as well as if she had +read it over his shoulder, and it comforted him that she could take the +matter so lightly. Perhaps the poor child was not so deeply in love as +her mother had declared. + +He was greatly annoyed at the confidence Mrs. Merrick had seen fit to +repose in him, and felt she had no right to burden him with any +knowledge of such an absurd condition of affairs just as he was starting +for a holiday. Whatever might be the truth of the girl's +"entanglement,"--and he judged that it was not all conveyed in Martha +Merrick's subtle letter--Louise would surely be free and unhampered by +either love or maternal diplomacy for some time to come. When she +returned home her mother might conduct the affair to suit herself. He +would have nothing to do with it in any way. + +As soon as luncheon was finished they rushed for the deck, and you may +imagine that chubby little Uncle John, with his rosy, smiling face and +kindly eyes, surrounded by three eager and attractive girls of from +fifteen to seventeen years of age, was a sight to compel the attention +of every passenger aboard the ship. + +It was found easy to make the acquaintance of the interesting group, +and many took advantage of that fact; for Uncle John chatted brightly +with every man and Patsy required no excuse of a formal introduction to +confide to every woman that John Merrick was taking his three nieces to +Europe to "see the sights and have the time of their lives." + +Many of the business men knew well the millionaire's name, and accorded +him great respect because he was so enormously wealthy and successful. +But the little man was so genuinely human and unaffected and so openly +scorned all toadyism that they soon forgot his greatness in the +financial world and accepted him simply as a good fellow and an +invariably cheerful comrade. + +The weather was somewhat rough for the latter part of March--they had +sailed the twenty-seventh--but the "Irene" was so staunch and rode the +waves so gracefully that none of the party except Louise was at all +affected by the motion. The eldest cousin, however, claimed to be +indisposed for the first few days out, and so Beth and Patsy and Uncle +John sat in a row in their steamer chairs, with the rugs tucked up to +their waists, and kept themselves and everyone around them merry and +light hearted. + +Next to Patsy reclined a dark complexioned man of about thirty-five, +with a long, thin face and intensely black, grave eyes. He was +carelessly dressed and wore a flannel shirt, but there was an odd look +of mingled refinement and barbarity about him that arrested the girl's +attention. He sat very quietly in his chair, reserved both in speech and +in manner; but when she forced him to talk he spoke impetuously and with +almost savage emphasis, in a broken dialect that amused her immensely. + +"You can't be American," she said. + +"I am Sicilian," was the proud answer. + +"That's what I thought; Sicilian or Italian or Spanish; but I'm glad +it's Sicilian, which is the same as Italian. I can't speak your lingo +myself," she continued, "although I am studying it hard; but you manage +the English pretty well, so we shall get along famously together." + +He did not answer for a moment, but searched her unconscious face with +his keen eyes. Then he demanded, brusquely: + +"Where do you go?" + +"Why, to Europe," she replied, as if surprised. + +"Europe? Pah! It is no answer at all," he responded, angrily. "Europe is +big. To what part do you journey?" + +Patsy hesitated. The magic word "Europe" had seemed to sum up their +destination very effectively, and she had heretofore accepted it as +sufficient, for the time being, at least. Uncle John had bought an +armful of guide books and Baedeckers, but in the hurry of departure she +had never glanced inside them. To go to Europe had been enough to +satisfy her so far, but perhaps she should have more definite knowledge +concerning their trip. So she turned to Uncle John and said: + +"Uncle, dear, to what part of Europe are we going?" + +"What part?" he answered. "Why, it tells on the ticket, Patsy. I can't +remember the name just now. It's where the ship stops, of course." + +"That is Napoli," said the thin faced man, with a scarcely veiled sneer. +"And then?" + +"And then?" repeated Patsy, turning to her Uncle. + +"Then? Oh, some confounded place or other that I can't think of. I'm not +a time-table, Patsy; but the trip is all arranged, in beautiful style, +by a friend of mine who has always wanted to go abroad, and so has the +whole programme mapped out in his head." + +"Is it in his head yet?" enquired Patsy, anxiously. + +"No, dear; it's in the left hand pocket of my blue coat, all written +down clearly. So what's the use of bothering? We aren't there yet. By +and bye we'll get to Eu-rope an' do it up brown. Whatever happens, and +wherever we go, it's got to be a spree and a jolly good time; so take it +easy, Patsy dear, and don't worry." + +"That's all right, Uncle," she rejoined, with a laugh. "I'm not worrying +the least mite. But when folks ask us where we're going, what shall we +say?" + +"Eu-rope." + +"And then?" mischievously. + +"And then home again, of course. It's as plain as the nose on your face, +Patsy Doyle, and a good bit straighter." + +That made her laugh again, and the strange Italian, who was listening, +growled a word in his native language. He wasn't at all a pleasant +companion, but for that very reason Patsy determined to make him talk +and "be sociable." By degrees he seemed to appreciate her attention, and +always brightened when she came to sit beside him. + +"You'll have to tell me your name, you know," she said to him; "because +I can't be calling you 'Sir' every minute." + +He glanced nervously around. Then he answered, slowly: + +"I am called Valdi--Victor Valdi." + +"Oh, that's a pretty name, Mr. Valdi--or should I say Signor?" + +"You should." + +"Do I pronounce it right?" + +"No." + +"Well, never mind if I don't; you'll know what I mean, and that I +intend to be proper and polite," she responded, sweetly. + +Beth, while she made fewer acquaintances than Patsy, seemed to have cast +off her sullen reserve when she boarded the ship. In truth, the girl was +really happy for the first time in her life, and it softened her so +wonderfully and made her so attractive that she soon formed a select +circle around her. A young lady from Cleveland, who had two big +brothers, was impelled to introduce herself to Beth because of the young +men's intense admiration for the girl's beautiful face. When it was +found that they were all from Ohio, they formed a friendly alliance at +once. Marion Horton was so frank and agreeable that she managed to draw +out all that was best in Beth's nature, and the stalwart young Hortons +were so shyly enthusiastic over this, their first trip abroad, that they +inspired the girl with a like ardor, which resulted in the most cordial +relations between them. + +And it so happened that several other young men who chanced to be aboard +the "Princess Irene" marked the Hortons' intimacy with Beth and +insisted on being introduced by them, so that by the time Louise had +conquered her _mal-de-mer_ and appeared on deck, she found an admiring +group around her cousin that included most of the desirable young +fellows on the ship. Beth sat enthroned like a queen, listening to her +courtiers and smiling encouragement now and then, but taking little part +in the conversation herself because of her inexperience. Such adoration +was new to the little country girl, and she really enjoyed it. Nor did +the young men resent her silence. All that they wanted her to do, as Tom +Horton tersely expressed it, was to "sit still and look pretty." + +As for Uncle John, he was so delighted with Beth's social success that +he adopted all the boys on the spot, and made them a part of what he +called his family circle. + +Louise, discovering this state of affairs, gave an amused laugh and +joined the group. She was a little provoked that she had isolated +herself so long in her cabin when there was interesting sport on deck; +but having lost some valuable time she straightway applied herself to +redeem the situation. + +In the brilliance of her conversation, in her studied glances, in a +thousand pretty ways that were skillfully rendered effective, she had a +decided advantage over her more beautiful cousin. When Louise really +desired to please she was indeed a charming companion, and young men are +not likely to detect insincerity in a girl who tries to captivate them. + +The result was astonishing to Uncle John and somewhat humiliating to +Beth; for a new queen was presently crowned, and Louise by some magnetic +power assembled the court around herself. Only the youngest Horton boy, +in whose susceptible heart Beth's image was firmly enshrined, refused to +change his allegiance; but in truth the girl enjoyed herself more +genuinely in the society of one loyal cavalier than when so many were +clamoring for her favors. The two would walk the deck together for hours +without exchanging a single word, or sit together silently listening to +the band or watching the waves, without the need, as Tom expressed it, +of "jabbering every blessed minute" in order to be happy. + +Patsy was indignant at the artfulness of Louise until she noticed that +Beth was quite content; then she laughed softly and watched matters take +their course, feeling a little sorry for the boys because she knew +Louise was only playing with them. + +The trip across the Atlantic was all too short. On the fifth of April +they passed the Azores, running close to the islands of Fayal and San +Jorge so that the passengers might admire the zigzag rows of white +houses that reached from the shore far up the steep hillsides. On the +sixth day they sighted Gibraltar and passed between the Moorish and +Spanish lighthouses into the lovely waters of the Mediterranean. The +world-famed rock was now disclosed to their eyes, and when the ship +anchored opposite it Uncle John assisted his nieces aboard the lighter +and took them for a brief excursion ashore. + +Of course they rode to the fortress and wandered through its gloomy, +impressive galleries, seeing little of the armament because visitors are +barred from the real fortifications. The fortress did not seem +especially impregnable and was, taken altogether, a distinct +disappointment to them; but the ride through the town in the low basket +phaetons was wholly delightful. The quaint, narrow streets and stone +arches, the beautiful vistas of sea and mountain, the swarthy, dark-eyed +Moors whose presence lent to the town an oriental atmosphere, and the +queer market-places crowded with Spaniards, Frenchmen, Jews and +red-coated English soldiers, altogether made up a panorama that was +fascinating in the extreme. + +But their stay was short, and after a rush of sightseeing that almost +bewildered them they returned to the ship breathless but elated at +having "seen an' done," as Uncle John declared, their first foreign +port. + +And now through waters so brightly blue and transparent that they +aroused the girls' wonder and admiration, the good ship plowed her way +toward the port of Naples, passing to the east of Sardinia and Corsica, +which they viewed with eager interest because these places had always +seemed so far away to them, and had now suddenly appeared as if by +magic directly before their eyes. + +Patsy and the big whiskered captain had become such good friends that he +always welcomed the girl on his own exclusive deck, and this afternoon +she sat beside him and watched the rugged panorama slip by. + +"When will we get to Naples?" she asked. + +"To-morrow evening, probably," answered the captain. "See, it is over in +that direction, where the gray cloud appears in the sky." + +"And what is the gray cloud, Captain?" + +"I do not know," said he, gravely. "Perhaps smoke from Vesuvius. At +Gibraltar we heard that the volcano is in an ugly mood, I hope it will +cause you no inconvenience." + +"Wouldn't it be fine if we could see an eruption!" exclaimed the girl. + +The captain shook his head. + +"Interesting, perhaps," he admitted; "but no great calamity that causes +thousands of people to suffer can be called 'fine.'" + +"Ah, that is true!" she said, quickly. "I had forgotten the suffering." + +Next morning all the sky was thick with smoke, and the sun was hidden. +The waters turned gray, too, and as they approached the Italian coast +the gloom perceptibly increased. A feeling of uneasiness seemed to +pervade the ship, and even the captain had so many things to consider +that he had no time to converse with his little friend. + +Signor Valdi forsook his deck chair for the first time and stood at the +rail which overlooked the steerage with his eyes glued to the grim skies +ahead. When Uncle John asked him what he saw he answered, eagerly: + +"Death and destruction, and a loss of millions of lira to the bankrupt +government. I know; for I have studied Etna for years, and Vesuvio is a +second cousin to Etna." + +"Hm," said Uncle John. "You seem pleased with the idea of an eruption." + +The thin faced man threw a shrewd look from his dark eyes and smiled. +Uncle John frowned at the look and stumped away. He was not at all easy +in his own mind. He had brought three nieces for a holiday to this +foreign shore, and here at the outset they were confronted by an +intangible danger that was more fearful because it was not understood. +It was enough to make his round face serious, although he had so strong +an objection to unnecessary worry. + +Afternoon tea was served on deck amidst an unusual quiet. People soberly +canvassed the situation and remarked upon the fact that the darkness +increased visibly as they neared the Bay of Naples. Beth couldn't drink +her tea, for tiny black atoms fell through the air and floated upon the +surface of the liquid. Louise retired to her stateroom with a headache, +and found her white serge gown peppered with particles of lava dust +which had fallen from the skies. + +The pilot guided the ship cautiously past Capri and into the bay. The +air was now black with volcanic dross and a gloom as of midnight +surrounded them on every side. The shore, the mountain and the water of +the bay itself were alike invisible. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +VESUVIUS RAMPANT + + +It was Saturday night, the seventh day of April, nineteen hundred and +six--a night never to be forgotten by those aboard the ship; a night +which has its place in history. + +At dinner the captain announced that he had dropped anchor at the +Immacollatella Nuova, but at a safe distance from the shore, and that no +passengers would be landed under any circumstances until the fall of +ashes ceased and he could put his people ashore in a proper manner. + +A spirit of unrest fell upon them all. Big Tom Horton whispered to Beth +that he did not intend to leave her side until all danger was over. The +deck was deserted, all the passengers crowding into the smoking room and +saloons to escape the lava dust. + +Few kept their rooms or ventured to sleep. At intervals a loud +detonation from the volcano shook the air, and the mystery and awe of +the enveloping gloom were so palpable as almost to be felt. + +Toward midnight the wind changed, driving the cloud of ashes to the +southward and sufficiently clearing the atmosphere to allow the angry +glow of the crater to be distinctly seen. Now it shot a pillar of fire +thousands of feet straight into the heavens; then it would darken and +roll skyward great clouds that were illumined by the showers of sparks +accompanying them. + +The windows of every cabin facing the volcano were filled with eager +faces, and in the smoking room Uncle John clasped Beth around the waist +with one arm and Patsy with the other and watched the wonderful +exhibition through the window with a grave and anxious face. Tom Horton +had taken a position at one side of them and the dark Italian at the +other. The latter assured Patsy they were in no danger whatever. Tom +secretly hoped they were, and laid brave plans for rescuing Beth or +perishing at her side. Louise chose to lie in her berth and await +events with calm resignation. If they escaped she would not look haggard +and hollow-eyed when morning came. If a catastrophy was pending she +would have no power to prevent it. + +It was four o'clock on Sunday morning when Vesuvius finally reached the +climax of her travail. With a deep groan of anguish the mountain burst +asunder, and from its side rolled a great stream of molten lava that +slowly spread down the slope, consuming trees, vineyards and dwellings +in its path and overwhelming the fated city of Bosco-Trecase. + +Our friends marked the course of destruction by watching the thread of +fire slowly wander down the mountain slope. They did not know of the +desolation it was causing, but the sight was terrible enough to inspire +awe in every breast. + +The volcano was easier after that final outburst, but the black clouds +formed thicker than ever, and soon obscured the sky again. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +UNDER A CLOUD + + +"After all," said Uncle John, next morning, "we may consider ourselves +very lucky. Your parents might have come to Naples a hundred times, my +dears, and your children may come a hundred times more, and yet never +see the sights that have greeted us on our arrival. If the confounded +old hill was bound to spout, it did the fair thing by spouting when we +were around. Eh, Patsy?" + +"I quite agree with you," said the girl. "I wouldn't have missed it for +anything--if it really had to behave so." + +"But you'll pay for it!" growled Signor Valdi, who had overheard these +remarks. "You will pay for it with a thousand discomforts--and I'm glad +that is so. Vesuvio is hell let loose; and it amuses you. Hundreds are +lying dead and crushed; and you are lucky to be here. Listen," he +dropped his voice to a whisper: "if these Neapolitans could see the +rejoicing in my heart, they would kill me. And you? Pah! you are no +better. You also rejoice--and they will welcome you to Naples. I have +advice. Do not go on shore. It is useless." + +They were all startled by this strange speech, and the reproof it +conveyed made them a trifle uncomfortable; but Uncle John whispered that +the man was mad, and to pay no attention to him. + +Although ashes still fell softly upon the ship the day had somewhat +lightened the gloom and they could see from deck the dim outlines of the +shore. A crowd of boats presently swarmed around them, their occupants +eagerly clamoring for passengers to go ashore, or offering fruits, +flowers and souvenirs to any who might be induced to purchase. Their +indifference to their own and their city's danger was astonishing. It +was their custom to greet arriving steamers in this way, for by this +means they gained a livelihood. Nothing short of absolute destruction +seemed able to interfere with their established occupations. + +A steam tender also came alongside, and after a cordial farewell to the +ship's officers and their travelling acquaintances, Uncle John placed +his nieces and their baggage aboard the tender, which shortly deposited +them safely upon the dock. + +Perhaps a lot of passengers more dismal looking never before landed on +the beautiful shores of Naples--beautiful no longer, but presenting an +appearance gray and grewsome. Ashes were ankle deep in the streets--a +fine, flour-like dust that clung to your clothing, filled your eyes and +lungs and seemed to penetrate everywhere. The foliage of the trees and +shrubbery drooped under its load and had turned from green to the +all-pervading gray. The grass was covered; the cornices and balconies of +the houses were banked with ashes. + +"Bless me!" said Uncle John. "It's as bad as Pompey, or whatever that +city was called that was buried in the Bible days." + +"Oh, not quite, Uncle," answered Patsy, in her cheery voice; "but it may +be, before Vesuvius is satisfied." + +"It is certainly bad enough," observed Louise, pouting as she marked the +destruction of her pretty cloak by the grimy deposit that was fast +changing its color and texture. + +"Well, let us get under shelter as soon as possible," said Uncle John. + +The outlines of a carriage were visible a short distance away. He walked +up to the driver and said: + +"We want to go to a hotel." + +The man paid no attention. + +"Ask him how much he charges, Uncle. You know you mustn't take a cab in +Naples without bargaining." + +"Why not?" + +"The driver will swindle you." + +"I'll risk that," he answered. "Just now we're lucky if we get a +carriage at all." He reached up and prodded the jehu in the ribs with +his cane. "How much to the Hotel Vesuvius?" he demanded, loudly. + +The man woke up and flourished his whip, at the same time bursting into +a flood of Italian. + +The girls listened carefully. They had been trying to study Italian +from a small book Beth had bought entitled "Italian in Three Weeks +without a Master," but not a word the driver of the carriage said seemed +to have occurred in the vocabulary of the book. He repeated "Vesuvio" +many times, however, with scornful, angry or imploring intonations, and +Louise finally said: + +"He thinks you want to go to the volcano, Uncle. The hotel is the +Vesuve, not the Vesuvius." + +"What's the difference?" + +"I don't know." + +"All right; you girls just hop in, and leave the rest to me." + +He tumbled them all into the vehicle, bag and baggage, and then said +sternly to the driver: + +"Ho-tel Ve-suve--Ve-suve--ho-tel Ve-suve! Drive there darned quick, or +I'll break your confounded neck." + +The carriage started. It plowed its way jerkily through the dust-laden +streets and finally stopped at an imposing looking structure. The day +was growing darker, and an electric lamp burned before the entrance. +But no one came out to receive them. + +Uncle John climbed out and read the sign. "Hotel du Vesuve." It was the +establishment he had been advised to stop at while in Naples. He +compared the sign with a card which he drew from his pocket, and knew +that he had made no mistake. + +Entering the spacious lobby, he found it deserted. In the office a man +was hastily making a package of some books and papers and did not +respond or even look up when spoken to. At the concierge's desk a big, +whiskered man sat staring straight ahead of him with a look of abject +terror in his eyes. + +"Good morning," said Uncle John. "Fine day, isn't it?" + +"Did you hear it?" whispered the concierge, as a dull boom, like that of +a distant cannon, made the windows rattle in their casements. + +"Of course," replied Mr. Merrick, carelessly. "Old Vesuve seems on a +rampage. But never mind that now. We've just come from America, where +the mountains are more polite, and we're going to stop at your hotel." + +The concierge's eyes wandered from the man to the three girls who had +entered and grouped themselves behind him. Then they fell upon the +driver of the carriage, who burst into a torrent of vociferous but +wholly unintelligible exclamations which Uncle John declared "must be an +excuse--and a mighty poor one--for talking." + +The whiskered man, whose cap was elaborately embroidered in gold with +the words "Hotel du Vesuve," seemed to understand the driver. He sighed +drearily and said to Mr. Merrick: + +"You must pay him thirty lira." + +"How much is that?" + +"Six dollars." + +"Not by a jugfull!" + +"You made no bargain." + +"I couldn't. He can't talk." + +"He claims it is you who cannot talk." + +"What!" + +"And prices are advanced during these awful days. What does it matter? +Your money will do you no good when we are all buried deep in ash and +scoria." + +The big man shuddered at this gloomy picture, and added, listlessly: +"You'll have to pay." + +Uncle John paid, but the driver wouldn't accept American money. The +disconsolate concierge would, though. He unlocked a drawer, put the six +dollars into one section and drew from another two ten-lira notes. The +driver took them, bowed respectfully to the whiskered man, shot a +broadside of invective Italian at the unconscious Americans, and left +the hotel. + +"How about rooms?" asked Uncle John. + +"Take any you please," answered the concierge. "All our guests are gone +but two--two mad Americans like yourselves. The servants are also gone; +the chef has gone; the elevator conductors are gone. If you stay you'll +have to walk up." + +"Where have they all gone?" asked Uncle John, wonderingly. + +"Fled, sir; fled to escape destruction. They remember Pompeii. Only +Signor Floriano, the proprietor, and myself are left. We stick to the +last. We are brave." + +"So I see. Now, look here, my manly hero. It's possible we shall all +live through it; I'll bet you a thousand to ten that we do. And then +you'll be glad to realize you've pocketed a little more American money. +Come out of that box and show us some rooms, and I'll help to build up +your fortune." + +The concierge obeyed. Even the horrors of the situation could not +eliminate from his carefully trained nature that desire to accumulate +which is the prime qualification of his profession. The Americans walked +up one flight and found spacious rooms on the first floor, of which they +immediately took possession. + +"Send for our trunks," said Mr. Merrick; and the man consented to do so +provided he could secure a proper vehicle. + +"You will be obliged to pay high for it," he warned; "but that will not +matter. To witness the destruction of our beautiful Naples is an unusual +sight. It will be worth your money." + +"We'll settle that in the dim hereafter," replied Uncle John. "You get +the trunks, and I'll take care of the finances." + +When the concierge had retired the girls began to stuff newspapers into +the cracks of the windows of their sitting room, where the fine ash was +sifting in and forming little drifts several inches in thickness. Also +the atmosphere of the room was filled with impalpable particles of dust, +which rendered breathing oppressive and unpleasant. + +Uncle John watched them for a time, and his brow clouded. + +"See here, girls," he exclaimed; "let's hold a council of war. Do you +suppose we are in any real danger?" + +They grouped around him with eager interest. + +"It's something new to be in danger, and rather exciting, don't you +think?" said Beth. "But perhaps we're as safe as we would be at home." + +"Once," said Louise, slowly, "there was a great eruption of Vesuvius +which destroyed the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Many of the +inhabitants were buried alive. Perhaps they thought there was no real +danger." + +Uncle John scratched his head reflectively. + +"I take it," he observed, "that the moral of your story is to light out +while we have the chance." + +"Not necessarily," observed the girl, smiling at his perplexity. "It is +likewise true that many other eruptions have occurred, when little +damage was done." + +"Forewarned is forearmed," declared Patsy. "Naples isn't buried more +than six inches in ashes, as yet, and it will take days for them to +reach to our windows, provided they're falling at the same rate they do +now. I don't see any use of getting scared before to-morrow, anyhow." + +"It's a big hill," said Uncle John, gravely, "and I've no right to take +foolish chances with three girls on my hands." + +"I'm not frightened, Uncle John." + +"Nor I." + +"Nor I, the least bit." + +"Everyone has left the hotel but ourselves," said he. + +"How sorry they will be, afterward," remarked Beth. + +He looked at them admiringly, and kissed each one. + +"You stay in this room and don't move a peg till I get back," he +enjoined them; "I'm going out to look over the situation." + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A FRIEND IN NEED + + +Some of Mr. Merrick's business friends in New York, hearing of his +proposed trip, had given him letters of introduction to people in +various European cities. He had accepted them--quite a bunch, +altogether--but had firmly resolved not to use them. Neither he nor the +nieces cared to make superficial acquaintances during their wanderings. +Yet Uncle John chanced to remember that one of these letters was to a +certain Colonel Angeli of the Twelfth Italian Regiment, occupying the +barracks on the Pizzofalcone hill at Naples. This introduction, tendered +by a relative of the Colonel's American wife, was now reposing in Mr. +Merrick's pocket, and he promptly decided to make use of it in order to +obtain expert advice as to the wisdom of remaining in the stricken city. + +Enquiring his way from the still dazed concierge, he found that the +Pizzofalcone barracks were just behind the hotel but several hundred +feet above it; so he turned up the Strada St. Lucia and soon came upon +the narrow lane that wound upward to the fortifications. It was a long +and tedious climb in the semi-darkness caused by the steady fall of +ashes, and at intervals the detonations from Vesuvius shook the huge +rock and made its massive bulk seem insecure. But the little man +persevered, and finally with sweating brow arrived at the barracks. + +A soldier carried in the letter to his colonel and presently returned to +usher Uncle John through the vast building, up a flight of steps, and so +to a large covered balcony suspended many hundred feet above the Via +Partenope, where the hotel was situated. + +Here was seated a group of officers, watching intently the cloud that +marked the location of the volcano. Colonel Angeli, big and bluff, his +uniform gorgeous, his dark, heavy moustaches carefully waxed, his +handsome face as ingenuous and merry as a schoolboy's, greeted the +American with a gracious courtesy that made Uncle John feel quite at +his ease. When he heard of the nieces the Italian made a grimace and +then laughed. + +"I am despairing, signore," said he, in English sufficiently +strangulated to be amusing but nevertheless quite comprehensible, "that +you and the sweet signorini are to see our lovely Naples under +tribulations so very great. But yesterday, in all the world is no city +so enchanting, so brilliant, so gay. To-day--look! is it not horrible? +Vesuvio is sick, and Naples mourns until the tyrant is well again." + +"But the danger," said Uncle John. "What do you think of the wisdom of +our staying here? Is it safe to keep my girls in Naples during this +eruption?" + +"Ah! Why not? This very morning the mountain asunder burst, and we who +love our people dread the news of devastation we shall hear. From the +observatory, where His Majesty's faithful servant still remains, come +telegrams that the great pebbles--what we call scoria--have ruined +Ottajano and San Guiseppe. Perhaps they are overwhelmed. But the beast +has vomited; he will feel better now, and ever become more quiet." + +"I suppose," remarked Mr. Merrick, thoughtfully, "that no one knows +exactly what the blamed hill may do next. I don't like to take chances +with three girls on my hands. They are a valuable lot, Colonel, and +worth saving." + +The boyish Italian instantly looked grave. Then he led Uncle John away +from the others, although doubtless he was the only officer present able +to speak or understand English, and said to him: + +"Where are you living?" + +"At the hotel named after your sick mountain--the Vesuve." + +"Very good. In the bay, not distant from your hotel, lies a government +launch that is under my command. At my home in the Viala Elena are a +wife and two children, who, should danger that is serious arise, will be +put by my soldiers on the launch, to carry them to safety. Admirable, is +it not?" + +"Very good arrangement," said Uncle John. + +"It renders me content to know that in any difficulty they cannot be +hurt. I am not scare, myself, but it is pleasant to know I have what you +call the side that is safe. From my American wife I have many of your +excellent speech figures. But now! The launch is big. Remain happy in +Naples--happy as Vesuvio will let you--and watch his vast, his gigantic +exhibition. If danger come, you all enter my launch and be saved. If no +danger, you have a marvelous experience." The serious look glided from +his face, and was replaced by a smile as bright as before. + +"Thank you very much," responded Uncle John, gratefully. "I shall go +back to the girls well satisfied." + +"Make the signorini stay in to-day," warned the colonel. "It is bad, +just now, and so black one can nothing at all observe. To-morrow it will +be better, and all can go without. I will see you myself, then, and tell +you what to do." + +Then he insisted that Uncle John clear his parched throat with a glass +of vermouth--a harmless drink of which all Italians are very fond--and +sent him away much refreshed in body and mind. + +He made his way through the ashy rain back to the hotel. People were +holding umbrellas over their heads and plodding through the dust with +seeming unconcern. At one corner a street singer was warbling, stopping +frequently to cough the lava dust from his throat or shake it from his +beloved mandolin. A procession of peasants passed, chanting slowly and +solemnly a religious hymn. At the head of the column was borne aloft a +gilded statuette of the Virgin, and although Uncle John did not know it, +these simple folks were trusting in the sacred image to avert further +disaster from the angry mountain. + +On arriving home Mr. Merrick told the girls with great elation of his +new friend, and how they were to be taken aboard the launch in case of +emergency. + +"But how will we know when danger threatens?" asked Louise. + +While Uncle John tried to think of an answer to this puzzling query +someone knocked upon the door. The concierge was standing in the +passage and beside him was a soldier in uniform, a natty cock's plume +upon his beaver hat and a short carbine over his arm. + +"A guard from Colonel Angeli, Signor," said the concierge, +respectfully--the first respectful tone he had yet employed. + +The soldier took off his hat with a flourish, and bowed low. + +"He is to remain in the hotel, sir, yet will not disturb you in any +way," continued the whiskered one. "But should he approach you at any +time and beckon you to follow him, do so at once, and without +hesitation. It is Colonel Angeli's wish. You are in the charge of this +brave man, who will watch over your welfare." + +"That settles it, my dears," said Uncle John, cheerfully, when the +soldier and the concierge had withdrawn. "This Italian friend doesn't do +things by halves, and I take it we are perfectly safe from this time +on." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +ACROSS THE BAY + + +Tom Horton called an hour later. He was in despair because his party had +decided to leave Naples for Rome, and he feared Beth would be engulfed +by the volcano unless he was present to protect her. + +"Mr. Merrick," said the boy, earnestly, "you'll take good care of Miss +De Graf, sir, won't you? We both live in Ohio, you know, and we've just +got acquainted; and--and I'd like to see her again, some time, if she +escapes." + +Uncle John's eyes twinkled, but he drew a long face. + +"My dear Tom," he said, "don't ask me to take care of anyone--please +don't! I brought these girls along to take care of _me_--three of 'em, +sir--and they've got to do their duty. Don't you worry about the girls; +just you worry about _me_." + +That was not much consolation for the poor fellow, but he could do +nothing more than wring their hands--Beth's twice, by mistake--and wish +them good luck before he hurried away to rejoin his family. + +"I'm sorry to see him go," said Beth, honestly. "Tom is a nice boy." + +"Quite right," agreed Uncle John. "I hope we shall meet no worse fellows +than Tom Horton." + +At noon they were served a modest luncheon in their rooms, for Signor +Floriano, having sent his important papers to a place of safety, had +resolved to stick to his hotel and do his duty by any guests that chose +to remain with him in defiance of the existent conditions. He had +succeeded in retaining a few servants who had more courage than those +that had stampeded at the first alarm, and while the hotel service for +the next few days was very inadequate, no one was liable to suffer any +great privation. + +During the afternoon the gloom grew denser than before, while thicker +than ever fell the rain of ashes. This was the worst day Naples +experienced during the great eruption, and Uncle John and his nieces +were content to keep their rooms and live in the glare of electric +lights. Owing to their wise precautions to keep out the heavily laden +air they breathed as little lava dust into their lungs as any people, +perhaps, in the city; but to escape all was impossible. Their eyes and +throats became more or less inflamed by the floating atoms, and the +girls declared they felt as if they were sealed up in a tomb. + +"Well, my chickens, how do you like being abroad, and actually in +Europe?" enquired Uncle John, cheerfully. + +Beth and Patsy smiled at him, but Louise looked up from the Baedecker +she was studying and replied: + +"It's simply delightful, Uncle, and I'm glad we happened here during +this splendid eruption of Vesuvius. Only--only--" + +"Only what, my dear?" + +"Only it is such hard work to keep clean," answered his dainty niece. +"Even the water is full of lava, and I'm sure my face looks like a +chimney-sweep's." + +"And you, Beth?" + +"I don't like it, Uncle. I'm sure I'd prefer Naples in sunshine, +although this is an experience we can brag about when we get home." + +"That is the idea, exactly," said Louise, "and the only thing that +reconciles me to the discomforts. Thousands see Naples in sunshine, but +few can boast seeing Vesuvius in eruption. It will give us considerable +prestige when we return home." + +"Ah, that is why I selected this time to bring you here," declared Uncle +John, with a comical wink. "I ordered the eruption before I left home, +and I must say they've been very prompt about it, and done the thing up +brown. Eh, Patsy?" + +"Right you are, Uncle. But you might tell 'em to turn off the eruption +now, because we've had enough." + +"Don't like Eu-rope, eh?" + +"Why, if I thought all Europe was surrounded by volcanoes, I'd go home +at once, if I had to walk. But the geographies don't mention many of +these spouters, so we may as well stick out our present experience and +hope the rest of the continent will behave better. The Major'll be +worried to death when he hears of this." + +"I've sent him a cable," said Uncle John. + +"What did you say?" asked Patsy, eagerly. + +"'All safe and well and enjoying the fireworks.'" + +"I'm glad you did that," replied the girl, deeply grateful at this +evidence of thoughtfulness. "It's bad enough for the Major to have me +away, without making him worry, into the bargain." + +"Well, no one is likely to worry about me," said Beth, philosophically. + +"Mother seldom reads the papers, except to get the society news," +remarked Louise. "I doubt if she'll hear of the eruption, unless the +Major happens to tell her." + +"I've cabled them all," said Uncle John. "They're entitled to know that +their kidiwinkles are in good shape." + +The evening was a tedious one, although they tried to enliven it with a +game of bridge, in which Uncle John and Louise were quite proficient +and the others dreadfully incompetent. Once in a while the volcano +thundered a deep detonation that caused the windows to shiver, but the +Americans were getting used to the sound and paid little heed to it. + +In the morning the wind had shifted, and although the air was still full +of dust all near-by objects were clearly visible and even the outline of +Vesuvius could be seen sending skyward its pillar of black smoke. + +Colonel Angeli appeared soon after breakfast, his uniform fresh and +bright and his boyish face beaming as pleasantly as ever. + +"Vesuvio is better," said he, "but the rascal has badly acted and done +much harm to our poor people. Like Herculaneum, our Boscatrecase is +covered with lava; like Pompeii our Ottajano is buried in ashes. Let me +advise you. To-day go to Sorrento, and there stay for a time, until we +can the dust brush from our streets and prepare to welcome you with the +comfort more serene. I must myself ride to the villages that are +suffering. My men are already gone, with the Red-Cross corps, to succor +whom they can. I will send to you word when you may return. Just now, +should you stay, you will be able to see nothing at all." + +"I believe that is wise counsel," replied Uncle John. + +"Sorrento has no ashes," continued the Colonel, "and from there you may +watch the volcano better than from Naples. To-day come the Duke and +Duchess d'Aosta to render assistance to the homeless and hungry; +to-morrow His Majesty the King will be here to discover what damage has +been caused. Alas! we have no sackcloth, but we are in ashes. I trust +you will pardon my poor Naples for her present inhospitality." + +"Sure thing," said Uncle John. "The city may be under a cloud, but her +people are the right stuff, and we are greatly obliged to you for all +your kindness to us." + +"But that is so little!" said the colonel, deprecatingly. + +They decided to leave their heavy baggage at the Hotel du Vesuve, and +carried only their suit-cases and light luggage aboard the little +steamer that was bound across the bay for Sorrento. The decks were +thronged with people as eager to get away from the stricken city as were +our friends, and Uncle John was only enabled to secure seats for his +girls by bribing a steward so heavily that even that modern brigand was +amazed at his good fortune. + +The ride was short but very interesting, for they passed under the +shadow of the smoking mountain and came into a fresh, sweet atmosphere +that was guiltless of a speck of the disagreeable lava dust that had so +long annoyed them. The high bluffs of Sorrento, with their picturesque +villas and big hotels, seemed traced in burnished silver by the strong +sunshine, and every member of Uncle John's party was glad that Colonel +Angeli had suggested this pleasant change of condition. + +Small boats took them ashore and an elevator carried them swiftly to the +top of the cliff and deposited them on the terrace of the Victoria, a +beautiful inn that nestled in a garden brilliant with splendid flowers +and shrubbery. Here they speedily established themselves, preparing to +enjoy their first real experience of "Sunny Italy." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +COUNT FERRALTI + + +At dinner it was announced that the famous Tarantella would be danced in +the lower hall of the hotel at nine o'clock, and the girls told Uncle +John that they must not miss this famous sight, which is one of the most +unique in Sorrento, or indeed in all Italy. + +As they entered the pretty, circular hall devoted to the dance Louise +gave a start of surprise. A goodly audience had already assembled in the +room, and among them the girl seemed to recognize an acquaintance, for +after a brief hesitation she advanced and placed her hand in that of a +gentleman who had risen on her entrance and hastened toward her. + +He was a nice looking young fellow, Beth thought, and had a foreign and +quite distinguished air. + +Presently Louise turned with cheeks somewhat flushed and brought the +gentleman to her party, introducing him to Uncle John and her cousins as +Count Ferralti, whom she had once met in New York while he was on a +visit to America. + +The Count twirled his small and slender moustaches in a way that Patsy +thought affected, and said in excellent English: + +"It delights me to meet Mr. Merrick and the young ladies. May I express +a hope that you are pleased with my beautiful country?" + +"Are you Italian?" asked Uncle John, regarding the young man critically. + +"Surely, Mr. Merrick. But I have resided much in New York, and may well +claim to be an adopted son of your great city." + +"New York adopts a good many," said Uncle John, drily. "It has even been +thoughtless enough to adopt me." + +The dancers entered at that moment and the Americans were forced to seat +themselves hastily so as not to obstruct the view of others. Count +Ferralti found a place beside Louise, but seemed to have little to say +to her during the course of the entertainment. + +The dances were unique and graceful, being executed by a troup of +laughing peasants dressed in native costume, who seemed very proud of +their accomplishment and anxious to please the throng of tourists +present. The Tarantella originated in Ischia, but Sorrento and Capri +have the best dancers. + +Afterward Uncle John and his nieces stood upon the terrace and watched +the volcano rolling its dense clouds, mingled with sparks of red-hot +scoria, toward the sky. The Count clung to Louise's side, but also tried +to make himself agreeable to her cousins. In their rooms that night +Patsy told Beth that the young foreigner was "too highfalutin' to suit +her," and Beth replied that his manners were so like those of their +Cousin Louise that the two ought to get along nicely together. + +Uncle John liked his nieces to make friends, and encouraged young men +generally to meet them; but there was something in the appearance of +this callow Italian nobleman that stamped his character as artificial +and insincere. He resolved to find out something about his antecedents +before he permitted the young fellow to establish friendly relations +with his girls. + +Next morning after breakfast he wandered through the lobby and paused at +the little office, where he discovered that the proprietor of this hotel +was a brother of that Floriano who managed the Hotel du Vesuve. That +gave him an excuse to talk with the man, who spoke very good English and +was exceedingly courteous to his guests--especially when they were +American. + +"I see you have Count Ferralti with you," remarked Uncle John. + +"Whom, sir?" + +"Ferralti--Count Ferralti. The young man standing by the window, +yonder." + +"I--I did not know," he said, hesitatingly. "The gentleman arrived last +evening, and I had not yet learned his name. Let me see," he turned to +his list of guests, who register by card and not in a book, and +continued: "Ah, yes; he has given his name as Ferralti, but added no +title. A count, did you say?" + +"Yes," replied Uncle John. + +The proprietor looked curiously toward the young man, whose back only +was visible. Then he remarked that the eruption of Vesuvius was waning +and the trouble nearly over for this time. + +"Are the Ferraltis a good family?" asked Uncle John, abruptly. + +"That I cannot tell you, Signor Merrick." + +"Oh. Perhaps you know little about the nobility of your country." + +"I! I know little of the nobility!" answered Floriano, indignantly. "My +dear signor, there is no man better posted as to our nobility in all +Italy." + +"Yet you say you don't know the Ferralti family." + +The proprietor reached for a book that lay above his desk. + +"Observe, signor. Here is our record of nobility. It is the same as the +'Blue Book' or the 'Peerage' of England. Either fortunately or +unfortunately--I cannot say--you have no need of such a book in +America." + +He turned the pages and ran his finger down the line of "Fs." + +"Find me, if you can, a Count Ferralti in the list." + +Uncle John looked. He put on his glasses and looked again. The name of +Ferralti was no place in the record. + +"Then there is no such count, Signor Floriano." + +"And no such noble family, Signor Merrick." + +Uncle John whistled softly and walked away to the window. The young man +greeted him with a smile and a bow. + +"I misunderstood your name last evening," he said. "I thought you were +Count Ferralti." + +"And that is right, sir," was the prompt reply. "Allow me to offer you +my card." + +Uncle John took the card and read: + + "CONTE LEONARDI FERRALTI, + Milano, Italia." + +He carefully placed the card in his pocket-book. + +"Thank you," said he. "It's a fine morning, Count." + +"Charming, Mr. Merrick." + +Uncle John walked away. He was glad that he had not suspected the young +man unjustly. When an imposture is unmasked it is no longer dangerous. + +He joined his nieces, who were all busily engaged in writing letters +home, and remarked, casually: + +"You've been deceived in your Italian friend, Louise. He is neither a +count nor of noble family, although I suppose when you met him in New +York he had an object in posing as a titled aristocrat." + +The girl paused, examining the point of her pen thoughtfully. + +"Are you sure, Uncle John?" + +"Quite sure, my dear. I've just been through the list of Italian counts, +and his name is not there. Floriano, the proprietor, who knows every +aristocrat in Italy, has never before heard of him." + +"How singular!" exclaimed Louise. "I wonder why he has tried to deceive +us." + +"Oh, the world is full of impostors; but when you are on to their game +they are quite harmless. Of course we won't encourage this young man in +any way. It will be better to avoid him." + +"He--he seems very nice and gentlemanly," said Louise with hesitation. + +The other girls exchanged glances, but made no remark. Uncle John hardly +knew what to say further. He felt he was in an awkward position, for +Louise was the most experienced in worldly ways of his three nieces and +he had no desire to pose as a stern guardian or to deprive his girls of +any passing pleasure they might enjoy. Moreover, Louise being in love +with that young Weldon her mother so strongly objected to, she would not +be likely to care much for this Italian fellow, and Mrs. Merrick had +enjoined him to keep her daughter's mind from dwelling on her +"entanglement." + +"Oh, well, my dear," he said to her, "you must act as you see fit. I do +not imagine we shall see much of this young man, in any event, and now +that you are well aware of the fact that he is sailing under false +colors, you will know how to handle him better than I can advise you." + +"I shall be very careful," said Louise slowly, as she resumed her +writing. + +"Well then, girls, what do you say to a stroll around the village?" +asked their uncle. "I'm told it's a proper place to buy silk stockings +and inlaid wood-work. They come assorted, I suppose." + +Beth and Patsy jumped up with alacrity, but Louise pleaded that she had +several more letters to write; so the others left her and passed the +rest of the forenoon in rummaging among the quaint shops of Sorrento, +staring at the statue of Tasso, and enjoying the street scenes so +vividly opposed to those of America. It was almost their first glimpse +of foreign manners and customs. In Naples they had as yet seen nothing +but darkness and falling ashes. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE ROAD TO AMALFI + + +The Hotel Victoria faces the bay of Naples. Back of it are the famous +gardens, and as you emerge from these you find yourself upon the narrow +main street of Sorrento, not far from the Square of Tasso. + +As our little party entered this street they were immediately espied by +the vetturini, or cabmen, who rushed toward them with loud cries while +they waved their whips frantically to attract attention. One tall fellow +was dressed in a most imposing uniform of blue and gold, with a high hat +bearing a cockade _a la Inglese_ and shiny top boots. His long legs +enabled him to outstrip the others, and in an almost breathless voice he +begged Uncle John to choose his carriage: "the besta carrozza ina town!" + +"We don't want to ride," was the answer. + +The cabman implored. Certainly they must make the Amalfi drive, or to +Massa Lubrense or Saint' Agata or at least Il Deserto! The others stood +by to listen silently to the discussion, yielding first place to the +victor in the race. + +Uncle John was obdurate. + +"All we want to-day is to see the town," he declared, "We're not going +to ride, but walk." + +"Ah, but the Amalfi road, signore! Surely you will see that." + +"To-morrow, perhaps; not now." + +"To-morrow, signore! It is good. At what hour, to-morrow, +illustrissimo?" + +"Oh, don't bother me." + +"We may as well drive to Amalfi to-morrow," suggested Beth. "It is the +proper thing to do, Uncle." + +"All right; we'll go, then." + +"You take my carrozza, signore?" begged the cabman. "It is besta ina +town." + +"Let us see it." + +Instantly the crowd scampered back to the square, followed more +leisurely by Uncle John and the girls. There the uniformed vetturio +stood beside the one modern carriage in the group. It was new; it was +glossy; it had beautiful, carefully brushed cushions; it was drawn by a +pair of splendid looking horses. + +"Is not bellissima, signore?" asked the man, proudly. + +"All right," announced Uncle John, nodding approval. "Be ready to start +at nine o'clock to-morrow morning." + +The man promised, whereat his confreres lost all interest in the matter +and the strangers were allowed to proceed without further interruption. + +They found out all about the Amalfi drive that evening, and were glad +indeed they had decided to go. Even Louise was pleased at the +arrangement and as eager as the others to make the trip. It is one of +the most famous drives in the world, along a road built upon the rocky +cliff that overhangs the sea and continually winds in and out as it +follows the outlines of the crags. + +They had an early breakfast and were ready at nine o'clock; but when +they came to the gate of the garden they found only a dilapidated +carriage standing before it. + +"Do you know where my rig is?" Uncle John asked the driver, at the same +time peering up and down the road. + +"It is me, sir signore. I am engage by you. Is it not so?" + +Mr. Merrick looked at the driver carefully. It was long-legs, sure +enough, but shorn of his beautiful regalia. + +"Where's your uniform?" he asked. + +"Ah, I have leave it home. The road is dusty, very; I must not ruin a +nice dress when I work," answered the man, smiling unabashed. + +"But the carriage. What has become of the fine carriage and the good +horses, sir?" + +"Ah, it is dreadful; it is horrible, signore. I find me the carrozza is +not easy; it is not perfect; it do not remain good for a long ride. So I +leave him home, for I am kind. I do not wish the signorini bella to tire +and weep. But see the fine vetture you now have! Is he not easy like +feathers, an' strong, an' molto buena?" + +"It may be a bird, but it don't look it," said Uncle John, doubtfully. +"I rented the best looking rig in town, and you bring me the worst." + +"Only try, signore! Others may look; it is only you who must ride. You +will be much please when we return." + +"Well, I suppose we may as well take it," said the little man, in a +resigned tone. "Hop in, my dears." + +They entered the crazy looking vehicle and found the seats ample and +comfortable despite the appearance of dilapidation everywhere prevalent. +The driver mounted the box, cracked his whip, and the lean nags ambled +away at a fair pace. + +They passed near to the square, where the first thing that attracted +Uncle John's attention was the beautiful turnout he had hired yesterday. +It was standing just as it had before, and beside it was another man +dressed in the splendid uniform his driver had claimed that he had left +at home. + +"Here--stop! Stop, I say!" he yelled at the man, angrily. But the fellow +seemed suddenly deaf, and paid no heed. He cracked his whip and rattled +away through the streets without a glance behind him. The girls laughed +and Uncle John stopped waving his arms and settled into his seat with a +groan. + +"We've been swindled, my dears," he said; "swindled most beautifully. +But I suppose we may as well make the best of it." + +"Better," agreed Patsy. "This rig is all right, Uncle. It may not be as +pretty as the other, but I expect that one is only kept to make +engagements with. When it comes to actual use, we don't get it." + +"That's true enough," he returned. "But I'll get even with this rascal +before I've done with him, never fear." + +It was a cold, raw morning, but the portiere at the Victoria had told +them the sun would be out presently and the day become more genial. +Indeed, the sun did come out, but only to give a discouraged look at the +landscape and retire again. During this one day in which they rode to +Amalfi and back, Uncle John afterward declared that they experienced +seven different kinds of weather. They had sunshine, rain, hail, snow +and a tornado; and then rain again and more sunshine. "Sunny Italy" +seemed a misnomer that day, as indeed it does many days in winter and +spring, when the climate is little better than that prevailing in the +eastern and central portions of the United States. And perhaps one +suffers more in Italy than in America, owing to the general lack of +means to keep warm on cold days. The Italian, shivering and blue, will +tell you it is not cold at all, for he will permit no reproach to lie on +his beloved land; but the traveller frequently becomes discouraged, and +the American contingent, especially, blames those misleading English +writers who, finding relief from their own bleak island in Italian +climes, exaggerated the conditions by apostrophizing the country as +"Sunny Italy" and for more than a century uttered such rhapsodies in its +praise that the whole world credited them--until it acquired personal +experience of the matter. + +Italy is beautiful; it is charming and delightful; but seldom is this +true in winter or early spring. + +The horses went along at a spanking pace that was astonishing. They +passed through the picturesque lanes of Sorrento, climbed the further +slope, and brought the carriage to the other side of the peninsula, +where the girls obtained their first view of the Gulf of Salerno, with +the lovely Isles of the Sirens lying just beneath them. + +And now they were on the great road that skirts the coast as far as +Salerno, and has no duplicate in all the known world. For it is cut from +the solid rock of precipitous cliffs rising straight from the sea, which +the highway overhangs at an average height of five hundred feet, the +traveller being protected only by a low stone parapet from the vast gulf +that yawns beneath. And on the other side of the road the cliffs +continue to ascend a like distance toward the sky, their irregular +surfaces dotted with wonderful houses that cling to the slopes, and +vineyards that look as though they might slip down at any moment upon +the heads of timorous pilgrims. + +When it rained they put up the carriage top, which afforded but partial +shelter. The shower was brief, but was shortly followed by hail as big +as peas, which threatened to dash in the frail roof of their _carrozza_. +While they shrank huddled beneath the blankets, the sun came out +suddenly, and the driver shed his leathern apron, cracked his whip, and +began singing merrily as the vehicle rolled over the smooth road. + +Our travellers breathed again, and prepared to enjoy once more the +wonderful vistas that were unfolded at every turn of the winding way. +Sometimes they skirted a little cove where, hundreds of feet below, the +fishermen sat before their tiny huts busily mending their nets. From +that distance the boats drawn upon the sheltered beach seemed like mere +toys. Then they would span a chasm on a narrow stone bridge, or plunge +through an arch dividing the solid mountain. But ever the road returned +in a brief space to the edge of the sea-cliff, and everywhere it was +solid as the hills themselves, and seemingly as secure. + +They had just sighted the ancient town of Positano and were circling a +gigantic point of rock, when the great adventure of the day overtook +them. Without warning the wind came whistling around them in a great +gale, which speedily increased in fury until it drove the blinded horses +reeling against the low parapet and pushed upon the carriage as if +determined to dash it over the precipice. + +As it collided against the stone wall the vehicle tipped dangerously, +hurling the driver from his seat to dive headforemost into the space +beneath. But the man clung to the reins desperately, and they arrested +his fall, leaving him dangling at the end of them while the maddened +horses, jerked at the bits by the weight of the man, reared and plunged +as if they would in any instant tumble themselves and the carriage over +the cliff. + +At this critical moment a mounted horseman, who unobserved had been +following the party, dashed to their rescue. The rider caught the +plunging steeds by their heads and tried to restrain their terror, at +his own eminent peril, while the carriage lay wedged against the wall +and the driver screamed pitifully from his dangerous position midway +between sea and sky. + +Then Beth slipped from her seat to the flat top of the parapet, stepped +boldly to where the reins were pulling upon the terrified horses, and +seized them in her strong grasp. + +"Hold fast," she called calmly to the driver, and began dragging him +upward, inch by inch. + +He understood instantly the task she had undertaken, and in a moment his +courage returned and he managed to get his foot in a crack of the rock +and assist her by relieving her of part of his weight. Just above was a +slight ledge; he could reach it now; and then she had him by the arm, so +that another instant found him clinging to the parapet and drawing +himself into a position of safety. + +The wind had died away as suddenly as it came upon them. The horses, as +soon as the strain upon their bits was relaxed, were easily quieted. +Before those in the carriage had quite realized what had occurred the +adventure was accomplished, the peril was past, and all was well again. + +Uncle John leaped from the carriage, followed by Louise and Patsy. The +young horseman who had come to their assistance so opportunely was none +other than Count Ferralti, whom they had such good reason to distrust. +He was sitting upon his horse and staring with amazement at Beth, at +whose feet the driver was grovelling while tears flowed down his bronzed +cheeks and he protested in an absurd mixture of English and Italian, by +every saint in the calendar, that the girl had saved him from a +frightful death and he would devote his future life to her service. + +"It is wonderful!" murmured Ferralti. "However could such a slip of a +girl do so great a deed?" + +"Why, it's nothing at all," returned Beth, flushing; "we're trained to +do such things in the gymnasium at Cloverton, and I'm much stronger than +I appear to be." + +"'Twas her head, mostly," said Patsy, giving her cousin an admiring hug; +"she kept her wits while the rest of us were scared to death." + +Uncle John had been observing the Count. One of the young man's hands +hung limp and helpless. + +"Are you hurt, sir?" he asked. + +Ferralti smiled, and his eyes rested upon Louise. + +"A little, perhaps, Mr. Merrick; but it is unimportant. The horses were +frantic at the time and wrenched my wrist viciously as I tried to hold +them. I felt something snap; a small bone, perhaps. But I am sure it is +nothing of moment." + +"We'd better get back to Sorrento," said Uncle John, abruptly. + +"Not on my account, I beg of you," returned Ferralti, quickly. "We are +half way to Amalfi now, and you may as well go on. For my part, if the +wrist troubles me, I will see a surgeon at Amalfi--that is, if you +permit me to accompany you." + +He said this with a defferent bow and a glance of inquiry. + +Uncle John could not well refuse. The young fellow might be a sham +count, but the manliness and courage he had displayed in their grave +emergency surely entitled him to their grateful consideration. + +"You are quite welcome to join us," said Uncle John. + +The driver had by now repaired a broken strap and found his equippage +otherwise uninjured. + +The horses stood meekly quiescent, as if they had never known a moment's +fear in their lives. So the girls and their uncle climbed into the +vehicle again and the driver mounted the box and cracked his whip with +his usual vigor. + +The wind had subsided as suddenly as it had arisen, and as they passed +through Positano--which is four hundred feet high, the houses all up and +down the side of a cliff like swallows' nests--big flakes of snow were +gently falling around them. + +Count Ferralti rode at the side of the carriage but did not attempt much +conversation. His lips were tight set and the girls, slyly observing his +face, were sure his wrist was hurting him much more than he cared to +acknowledge. + +Circling around the cliff beyond Positano the sun greeted them, shining +from out a blue sky, and they wondered what had become of the bad +weather they had so lately experienced. + +From now on, past Prajano and into Amalfi, the day was brilliant and the +temperature delightful. It was full noon by the time they alighted at +the little gate-house of the ancient Cappuccini-Convento, now a hotel +much favored by the tourist. Count Ferralti promised to join them later +and rode on to the town to find a surgeon to look after his injured +hand, while the others slowly mounted the long inclines leading in a +zigzag fashion up to the old monastery, which was founded in the year +1212. + +From the arbored veranda of this charming retreat is obtained one of the +finest views in Europe, and while the girls sat enjoying it Uncle John +arranged with a pleasant faced woman (who had once lived in America) for +their luncheon. + +An hour later, and just as they were sitting down to the meal, Count +Ferralti rejoined them. His hand was bandaged and supported by a sling, +and in answer to Louise's gentle inquiries he said, simply: + +"It was as I had feared: a small bone snapped. But my surgeon is +skillful, and says time will mend the wrist as good as new." + +In spite of his courage he could eat no luncheon, but merely sipped a +glass of wine; so Uncle John, alarmed at his pallor, insisted that he +take a seat in the carriage on the return journey. Beth wanted to ride +the Count's horse home, but there was no side saddle to be had, so they +led the animal by a halter fastened behind the ricketty carriage, and +Beth mounted the box and rode beside her friend the driver. + +The pleasant weather lasted until they neared Sorrento, when another +shower of rain came up. They reached their hotel damp and bedraggled, +but enthusiastic over their wonderful trip and the interesting adventure +it had incidentally developed. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE EAGLE SCREAMS + + +Despite the glories of the Amalfi road our tourists decided it was more +pleasant to loiter around Sorrento for a time than to undertake further +excursions. The mornings and evenings were chill, but during the middle +of the day the air was warm and delicious; so the girls carried their +books and fancy-work into the beautiful gardens or wandered lazily +through the high-walled lanes that shut in the villas and orange groves. +Sometimes they found a gate open, and were welcomed to the orchards and +permitted to pluck freely the fragrant and rich flavored fruit, which is +excelled in no other section of the south country. Also Uncle John, with +Beth and Patsy, frequented the shops of the wood-workers and watched +their delicate and busy fingers inlaying the various colored woods; but +Louise mostly kept to the garden, where Count Ferralti, being a +semi-invalid, was content to sit by her side and amuse her. + +In spite of her uncle's discovery of the false position assumed by this +young man, Louise seemed to like his attentions and to approve his +evident admiration for her. His ways might be affected and effeminate +and his conversational powers indifferent; but his bandaged wrist was a +constant reminder to all the nieces that he possessed courage and ready +wit, and it was but natural that he became more interesting to them +because just now he was to an extent helpless, and his crippled hand had +been acquired in their service. + +Uncle John watched the young fellow shrewdly, but could discover little +harm in him except his attempt to deceive them in regard to his name and +position. Yet in his mature eyes there was not much about Ferralti to +arouse admiration, and the little man considered his girls too sensible +to be greatly impressed by this youthful Italian's personality. So he +allowed him to sit with his nieces in the gardens as much as he +pleased, believing it would be ungrateful to deprive the count of that +harmless recreation. + +"A reg'lar chaperone might think differently," he reflected; "but thank +goodness there are no dragons swimming in our cup of happiness." + +One day they devoted to Capri and the Blue Grotto, and afterward they +lunched at the Quisisana and passed the afternoon in the town. But the +charms of Sorrento were too great for Capri to win their allegiance, and +they were glad to get back to their quaint town and delightful gardens +again. + +The week passed all too swiftly, and then came a letter from Colonel +Angeli telling them to return to Naples and witness the results of the +eruption. This they decided to do, and bidding good-bye to Signor +Floriano and his excellent hotel they steamed across the bay and found +the "Vesuve" a vastly different hostelry from the dismal place they had +left in their flight from Naples. It was now teeming with life, for, all +danger being past, the tourists had flocked to the city in droves. The +town was still covered with ashes, but under the brilliant sunshine it +did not look as gloomy as one might imagine, and already thousands of +carts were busily gathering the dust from the streets and dumping it in +the waters of the bay. It would require months of hard work, though, +before Naples could regain a semblance of its former beauty. + +Their friend the Colonel personally accompanied them to the towns that +had suffered the most from the eruption. At Boscatrecasa they walked +over the great beds of lava that had demolished the town--banks of +cinders looking like lumps of pumice stone and massed from twenty to +thirty feet in thickness throughout the valley. The lava was still so +hot that it was liable to blister the soles of their feet unless they +kept constantly moving. It would be many more days before the interior +of the mass became cold. + +Through the forlorn, dust-covered vineyards they drove to San Guiseppe, +where a church roof had fallen in and killed one hundred and forty +people, maiming many more. The Red-Cross tents were pitched in the +streets and the whole town was one vast hospital. Ottajano, a little +nearer to the volcano, had been buried in scoria, and nine-tenths of +the roofs had fallen in, rendering the dwellings untenable. + +From here a clear view of Mt. Vesuvius could be obtained. The shape of +the mountain had greatly altered and the cone had lost sixty-five feet +of its altitude. But when one gazed upon the enormous bulk of volcanic +deposit that littered the country for miles around, it seemed to equal a +dozen mountains the size of Vesuvius. The marvel was that so much ashes +and cinders could come from a single crater in so short a period. + +Naples was cleaning house, but slowly and listlessly. The people seemed +as cheerful and light-hearted as ever. The volcano was one of their +crosses, and they bore it patiently. The theatres would remain closed +for some weeks to come, but the great Museo Nationale was open, and +Uncle John and his nieces were much interested in the bronze and marble +statuary that here form the greatest single collection in all the world. + +It was at the Museum that Mr. Merrick was arrested for the first time +in his life, an experience he never afterward forgot. + +Bad money is so common in Naples that Uncle John never accepted any +change from anyone, but obtained all his silver coins and notes directly +from the Banca Commerciale Italiana, a government institution. One +morning he drove with the girls to the museum and paid the cabman a +lira, but before he could ascend the steps the man was after him and +holding out a leaden coin, claiming that his fare had given him bad +money and must exchange it for good. This is so common a method of +swindling that Uncle John paid no heed to the demands of the cabman +until one of the Guard Municipale, in his uniform of dark blue with +yellow buttons and cap, placed a restraining hand upon the American's +shoulder. + +Uncle John angrily shook him off, but the man persisted, and an +interpreter employed by the museum stepped forward and explained that +unless the cabman was given a good coin in exchange for the bad one the +guarde would be obliged to take him before a commissionaire, or +magistrate. + +"But I gave him a good coin--a lira direct from the bank," declared +Uncle John. + +"He exhibits a bad one," returned the interpreter, calmly. + +"He's a swindler!" + +"He is a citizen of Naples, and entitled to a just payment," said the +other, shrugging his shoulders. + +"You are all leagued together," said Uncle John, indignantly. "But you +will get no more money out of me, I promise you." + +The result was that the stubborn American was placed under arrest. +Leaving the girls at the museum in charge of Ferralti, who had made no +attempt to interfere in the dispute but implored Uncle John to pay and +avoid trouble, the angry prisoner was placed in the same cab he had +arrived in and, with the officer seated beside him, was publicly driven +to the office of the magistrate. + +This official understood no English, but he glowered and frowned +fiercely when the American was brought before him. The guarde and the +cabman stood with bared bowed heads and in low tones preferred the +charge against the prisoner; but Uncle John swaggered up to the desk and +pounded his clinched fist upon it while he roared a defiance of Italian +injustice and threatened to "bring over a few war-ships and blow Naples +into kingdom come!" + +The magistrate was startled, and ordered the prisoner searched for +concealed weapons. Uncle John doubled his fists and dared the guarde to +touch him. + +Then the cabman was dispatched for someone who could speak English, and +when an interpreter arrived the American told him to send for the United +States consul and also to inform the magistrate that nothing but war +between America and Italy could wipe out the affront that had been +thrust upon him. + +The magistrate was disturbed, and preferred not to send for the consul. +He offered to release Uncle John if he would give the cabman a good lira +in exchange for the bad one. The official fee would be five lira--or say +three lira--or even two. Uncle John flatly refused to pay anything to +anybody. Only war could settle this international complication--bloody +and bitter war. The consul must cable at once for war-ships and troops. +He would insist upon it. All compromise was now impossible! + +The magistrate was frightened. The guarde's eyes bulged with horror and +he trembled visibly. It was evident they had made a grave mistake in +arresting this mad American, who was evidently a personage of great +importance and able to declare war at a moment's notice. The cabman, the +magistrate, the guarde and the interpreter put their heads together and +chattered voluble Italian--all speaking at once in excited tones--while +Uncle John continued to warn them at the top of his lungs that their +country was doomed to sudden annihilation and they were the culprits +responsible for the coming calamity. + +As a result they bundled the irate American into the carriage again and +drove him poste haste back to the museum, where they deposited him upon +the steps. Then in a flash the guarde and the cabman disappeared from +sight and were seen no more. + +The victor smiled proudly as his nieces rushed toward him. + +"Did you have to pay another lira, Uncle?" asked Patsy, anxiously. + +"Not on your life, my dear," mopping his brow vigorously. "They're a lot +of cutthroats and assassins--policemen, magistrates and all--but when +the eagle screams they're wise enough to duck." + +The girls laughed. + +"And did the eagle scream, then?" Patsy enquired. + +"Just a little, my dear; but if it whispered it would sound mighty loud +in this mummified old world. But we've lost enough time for one day. +Come; let's go see 'Narcissus' and the 'Dancing Faun.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +MOVING ON + + +"Here's a letter from my dear old friend Silas Watson," said Uncle John, +delightedly. "It's from Palermo, where he has been staying with his +ward--and your friend, girls--Kenneth Forbes, and he wants me to lug you +all over to Sicily at once." + +"That's jolly," said Patsy, with a bright smile. "I'd like to see +Kenneth again." + +"I suppose he is a great artist, by this time," said Beth, musingly. + +"How singular!" exclaimed Louise. "Count Ferralti told me only this +morning that he had decided to go to Palermo." + +"Really?" said Uncle John. + +"Yes, Uncle. Isn't it a coincidence?" + +"Why, as for that," he answered, slowly, "I'm afraid it will prevent our +seeing the dear count--or whatever he is--again, at least for some +time. For Mr. Watson and Kenneth are just leaving Palermo, and he asks +us to meet him in another place altogether, a town called--called--let +me see; Tormenti, or Terminal, or something." + +"Give me the letter, dear," said Patsy. "I don't believe it's Terminal +at all. Of course not," consulting the pages, "it's Taormina." + +"Is that in Sicily?" he asked. + +"Yes. Listen to what Mr. Watson says: 'I'm told it is the most beautiful +spot in the world, which is the same thing you hear about most beautiful +places. It is eight hundred feet above the Mediterranean and nestles +peacefully in the shadow of Mount Etna.'" + +"Etna!" cried Uncle John, with a start. "Isn't that another volcano?" + +"To be sure," said Beth, the geographer. "Etna is the biggest volcano in +the world." + +"Does it spout?" he asked, anxiously. + +"All the time, they say. But it is not usually dangerous." + +"The proper thing, when you go to Eu-rope," declared Uncle John, +positively, "is to do Venice, where the turpentine comes from, and +Switzerland, where they make chocolate and goat's milk, and Paris and +Monte Carlo, where they kick high and melt pearls in champagne. +Everybody knows that. That's what goin' to Eu-rope really means. But +Sicily isn't on the programme, that I ever heard of. So we'll just tell +Silas Watson that we'll see him later--which means when we get home +again." + +"But Sicily is beautiful," protested Patsy. "I'd as soon go there as +anywhere." + +"It's a very romantic place," added Louise, reflectively. + +"Everybody goes to France and Switzerland," remarked Beth. "But it's +because they don't know any better. Let's be original, Uncle, and keep +out of the beaten track of travel." + +"But the volcano!" exclaimed Mr. Merrick. "Is it necessary to stick to +volcanoes to be original?" + +"Etna won't hurt us, I'm sure," said Patsy. + +"Isn't there a Greek theatre at Taormina?" asked Louise. + +"I've never heard of it; but I suppose the Greeks have, if it's there," +he replied. "But why not wait till we get home, and then go to Kieth's +or Hammerstein's?" + +"You don't understand, dear. This theatre is very ancient." + +"Playing minstrel shows in it yet, I suppose. Well, girls, if you say +Sicily, Sicily it is. All I'm after is to give you a good time, and if +you get the volcano habit it isn't my fault." + +"It is possible the Count said Taormina, instead of Palermo," remarked +Louise, plaintively. "I wasn't paying much attention at the time. I'll +ask him." + +The others ignored this suggestion. Said Patsy to her uncle: + +"When do we go, sir?" + +"Whenever you like, my dears." + +"Then I vote to move on at once," decided the girl. "We've got the best +out of Naples, and it's pretty grimey here yet." + +The other nieces agreed with her, so Uncle John went out to enquire the +best way to get to Sicily, and to make their arrangements. + +The steamer "Victor Emmanuel" of the Navigazione General Italiana line +was due to leave Naples for Messina the next evening, arriving at its +destination the following morning. Uncle John promptly booked places. +The intervening day was spent in packing and preparing for the journey, +and like all travellers the girls were full of eager excitement at the +prospect of seeing something new. + +"I'm told Sicily is an island," grumbled Uncle John. "Here we are, on a +trip to Eu-rope, and emigrating to an island the first thing we do." + +"Sicily is Europe, all right, Uncle," answered Patsy. "At least, it +isn't Asia or Africa." + +That assertion seemed to console him a little, and he grew cheerful +again. + +The evening was beautiful as they embarked, but soon after leaving the +bay the little, tub-shaped steamer began to tumble and toss vigorously, +so that all the passengers aboard speedily sought their berths. + +Uncle John found himself in a stuffy little cabin that smelled of tar +and various other flavors that were too mixed to be recognizable. As a +result he passed one of the most miserable nights of his life. + +Toward morning he rolled out and dressed himself, preferring the deck to +his bed, and the first breath of salt air did much to restore him. Day +was just breaking, and to the right he could see a tongue of fire +flaming against the dark sky. + +"What is that, sir?" he enquired of an officer who passed. + +"That is Stromboli, signor, the great volcano of Lipari. It is always in +eruption." + +Uncle John groaned. + +"Volcanoes to right of us, volcanoes to left of us volleyed and +thundered," he muttered dismally, as he fell back in his chair. + +The sky brightened, and the breath of the breeze changed and came to him +laden with delicious fragrance. + +"See, signore!" called the officer, passing again; "before us is mighty +Etna--you can see it clearly from the bow." + +"Volcanoes in front of us, volcanoes behind us!" wailed the little man. +But he walked to the bow and saw the shores of Sicily looming in +advance, with the outline of the stately mountain rising above and +dominating it. + +Then the sun burst forth, flooding all with a golden radiance that was +magical in its gorgeous effects. Patsy came on deck and stood beside her +uncle, lost in rapturous admiration. Beth soon followed her. + +Before long they entered the Straits of Messina and passed between the +classic rock of Scylla on the Calabrian coast, and the whirlpool of +Charybdis at the point of the promontory of Faro, which forms the end of +the famous "Golden Sickle" enclosing the Bay of Messina. + +"If this is really Eu-rope, I'm glad we came," said Uncle John, drawing +a long breath as the ship came to anchor opposite the Palazzo +Municipale. "I don't remember seeing anything prettier since we left New +York." + +Presently they had loaded their trunks and hand baggage, and +incidentally themselves, into the boat of the Hotel Trinacria which came +alongside in charge of a sleepy porter. After a brief examination at the +custom-house, where Uncle John denied having either sugar, tobacco or +perfumery, they followed on foot the truck laden with their worldly +possessions, and soon reached the hotel. + +A pleasant breakfast followed, which they ate before a window +overlooking the busy marina, and then they drove about the town for a +time to see in a casual way the "sights." In the afternoon they took the +train for Taormina. Messina seemed a delightful place, but if they were +going to settle in Taormina for a time it would not pay them to unpack +or linger on the way. + +So they rolled along the coast for a couple of hours in a quaint, +old-fashioned railway carriage, and were then deposited upon the +platform of the little station at Giardini. + +"I'm afraid there has been a mistake," said the little man, gazing +around him anxiously. "There's no town here, and I told the guard to put +us off at Taormina--not this forlorn place." + +Just then Beth discovered a line of carriages drawn up back of the +station. The drivers were mostly asleep inside them, although several +stood in a group arguing in fluent Italian the grave question as to +whether Signora Gani's cow had a black patch over its left shoulder, or +not. + +Some of the carriages bore signs: "Hotel Timeo;" "Grand Hotel San +Domenico;" "Hotel Castello-a-Mare;" "Grand Hotel Metropole," and so +forth. In that of the Castello-a-Mare the man was awakening and rubbing +his eyes. Uncle John said to him: + +"Good morning. Had a nice rest?" + +"I thank you, signore, I am well refreshed," was the reply. + +"By the way, can you tell us where the town of Taormina is? I hate to +trouble you; but we'd like to know." + +The man waved an arm upward, and following the motion with their eyes +they saw a line of precipitous cliffs that seemed impossible to scale. + +"Do you desire to go to the Grand Hotel Castello-a-Mare?" enquired the +driver, politely. + +"Is it in Taormina?" + +"Most certainly, signore." + +"And you will take us?" + +"With pleasure, signore." + +"Oh; I didn't know. I supposed you were going to sleep again." + +The man looked at him reproachfully. + +"It is my business, signore. I am very attentive to my duties. If you +permit me to drive you to our splendide--our magnifico hotel--you will +confer a favor." + +"How about the baggage?" + +"The trunks, signor, we will send for later. There is really no hurry +about them. The small baggage will accompany us. You will remark how +excellent is my English. I am Frascatti Vietri; perhaps you have heard +of me in America?" + +"If I have it has escaped my memory," said Uncle John, gravely. + +"Have you been to America?" asked Beth. + +"Surely, signorina. I lived in Chicago, which, as you are aware, is +America. My uncle had a fruit shop in South Water, a via which is +Chicago. Is it not so? You will find few in Taormina who can the English +speak, and none at all who can so perfectly speak it as Frascatti +Vietri." + +"You are wonderful," said Patsy, delighted with him. But Uncle John +grew impatient to be off. + +"I hate to interrupt you, Mr. Vietri," he hinted; "but if you can spare +the time we may as well make a start." + +The driver consented. He gracefully swung the suit-cases and travelling +bags to the top of the vehicle and held the door open while his fares +entered. Then he mounted to his seat, took the reins, and spoke to the +horses. Some of the other drivers nodded at him cheerfully, but more as +if they were sorry he must exert himself than with any resentment at his +success in getting the only tourists who had alighted from the train. + +As they moved away Uncle John said: "Observe the difference between the +cab-drivers here and those at home. In America they fight like beasts to +get a job; here they seem anxious to avoid earning an honest penny. If +there could be a happy medium somewhere, I'd like it." + +"Are we going to the best hotel?" asked Louise, who had seemed a trifle +disconsolate because she had not seen Count Ferralti since leaving +Naples. + +"I don't know, my dear. It wasn't a question of choice, but of +necessity. No other hotel seemed willing to receive us." + +They were now winding upward over a wonderful road cut in the solid +rock. It was broad and smooth and protected by a parapet of dressed +limestone. Now and then they passed pleasant villas set in orchards of +golden oranges or groves of olives and almonds; but there was no sign of +life on any side. + +The road was zigzag, making a long ascent across the face of the cape, +then turning abruptly to wind back again, but always creeping upward +until an open space showed the station far below and a rambling stone +building at the edge of the cliff far above. + +"Behold!" cried Frascatti, pointing up, "the Grand Hotel +Castello-a-Mare; is it not the excellenza location?" + +"Has it a roof?" asked Uncle John, critically. + +"Of a certainty, signore! But it does not show from below," was the +grave reply. + +At times Frascatti stopped his horses to allow them to rest, and then he +would turn in his seat to address his passengers in the open victoria +and descant upon the beauties of the panorama each turn unfolded. + +"This road is new," said he, "because we are very progressive and the +old road was most difficulty. Then it was three hours from the bottom to +the top. Now it is but a short hour, for our energy climbs the three +miles in that brief time. Shall I stop here for the sunset, or will your +excellenzi hasten on?" + +"If your energy approves, we will hasten," returned Uncle John. "We love +a sunset, because it's bound to set anyway, and we may as well make the +best of it; but we have likewise an objection to being out after dark. +Any brigands around here?" + +"Brigands! Ah; the signor is merry. Never, since the days of Naxos, have +brigands infested our fair country." + +"When were the days of Naxos?" + +"Some centuries before Christ, signor," bowing his head and making the +sign of the cross. + +"Very good. The brigands of those days must, of course, be dead by this +time. Now, sir, when you have leisure, let us hasten." + +The horses started and crept slowly upward again. None of the party was +in a hurry. Such beautiful glimpses of scenery were constantly visible +from the bends of the road that the girls were enraptured, and could +have ridden for hours in this glorious fairyland. + +But suddenly the horses broke into a trot and dragged the carriage +rapidly forward over the last incline. A moment later they dashed into +the court of the hotel and the driver with a loud cry of "Oo-ah!" and a +crack of his whip drew up before the entrance. + +The portiere and the padrone, or landlord--the latter being also the +proprietaire--came out to greet them, extending to their guests a +courteous welcome. The house was very full. All of the cheaper rooms +were taken; but of course the Signor Americain would wish only the best +and be glad to pay. + +Uncle John requested them to rob him as modestly as possible without +conflicting with their sense of duty, and they assured him they would do +so. + +The rooms were adorable. They faced the sea and had little balconies +that gave one a view of the blue Mediterranean far beneath, with lovely +Isola Bella and the Capo San Andrea nestling on its bosom. To the right +towered the majestic peak of Etna, its crest just now golden red in the +dying sunset. + +The girls drew in deep breaths and stood silent in a very ecstacy of +delight. At their feet was a terraced garden, running downward two +hundred feet to where the crag fell sheer to the sea. It was glorious +with blooming flowers of every sort that grows, and the people on the +balconies imagined at the moment they had been transferred to an earthly +paradise too fair and sweet for ordinary mortals. And then the glow of +the sun faded softly and twilight took its place. Far down the winding +road could be seen the train of carriages returning from the station, +the vetturini singing their native songs as the horses slowly ascended +the slope. An unseen organ somewhere in the distance ground out a +Neapolitan folk song, and fresh and youthful voices sang a clear, high +toned accompaniment. + +Even practical Uncle John stood absorbed and admiring until the soft +voice of the facchino called to ask if he wanted hot water in which to +bathe before dinner. + +"It's no use," said Patsy, smiling at him from the next balcony with +tears in her eyes; "There's not another Taormina on earth. Here we are, +and here we stay until we have to go home again." + +"But, my dear, think of Paris, of Venice, of--" + +"I'll think of nothing but this, Uncle John. Unless you settle down with +us here I'll turn milkmaid and live all my days in Sicily!" + +Beth laughed, and drew her into their room. + +"Don't be silly, Patsy dear," she said, calmly, although almost as +greatly affected as her cousin. "There are no cows here, so you can't be +a milkmaid." + +"Can't I milk the goats, then?" + +"Why, the men seem to do that, dear. But cheer up. We've only seen the +romance of Taormina yet; doubtless it will be commonplace enough +to-morrow." + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +IL DUCA + + +Beth's prediction, however, did not come true. The morning discovered +nothing commonplace about Taormina. Their hotel was outside the walls, +but a brief walk took them to the Messina Gate, a quaint archway through +which they passed into the narrow streets of one of the oldest towns in +Sicily. Doorways and windows of Saracen or Norman construction faced +them on every side, and every inch of the ancient buildings was +picturesque and charming. + +Some of the houses had been turned into shops, mostly for the sale of +curios. Uncle John and his nieces had scarcely passed a hundred yards +into the town when one of these shops arrested their attention. It was +full of antique jewelry, antique furniture, antique laces and antique +pottery--all of the most fascinating description. The jewelry was +tarnished and broken, the lace had holes in it and the furniture was +decrepit and unsteady; but the proprietor cared nothing for such +defects. All was very old, and he knew the tourist was eager to buy. So +he scattered his wares inside and outside his salesroom, much as the +spider spreads his web for the unwary, and waited for the inevitable +tourist with a desire to acquire something ancient and useless. + +The girls could not be induced to pass the shop. They entered the +square, low room and flooded the shopman with eager questions. +Notwithstanding Frascatti's assertion that few in Taormina could speak +English, this man was quite intelligible and fixed his prices according +to the impression his wares made upon the artistic sense of the young +American ladies. + +It was while they were intently inspecting some laces that the +proprietor suddenly paused in his chatter, removed his hat and bowed +almost to the floor, his face assuming at the same time a serious and +most humble expression. + +Turning around they saw standing outside the door a man whom they +recognized at once as their fellow passenger aboard the "Princess +Irene." + +"Oh, Signor Valdi!" cried Patsy, running toward him, "how strange to +find you again in this out-of-the-way place." + +The Italian frowned, but in a dignified manner took the hand of all +three girls in turn and then bowed a greeting to Mr. Merrick. + +Uncle John thought the fellow had improved in appearance. Instead of the +flannel shirt and Prince Albert coat he had affected on shipboard he now +wore a native costume of faded velvet, while a cloak of thin but +voluminous cloth swung from his shoulders, and a soft felt hat shaded +his dark eyes. + +His appearance was entirely in keeping with the place, and the American +noticed that the villagers who passed doffed their hats most +respectfully to this seemingly well-known individual. But mingled with +their polite deference was a shyness half fearful, and none stopped to +speak but hurried silently on. + +"And how do we happen to find you here, Signor Valdi?" Patsy was +saying. "Do you live in Taormina?" + +"I am of this district, but not of Taormina," he replied. "It is chance +that you see me here. Eh, Signor Bruggi, is it not so?" casting one of +his characteristic fierce glances at the shopkeeper. + +"It is so, your excellency." + +"But I am glad you have come to the shadow of Etna," he continued, +addressing the Americans with slow deliberation. "Here the grandeur of +the world centers, and life keeps time with Nature. You will like it? +You will stay?" + +"Oh, for a time, anyway," said Patsy. + +"We expect to meet some friends here," explained Uncle John. "They are +coming down from Palermo, but must have been delayed somewhere on the +way." + +"Who are they?" asked Valdi, brusquely. + +"Americans, of course; Silas Watson and Kenneth Forbes. Do you know of +them?" + +"No," said the other. He cast an uneasy glance up and down the street. +"I will meet you again, signorini," he added. "Which is your hotel?" + +"The Castello-a-Mare. It is delightful," said Beth. + +He nodded, as if pleased. Then, folding his cloak about him, he murmured +"adios!" and stalked away without another word or look. + +"Queer fellow," remarked Uncle John. + +The shopkeeper drew a long breath and seemed relieved. + +"Il Duca is unusual, signore," he replied. + +"Duke!" cried the girls, in one voice. + +The man seemed startled. + +"I--I thought you knew him; you seemed friends," he stammered. + +"We met Signor Valdi on shipboard," said Uncle John. + +"Valdi? Ah, yes; of course; the duke has been to America." + +"Isn't his name Valdi?" asked Beth, looking the man straight in the +eyes. "Has he another name here, where he lives?" + +The shopman hesitated. + +"Who knows?" was the evasive reply. "Il Duca has many names, but we do +not speak them. When it is necessary to mention him we use his +title--the duke." + +"Why?" asked the girl. + +"Why, signorina? Why? Perhaps because he does not like to be talked +about. Yes; that is it, I am sure." + +"Where does he live?" asked Patsy. + +The man seemed uneasy under so much questioning. + +"Somewhere in the mountains," he said, briefly. "His estates are there. +He is said to be very rich and powerful. I know nothing more, +signorini." + +Realizing that little additional information could be gleaned from this +source they soon left the shop and wandered into the Piazzo Vittorio +Emanuele, and from thence by the narrow lane to the famous Teatro Greco. + +For a time they admired this fascinating ruin, which has the best +preserved stage of any Greek theatre now in existence. From the top of +the hill is one of the most magnificent views in Sicily, and here our +travellers sat in contemplative awe until Uncle John declared it was +time to return to their hotel for luncheon. + +As they passed the portiere's desk Mr. Merrick paused to ask that +important official: + +"Tell me, if you please, who is Signor Victor Valdi?" + +"Valdi, signore?" + +"Yes; the Duke di Valdi, I suppose you call him." + +"I have never heard of him," replied the man. + +"But every one seems to know him in Taormina." + +"Is it so? We have but one duke near to us, and he--. But never mind. I +do not know this Valdi." + +"A thin faced man, with black eyes. We met him on the steamer coming +from America." + +The portiere dropped his eyes and turned toward his desk. + +"Luncheon is served, signore," he remarked. "Also, here is a letter for +you, which arrived this morning." + +Uncle John took the letter and walked on to rejoin the girls. + +"It seems hard work to find out anything about this Valdi," he said. +"Either the folks here do not know him, or they won't acknowledge his +acquaintance. We may as well follow suit, and avoid him." + +"I don't like his looks a bit," observed Beth. "He seems afraid and +defiant at the same time, and his temper is dreadful. It was only with +great difficulty he could bring himself to be polite to us." + +"Oh, I always got along with him all right," said Patsy. "I'm sure +Signor Valdi isn't as bad as he appears. And he's a duke, too, girls--a +real duke!" + +"So it seems," Uncle John rejoined; "yet there is something queer about +the fellow, I agree with Beth; I don't like him." + +"Did Mr. Watson say when he would join us here?" enquired Louise, when +they were seated at the little round table. + +"No; but here's a letter from him. I'd quite forgotten it." + +He tore open the envelope and carefully read the enclosure. + +"Too bad," said he. "We might have stayed a few days in Messina. Watson +says he and Kenneth have stopped at Girgenti--wherever that is--to study +the temples. Wonder if they're Solomon's? They won't get to Taormina +before Saturday." + +"It won't matter," declared Patsy, "so long as they arrive then. And I'd +a good deal rather be here than in Messina, or any other place. Of +course we'll all be glad to see Kenneth." + +"Mr. Watson wants us to be very careful while we are in Sicily," +continued Uncle John, referring to the letter. "Listen to this: 'Don't +let the girls wear jewelry in public places, or display their watches +openly; and take care, all of you, not to show much money. If you buy +anything, have it sent to your hotel to be paid for by the hall porter. +And it is wise not to let anyone know who you are or how long you intend +to remain in any one place. This may strike you as an absurd precaution; +but you must remember that you are not in America, but in an isolated +Italian province, where government control is inefficient. The truth is +that the terrible Mafia is still all powerful on this island, and +brigandage is by no means confined to the neighborhood of +Castrogiovanni, as the guide books would have you believe. The people +seem simple and harmless enough, but Kenneth and I always keep our +revolvers handy, and believe it is a reasonable precaution. I don't want +to frighten you, John; merely to warn you. Sicily is full of tourists, +and few are ever molested; but if you are aware of the conditions +underlying the public serenity you are not so liable to run yourself and +your nieces into needless dangers.' How's that for a hair-curler, +girls?" + +"It sounds very romantic," said Louise, smiling. "Mr. Watson is such a +cautious man!" + +"But it's all rubbish about there being danger in Taormina," declared +Patsy, indignantly. "Mr. Watson has been in the wilds of the interior, +which Baedecker admits is infested with brigands. Here everyone smiles +at us in the friendliest way possible." + +"Except the duke," added Beth, with a laugh. + +"Oh, the duke is sour by nature," Patsy answered; "but if there really +was danger, I'm sure he'd protect us, for he lives here and knows the +country." + +"You are sure of a lot of things, dear," said her cousin, smiling. "But +it will do no harm to heed the advice, and be careful." + +They all agreed to that, and Uncle John was glad to remember he had two +brand new revolvers in the bottom of his trunk, which he could use in an +emergency if he could manage to find the cartridges to load them with. + +He got them out next morning, and warned his nieces not to touch the +dangerous things when they entered his room. But Patsy laughed at him, +saying: + +"You are behind the times, Uncle. Beth has carried a revolver ever since +we started." + +"Beth!" he cried, horrified. + +"Just as a precaution," said that young lady, demurely. + +"But you're only a child!" + +"Even so, Uncle, I have been taught to shoot in Cloverton, as a part of +my education. Once I won a medal--think of that! So I brought my pet +revolver along, although I may never have need to use it." + +Uncle John looked thoughtful. + +"It doesn't seem like a girlish accomplishment, exactly," he mused. +"When I was young and went into the West, the times were a bit +unsettled, and I used to carry a popgun myself. But I never shot at a +human being in my life. There were women in the camps that could shoot, +too; but the safest place was always in front of them. If Beth has won a +medal, though, she might hit something." + +"Don't try, Beth," said Louise; "you ought to make a hit without +shooting." + +"Thank you, dear." + +As they left their hotel for a walk they came upon Count Ferralti, who +was standing in the court calmly smoking a cigarette. His right hand was +still in a sling. + +No one was greatly surprised at his appearance, but Uncle John uttered +an exclamation of impatience. It annoyed him that this fellow, whose +antecedents were decidedly cloudy, should be "chasing around" after one +of his nieces, Beth and Patsy smiled at each other significantly as the +young man was discovered, but Louise, with a slight blush, advanced to +greet Ferralti in her usual pleasant and cordial way. + +There was no use resenting the intrusion. They owed a certain +consideration to this boyish Italian for his assistance on the Amalfi +road. But Uncle John almost wished he had left them to escape as best +they might, for the obligation was getting to be decidedly onerous. + +While Ferralti was expressing his astonishment at so "unexpectedly" +meeting again his American friends, Uncle John discovered their English +speaking cocchiere, Frascatti Vietri, lolling half asleep on the box of +his victoria. + +"Would your energy like to drive us this morning?" he asked. + +"It is my duty, signore, if you wish to go," was the reply. + +"Then you are engaged. Come, girls; hop in, if you want to ride." + +The three nieces and Uncle John just filled the victoria. The count was +disconsolate at being so cleverly dropped from the party, but could +only flourish his hat and wish them a pleasant drive. + +They descended the winding road to the coast, where Frascatti took the +highway to Sant' Alessio, a charming drive leading to the Taormina Pass. + +"By the way," Uncle John asked the driver, "do you know of a duke that +lives in this neighborhood?" + +The laughing face of the Sicilian suddenly turned grave. + +"No, signore. There is the Prince di Scaletta; but no duke on this side +the town." + +"But on the other side?" + +"Oh; in the mountains? To be sure there are noblemen there; old estates +almost forgotten in our great civilization of to-day. We are very +progressive in Taormina, signore. There will be a fountain of the ice +cream soda established next summer. Quite metropolitan, _ne c'e_?" + +"Quite. But, tell me, Frascatti, have you a duke in the mountains back +of Taormina?" + +"Signore, I beg you to pay no attention to the foolish stories you may +hear from our peasants. There has been no brigandage here for +centuries. I assure you the country is perfectionly safe--especial if +you stay within the town or take me on your drives. They know me, +signore, and even Il Duca dares not trifle with my friends." + +"Why should he, Frascatti, if there is no brigandage? Is it the Mafia?" + +"Ah, I have heard that Mafia spoken of, but mostly when I lived in +America, which is Chicago. Here we do not know of the Mafia." + +"But you advise us to be careful?" + +"Everywhere, illustrissimo signore, it is well to be what you call the +circumspection. I remember that in the State street of Chicago, which is +America, peaceful citizens were often killed by bandits. Eh, is it not +so?" + +"Quite probable," said Uncle John, soberly. + +"Then, what will you? Are we worse than Americans, that you fear us? +Never mind Il Duca, or the tales they foolishly whisper of him. Here you +may be as safe and happy as in Chicago--which is America." + +He turned to his horses and urged them up a slope. The girls and Uncle +John eyed one another enquiringly. + +"Our duke seems to bear no good reputation," said Beth, in a tone so low +that Frascatti could not overhear. "Everyone fears to speak of him." + +"Singular," said Uncle John, "that Patsy's friend turns out to be a +mystery, even in his own home. I wonder if he is a leader of the Mafia, +or just a common brigand?" + +"In either case," said Patsy, "he will not care to injure us, I am sure. +We all treated him very nicely, and I just made him talk and be +sociable, whether he wanted to or not. That ought to count for something +in our favor. But my opinion is that he's just a gruff old nobleman who +lives in the hills and makes few friends." + +"And hasn't a name, any more than Louise's count has. Is it customary, +my dear, for all Italian noblemen to conceal their identity?" + +"I do not know, Uncle," answered Louise, casting down her eyes. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +UNCLE JOHN DISAPPEARS + + +Uncle John grew to love Taormina. Its wildness and ruggedness somehow +reminded him of the Rockies in the old pioneer days, and he wandered +through all the lanes of the quaint old town until he knew every cornice +and cobblestone familiarly, and the women who sat weaving or mending +before their squalid but picturesque hovels all nodded a greeting to the +cheery little American as he passed by. + +He climbed Malo, too, a high peak crowned by a ruined castle; and also +Mt. Venere, on the plateau of which an ancient city had once stood. His +walking tours did him good, and frequently while the girls lay stretched +upon the grass that lined the theatre enclosure, to idle the time or +read or write enthusiastic letters home, Uncle John, scorning such +laziness, would take his stick and climb mountains, or follow the rough +paths that diverged from the highway just beyond the Catania Gate. + +The tax gatherer whose tiny office was just inside the gate came to know +the little gentleman very well, and although he could speak no English +he would bob his grizzled head and murmur: "_Buon giorno, signore!_" as +the stranger passed out on his daily stroll. + +One afternoon Mr. Merrick went down the hill path leading from the +Castello-a-Mare to Capo di San Andrea, and as he passed around a narrow +ledge of rock came full upon two men seated upon a flat stone. One was +Valdi and the other Ferralti, and they seemed engaged in earnest +conversation when he interrupted them. The Count smiled frankly and +doffed his hat; the Duke frowned grimly, but also nodded. + +Uncle John passed on. The path was wild and little frequented. He felt +in his side pocket and grasped the handle of his revolver; but there was +no attempt to follow or molest him. Nevertheless, when he returned from +the beach he came up the longer winding roadway and was glad of the +company of a ragged goatherd who, having no English, entertained "Il +Signore" by singing ditties as he drove his goats before him. + +The misgivings Uncle John had originally conceived concerning Count +Ferralti returned in full force with this incident; but he resolved to +say nothing of it to his nieces. Silas Watson would be with them in a +couple of days more and he would consult the shrewd lawyer before he +took any decisive action. + +Next morning after breakfast he left his nieces in the garden and said +he would take a walk through the town and along the highway west, toward +Kaggi. + +"I'll be back in an hour or so," he remarked, "for I have some letters +to write and I want them to catch the noon mail." + +So the girls sat on the terrace overlooking the sea and Etna, and +breathed the sweet air and enjoyed the caressing sunshine, until they +noticed the portiere coming hastily toward them. + +"Pardon, signorini," he said, breathlessly, "but it will be to oblige me +greatly if you will tell me where Signor Ferralti is." + +"He is not of our party," answered Patsy, promptly; but Louise looked up +as if startled, and said: "I have been expecting him to join us here." + +"Then you do not know?" exclaimed the portiere, in an anxious tone. + +"Know what, sir?" asked the girl. + +"That Signor Ferralti is gone. He has not been seen by any after last +evening. He did not occupy his room. But worse, far worse, will I break +you the news gently--his baggage is gone with him!" + +"His baggage gone!" echoed Louise, greatly disturbed. "And he did not +tell you? You did not see him go?" + +"Alas, no, signorina. His bill is still unsettled. He possessed two +large travelling cases, which must have been carried out at the side +entrance with stealth most deplorable. The padrone is worried. Signor +Ferralti is American, and Americans seldom treat us wrongfully." + +"Signor Ferralti is Italian," answered Louise, stiffly. + +"The name is Italian, perhaps; but he speaks only the English," declared +the portiere. + +"He is not a rogue, however. Assure your master of that fact. When Mr. +Merrick returns he will settle Count Ferralti's bill." + +"Oh, Louise!" gasped Patsy. + +"I don't understand it in the least," continued Louise, looking at her +cousins as if she were really bewildered. "I left him in the courtyard +last evening to finish his cigar, and he said he would meet us in the +garden after breakfast. I am sure he had no intention of going away. And +for the honor of American travellers his account here must be taken care +of." + +"One thing is singular," observed Beth, calmly. "There has been no train +since last you saw him. If Count Ferralti has left the hotel, where +could he be?" + +The portiere brightened. + +"_Gia s'intende!_" he exclaimed, "he must still be in +Taormina--doubtless at some other hotel." + +"Will you send and find out?" asked Louise. + +"I will go myself, and at once," he answered. "And thank you, +signorina, for the kind assurance regarding the account. It will relieve +the padrone very much." + +He hurried away again, and an uneasy silence fell upon the nieces. + +"Do you care for this young man. Louise?" asked Beth, pointedly, after +the pause had become awkward. + +"He is very attentive and gentlemanly, and I feel you have all wronged +him by your unjust suspicions," she replied, with spirit. + +"That does not answer my question, dear," persisted her cousin. "Are you +especially fond of him?" + +"What right have you to question me in this way, Beth?" + +"No right at all, dear. I am only trying to figure out our doubtful +position in regard to this young man--a stranger to all of us but you." + +"It is really none of our business," observed Patsy, quickly. "We're +just a lot of gossips to be figuring on Count Ferralti at all. And +although this sudden disappearance looks queer, on the face of it, the +gentleman may simply have changed his boarding place." + +"I do not think so," said Louise. "He liked this hotel very much." + +"And he may have liked some of its guests," added Patsy, smiling. "Well, +Uncle John will soon be back, and then we will talk it over with him." + +Uncle John was late. The portiere returned first. He had been to every +hotel in the little town, but none of them had received a guest since +the afternoon train of yesterday. Count Ferralti had disappeared as if +by magic, and no one could account for it. + +Noon arrived, but no Uncle John. The girls became dispirited and +anxious, for the little man was usually very prompt in keeping his +engagements, and always had returned at the set time. + +They waited until the last moment and then entered the _salle a manger_ +and ate their luncheon in gloomy silence, hoping every moment to hear +the sound of their uncle's familiar tread. + +After luncheon they held a hurried consultation and decided to go into +town and search for him. So away they trooped, asking eager questions +in their uncertain Italian but receiving no satisfactory reply until +they reached the little office of the tax gatherer at the Catania Gate. + +"_Ah, si, signorini mia_," he answered, cheerfully, "_il poco signore +passato da stamattini._" + +But he had not returned? + +Not yet. + +They looked at one another blankly. + +"See here," said Patsy; "Uncle John must have lost his way or met with +an accident. You go back to the hotel, Louise, and wait there in case he +returns home another way. Beth and I will follow some of these paths and +see if we can find him." + +"He may have sprained an ankle, and be unable to walk," suggested Beth. +"I think Patsy's advice is good." + +So Louise returned through the town and the other girls began exploring +the paths that led into the mountains from every turn of the highway. +But although they searched eagerly and followed each path a mile or more +of its length, no sign of life did they encounter--much less a sight of +their missing uncle. The paths were wild and unfrequented, only on the +Catania road itself a peasant now and then being found patiently +trudging along or driving before him a donkey laden with panniers of +oranges or lemons for the markets of Taormina. + +On some of the solitary rocky paths they called to Uncle John by name, +hoping that their voices might reach him; but only the echoes replied. +Finally they grew discouraged. + +"It will be sunset before we get back, even if we start this minute," +said Beth, finally. "Let us return, and get some one to help us." + +Patsy burst into tears. + +"Oh, I'm sure he's lost, or murdered, or kidnapped!" she wailed. "Dear, +dear Uncle John! Whatever shall we do, Beth?" + +"Why, he may be at home, waiting for us to get back. Don't give way, +Patsy; it will do no good, you know." + +They were thoroughly tired when, just at sunset, they reached the hotel. +Louise came to meet them, and by the question in her eyes they knew +their uncle had not returned. + +"Something must be done, and at once," said Beth, decidedly. She was the +younger of the three girls, but in this emergency took the lead because +of her calm and unruffled disposition and native good sense. "Is +Frascatti in the courtyard?" + +Patsy ran to see, and soon brought the vetturino into their sitting +room. He could speak English and knew the neighborhood thoroughly. He +ought to be able to advise them. + +Frascatti listened intently to their story. He was very evidently +impressed. + +"Tell me, then, signorini," he said, thoughtfully; "is Senor Merreek +very rich?" + +"Why do you ask?" returned Beth, suspiciously. She remembered the +warning conveyed in Mr. Watson's letter. + +"Of course, I know that all the Americans who travel are rich," +continued Frascatti. "I have myself been in Chicago, which is America. +But is Signor Merreek a very rich and well acquainted man in his own +country? Believe me, it is well that you answer truly." + +"I think he is." + +The man looked cautiously around, and then came nearer and dropped his +voice to a whisper. + +"Are you aware that Il Duca knows this?" he asked. + +Beth thought a moment. + +"We met the man you call Il Duca, but who told us he was Signor Victor +Valdi, on board the ship, where many of the passengers knew my uncle +well. If he listened to their conversation he would soon know all about +John Merrick, of course." + +Frascatti wagged his head solemnly. + +"Then, signorina," he said, still speaking very softly, "I assure you +there is no need to worry over your uncle's safety." + +"What do you mean?" demanded Beth. + +"People do not lose their way in our mountains," he replied. "The paths +are straight, and lead all to the highways. And there is little danger +of falling or of being injured. But--I regret to say it, signorini--it +is a reflection upon our advanced civilization and the good name of our +people--but sometimes a man who is rich disappears for a time, and no +one knows how it is, or where he may be. He always returns; but then he +is not so rich." + +"I understand. My uncle is captured by brigands, you think." + +"There are no brigands, signorina." + +"Or the Mafia, then." + +"I do not know the Mafia. All I know is that the very rich should keep +their riches secret when they travel. In Chicago, which is America, they +will knock you upon the head for a few miserable dollars; here my +countrymen scorn to attack or to rob the common people. But when a man +is so very rich that he does not need all of his money, there are, I +regret to say, some lawless ones in Sicily who insist that he divide +with them. But the prisoner is always well treated, and when he pays he +is sent away very happy." + +"Suppose he does not pay?" + +"Ah, signorina, will not a drowning man clutch the raft that floats by? +And the lawless ones do not take his all--merely a part." + +The girls looked at one another helplessly. + +"What must we do, Frascatti?" asked Patsy. + +"Wait. In a day--two days, perhaps--you will hear from your uncle. He +will tell you how to send money to the lawless ones. You will follow his +instructions, and he will come home with smiles and singing. I know. It +is very regrettable, but it is so." + +"It will not be so in this case," said Beth, indignantly. "I will see +the American consul--" + +"I am sorry, but there is none here." + +"I will telegraph to Messina for the military. They will search the +mountains, and bring your brigands to justice." + +Frascatti smiled sadly. + +"Oh, yes; perhaps they will come. But the military is Italian--not +Sicilian--and has no experience in these parts. The search will find +nothing, except perhaps a dead body thrown upon the rocks to defy +justice. It is very regrettable, signorina; but it is so." + +Patsy was wringing her hands, frantic with terror. Louise was white and +staring. Beth puckered her pretty brow in a frown and tried to think. + +"Ferralti is also gone," murmured Louise, in a hoarse voice. "They will +rob or murder him with Uncle John!" + +"I am quite convinced," said Beth, coldly, "that your false count is a +fellow conspirator of the brigand called Il Duca. He has been following +us around to get a chance to ensnare Uncle John." + +"Oh, no, no, Beth! It is not so! I know better than that." + +"He would lie to you, of course," returned the girl bitterly. "As soon +as the trap was set he disappeared, bag and baggage, and left the simple +girl he had fooled to her own devices." + +"You do not know what you are saying," retorted Louise, turning her back +to Beth and walking to a window. From where they stood they could hear +her sobbing miserably. + +"Whether Frascatti is right or not," said Patsy, drying her eyes and +trying to be brave, "we ought to search for Uncle John at once." + +"I think so, too," agreed Beth. Then, turning to the Sicilian, she said: +"Will you get together as many men as possible and search the hills, +with lanterns, for my uncle? You shall be well paid for all you do." + +"Most certainly, signorina, if it will please you," he replied. "How +long do you wish us to search?" + +"Until you find him." + +"Then must we grow old in your service. _Non fa niente!_ It is +regrettable, but--" + +"Will you go at once?" stamping her foot angrily. + +"Most certainly, signorina." + +"Then lose no time. I will go with you and see you start." + +She followed the man out, and kept at his side until he had secured +several servants with lanterns for the search. The promise of high +_caparra_ or earnest money made all eager to join the band, but the +padrone could only allow a half dozen to leave their stations at the +hotel. In the town, however, whither Beth accompanied them, a score of +sleepy looking fellows were speedily secured, and under the command of +Frascatti, who had resolved to earn his money by energy and good will +because there was no chance of success, they marched out of the Catania +Gate and scattered along the mountain paths. + +"If you find Uncle John before morning I will give you a thousand lira +additional," promised Beth. + +"We will search faithfully," replied her captain, "but the signorina +must not be disappointed if the lawless ones evade us. They have a way +of hiding close in the caves, where none may find them. It is +regrettable, very; but it is so." + +Then he followed his men to the mountains, and as the last glimmer from +his lantern died away the girl sighed heavily and returned alone through +the deserted streets to the hotel. + +Clouds hid the moon and the night was black and forbidding; but it did +not occur to her to be afraid. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +DAYS OF ANXIETY + + +Uncle John's nieces passed a miserable night. Patsy stole into his room +and prayed fervently beside his bed that her dear uncle might be +preserved and restored to them in health and safety. Beth, meantime, +paced the room she shared with Patsy with knitted brows and flashing +eyes, the flush in her cheeks growing deeper as her anger increased. An +ungovernable temper was the girl's worst failing; the abductors of her +uncle were arousing in her the most violent passions of which she was +capable, and might lead her to adopt desperate measures. She was only a +country girl, and little experienced in life, yet Beth might be expected +to undertake extraordinary things if, as she expressed it, if she "got +good and mad!" + +No sound was heard during the night from the room occupied by Louise, +but the morning disclosed a white, drawn face and reddened eyelids as +proof that she had rested as little as her cousins. + +Yet, singularly enough, Louise was the most composed of the three when +they gathered in the little sitting room at daybreak, and tried +earnestly to cheer the spirits of her cousins. Louise never conveyed the +impression of being especially sincere, but the pleasant words and +manners she habitually assumed rendered her an agreeable companion, and +this faculty of masking her real feelings now stood her in good stead +and served to relieve the weight of anxiety that oppressed them all. + +Frascatti came limping back with his tired followers in the early dawn, +and reported that no trace of the missing man had been observed. There +were no brigands and no Mafia; on that point all his fellow townsmen +agreed with him fully. But it was barely possible some lawless ones who +were all unknown to the honest Taorminians had made the rich American a +prisoner. + +Il Duca? Oh, no, signorini! A thousand times, no. Il Duca was queer and +unsociable, but not lawless. He was of noble family and a native of the +district. It would be very wrong and foolish to question Il Duca's +integrity. + +With this assertion Frascatti went to bed. He had not shirked the +search, because he was paid for it, and he and his men had tramped the +mountains faithfully all night, well knowing it would result in nothing +but earning their money. + +On the morning train from Catania arrived Silas Watson and his young +ward Kenneth Forbes, the boy who had so unexpectedly inherited Aunt +Jane's fine estate of Elmhurst on her death. The discovery of a will +which gave to Kenneth all the property their aunt had intended for her +nieces had not caused the slightest estrangement between the young +folks, then or afterward. On the contrary, the girls were all glad that +the gloomy, neglected boy, with his artistic, high-strung temperament, +would be so well provided for. Without the inheritance he would have +been an outcast; now he was able to travel with his guardian, the kindly +old Elmhurst lawyer, and fit himself for his future important position +in the world. More than all this, however, Kenneth had resolved to be a +great landscape painter, and Italy and Sicily had done much, in the past +year, to prepare him for this career. + +The boy greeted his old friends with eager delight, not noticing for the +moment their anxious faces and perturbed demeanor. But the lawyer's +sharp eyes saw at once that something was wrong. + +"Where is John Merrick?" he asked. + +"Oh, I'm so glad you've come!" cried Patsy, clinging to his hand. + +"We are in sore straits, indeed, Mr. Watson," said Louise. + +"Uncle John is lost," explained Beth, "and we're afraid he is in the +hands of brigands." + +Then she related as calmly as she could all that had happened. The +relation was clear and concise. She told of their meeting with Valdi on +the ship, of Count Ferralti's persistence in attaching himself to their +party, and of Uncle John's discovery that the young man was posing under +an assumed name. She did not fail to mention Ferralti's timely +assistance on the Amalfi drive, or his subsequent devoted attentions to +Louise; but the latter Beth considered merely as an excuse for following +them around. + +"In my opinion," said she, "we have been watched ever since we left +America, by these two spies, who had resolved to get Uncle John into +some unfrequented place and then rob him. If they succeed in their vile +plot, Mr. Watson, we shall be humiliated and disgraced forever." + +"Tut-tut," said he; "don't think of that. Let us consider John Merrick, +and nothing else." + +Louise protested that Beth had not been fair in her conclusions. The +Count was an honorable man; she would vouch for his character herself. + +But Mr. Watson did not heed this defense. The matter was very +serious--how serious he alone realized--and his face was grave indeed as +he listened to the descriptions of that terrible Il Duca whom the +natives all shrank from and refused to discuss. + +When he had learned all the nieces had to tell he hastened into the town +and telegraphed the American consul at Messina. Then he found the +questura, or police office, and was assured by the officer in attendance +that the disappearance of Mr. Merrick was already known to the +authorities and every effort was being made to find him. + +"Do you think he has been abducted by brigands?" asked the lawyer. + +"Brigands, signore?" was the astonished reply. "There are no brigands in +this district at all. We drove them out many years ago." + +"How about Il Duca?" + +"And who is that, signore?" + +"Don't you know?" + +"I assure you we have no official knowledge of such a person. There are +dukes in Sicily, to be sure; but 'Il Duca' means nothing. Perhaps you +can tell me to whom you refer?" + +"See here," said the lawyer, brusquely; "I know your methods, _questore +mia_, but they won't prove effective in this case. If you think an +American is helpless in this country you are very much mistaken. But, to +save time, I am willing to submit to your official requirements. I will +pay you well for the rescue of my friend." + +"All shall be done that is possible." + +"But if you do not find him at once, and return him to us unharmed, I +will have a regiment of soldiers in Taormina to search your mountains +and break up the bands of brigands that infest them. When I prove that +brigands are here and that you were not aware of them, you will be +disgraced and deposed from your office." + +The official shrugged his shoulders, a gesture in which the Sicilian is +as expert as the Frenchman. + +"I will welcome the soldiery," said he; "but you will be able to prove +nothing. The offer of a reward may accomplish more--if it is great +enough to be interesting." + +"How great is that?" + +"Can I value your friend? You must name the reward yourself. But even +then I can promise nothing. In the course of our duty every effort is +now being made to find the missing American. But we work in the dark, as +you know. Your friend may be a suicide; he may have lost his mind and +wandered into the wilderness; he may have committed some crime and +absconded. How do I know? You say he is missing, but that is no reason +the brigands have him, even did brigands exist, which I doubt. Rest +assured, signore, that rigid search will be made. It is my boast that I +leave no duty unfulfilled." + +Mr. Watson walked back to the telegraph office and found an answer to +his message. The American consul was ill and had gone to Naples for +treatment. When he returned, his clerk stated, the matter of the +disappearance of John Merrick would immediately be investigated. + +Feeling extremely helpless and more fearful for his friend than before, +the lawyer returned to the hotel for a conference with the nieces. + +"How much of a reward shall I offer?" he asked. "That seems to be the +only thing that can be depended upon to secure results." + +"Give them a million--Uncle John won't mind," cried Patsy, earnestly. + +"Don't give them a penny, sir," said Beth. "If they are holding him for +a ransom Uncle is in no personal danger, and we have no right to assist +in robbing him." + +"But you don't understand, my dear," asserted the lawyer. "These +brigands never let a victim go free unless they are well paid. That is +why they are so often successful. If John Merrick is not ransomed he +will never again be heard of." + +"But this is not a ransom, sir. You propose to offer a reward to the +police." + +"Let me explain. The ways of the Italian police are very intricate. They +know of no brigandage here, and cannot find a brigand. But if the reward +is great enough to divide, they know where to offer a share of it, in +lieu of a ransom, and will force the brigands to accept it. In that way +the police gets the glory of a rescue and a share of the spoils. If we +offer no reward, or an insignificant one, the brigands will be allowed +to act as they please." + +"That is outrageous!" exclaimed Beth. + +"Yes. The Italian government deplores it. It is trying hard to break up +a system that has existed for centuries, but has not yet succeeded." + +"Then I'd prefer to deal directly with the brigands." + +"So would I, if--" + +"If what, sir?" + +"If we were sure your uncle is in their hands. Do you think the party +you sent out last night searched thoroughly?" + +"I hope so." + +"I will send out more men at once. They shall search the hills in every +direction. Should they find nothing our worst fears will be confirmed, +and then--" + +"Well, Mr. Watson?" + +"Then we must wait for the brigands to dictate the terms of a ransom, +and make the best bargain we can." + +"That seems sensible," said Kenneth, and both Patsy and Louise agreed +with him, although it would be tedious waiting. + +But Beth only bit her lip and frowned. + +Mr. Watson's searching party was maintained all day--for two days, and +three; but without result. Then they waited for the brigands to act. +But a week dragged painfully by and no word of John Merrick's +whereabouts reached the ears of the weary watchers. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +TATO + + +When Uncle John passed through the west gate for a tramp along the +mountain paths he was feeling in an especially happy and contented mood. +The day was bright and balmy, the air bracing, the scenery unfolded step +by step magnificent and appealing. To be in this little corner of the +old world, amid ruins antedating the Christian era, and able to wholly +forget those awful stock and market reports of Wall street, was a +privilege the old gentleman greatly appreciated. + +So away he trudged, exploring this path or that leading amongst the +rugged cliffs, until finally he began to take note of his erratic +wanderings and wonder where he was. Climbing an elevated rock near the +path he poised himself upon its peak and studied the landscape spread +out beneath him. + +There was a patch of sea, with the dim Calabrian coast standing sentry +behind it. The nearer coast was hidden from view, but away at the left +was a dull white streak marking the old wall of Taormina, and above this +the ruined citadel and the ancient castle of Mola--each on its separate +peak. + +"I must be getting back," he thought, and sliding down the surface of +the rock he presently returned to the path from whence he had climbed. + +To his surprise he found a boy standing there and looking at him with +soft brown eyes that were both beautiful and intelligent. Uncle John was +as short as he was stout, but the boy scarcely reached to his shoulder. +He was slender and agile, and clothed in a grey corduroy suit that was +better in texture than the American had seen other Sicilian youths wear. +As a rule the apparel of the children in this country seemed sadly +neglected. + +Yet the most attractive thing about this child was his face, which was +delicate of contour, richly tinted to harmonize with his magnificent +brown eyes, and so sensitive and expressive that it seemed able to +convey the most subtle shades of emotion. He seemed ten or twelve years +of age, but might have been much older. + +As soon as the American had returned to the path the boy came toward him +in an eager, excited way, and exclaimed: + +"Is it not Signor Merrick?" + +The English was fluent, and only rendered softer by the foreign +intonation. + +"It is," said Uncle John, cheerfully. "Where did you drop from, my lad? +I thought these hills were deserted, until now." + +"I am sent by a friend," answered the boy, speaking rapidly and +regarding the man with appealing glances. "He is in much trouble, +signore, and asks your aid." + +"A friend? Who is it?" + +"The name he gave me is Ferralti, signore. He is near to this place, in +the hills yonder, and unable to return to the town without assistance." + +"Ferralti. H-m-m. Is he hurt?" + +"Badly, signore; from a fall on the rocks." + +"And he sent for me?" + +"Yes, signore. I know you by sight--who does not?--and as I hurried +along I saw you standing on the rock. It is most fortunate. Will you +hasten to your friend, then? I will lead you to him." + +Uncle John hesitated. He ought to be getting home, instead of +penetrating still farther into these rocky fastnesses. And Ferralti was +no especial friend, to claim his assistance. But then the thought +occurred that this young Italian had befriended both him and his nieces +in an extremity, and was therefore entitled to consideration when +trouble in turn overtook himself. The natural impulse of this thought +was to go to his assistance. + +"All right, my lad," said he. "Lead on, and I'll see what can be done +for Ferralti. Is it far?" + +"Not far, signore." + +With nervous, impatient steps the child started up the narrow path and +Uncle John followed--not slowly, but scarcely fast enough to satisfy his +zealous guide. + +"What is your name, little one?" + +"Tato, signore." + +"Where do you live?" + +"Near by, signore." + +"And how did you happen to find Ferralti?" + +"By chance, signore." + +Uncle John saved his remaining breath for the climb. He could ask +questions afterward. + +The path was in a crevasse where the rocks seemed once to have split. It +was narrow and steep, and before long ended in a _cul de sac_. The +little man thought they had reached their destination, then; but without +hesitation the boy climbed over a boulder and dropped into another path +on the opposite side, holding out a hand to assist the American. + +Uncle John laughed at the necessity, but promptly slid his stout body +over the boulder and then paused to mop his brow. + +"Much farther, Tato?" + +"Just a step, signore." + +"It is lucky you found Ferralti, or he might have died in these wilds +without a soul knowing he was here." + +"That is true, signore." + +"Well, is this the path?" + +"Yes, signore. Follow me, please." + +The cliffs were precipitous on both sides of them. It was another +crevasse, but not a long one. Presently the child came to a halt because +the way ended and they could proceed no farther. He leaned against the +rock and in a high-pitched, sweet voice sang part of a Sicilian ditty, +neither starting the verse nor ending it, but merely trilling out a +fragment. + +Uncle John regarded him wonderingly; and then, with a sudden suspicion, +he demanded: + +"You are not playing me false, Tato?" + +"I, signore?" smiling frankly into the man's eyes; "you need never fear +Tato, signore. To be your friend, and Signor Ferralti's friend, makes me +very proud." + +The rock he leaned against fell inward, noiselessly, and disclosed a +passage. It was short, for there was light at the other end. + +The strange child darted in at once. + +"This way, signore. He is here!" + +Uncle John drew back. He had forgotten until now that these mountains +are dangerous. And something strange in the present proceedings, the +loneliness of the place and the elfish character of his guide, suddenly +warned him to be cautious. + +"See here, my lad," he called: "I'll go no farther." + +Instantly Tato was at his side again, grasping the man's hand in his +tiny brown one and searching his face with pleading eyes. + +"Ah, signore, you will not fail your friend, when he is so near you and +in such great trouble? See! I who am a stranger and not even his +countryman, even I weep for the poor young man, and long to comfort him. +Do you, his friend, refuse him aid because you have fear of the wild +mountains and a poor peasant boy?" + +Tears really stood in the beautiful brown eyes. They rolled down his +cheeks, as with both hands he pressed that of Uncle John and urged him +gently forward. + +"Oh, well; lead on, Tato. I'll see the other side of your tunnel, +anyhow. But if you play me tricks, my lad--" + +He paused, for a wonderful vision had opened before him. Coming through +the short passage hewn in the rocks the American stood upon a ledge +facing a most beautiful valley, that was hemmed in by precipitous cliffs +on every side. From these stern barriers of the outside world the ground +sloped gradually toward the center, where a pretty brook flowed, its +waters sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight as it tumbled over its +rocky bed. Groves of oranges and of olive, lemon and almond trees +occupied much of the vale, and on a higher point at the right, its back +to the wall of rock that towered behind it, stood a substantial yet +picturesque mansion of stone, with several outbuildings scattered on +either side. + +The valley seemed, indeed, a toy kingdom sequestered from the great +outside world, yet so rich and productive within itself that it was +independent of all else. + +Uncle John gazed with amazement. Who could have guessed this delightful +spot was hidden safe within the heart of the bleak, bare mountain +surrounding it? But suddenly he bethought himself. + +"What place is this, Tato?" he asked; "and where is our friend +Ferralti, who needs me?" + +There was no reply. + +He turned around to find the boy had disappeared. Moreover, the passage +had disappeared. Only a wall of rock was behind him, and although his +eyes anxiously searched the rifts and cracks of its rough surface, no +indication of the opening through which he had passed could be +discovered. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE HIDDEN VALLEY + + +Uncle John's first inspiration was to sit down upon a stone to think. He +drew out his pipe and lighted it, to assist his meditations. + +These were none too pleasant. That he had been cleverly entrapped, and +that by a child scarcely in its teens, was too evident to need +reflection. And what a secure trap it was! The mountains ranged all +around the valley were impossible to scale, even by an Alpine climber, +and to one who was not informed of its location the existence of the +valley itself was unimaginable. + +"I had not believed Ferralti was so shrewd," he muttered, wonderingly. +"That something was wrong about the fellow I knew, of course; but I had +not suspected such a thing as this. Now, then, first of all let me mark +this spot, so that I will remember it. Just back of where I now stand is +the entrance or outlet to the tunnel through the wall. It is closed, I +suppose, by a swinging stone, like the one on the opposite side. I saw +that one opened--opened by some person concealed from view, as soon as +the boy sang his bit of song which was the signal agreed upon. And I was +fool enough, after that warning, to walk straight through the tunnel! +You're getting old, John Merrick; that's the only way I can account for +your folly. But Ferralti hasn't won the odd trick yet, and if I keep my +wits about me he isn't likely to win." + +Thus ruminating, Uncle John searched the rocky wall carefully and +believed he would know the place again, although which of the rough +stones of its surface formed the doorway to the tunnel he could not +guess. + +A ledge of rock served as a path leading to right and left around this +end of the valley, or "pocket" in the mountain, as it could more +properly be called. Uncle John turned to the right, striding along with +his usual deliberation, smoking his pipe and swinging his cane as he +approached the stone dwelling that formed the center of the little +settlement. As yet no sign of human life had he observed since Tato had +disappeared, although a few cows were standing in a green meadow and +some goats scrambled among the loose rocks at the further end of the +enclosure. + +Around the house the grounds had been laid out in gardens, with flowers +and shrubbery, hedges and shade trees scattered about. Chickens clucked +and strutted along the paths and an air of restfulness and peace brooded +over all. + +Uncle John was plainly mystified until he drew quite close to the +dwelling, which had many verandas and balconies and bore every evidence +of habitation. Then, to his astonishment, he beheld the form of a man +stretched lazily in a wicker chair beside the entrance, and while he +paused, hesitating, the man sat up and bowed politely to him. + +"Good morning, Signor Merreek." + +It was Victor Valdi, or, ignoring the fictitious name, the mysterious +personage known as "Il Duca." + +"Behold my delight, Signor Merreek, to receive you in my poor home," +continued the man. "Will you not be seated, _caro amico_?" + +The words were soft and fair, but the dark eyes gleamed with triumph and +a sneer curled the thin lips. + +"Thank you," said Uncle John; "I believe I will." + +He stepped upon the veranda and sat down opposite his host. + +"I came to see Count Ferralti, who is hurt, I understand," he continued. + +"It is true, signore, but not badly. The poor count is injured mostly in +his mind. Presently you shall see him." + +"No hurry," observed Uncle John. "Pleasant place you have here, Duke." + +"It is very good of you to praise it, signore. It is my most ancient +patrimony, and quite retired and exclusive." + +"So I see." + +"The house you have honored by your presence, signore, was erected some +three hundred and thirty years ago, by an ancestor who loved +retirement. It has been in my family ever since. We all love +retirement." + +"Very desirable spot for a brigand, I'm sure," remarked the American, +puffing his pipe composedly. + +"Brigand? Ah, it pleases you to have humor, signore, mia. Brigand! But I +will be frank. It is no dishonor to admit that my great ancestors of +past centuries were truly brigands, and from this quiet haven sallied +forth to do mighty deeds. They were quite famous, I am told, those olden +Dukes d'Alcanta." + +"I do not question it." + +"Our legends tell of how my great ancestors demanded tribute of the rich +who passed through their domain--for all this end of Sicily was given to +us by Peter of Aragon, and remained in our possession until the second +Ferdinand robbed us of it. Those times were somewhat wild and barbarous, +signore, and a gentleman who protected his estates and asked tribute of +strangers was termed a brigand, and became highly respected. But now it +is different. We are civilized and meek, and ruled most lovingly by +Italy. They will tell you there is no brigandage in all Sicily." + +"So I understand." + +"To-day I am nobody. My very name is forgotten. Those around this +mountain know nothing of my little estate, and I am content. I desire +not glory: I desire not prominence; to live my life in seclusion, with +the occasional visit of a friend like yourself, is enough to satisfy +me." + +"You seem well known in Taormina." + +"Quite a mistake, signore." + +"And the natives must have climbed these peaks at times and looked down +into your secluded kingdom." + +"If so, they have forgotten it." + +"I see." + +"I give to the churches and the poor, but in secret. If I have an enemy, +he disappears--I do not know how; no one knows." + +"Of course not. You are an improvement on your ancestors, Duke. Instead +of being a brigand you belong to the Mafia, and perform your robberies +and murders in security. Very clever, indeed." + +"But again you are wrong, signore," replied the Duke, with a frown. "I +have never known of this Mafia, of which you speak, nor do I believe it +exists. For myself, I am no robber, but a peaceful merchant." + +"A merchant?" returned Uncle John, surprised by the statement. + +"To be sure. I have some ancient and very valuable relics in my +possession, treasured most carefully from the mediæval days. These I +sell to my friends--who are fortunately all foreigners like yourself and +can appreciate such treasures--and so obtain for myself and my family a +modest livelihood." + +"And you expect to sell something to me?" asked Uncle John, +understanding very well the Sicilian's meaning. + +"It is my earnest hope, signore." + +The American fell silent, thinking upon the situation. The fierce +looking brigand beside him was absurd enough, in his way, but doubtless +a dangerous man to deal with. Uncle John was greatly interested in the +adventure. It was such a sharp contrast to the hum-drum, unromantic +American life he had latterly known that he derived a certain enjoyment +from the novel experience. If the girls did not worry over his absence +he would not much regret his visit to Il Duca's secluded valley. + +It was already midday, and his nieces would be expecting him to +luncheon. When he did not appear they would make enquiries, and try to +find him. It occurred to him how futile all such attempts must prove. +Even to one acquainted with the mountain paths the entrance to the +duke's domain was doubtless a secret, and the brigand had plainly hinted +that the native Sicilians were too cautious to spy upon him or molest +him in any way. + +So far, the only person he had seen was Il Duca himself. The child who +had decoyed him was, of course, somewhere about, and so also was +Ferralti. How many servants or followers the brigand might have was as +yet a mystery to the new arrival. + +In the side pocket of Uncle John's loose coat lay a loaded revolver, +which he had carried ever since he had received Mr. Watson's warning +letter. He had never imagined a condition of danger where he could not +use this weapon to defend himself, and as long as it remained by him he +had feared nothing. But he had been made a prisoner in so deft a manner +that he had no opportunity to expostulate or offer any sort of +resistance. Later there might be a chance to fight for his liberty, and +the only sensible action was to wait and bide his time. + +"For example," the Duke was saying, in his labored, broken English, "I +have here a priceless treasure--very antique, very beautiful. It was in +one time owned by Robert the Norman, who presented it to my greatest +ancestor." + +He drew an odd-shaped ring from his pocket and handed it to the +American. It was of dull gold and set with a half dozen flat-cut +garnets. Perhaps antique; perhaps not; but of little intrinsic value. + +"This ring I have decided to sell, and it shall be yours, Signor +Merreek, at a price far less than is represented by its historic worth. +I am sure you will be glad to buy it." + +"For how much?" asked Uncle John, curiously. + +"A trifle; a mere hundred thousand lira." + +"Twenty thousand dollars!" + +"The ring of King Roger. How cheap! But, nevertheless, you shall have it +for that sum." + +Uncle John smiled. + +"My dear Duke," he replied, "you have made a sad mistake. I am a +comparatively poor man. My fortune is very modest." + +The brigand lay back in his chair and lighted a fresh cigarette. + +"I fear you undervalue yourself, my dear guest," he said. "Recently have +I returned from America, where I was told much of the wealth of Signor +John Merreek, who is many times a millionaire. See," drawing a paper +from his pocket, "here is a list of the stocks and securities you own. +Also of government and railway bonds, of real estate and of manufactures +controlled by your money. I will read, and you will correct me if an +error occurs." + +Uncle John listened and was amazed. The schedule was complete, and its +total was many millions. It was a better list of holdings than Uncle +John possessed himself. + +"You foreigners make queer mistakes, Duke," said he, taking another +tack. "This property belongs to another John Merrick. It is a common +name, and that is doubtless why you mistook me for the rich John +Merrick." + +"I have noticed," returned the Duke, coldly, "that this strange delusion +of mind is apt to overtake my guests. But do not be alarmed; it will +pass away presently, and then you will realize that you are yourself. +Remember that I crossed the Atlantic on your steamship, signore. Many +people there on board spoke of you and pointed you out to me as the +great man of finance. Your own niece that is called Patsy, she also told +me much about you, and of your kindness to her and the other young +signorini. Before I left New York a banker of much dignity informed me +you would sail on the ship 'Princess Irene.' If a mistake has been made, +signore, it is yours, and not mine. Is your memory clearer now?" + +Uncle John laughed frankly. The rascal was too clever for him to dispute +with. + +"Whoever I am," said he, "I will not buy your ring." + +"I am pained," replied the brigand, lightly. "But there is ample time +for you to reflect upon the matter. Do not decide hastily, I implore +you. I may have been too liberal in making my offer, and time may assist +me in fixing a just price for the relic. But we have had enough of +business just now. It is time for our midday collation. Oblige me by +joining us, signore." + +He blew a shrill whistle, and a man stepped out of a doorway. He was an +enormous Sicilian, tall, sinewy and with a countenance as dark and +fierce as his master's. In his belt was a long knife, such as is known +as a stilleto. + +"Tommaso," said the Duke, "kindly show Signor Merreek to his room, and +ask Guido if luncheon is ready to be served." + +"_Va bene, padrone_," growled the man, and turned obediently to escort +the American. + +Uncle John entered the house, traversed a broad and cool passage, +mounted to the second floor and found himself in a pleasant room with a +balcony overlooking the valley. It was comfortably furnished, and with +a bow that was not without a certain grim respect the man left him alone +and tramped down the stairs again. There had been no attempt to restrain +his liberty or molest him in any way, yet he was not slow to recognize +the fact that he was a prisoner. Not in the house, perhaps, but in the +valley. There was no need to confine him more closely. He could not +escape. + +He bathed his hands and face, dried them on a fresh towel, and found his +toilet table well supplied with conveniences. In the next room some one +was pacing the floor like a caged beast, growling and muttering angrily +at every step. + +Uncle John listened. "The brigand seems to have more than one guest," he +thought, and smiled at the other's foolish outbursts. + +Then he caught a word or two of English that made him start. He went to +the door between the two rooms and threw it open, finding himself face +to face with Count Ferralti. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +GUESTS OF THE BRIGAND + + +"Good morning, Count," said Uncle John, cheerfully. + +The other stared at him astonished. + +"Good heavens! Have they got you, too?" he exclaimed. + +"Why, I'm visiting his excellency, Il Duca, if that's what you mean," +replied Mr. Merrick. "But whether he's got me, or I've got him, I +haven't yet decided." + +The young man's jaw was tied in a bandage and one of his eyes was black +and discolored. He looked agitated and miserable. + +"Sir, you are in grave danger; we are both in grave danger," he +announced, "unless we choose to submit to being robbed by this rascally +brigand." + +"Then," observed Uncle John, "let's submit." + +"Never! Not in a thousand years!" cried Ferralti, wildly. And then this +singular young man sank into a chair and burst into tears. + +Uncle John was puzzled. The slender youth--for he was but a youth in +spite of his thin moustaches--exhibited a queer combination of courage +and weakness; but somehow Uncle John liked him better at that moment +than he ever had before. Perhaps because he now realized he had unjustly +suspected him. + +"You seem to have been hurt, Count," he remarked. + +"Why, I was foolish enough to struggle, and that brute Tommaso pounded +me," was the reply. "You were wise to offer no resistance, sir." + +"As for that, I hadn't a choice," said Uncle John, smiling. "When did +they get you, Ferralti?" + +"Last evening. I walked in the garden of the hotel and they threw a sack +over my head. I resisted and tried to cry out. They beat me until I was +insensible and then brought me here, together with my travelling cases, +which they removed from my room to convey the impression that I had gone +away voluntarily. When I awakened from my swoon I was in this room, +with the doctor bending over me." + +"The doctor?" + +"Oh, they have a doctor in this accursed den, as well as a priest and a +lawyer. The Duke entreated my pardon. He will punish his men for abusing +me. But he holds me a safe prisoner, just the same." + +"Why?" + +"He wants a ransom. He will force me to purchase an ancient brass +candlestick for fifty thousand lira." + +Uncle John looked at his companion thoughtfully. + +"Tell me, Count Ferralti," he said, "who you really are. I had believed +you were Il Duca's accomplice, until now. But if he has trapped you, and +demands a ransom, it is because you are a person of some consequence, +and able to pay. May I not know as much about your position in life as +does this brigand duke?" + +The young man hesitated. Then he spread out his hands with an appealing +gesture and said: + +"Not yet, Mr. Merrick! Do not press me now, I implore you. Perhaps I +have done wrong to try to deceive you, but in good time I will explain +everything, and then you will understand me better." + +"You are no count." + +"That is true, Mr. Merrick." + +"You are not even an Italian." + +"That is but partly true, sir." + +"You have seen fit to deceive us by--" + +Tommaso threw wide the door. + +"_Il dejuné é servito_," he said gruffly. + +"What does that mean?" asked Uncle John. + +"Luncheon is ready. Shall we go down?" + +"Yes; I'm hungry." + +They followed the man to the lower floor, where he ushered them into a +low, cool room where a long table was set. The walls were whitewashed +and bore some religious prints, gaudily colored. A white cloth covered +the table, which was well furnished with modern crockery and glass, and +antique silverware. + +At the head of the table were two throne-like chairs, one slightly +larger and more elevated than the other. In the more important seat was +a withered old woman with a face like that of a mummy, except that it +was supplied with two small but piercing jet eyes that seemed very much +alive as they turned shrewdly upon the strangers. She was the only one +of the company they found seated. The Duke stood behind the smaller +chair beside her, and motioned the Americans to occupy two places at the +side of the table next him. Opposite them, in the places adjoining the +elevated dais, were two remarkable individuals whom Uncle John saw for +the first time. One was a Cappuccin monk, with shaven crown and coarse +cassock fastened at the waist by a cord. He was blind in one eye and the +lid of the other drooped so as to expose only a thin slit. Fat, awkward +and unkempt, he stood holding to the back of his chair and swaying +slightly from side to side. Next to him was a dandified appearing man +who was very slight and thin of form but affected the dress and manners +of extreme youth. Ferralti whispered to Uncle John that this was the +doctor. + +The table dropped a step in heighth from these places, and the balance +of its length was occupied by several stalwart Sicilians, clothed in +ordinary peasant costume, and a few silent, heavy-featured women. Tato +was not present. + +"Signori," said the Duke to the Americans, "allow me to present you to +my mother, the head of our illustrious family; one who is known, admired +and feared throughout Sicily as her Excellenza la Duchessa d'Alcanta." + +With the words the Duke bowed low to the old woman. Uncle John and +Ferralti also bowed low. The lines of servitors humbly bent themselves +double. But the Duchessa made no acknowledgment. Her bead like eyes +searched the faces of the "guests" with disconcerting boldness, and then +dropped to her plate. + +At this signal the fat priest mumbled a blessing upon the food, the Duke +waved his hand, and all the company became seated. + +Uncle John felt as if he were taking part in a comic opera, and enjoyed +the scene immensely. But now his attention was distracted by the +stewards bringing in steaming platters of macaroni and stewed mutton, +from which they first served the Duchessa, and then the Duke, and +afterward the guests. The servants waited hungry-eyed until these +formalities were completed, and then swept the platters clean and ate +ravenously. + +Uncle John plied his knife and fork busily and found the food +excellently prepared. Ferralti seemed to have little appetite. Some of +his teeth had been knocked out and his broken wrist, which had but +partially healed, had been wrenched in the scrimmage of the night before +so that it caused him considerable pain. + +The Duke attempted little conversation, doubtless through deference to +the aged Duchessa, who remained absolutely silent and unresponsive to +her surroundings. He praised his wine, however, which he said was from +their own vineyards, and pressed the Americans to drink freely. + +When she had finished her meal the Duchessa raised a hand, and at the +signal the whole company arose and stood at their places while two of +the women assisted her to retire. She leaned upon their shoulders, being +taller than her son, but displayed surprising vigor for one so advanced +in years. + +When she had gone the others finished at their leisure, and the +conversation became general, the servants babbling in their voluble +Italian without any restraint whatever. + +Then the Duke led his prisoners to the veranda and offered them cigars. +These were brought by Tato, who then sat in the duke's lap and curled up +affectionately in his embrace, while the brigand's expression softened +and he stroked the boy's head with a tender motion. + +Uncle John watched the little scene approvingly. It was the first time +he had seen Tato since the child had lured him through the tunnel. + +"Your son, Duke?" he asked. + +"Yes, signore; my only child. The heir to my modest estate." + +"And a very good brigand, already, for his years," added Mr. Merrick. +"Ah, Tato, Tato," shaking his head at the child, "how could you be so +cruel as to fool an innocent old chap like me?" + +Tato laughed. + +"I did not deceive you, signore. You but misunderstood me. I said +Signor Ferralti was hurt, and so he was." + +"But you said he needed my assistance." + +"Does he not, signore?" + +"How do you speak such good English?" + +"Father Antoine taught me." + +"The monk?" + +"Yes, signore." + +"My child is a linguist," remarked the Duke, complacently. "Sh--he has +been taught English, German and French, even from the days of infancy. +It is very good for me, for now Tato can entertain my guests." + +"Have you no Italian guests, then?" asked Uncle John. + +"No, since Italy owns Sicily, and I am a loyal subject. Neither have I +many Germans or Frenchmen, although a few wander my way, now and then. +But the Americans I love, and often they visit me. There were three last +year, and now here are two more to honor me with their presence." + +"The Americans make easier victims, I suppose." + +"Oh, the Americans are very rich, and they purchase my wares liberally. +By the way, Signor Ferralti," turning to the young man, "have you +decided yet the little matter of your own purchase?" + +"I will not buy your candlestick, if that is what you refer to," was the +response. + +"No?" + +"By no means. Fifty thousand lira, for a miserable bit of brass!" + +"But I forgot to tell you, signore; the candlestick is no longer for +sale," observed the Duke, with an evil smile. "Instead, I offer you a +magnificent bracelet which is a hundred years old." + +"Thank you. What's the price?" + +"A hundred thousand lira, signore." + +Ferralti started. Then in turn he smiled at his captor. + +"That is absurd," said he. "I have no wealth at all, sir, but live on a +small allowance that barely supplies my needs. I cannot pay." + +"I will take that risk, signore," said the brigand, coolly. "You have +but to draw me an order on Mr. Edward Leighton, of New York, for one +hundred thousand lira--or say twenty thousand dollars--and the bracelet +is yours." + +"Edward Leighton! My father's attorney! How did you know of him, sir?" + +"I have an agent in New York," answered the Duke, "and lately I have +been in your city myself." + +"Then, if you know so much, you scoundrelly thief, you know that my +father will not honor a draft for such a sum as you demand. I doubt if +my father would pay a single dollar to save me from assassination." + +"We will not discuss that, signore, for I regret to say that your father +is no longer able to honor drafts. However, your attorney can do so, and +will, without question." + +Ferralti stared at him blankly. + +"What do you mean by that?" he demanded. + +The Duke shook the ashes from his cigar and examined the glowing end +with interest. + +"Your father," was the deliberate reply, "was killed in a railway +accident, four days ago. I have just been notified of the fact by a +cable from America." + +Ferralti sat trembling and regarding the man with silent horror. + +"Is this true, sir?" asked Uncle John, quickly; "or is it only a part of +your cursed game?" + +"It is quite true, signore, I regret being obliged to break the ill news +so abruptly; but this gentleman thought himself too poor to purchase my +little bracelet, and it was necessary to inform him that he is suddenly +made wealthy--not yet so great a Croesus as yourself, Signor Merreek, +but still a very rich man." + +Ferralti ceased trembling, but the horror still clung to his eyes. + +"A railway wreck!" he muttered, hoarsely. "Where was it, sir? Tell me, I +beseech you! And are you sure my father is dead?" + +"Very sure, signore. My informant is absolutely reliable. But the +details of the wreck I do not know. I am only informed of the fact of +your father's death, and that his will leaves you his entire fortune." + +Ferralti arose and staggered away to his room, and Uncle John watched +him go pityingly, but knew no way to comfort him. When he had gone he +asked gently: + +"His father was an American, Duke?" + +"Yes, signore." + +"And wealthy, you say?" + +"Exceedingly wealthy, signore." + +"What was his name?" + +"Ah; about that ring, my dear guest. Do you think a hundred and fifty +thousand lira too much for it?" + +"You said a hundred thousand." + +"That was this morning, signore. The ring has increased in value since. +To-morrow, without doubt, it will be worth two hundred thousand." + +Tato laughed at the rueful expression on the victim's face, and, a +moment after, Uncle John joined in his laughter. + +"Very good, duke," he said. "I don't wish to rob you. Let us wait until +to-morrow." + +The brigand seemed puzzled. + +"May I ask why, Signor Merreek--since you are warned?" he enquired. + +"Why, it's this way, Duke. I'm just a simple, common-place American, +and have lived a rather stupid existence for some time. We have no +brigands at home, nor any hidden valleys or protected criminals like +yourself. The romance of my surroundings interests me; your methods are +unique and worth studying; if I am so rich as you think me a few extra +hundred thousand lira will be a cheap price to pay for this experience. +Is it not so?" + +The Duke frowned. + +"Do you play with me?" he asked, menacingly. + +"By no means. I'm just the spectator. I expect you to make the +entertainment. I'm sure it will be a good show, although the price is +rather high." + +Il Duca glared, but made no reply at the moment. Instead, he sat +stroking Tato's hair and glowering evilly at the American. + +The child whispered something in Italian, and the man nodded. + +"Very well, signore," he said, more quietly. "To-morrow, then, if it so +pleases you." + +Then, taking Tato's hand, he slowly arose and left the veranda. + +For a moment the American looked after them with a puzzled expression. +Then he said to himself, with a smile: "Ah, I have solved one mystery, +at any rate. Tato is a girl!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A DIFFICULT POSITION + + +And now Uncle John, finding himself left alone, took his walkingstick +and started out to explore the valley. + +He felt very sorry for young Ferralti, but believed his sympathy could +in no way lighten the blow caused by the abrupt news of his parent's +death. He would wish to be alone with his grief for a time. By and by +Mr. Merrick intended to question his fellow prisoner and try to find out +something of his history. + +The dale was very beautiful as it lay basking in the afternoon sun. Near +the house was a large vegetable garden, which, being now shaded by the +overhanging cliffs, was being tended by a sour-visaged Sicilian. Uncle +John watched him for a time, but the fellow paid no heed to him. Every +servant connected with the duke's establishment seemed surly and morose, +and this was the more remarkable because the country folk and villagers +Uncle John had met were usually merry and light-hearted. + +Down by the brook were green meadows and groves of fruit trees. The +little gentleman followed the stream for some distance, and finally came +upon a man seated on the bank above a broad pool, intently engaged in +fishing. It proved to be the dandified old doctor, who wore gloves to +protect his hands and a broad-rimmed straw hat to shade his face. + +Uncle John stood beside the motionless figure for a moment, watching the +line. Then, forgetting he was in a foreign country, he asked carelessly: + +"Any luck?" + +"Not yet," was the quiet reply, in clear English. "It is too early to +interest the fishes. An hour later they will bite." + +"Then why did you come so soon?" + +"To escape that hell-hole yonder," nodding his head toward the house. + +Uncle John was surprised. + +"But you are not a prisoner, doctor," he ventured to say. + +"Except through the necessity of earning a livelihood. Il Duca pays +well--or rather the Duchessa does, for she is the head of this +household. I am skillful, and worth my price, and they know it." + +"You say the Duchessa is the head of the house?" + +"Assuredly, signore. Il Duca is her slave. She plans and directs +everything, and her son but obeys her will." + +"Did she send him to America?" + +"I think so. But do not misunderstand me. The Duke is clever on his own +account, and almost as wicked as his old mother. And between them they +are training the child to be as bad as they are. It is dreadful." + +"Have you been here long?" + +"For seven years, signore." + +"But you can resign whenever you please?" + +"Why not? But the doubt makes me uneasy, sometimes. In another year I +would like to go to Venice, and retire from professional life. I am a +Venetian, you observe; no dastardly brigand of a Sicilian. And in +another year I shall have sufficient means to retire and end my days in +peace. Here I save every centessimo I make, for I can spend nothing." + +Uncle John sat down upon the bank beside the confiding Venetian. + +"Doctor," said he, "I am somewhat puzzled by this man you call Il Duca, +as well as by my audacious capture and the methods employed to rob me. +I'd like your advice. What shall I do?" + +"The only possible thing, signore. Submit." + +"Why is it the only possible thing?" + +"Have you not yet discovered? Unless you pay, your friends will never +hear from you again. Il Duca, by his mother's favor, is king here. He +will murder you if you oppose his demands." + +"Really?" + +"It is quite certain, signore. He has murdered several obstinate people +since I have been here, and the outside world will never know their +fate. It is folly to oppose the king. Were you not rich you would not be +here. Il Duca knows the exact wealth of every American who travels +abroad and is likely to visit Sicily. Many escape him, but a few wander +into his toils, for he is wonderfully sagacious. Mark you: he does not +demand your all; he merely takes tribute, leaving his victims sufficient +to render life desirable to them. If he required their all, many would +as soon forfeit life as make the payment; but a tithe they will spare +for the privilege of living. That is why he is so successful. And that +is why he remains undisturbed. For an American, being robbed so simply, +never tells of his humiliating experience. He goes home, and avoids +Sicily ever after." + +"H-m-m. I understand." + +"But if you do not pay, you are not permitted to leave this place. You +are killed at once, and the incident is over. Il Duca does not love to +murder, but he takes no chances." + +"I see. But suppose I pay, and then make complaint to the Italian +government?" + +"It has been done, signore. But the government is very blind. It does +not know Il Duca d' Alcanta. Its officials are convinced he does not +exist. They investigate carefully, and declare the tale is all a myth." + +"Then there is no way of escape?" + +"Absolutely none. Such a condition is almost inconceivable, is it not? +and in this enlightened age? But it exists, and is only harmful when its +victims are stubborn and rebellious. To be cheerful and pay promptly is +the only sensible way out of your difficulty." + +"Thank you," said Uncle John. "I shall probably pay promptly. But tell +me, to satisfy my curiosity, how does your duke murder his victims?" + +"He does not call it murder, as I do; he says they are suicides, or the +victims of accident. They walk along a path and fall into a pit. It is +deep, and they are killed. The pit is also their tomb. They are +forgotten, and the trap is already set for their successors." + +"Rather a gloomy picture, doctor." + +"Yes. I tell you this because my nature is kind. I abhor all crime, and +much prefer that you should live. But, if you die, my _salario_ +continues. I am employed to guard the health of the Duke's +family--especially the old Duchessa--and have no part in this detestable +business." + +"Isn't that a bite?" + +"No, signore. It is the current. It is not time for the fish to bite." + +Uncle John arose. + +"Good afternoon, doctor." + +"Good afternoon, signore." + +He left the old fellow sitting there and walked on. The valley was about +a half mile long and from a quarter to a third of a mile in width. It +resembled a huge amphitheatre in shape. + +The American tramped the length of the brook, which disappeared into the +rocky wall at the far end. Then he returned through the orchards to the +house. + +The place was silent and seemed deserted. There was a languor in the +atmosphere that invited sleep. Uncle John sought his room and lay down +for an afternoon nap, soon falling into a sound slumber. + +When he awoke he found Ferralti seated beside his bed. The young man was +pale, but composed. + +"Mr. Merrick," said he, "what have you decided to do?" + +Uncle John rubbed his eyes and sat up. + +"I'm going to purchase that ring," he answered, "at the best price the +Duke will make me." + +"I am disappointed," returned Ferralti, stiffly. "I do not intend to +allow myself to be robbed in this way." + +"Then write a farewell letter, and I'll take it to your friends." + +"It may not be necessary, sir." + +Uncle John regarded him thoughtfully. + +"What can you do?" he asked. + +Ferralti leaned forward and whispered, softly: "I have a stout +pocket-knife, with a very long blade. I shall try to kill the Duke. Once +he is dead his people will not dare to oppose us, but will fly in +terror. It is only Il Duca's audacity and genius that enables this +robber's den to exist." + +"You would rather attempt this than pay?" + +"Sir, I could not bear the infamy of letting this scoundrel triumph over +me." + +"Well, Ferralti, you are attempting a delicate and dangerous task, but +so far as I can, I will help you." + +He took the revolver from his pocket and handed it to his companion. + +"It's loaded in every chamber," he whispered. "Perhaps it will serve +your purpose better than a knife." + +Ferralti's eyes sparkled. + +"Good!" he exclaimed, concealing the weapon. "I shall watch for my +opportunity, so as to make no mistake. Meantime, do you bargain with the +Duke, but postpone any agreement to pay." + +"All right, my lad. I'll wait to see what happens. It may add a good +deal to the cost of that ring, if you fail; but I'll take the chances of +that for the sake of the game." + +He paused a moment, and then added: + +"Is your father really dead, Count?" + +"Yes; the Duke has sent me the cablegram he received from his agent. I +cannot doubt his authority. My father and I have not been friendly, of +late years. He was a severe man, cold and unsympathetic, but I am sorry +we could not have been reconciled before this awful fate overtook him. +However, it is now too late for vain regrets. I tried not to disobey or +antagonize my one parent, but he did not understand my nature, and +perhaps I failed to understand his." + +He sighed, and rising from his chair walked to the window to conceal his +emotion. + +Uncle John remained silent, and presently Tommaso entered to notify them +that dinner would be served in a half hour, and the Duke expected them +to join him at the table. + +The next morning Mr. Merrick bargained pleasantly with his jailer, who +seemed not averse to discussing the matter at length; but no conclusion +was reached. Ferralti took no part in the conversation, but remained +sullen and silent, and the Duke did not press him. + +The day after, however, he insisted that he had dallied long enough, +although after much argument on the part of his enforced guests he +agreed to give them three days to decide, with the understanding that +each day they delayed would add a goodly sum to their ransom. If at the +end of the three days the Americans remained obdurate, he would invite +them to take a little walk, and the affair would be terminated. + +Ferralti hugged his revolver and awaited his opportunity. It seemed to +Uncle John that he might have had a hundred chances to shoot the +brigand, who merited no better fate than assassination at their hands; +but although Ferralti was resolved upon the deed he constantly hesitated +to accomplish it in cold blood, and the fact that he had three days +grace induced him to put off the matter as long as possible. + +He came to regret most bitterly his indecision; for something in the +young man's eyes must have put the brigand on his guard. When they awoke +on the third morning, which was the fifth since their imprisonment, some +one had searched their rooms thoroughly. The revolver and the knife were +both gone, and the loss rendered them absolutely helpless. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +UNCLE JOHN PLAYS EAVESDROPPER + + +It now seemed to Uncle John that further resistance to the demands of Il +Duca was as useless as it was dangerous. He resented the necessity of +paying a ransom as much as any man could; but imprisoned as he was in a +veritable "robbers' den," without means of communicating with the +authorities or the outside world, and powerless to protect his life from +the vengeance of the unprincipled scoundrel who held him, the only safe +and sane mode of procedure was to give in as gracefully as possible. + +He formed this conclusion during a long walk around the valley, during +which he once more noted the absolute seclusion of the place and the +impossibility of escape by scaling the cliffs. The doctor was fishing +again by the brook, but paid no heed when Uncle John tramped by. The +sight of the dapper little man gave Mr. Merrick a thought, and +presently he turned back and sat down beside the fisherman. + +"I want to get out of this," he said, bluntly. "It was fun, at first, +and rather interesting; but I've had enough of it." + +The physician kept his eye on the line and made no reply. + +"I want you to tell me how to escape," continued Uncle John. "It's no +use saying that it can't be done, for nothing is impossible to a clever +man, such as I believe you to be." + +Still no reply. + +"You spoke, the other day, of earning enough money to go home and live +in peace for the rest of your days. Here, sir, is your opportunity to +improve upon that ambition. The brigand is trying to exact a large +ransom from me; I'll give it to you willingly--every penny--if you'll +show me how to escape." + +"Why should you do that?" enquired the doctor, still intent upon his +line. "Does it matter to you who gets your money?" + +"Of course," was the prompt reply. "In one case I pay it for a service +rendered, and do it gladly. On the other hand, I am robbed, and that +goes against the grain. Il Duca has finally decided to demand fifty +thousand dollars. It shall be yours, instead, if you give me your +assistance." + +"Signore," said the other, calmly, "I would like this money, and I +regret that it is impossible for me to earn it. But there is no means of +escape from this place except by the passage through the rocks, which +passage only three people know the secret of opening--Il Duca himself, +the child Tato, and the old Duchessa. Perhaps Tommaso also knows; I am +not certain; but he will not admit he has such knowledge. You see, +signore, I am as much a prisoner as yourself." + +"There ought to be some way to climb these cliffs; some secret path or +underground tunnel," remarked Uncle John, musingly. + +"It is more than a hundred years since this valley was made secure by a +brigand ancestor of our Duchessa," was the reply. "It may be two or +three centuries ago, for all I know. And ever since it has been used for +just this purpose: to hold a prisoner until he was ransomed--and no +such man has ever left the place alive unless he paid the price." + +"Then you cannot help me?" asked Uncle John, who was weary of hearing +these pessimistic declarations. + +"I cannot even help myself; for I may not resign my position here unless +the Duke is willing I should go." + +"Good morning, doctor." + +The prisoner returned slowly toward the dwelling, with its group of +outhouses. By chance he found a path leading to the rear of these which +he had not traversed before, and followed it until he came to a hedge of +thickly set trees of some variety of cactus, which seemed to have been +planted to form an enclosure. Cautiously pushing aside the branches +bordering a small gap in this hedge, Uncle John discovered a charming +garden lying beyond, so he quickly squeezed himself through the opening +and entered. + +The garden was rudely but not badly kept. There was even some attempt at +ornamentation, and many of the shrubs and flowers were rare and +beautiful. Narrow walks traversed the masses of foliage, and several +leafy bowers invited one to escape the heat of the midday sun in their +shelter. It was not a large place, and struck one as being overcrowded +because so many of the plants were taller than a man's head. + +Uncle John turned down one path which, after several curves and turns, +came to an abrupt ending beneath the spreading branches of an acacia +tree which had been converted into a bower by a thick, climbing vine, +whose matted leaves and purple blossoms effectually screened off the +garden beyond. + +While he stood gazing around him to find a way out without retracing his +steps, a clear voice within a few feet of him caused him to start. The +voice spoke in vehement Italian, and came from the other side of the +screen of vines. It was sharp and garrulous in tone, and although Uncle +John did not understand the words he recognized their dominating accent. + +The Duke replied, slowly and sullenly, and whatever he said had the +effect of rousing the first speaker to fierce anger. + +The American became curious. He found a place where the leaves were +thinner than elsewhere, and carefully pressing them apart looked through +the opening. Beyond was a clear space, well shaded and furnished with +comfortable settles, tables and chairs. It adjoined a wing of the +dwelling, which stood but a few paces away and was evidently occupied by +the women of the household. The old Duchessa, her face still like a +death mask but her eyes glittering with the brightness of a serpent's, +sat enthroned within a large chair in the center of a family group. It +was her sharp voice that had first aroused the American's attention. +Opposite her sat the Duke, his thin face wearing an expression of gloom +and dissatisfaction. The child Tato occupied a stool at her father's +feet, and in the background were three serving women, sewing or +embroidering. Near the Duke stood the tall brigand known as Pietro. + +Answering the old woman's fierce tirade, Tato said: + +"It is foolish to quarrel in Italian. The servants are listening." + +"Let us then speak in English," returned the Duchessa. "These are +matters the servants should not gossip about." + +The Duke nodded assent. Both Tato and her grandmother spoke easily the +foreign tongue; the Duke was more uncertain in his English, but +understood it perfectly. + +"I am still the head of this family," resumed the Duchessa, in a more +moderate tone. "I insist that my will be obeyed." + +"Your dignity I have the respect for," replied the Duke, laboredly; "but +you grow old and foolish." + +"Foolish! I?" + +"Yes; you are absurd. You live in past centuries. You think to-day we +must do all that your ancestors did." + +"Can you do better?" + +"Yes; the world has change. It has progress. With it I advance, but you +do not. You would murder, rob, torture to-day as the great Duke, your +grandfather, did. You think we still are of the world independent. You +think we are powerful and great. Bah! we are nothing--we are as a speck +of dust. But still we are the outlaws and the outcasts of Sicily, and +some day Italy will crush us and we will be forgotten." + +"I dare them to molest us!" + +"Because you are imbecile. The world you do not know. I have travel; I +see many countries; and I am wise." + +"But you are still my vassal, my slave; and I alone rule here. Always +have you rebelled and wanted to escape. Only my iron will has kept you +here and made you do your duty." + +"Since you my brother Ridolfo killed, I have little stomach for the +trade of brigand. It is true. But no longer is this trade necessary. We +are rich. Had I a son to inherit your business, a different thought +might prevail; but I have only Tato, and a girl cannot be a successful +brigand." + +"Why not?" cried the old Duchessa, contemptuously. "It is the +girl--always the girl--you make excuses for. But have I not ruled our +domain--I, who am a woman?" + +Tato herself answered, in a quiet voice. + +"And what have you become, nonna, more than an outcast?" she enquired. +"What use to you is money, or a power that the world would sneer at, did +the world even suspect that you exist? You are a failure in life, my +nonna, and I will not be like you." + +The Duchessa screamed an epithet and glared at the child as if she would +annihilate her; but no fitting words to reply could she find. + +Uncle John smiled delightedly. He felt no sense of humiliation or revolt +at eavesdropping in this den of thieves, and to be able to gain so fair +a revelation of the inner life of this remarkable family was a diversion +not lightly to be foregone. + +"So far, we have managed to escape the law," resumed the Duke. "But +always it may not be our fortune to do this, if we continue this life. +It is now a good time to stop. Of one American we will gain a quarter of +a million lira--a fortune--and of the other one hundred and fifty +thousand lira. With what we already have it is enough and more. Quietly +we will disband our men and go away. In another land we live the +respectable life, in peace with all, and Tato shall be the fine lady, +and forget she once was a brigand's daughter." + +The child sprang up in glee, and clasping her father's neck with both +arms kissed him with passionate earnestness. + +Silently the Duchessa watched the scene. Her face was as pallid and +immobile as ever; even the eyes seemed to have lost expression. But the +next words showed that she was still unconquered. + +"You shall take the money of the fat pig of an American; it is well to +do so. But the youth who boldly calls himself Ferralti shall make no +tribute to this family. He shall die as I have declared." + +"I will not take the risk," asserted the Duke, sourly. + +"Have the others who lie in the pit told tales?" she demanded. + +"No; but they died alone. Here are two Americans our prisoners, and +they have many and powerful friends, both at Taormina and at Naples. The +man Merrick, when he goes, will tell that Ferralti is here. To obtain +his person, alive or dead, the soldiers will come here and destroy us +all. It is folly, and shows you are old and imbecile." + +"Then go!" she cried, fiercely. "Go, you and Tato; take your money and +escape. And leave me my valley, and the youth Ferralti, and my revenge. +Then, if I die, if the soldiers destroy me, it is my own doing." + +"In this new world, of which you know nothing, escape is not possible," +replied the duke, after a moment's thought. "Ferralti must be accounted +for, and because I captured him they would accuse me of his death, and +even Tato might be made to suffer. No, madame. Both the Americans must +be killed, or both set free for ransom." + +Uncle John gave a start of dismay. Here was a development he had not +expected. + +"Then," said the old woman, positively, "let them both die." + +"Oh, no!" exclaimed Tato. "Not that, grandmother!" + +"Certainly not so," agreed the Duke. "We want their money." + +"You are already rich," said the Duchessa. "You have yourself said so, +and I know it is truth." + +"This new world," explained the Duke, "contains of luxuries many that +you have no understanding of. To be rich to-day requires more money than +in your days, madre mia. With these ransoms, which already we have won, +we shall have enough. Without this money my Tato would lack much that I +desire for her. So of new murders I will take no risk, for the bambina's +sake." + +"And my revenge?" + +"Bah, of what use is it? Because the boy's father married my sister +Bianca, and ill-treated her, must we kill their offspring?" + +"He is his father's son. The father, you say, is dead, and so also is my +child Bianca. Then my hatred falls upon the son Arturo, and he must die +to avenge the wrong to our race." + +"More proof that you are imbecile," said the Duke, calmly. "He shall not +die. He is nothing to us except a mine from whence to get gold." + +"He is my grandson. I have a right to kill him." + +"He is my nephew. He shall live." + +"Do you defy me?" + +"With certainty. I defy you. The new world permits no crazy nonna to +rule a family. That is my privilege. If you persist, it is you who shall +go to the pit. If you have reason, you shall remain in your garden in +peace. Come, Tato; we will retire." + +He arose and took the child's hand. The old woman sat staring at them in +silence, but with an evil glint in her glistening eyes. + +Uncle John turned around and softly made his retreat from the garden. +His face wore a startled and horrified expression and on his forehead +stood great beads of sweat that the sultriness of the day did not +account for. + +But he thought better of Il Duca. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE PIT + + +They met an hour later at luncheon, all but the Duchessa, who sulked in +her garden. Tato was bright and smiling, filled with a suppressed joy +which bubbled up in spite of the little one's effort to be dignified and +sedate. When her hand stole under the table to find and press that of +her father, Uncle John beamed upon her approvingly; for he knew what had +occurred and could sympathize with her delight. + +The Duke, however, was more sombre than usual. He had defied his mother, +successfully, so far; but he feared the terrible old woman more than did +Tato, because he knew more of her history and of the bold and wicked +deeds she had perpetrated in years gone by. Only once had a proposed +victim escaped her, and that was when her own daughter Bianca had fallen +in love with an American held for ransom and spirited him away from the +valley through knowledge of the secret passage. It was well Bianca had +fled with her lover; otherwise her mother would surely have killed her. +But afterward, when the girl returned to die in the old home, all was +forgiven, and only the hatred of her foreign husband, whose cruelty had +driven her back to Sicily, remained to rankle in the old Duchessa's +wicked heart. + +No one knew her evil nature better than her son. He entertained a +suspicion that he had not conquered her by his recent opposition to her +will. Indeed, he would never have dared to brave her anger except for +Tato's sake. Tato was his idol, and in her defense the cowardly brigand +had for the moment become bold. + +Tato laughed and chatted with Uncle John all through the meal, even +trying at times to cheer the doleful Ferralti, who was nearly as glum +and unsociable as her father. The servants and brigands at the lower end +of the table looked upon the little one admiringly. It was evident she +was a general favorite. + +On the porch, after luncheon, the Duke broached the subject of the +ransoms again, still maintaining the fable of selling his antique +jewelry. + +"Sir," said Uncle John, "I'm going to submit gracefully, but upon one +condition." + +The Duke scowled. + +"I allow no conditions," he said. + +"You'd better allow this one," Uncle John replied, "because it will make +it easier for all of us. Of my own free will and accord I will make a +present to Tato of fifty thousand dollars, and she shall have it for her +dowry when she marries." + +Tato clapped her hands. + +"How did you know I am a girl, when I wear boys' clothes?" she asked. + +Even the duke smiled, at that, but the next moment he shook his head +solemnly. + +"It will not do, signore," he declared, answering Uncle John's +proposition. "This is a business affair altogether. You must purchase +the ring, and at once." + +The little American sighed. It had been his last hope. + +"Very well," he said; "have your own way." + +"You will send to your friends for the money?" + +"Whenever you say, Duke. You've got me in a hole, and I must wiggle out +the best way I can." + +The brigand turned to Ferralti. + +"And you, signore?" he asked. + +"I do not know whether I can get the money you demand." + +"But you will make the attempt, as I shall direct?" + +"Yes." + +"Then, signori, it is all finished. In a brief time you will leave my +hospitable roof." + +"The sooner the better," declared Ferralti. + +They sat for a time in silence, each busy with his thoughts. + +"Go to your grandmother, Tato," said the Duke, "and try to make your +peace with her. If she is too angry, do not remain. To-morrow you must +go into town with letters from these gentlemen to their friends." + +The child kissed him and went obediently to do his will. Then the +brigand spoke to Tommaso, who brought writing material from the house +and placed it upon a small table. + +Uncle John, without further demur, sat down to write. The Duke dictated +what he should say, although he was allowed to express the words in his +own characteristic style, and he followed his instructions implicitly, +secretly admiring the shrewdness of the brigand's methods. + +It was now Ferralti's turn. He had just seated himself at the table and +taken the pen when they were startled by a shrill scream from the rear +of the house. It was followed by another, and another, in quick +succession. + +It was Tato's voice, and the duke gave an answering cry and sprang from +the veranda to dart quickly around the corner of the house. Uncle John +followed him, nearly as fearful as the child's father. + +Tommaso seized a short rifle that stood near and ran around the house in +the other direction, when Ferralti, who for a moment had seemed dazed by +the interruption, followed Tommaso rather than the others. + +As they came to the rear they were amazed to see the old Duchessa, whom +they had known to be feeble and dependent upon her women, rush through +the garden hedge with the agility of a man, bearing in her arms the +struggling form of little Tato. + +The child screamed pitifully, but the woman glared upon Tommaso and +Ferralti, as she passed them, with the ferocity of a tiger. + +"She is mad!" cried Ferralti. "Quick, Tommaso; let us follow her." + +The brigand bounded forward, with the young man scarce a pace behind +him. The woman, running with wonderful speed in spite of her burden, +began to ascend a narrow path leading up the face of a rugged cliff. + +A yell of anguish from behind for a moment arrested Ferralti's rapid +pursuit. Glancing back he saw the Duke running frantically toward them, +at the same time waving his arms high above his head. + +"The pit!" he shouted. "She is making for the pit. Stop her, for the +love of God!" + +Ferralti understood, and dashed forward again at full speed. Tommaso +also understood, for his face was white and he muttered terrible oaths +as he pressed on. Yet run as they might, the mad duchessa was inspired +with a strength so superhuman that she kept well in advance. + +But the narrow path ended half way up the cliff. It ended at a deep +chasm in the rocks, the edge of which was protected by a large flat +stone, like the curb of a well. + +With a final leap the old woman gained this stone, and while the +dreadful pit yawned at her feet she turned, and with a demoniacal laugh +faced her pursuers, hugging the child close to her breast. + +Tommaso and Ferralti, who were nearest, paused instinctively. It was now +impossible for them to prevent the tragedy about to be enacted. The +Duke, spurred on by fear, was yet twenty paces in their rear, and in a +moment he also stopped, clasping his hands in a gesture of vain +entreaty. + +"Listen, Lugui!" his mother called to him, in a dear, high voice. "This +is the child that has come between us and turned you from a man into a +coward. Here alone is the cause of our troubles. Behold! I will remove +it forever from our path." + +With the words she lifted Tato high above her head and turned toward the +pit--that terrible cleft in the rocks which was believed to have no +bottom. + +At her first movement Tommaso had raised his gun, and the Duke, +perceiving this, called to him in an agonized voice to fire. But either +the brigand wavered between his loyalty to the Duke or the Duchessa, or +he feared to injure Tato, for he hesitated to obey and the moments were +precious. + +The child's fate hung in the balance when Ferralti snatched the weapon +from the brigand's hands and fired it so hastily that he scarcely seemed +to take aim. + +A wild cry echoed the shot. The woman collapsed and fell, dropping Tato +at her feet, where they both tottered at the edge of the pit. The child, +however, clung desperately to the outer edge of the flat stone, while +the Duchessa's inert form seemed to hesitate for an instant and then +disappeared from view. + +Tommaso ran forward and caught up the child, returning slowly along the +path to place it in the father's arms. Ferralti was looking vaguely from +the weapon he held to the pit, and then back again, as if not fully +understanding what he had done. + +"Thank you, signore," said the Duke, brokenly, "for saving my precious +child." + +"But I have slain your mother!" cried the young man, horrified. + +"The obligation is even," replied the duke. "She was also your +grandmother." + +Ferralti stood motionless, his face working convulsively, his tongue +refusing to utter a sound. + +"But he did not shoot my grandmother at all," said Tato, who was sobbing +against her father's breast; "for I heard the bullet strike the rock +beside us. My grandmother's strength gave way, and she fainted. It was +that that saved me, padre mia." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +NEWS AT LAST + + +Kenneth Forbes had always been an unusual boy. He had grown up in an +unfriendly atmosphere, unloved and uncared for, and resented this +neglect with all the force of his impetuous nature. He had hated Aunt +Jane, and regarded her as cruel and selfish--a fair estimate of her +character--until Aunt Jane's nieces taught him to be more considerate +and forgiving. Patricia, especially, had exercised a gentler influence +upon the arbitrary youth, and as a consequence they had become staunch +friends. + +When the unexpected inheritance of a fortune changed the boy's condition +from one of dependence to one of importance he found he had no longer +any wrongs to resent; therefore his surly and brusque moods gradually +disappeared, and he became a pleasant companion to those he cared for. +With strangers he still remained reserved and suspicious, and +occasionally the old sullen fits would seize him and it was well to +avoid his society while they lasted. + +On his arrival at Taormina, Kenneth had entered earnestly into the +search for Uncle John, whom he regarded most affectionately; and, having +passed the day tramping over the mountains, he would fill the evening +with discussions and arguments with the nieces concerning the fate of +their missing uncle. + +But as the days dragged wearily away the search slackened and was +finally abandoned. Kenneth set up his easel in the garden and began to +paint old Etna, with its wreath of snow and the soft gray cloud of vapor +that perpetually hovered over it. + +"Anyone with half a soul could paint that!" said Patsy; and as a proof +of her assertion the boy did very well indeed, except that his +uneasiness on Mr. Merrick's account served to distract him more or less. + +Nor was Kenneth the only uneasy one. Mr. Watson, hard-headed man of +resource as he was, grew more and more dejected as he realized the +impossibility of interesting the authorities in the case. The Sicilian +officials were silent and uncommunicative; the Italians wholly +indifferent. If strangers came to Taormina and got into difficulties, +the government was in no way to blame. It was their duty to tolerate +tourists, but those all too energetic foreigners must take care of +themselves. + +Probably Mr. Watson would have cabled the State Department at Washington +for assistance had he not expected each day to put him in communication +with his friend, and in the end he congratulated himself upon his +patience. The close of the week brought a sudden and startling change in +the situation. + +The girls sat on the shaded terrace one afternoon, watching the picture +of Etna grow under Kenneth's deft touches, when they observed a child +approaching them with shy diffidence. It was a beautiful Sicilian boy, +with wonderful brown eyes and a delicate profile. After assuring himself +that the party of young Americans was quite separate from any straggling +guest of the hotel, the child came near enough to say, in a low tone: + +"I have a message from Signor Merrick." + +They crowded around him eagerly then, raining questions from every side; +but the boy shrank away and said, warningly: + +"If we are overheard, signorini mia, it will be very bad. No one must +suspect that I am here." + +"Is my uncle well?" asked Patsy, imploringly. + +"Quite well, mees." + +"And have you also news of Count Ferralti?" anxiously enquired Louise. + +"Oh, Ferralti? He is better. Some teeth are knocked out, but he eats +very well without them," replied the child, with an amused laugh. + +"Where are our friends, my lad?" Kenneth asked. + +"I cannot describe the place, signore; but here are letters to explain +all." The child produced a bulky package, and after a glance at each, in +turn, placed it in Patsy's hands. "Read very secretly, signorini, and +decide your course of action. To-morrow I will come for your answer. In +the meantime, confide in no one but yourselves. If you are indiscreet, +you alone will become the murderers of Signor Merrick and the sad young +Ferralti." + +"Who are you?" asked Beth, examining the child closely. + +"I am called Tato, signorina mia." + +"Where do you live?" + +"It is all explained in the letters, believe me." + +Beth glanced at Patricia, who was examining the package, and now all +crowded around for a glimpse of Uncle John's well-known handwriting. The +wrapper was inscribed: + + _"To Miss Doyle, Miss De Graf and Miss Merrick,_ + _Hotel Castello-a-Mare, Taormina._ + _By the safe hands of Tato."_ + +Inside were two letters, one addressed to Louise personally. She seized +this and ran a little distance away, while Beth took Uncle John's letter +from Patsy's trembling hands, and having opened it read aloud in a +clear and composed voice the following: + + "My dear Nieces: (and also my dear friends, Silas Watson and + Kenneth Forbes, if they are with you) Greeting! You have + perhaps been wondering at my absence, which I will explain + by saying that I am visiting a noble acquaintance in a very + cozy and comfortable retreat which I am sure would look + better from a distance. My spirits and health are A No. 1 + and it is my intention to return to you as soon as you have + executed a little commission for me, which I want you to do + exactly as I hereby instruct you. In other words, if you + don't execute the commission you will probably execute me. + + "I have decided to purchase a valuable antique ring from my + host, at a price of fifty thousand dollars, which trifling + sum I must have at once to complete the transaction, for + until full payment is made I cannot rejoin you. Therefore + you must hasten to raise the dough. Here's the programme, my + dear girls: One of you must go by first train to Messina and + cable Isham, Marvin & Co. to deposit with the New York + correspondents of the Banca Commerciale Italiana fifty + thousand dollars, and have instructions cabled to the + Messina branch of that bank to pay the sum to the written + order of John Merrick. This should all be accomplished + within twenty-four hours. Present the enclosed order, + together with my letter of credit and passport, which will + identify my signature, and draw the money in cash. Return + with it to Taormina and give it secretly to the boy Tato, + who will bring it to me. I will rejoin you within three + hours after I have paid for the ring. + + "This may seem a strange proceeding to you, my dears, but + you must not hesitate to accomplish it--if you love me. + Should my old friend Silas Watson be now with you, as I + expect him to be, he will assist you to do my bidding, for + he will be able to realize, better than I can now explain, + how important it is to me. + + "Also I beg you to do a like service for Count Ferralti, who + is entrusting his personal commission, to Louise. He also + must conclude an important purchase before he can return to + Taormina. + + "More than this I am not permitted to say in this letter. + Confide in no stranger, or official of any sort, and act as + secretly and quietly as possible. I hope soon to be with + you. + + "Very affectionately, UNCLE JOHN." + +"What does it all mean?" asked Patsy, bewildered, when Beth had finished +reading. + +"Why, it is clear enough, I'm sure," said Kenneth. "Uncle John is +imprisoned by brigands, and the money he requires is his ransom. We must +get it as soon as possible, you know, and luckily he is so rich that he +won't miss this little draft at all." + +Beth sat silent, angrily staring at the letter. + +"I suppose," said Patsy, hesitating, "the robbers will do the dear uncle +some mischief, if he doesn't pay." + +"Just knock him on the head, that's all," said the boy. "But there's no +need to worry. We can get the money easily." + +Suddenly Beth jumped up. + +"Where's that girl?" she demanded, sharply. + +"What girl?" + +"Tato." + +"Tato, my dear coz, is a boy," answered Kenneth; "and he disappeared +ages ago." + +"You must be blind," said Beth, scornfully, "not to recognize a girl +when you see one. A boy, indeed!" + +"Why, he dressed like a boy," replied Kenneth, hesitatingly. + +"So much the more disgraceful," sniffed Beth. "She belongs to those +brigands, I suppose." + +"Looks something like Victor Valdi," said Patsy, thoughtfully. + +"Il Duca? Of course! I see it myself, now. Patricia, it is that wicked +duke who has captured Uncle John." + +"I had guessed that," declared Patsy, smiling. + +"He must be a handsome rascal," observed Kenneth, "for the child is +pretty as a picture." + +"He isn't handsome at all," replied Beth; "but there is a look about the +child's eyes that reminds me of him." + +"That's it, exactly," agreed Patsy. + +Louise now approached them with a white, frightened face. + +"Isn't it dreadful!" she moaned. "They are going to kill Ferralti unless +he gives them thirty thousand dollars." + +"And I don't believe he can raise thirty cents," said Patsy, calmly. + +"Oh, yes, he can," answered Louise, beginning to cry. "Hi--his--father +is d--dead, and has left him--a--fortune." + +"Don't blubber, Lou," said the boy, chidingly; "in that case your dago +friend is as well off as need be. But I suppose you're afraid the +no-account Count won't figure his life is worth thirty thousand dollars. +It does seem like an awful price to pay for a foreigner." + +"It isn't that," said Louise, striving to control her emotion. "He says +he hates to be robbed. He wouldn't pay a penny if he could help it." + +"Good for the Count! I don't blame him a bit," exclaimed Beth. "It is a +beastly shame that free born Americans should be enslaved by a crew of +thieving Sicilians, and obliged to purchase their freedom!" + +"True for you," said Kenneth, nodding. "But what are we going to do +about it?" + +"Pay, of course," decided Patsy, promptly. "Our Uncle John is too +precious to be sacrificed for all the money in the world. Come; let's go +and find Mr. Watson. We ought not to lose a moment's time." + +The lawyer read Uncle John's letter carefully, as well as the one from +Count Ferralti, which Louise confided to him with the request that he +keep the young man's identity a secret for a time, until he could reveal +it to her cousins in person. + +"The only thing to be done," announced Mr. Watson, "is to carry out +these instructions faithfully. We can send the cable messages from here, +and in the morning Louise and I will take the train for Messina and +remain there until we get the money." + +"It's an outrage!" cried Beth. + +"Of course, my dear. But it can't be helped. And your uncle is wise to +take the matter so cheerfully. After all, it is little enough to pay +for one's life and liberty, and our friend is so wealthy that he will +never feel the loss at all." + +"It isn't that; it's the principle of the thing that I object to," said +the girl. "It's downright disgraceful to be robbed so easily." + +"To be sure; but the disgrace is Italy's, not ours. Object all you want +to, Beth, dear," continued the old lawyer, smiling at her; "but +nevertheless we'll pay as soon as possible, and have done with it. What +we want now is your Uncle John, and we want him mighty badly." + +"Really, the pirates didn't charge enough for him," added Patsy. + +So Mr. Watson sent the cables to John Merrick's bankers and Count +Ferralti's attorney, and the next morning went with Louise to Messina. + +Frascatti drove all the party down the road to the station at Giardini, +and as the train pulled out, Beth, who had remained seated in the +victoria with Patricia and Kenneth, suddenly stood up to pull the +_vetturino's_ sleeve. + +"Tell me, Frascatti," she whispered, "isn't that Il Duca's child? +Look--that little one standing in the corner?" + +"Why, yes; it is really Tato," answered the man, before he thought to +deny it. + +"Very well; you may now drive us home," returned Beth, a shade of +triumph in her voice. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +BETH BEGINS TO PLOT + + +Once back in their sitting-room behind closed doors, Beth, Patsy and +Kenneth got their three heads together and began eagerly to discuss a +plot which Beth had hinted of on the way home and now unfolded in +detail. And while they still whispered together a knock at the door +startled them and made them look rather guilty until the boy answered +the call and admitted little Tato. + +The child's beautiful face wore a smile of demure satisfaction as Tato +bowed respectfully to the young Americans. + +Kenneth winked at Beth from behind the visitor's back. + +"As you have a guest," he remarked, with a yawn that was somewhat rude, +"I shall now go and take my nap." + +"What, do you sleep so early in the day, you lazy-bones?" asked Patsy, +brightly. + +"Any time, my dear, is good enough for an overworked artist," he +replied. "Au revoir, my cousins. See you at luncheon." + +With this he strolled away, and when he had gone Beth said to Tato: + +"Won't you sit down, signorina?" + +"Do you mean me?" asked the child, as if surprised. + +"Yes; I can see plainly that you are a girl." + +"And a pretty one, too, my dear," added Patsy. + +Tato blushed as if embarrassed, but in a moment smiled upon the American +girls. + +"Do you think me immodest, then?" she asked, anxiously. + +"By no means, my dear," Beth assured her. "I suppose you have an +excellent reason for wearing boys' clothes." + +"So I have, signorina. I live in the mountains, where dresses catch in +the crags, and bother a girl. And my father has always been heart-broken +because he had no son, and likes to see me in this attire. He has many +errands for me, too, where a boy may go unnoticed, yet a girl would +attract too much attention. This is one of the errands, signorini. But +now tell me, if you please, how have you decided to answer the letters +of Signor Merrick and Signor Ferralti?" + +"Oh, there was but one way to answer them, Tato," replied Beth, +composedly. "We have sent Mr. Watson and our cousin Louise Merrick to +Messina to get the money. If our friends in America act promptly Mr. +Watson and Louise will return by to-morrow afternoon's train, and be +prepared to make the payment." + +"That is well, signorina," responded Tato. + +"We are to give the money to you, I suppose?" said Patsy. + +"Yes; I will return for it to-morrow afternoon," answered the child, +with business-like gravity. Then she looked earnestly from one to the +other of the two girls. "You must act discreetly, in the meantime, you +know. You must not talk to anyone, or do anything to imperil your +uncle's safety." + +"Of course not, Tato." + +"I beg you not, signorini. The uncle is a good man, and brave. I do not +wish him to be injured." + +"Nor do we, Tato." + +"And the young man is not a coward, either. He has been kind to me. But +he is sad, and not so pleasant to talk with as the uncle." + +"True enough, Tato," said Beth. + +Patsy had been examining the child with curious intentness. The little +one was so lovely and graceful, and her voice sounded so soft and +womanly, that Patsy longed to take her in her arms and hug her. + +"How old are you, dear?" she asked. + +Tato saw the friendly look, and answered with a smile. + +"Perhaps as old as you, signorina, although I am so much smaller. I +shall be fifteen in a month." + +"So old!" + +Tato laughed merrily. + +"Ah, you might well say 'so young,' amico mia! To be grown up is much +nicer; do you not think so? And then I shall not look such a baby as +now, and have people scold me when I get in the way, as they do little +bambini." + +"But when you are grown you cannot wear boys' clothing, either." + +Tato sighed. + +"We have a saying in Sicily that 'each year has its sunshine and rain,' +which means its sorrow and its joy," she answered. "Perhaps I sometimes +think more of the tears than of the laughter, although I know that is +wrong. Not always shall I be a mountaineer, and then the soft dresses of +the young girls shall be my portion. Will I like them better? I do not +know. But I must go now, instead of chattering here. Farewell, +signorini, until to-morrow." + +"Will you not remain with us?" + +"Oh, no; although you are kind. I am expected home. But to-morrow I will +come for the money. You will be silent?" + +"Surely, Tato." + +The child smiled upon them pleasantly. It was a relief to deal with two +tender girls instead of cold and resentful men, such as she had +sometimes met. At the door she blew a kiss to them, and darted away. + +In the courtyard Frascatti saw her gliding out and discreetly turned his +head the other way. + +Tato took the old road, circling around the theatre and through the +narrow, winding streets of the lower town to the Catania Gate. She +looked back one or twice, but no one noticed her. If any of the +villagers saw her approaching they slipped out of her path. + +Once on the highway, however, Tato became lost in reflection. Her +mission being successfully accomplished, it required no further thought; +but the sweet young American girls had made a strong impression upon the +lonely Sicilian maid, and she dreamed of their pretty gowns and ribbons, +their fresh and comely faces, and the gentleness of their demeanor. + +Tato was not gentle. She was wild and free and boyish, and had no pretty +gowns whatever. But what then? She must help her father to get his +fortune, and then he had promised her that some day they would go to +Paris or Cairo and live in the world, and be brigands no longer. + +She would like that, she thought, as she clambered up the steep paths; +and perhaps she would meet these American girls again, or others like +them, and make them her friends. She had never known a girl friend, as +yet. + +These ambitions would yesterday have seemed far in the dim future; but +now that her stern old grandmother was gone it was possible her father +would soon fulfill his promises. While the Duchessa lived she ruled them +all, and she was a brigand to the backbone. Now her father's will +prevailed, and he could refuse his child nothing. + +Kenneth was not an expert detective, but he had managed to keep Tato in +sight without being suspected by her. He had concealed himself near the +Catania Gate, through which he knew she must pass, and by good luck she +had never looked around once, so intent were her musings. + +When she came to the end of the path and leaned against the rock to sing +the broken refrain which was the "open sesame" to the valley, the boy +was hidden snug behind a boulder where he could watch her every +movement. + +Then the rock opened; Tato passed in, and the opening closed behind her. + +Kenneth found a foothold and climbed up the wall of rock, higher and +higher, until at last he crept upon a high ridge and looked over. + +The hidden valley lay spread before him in all its beauty, but the +precipice at his feet formed a sheer drop of a hundred feet or more, and +he drew back with a shudder. + +Then he took courage to look again, and observed the house, on the porch +of which stood Tato engaged in earnest conversation with a tall, dark +Sicilian. Uncle John was nowhere to be seen, but the boy understood that +he was there, nevertheless, and realized that his prison was so secure +that escape was impossible. + +And now he climbed down again, a much more difficult feat than getting +up. But although he was forced to risk his life several times, he was +agile and clear-headed, and finally dropped to the path that led to the +secret door of the passage. + +His next thought was to mark the exact location of the place, so that he +could find it again; and as he returned slowly along the paths through +the rocky fissures he took mental note of every curve and communication, +and believed he could now find his way to the retreat of the brigands at +any time he chose. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +PATSY'S NEW FRIEND + + +"I must say that I don't like the job," said Patsy, the next morning, as +she stood by the window and faced Beth and Kenneth. "Suppose we fail?" + +"In the bright lexicon of youth--" + +"Shut up, Ken. If we fail," said Beth, "we will be no worse off than +before." + +"And if we win," added the boy, "they'll think twice before they try to +rob Americans again." + +"Well, I'm with you, anyhow," declared Patricia. "I can see it's risky, +all right; but as you say, no great harm will be done if we slip up." + +"You," announced Beth, gravely, "must be the captain." + +"It isn't in me, dear. You figured the thing out, and Ken and I will +follow your lead." + +"No," said Beth, decidedly; "I'm not quick enough, either in thought or +action, to be a leader, Patsy. And there's a bit of deception required +that I couldn't manage. That clever little thing, Tato, would know at +once I was up to some mischief; but she would never suspect you." + +"I like that compliment," replied Patricia. "I may deserve it, of +course; but it strikes me Louise is the one best fitted for such work." + +"We can't let Louise into this plot," said the boy, positively; "she'd +spoil it all." + +"Don't be silly, Patsy," said Beth. "You're genuine and frank, and the +child likes you. I could see that yesterday. All you have to do is to be +nice to her and win her confidence; and then, when the climax comes, you +must be the spokesman and talk straight out from the shoulder. You can +do that all right." + +"I'll bet on her," cried Kenneth, with an admiring look at the girl. + +"Then," said Patsy, "it is all arranged, and I'm the captain. And is it +agreed that we won't lisp a word to Mr. Watson or Louise?" + +"Not a word." + +"Here," said Kenneth, drawing a revolver from his pocket, "is Uncle +John's pop-gun. It's the only one I could find in his room, so he must +have taken the other with him. Be careful of it, Patsy, for it's loaded +all 'round. Can you shoot?" + +"No; but I suppose the pistol can. I know enough to pull the trigger." + +"And when you do, remember to point it away from your friends. Now hide +it, my dear, and be careful of it." + +Patsy concealed the weapon in the bosom of her dress, not without making +a wry face and shivering a bit. + +"Have you got your revolver, Beth?" asked the boy. + +"Yes." + +"And she can shoot just wonderfully!" exclaimed Patsy. "Yesterday she +picked an orange off a tree with a bullet. You should have seen her." + +"I know," said Ken, nodding. "I've seen Beth shoot before, and she's our +main reliance in this conspiracy. For my part, I can hit a mark +sometimes, and sometimes I can't. See here." He exhibited a beautiful +pearl and silver-mounted weapon which he drew from his pocket. "Mr. +Watson and I have carried revolvers ever since we came to Sicily, but +we've never had occasion to use them. I can hardly believe, even now, +that this beautiful place harbors brigands. It's such a romantic +incident in our prosaic world of to-day. And now, young ladies, we are +armed to the teeth and can defy an army. Eh, Captain Pat?" + +"If you're not more respectful," said the girl, "I'll have you +court-marshalled and drummed out of camp." + +On the afternoon train came Louise and Mr. Watson from Messina. The +American agents had responded promptly, and the bank had honored the +orders and delivered the money without delay. + +"It is all safe in my satchel," said the lawyer, as they rode together +to the hotel; "and our dear friends are as good as rescued already. It's +pretty bulky, Kenneth--four hundred thousand lira--but it is all in +notes on the Banca d'Italia, for we couldn't manage gold." + +"Quite a haul for the brigand," observed Kenneth, thoughtfully. + +"True; but little enough for the lives of two men. That is the way I +look at the transaction. And, since our friends can afford the loss, we +must be as cheerful over the thing as possible. It might have been a +tragedy, you know." + +Louise shivered. + +"I'm glad it is all over," she said, gratefully. + +The conspirators looked at one another and smiled, but held their peace. + +Arriving at the hotel, Beth and Kenneth at once disappeared, saying they +were going to town, as they would not be needed longer. Patsy +accompanied their cousin and the lawyer to the sitting-room, where +presently Tato came to them. + +"Well, little one," said the lawyer, pleasantly, "We have secured the +money required to enable Mr. Merrick to purchase the ring, and +Mr.--er--Count Ferralti to buy his bracelet. Will you count it?" + +"Yes, signore, if you please," replied Tato, with a sober face. + +Mr. Watson drew out two packages of bank notes and placed them upon the +table. The child, realizing the importance of the occasion, carefully +counted each bundle, and then replaced the wrappers. + +"The amounts are correct, signore," she said. "I thank you for making my +task so easy. And now I will go." + +The lawyer brought a newspaper and wrapped the money in it once again. + +"It is always dangerous to carry so much money," said he; "but now no +one will be likely to suspect the contents of your package." + +Tato smiled. + +"No one would care to molest me," she said; "for they fear those that +protect me. Good afternoon, signore. Your friends will be with you in +time to dine in your company. Good afternoon, signorini," turning to +Patsy and Louise. + +"I'll walk a little way with you; may I?" asked Patsy, smiling into +Tato's splendid eyes. + +"To be sure, signorina," was the quick response. + +Patricia caught up a sunshade and followed the child out at the side +entrance, which was little used. Tato took the way along the old road, +and Patsy walked beside her, chatting brightly of the catacombs, the +Norman villa that showed its checkered tower above the trees and the +ancient wall that still hemmed in the little village. + +"I love Taormina," she said, earnestly, "and shall be sorry to leave it. +You must be very happy, Tato, to be able to live here always." + +"It is my birthplace," she said; "but I long to get away from it and see +other countries. The view is fine, they say; but it tires me. The air is +sweet and pure; but it oppresses me. The climate is glorious; but I have +had enough of it. In other places there is novelty, and many things that +Sicily knows nothing of." + +"That is true," replied Patsy, tucking the little one's arm underneath +her own, with a sympathetic gesture. "I know just how you feel, Tato. +You must come to America some day, and visit me. I will make you very +welcome, dear, and you shall be my friend." + +The child looked into her face earnestly. + +"You do not hate me, signorina, because--because--" + +"Because why?" + +"Because my errand to you has been so lawless and--and--unfriendly?" + +"Ah, Tato, you do not choose this life, do you?" + +"No, signorina." + +"It is forced on you by circumstances, is it not?" + +"Truly, signorina." + +"I know. You would not long so wistfully to change your condition if you +enjoyed being a little brigand. But nothing that has passed must +interfere with our friendship, dear. If I were in your place, you see, I +would do just as you have done. It is not a very honest life, Tato, nor +one to be proud of; but I'm not going to blame you one bit." + +They had passed the Catania Gate and reached the foot of one of the +mountain paths. Tato paused, hesitatingly. + +"Oh, I'll go a little farther," said Patsy, promptly. "No one will +notice two girls, you know. Shall I carry your parcel for a time?" + +"No," replied the child, hugging it close with her disengaged arm. But +she offered no objection when Patsy continued to walk by her side. + +"Have you any brothers or sisters, Tato?" + +"No, signorina." + +"Have you a mother?" + +"No, signorina. My father and I are alone." + +"I know him well, Tato. We were on the ship together, crossing the +ocean. He was gruff and disagreeable, but I made him talk to me and +smile." + +"I know; he has told me of the Signorina Patsy. He is fond of you." + +"Yet he robbed my uncle." + +The child flushed, and drew away her arm. + +"That is it. That is why you should hate me," she replied, bitterly. "I +know it is robbery, and brigandage, although my father masks it by +saying he sells antiques. Until now I have seen nothing wrong in this +life, signorina; but you have made me ashamed." + +"Why, dear?" + +"Because you are so good and gentle, and so forgiving." + +Patsy laughed. + +"In reality, Tato, I am resentful and unforgiving. You will find out, +soon, that I am a very human girl, and then I will not make you ashamed. +But your father's business is shameful, nevertheless." + +Tato was plainly puzzled, and knew not what to reply. But just then they +reached the end of the crevasse, and the child said: + +"You must return now, Signorina Patsy." + +"But why cannot I go on with you, and come back with my uncle?" + +Tato hesitated. Accustomed as she was to duplicity and acting, in her +capacity as lure for her thieving father, the child was just now +softened by Patsy's kindly manner and the successful accomplishment of +her mission. She had no thought of any treachery or deception on the +part of the American girl, and the request seemed to her natural +enough. + +"If you like," she decided, "you may come as far as the barrier, and +there wait for your uncle. It will not be long." + +"Very well, dear." + +Tato clambered over the dividing rock and dropped into the path beyond. +Patsy sprang lightly after her. A short distance farther and they +reached the barrier. + +"This is the place, signorina. You will sit upon that stone, and wait +until your uncle appears." She hesitated, and then added, softly: "I may +not see you again. But you will not forget me?" + +"Never, Tato. And if you come to America you must not forget to visit +me. Remember, whatever happens, that we are friends, and must always +remain so." + +The child nodded, gratefully. Then, leaning against the face of the +cliff, she raised her voice and warbled clearly the bit of song that +served as the signal to her father. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +TURNING THE TABLES + + +No sooner had the notes ceased than Kenneth sprang from behind a rock +that had concealed him and grasped the child in his strong arms, trying +to cover her mouth at the same time to prevent her from crying out. + +Tato developed surprising strength. The adventure of yesterday had so +thoroughly frightened her that when she found herself again seized she +struggled madly. The boy found that he could scarcely hold her, so he +enfolded her in both his arms and, letting her scream as she might, +picked up her tiny form and mounted the slope of the hill, leaping from +rock to rock until he came to a broad boulder twenty feet or more above +the path. Here he paused, panting, and awaited results. + +The rock doors had opened promptly. Even while Kenneth struggled with +the brigand's daughter Patsy could see straight through the tunnel and +into the valley beyond. The child had dropped her bundle in the effort +to escape, and while Kenneth was leaping with her up the crags Patsy ran +forward and secured the money, returning quickly to her position facing +the tunnel. + +And now they heard shouts and the sound of hastening feet as Il Duca ran +from the tunnel, followed closely by two of his brigands. They paused a +moment at the entrance, as if bewildered, but when the father saw his +child in the grasp of a stranger and heard her screams he answered with +a roar of fury and prepared to scramble up the rock to rescue her. + +That was where Patsy showed her mettle. She hastily covered the brigand +with her revolver and shouted warningly: + +"Stop, or you are a dead man!" + +It was wonderfully dramatic and effective. + +Il Duca shrank back, scowling, for he had no weapon at hand. Leaning +against the entrance to his valley he glared around to determine the +number of his foes and the probable chance of defeating them. + +Kenneth laughed boyishly at his discomfiture. Kneeling down, the youth +grasped Tato by both wrists and lowered her body over the edge of the +rock so that her feet just touched a little ledge beneath. He continued +to hold fast to her wrists, though, and there she remained, stretched +against the face of the rock fronting the path, in full view of all, but +still unable to move. + +From this exasperating sight Il Duca glanced at Patsy. She was holding +the revolver rigidly extended, and her blue eyes blazed with the +excitement of the moment. It was a wonder she did not pull the trigger +inadvertently, and the thought that she might do so caused the brigand +to shudder. + +Turning half around he beheld a third enemy quietly seated upon the +rocks directly across the path from Kenneth, her pose unconcerned as she +rested her chin lightly upon her left hand. It was Beth, who held her +revolver nonchalantly and gazed upon the scene below her with calm +interest. + +The Duke gave a cough to clear his throat. His men hung back of him, +silent and motionless, for they did not like this absolute and dangerous +defiance of their chief. + +"Tell me, then, Tato," he called in English, "what is the cause of this +trouble?" + +"I do not know, my father, except that these are friends of Signor +Merrick who have secretly followed me here." + +The carefully arranged programme gave Patsy a speech at this point, but +she had entirely forgotten it. + +"Let me explain," said Beth, coldly. "You have dared to detain in your +robbers' den the persons of Mr. Merrick and Count Ferralti. You have +also demanded a ransom for their release. That is brigandage, which is +denounced by the laws of Sicily. We have appealed to the authorities, +but they are helpless to assist us. Therefore, being Americans, we have +decided to assist ourselves. We command you to deliver to us on this +spot, safe and uninjured, the persons of our friends, and that without +any unnecessary delay." + +The Duke listened with a sneer. + +"And if we refuse, signorina?" + +"If you refuse--if you do not obey at once--I swear that I will shoot +your child, Tato, whose body yonder awaits my bullet. And afterward I +shall kill you." + +As she spoke she levelled the revolver and aimed it carefully at the +exposed body of the child. + +The brigand paled, and grasped the rock to steady himself. + +"Bah! No girl can shoot from that distance," he exclaimed, scornfully. + +"Indeed! Take care of your finger," called Beth, and a shot echoed +sharply along the mountain side. + +The brigand jumped and uttered a yell, at the same time whipping his +right hand underneath his left arm; for Beth's bullet had struck one of +his fingers and then flattened itself against the cliff. + +That settled all argument, as far as Il Duca was concerned; for he now +had ample evidence that the stern-eyed girl above him could shoot, and +was not to be trifled with. All his life he had ruled by the terror of +his threats; to-day he was suddenly vanquished by a determination he +dared not withstand. + +"Enough!" he cried. "Have your way." + +He spoke to his men in Italian, and they hastened through the tunnel, +glad to escape. + +Following their departure there was a brief silence, during which all +stood alert. Then, Tato, still half suspended against the cliff, said in +a clear, soft voice: + +"Father, if you think you can escape, let them shoot me, and keep your +prisoners. The money for their ransom I brought to this place, and they +will pay it even yet to save their friends from your vengeance. Do not +let these wild Americans defeat us, I beg of you. I am not afraid. Save +yourself, and let them shoot me, if they will!" + +Kenneth afterward declared that he thought "the jig was up" then, for +they had no intention whatever of harming Tato. It was all merely a bit +of American "bluff," and it succeeded because the brigand was a coward, +and dared not emulate his daughter's courage. + +"No, no, Tato!" cried the Duke, brokenly, as he wrung his hands in +anguish. "There is more money to be had, but I have only one child. They +shall not harm a hair of your head, my pretty one!" + +Patsy wanted to yell "bravo!" but wisely refrained. Her eyes were full +of tears, though, and her resolution at ebb tide. + +Fortunately the men had made haste. They returned with surprising +promptness, pushing the amazed prisoners before them. + +Uncle John, as he emerged from the tunnel, looked around upon the tragic +scene and gasped: + +"Well, I declare!" + +Count Ferralti was more composed, if equally surprised. He lifted his +hat politely to Beth and Patsy, and smiled with great satisfaction. + +"You are free," said Il Duca, harshly. "Go!" + +They lost no time in getting the brigands between themselves and the +mouth of the tunnel, and then Kenneth gently drew Tato to a place beside +him and assisted her to clamber down the path. + +"Good bye, little one," he said, pleasantly; "you're what we call a +'brick' in our country. I like you, and I'm proud of you." + +Tato did not reply. With streaming eyes she was examining her father's +shattered hand, and sobbing at sight of the blood that dripped upon the +rocks at his feet. + +"Get inside!" called Beth, sharply; "and close up that rock. Lively, +now!" + +The "girl who could shoot" still sat toying with her revolver, and the +mountaineers obeyed her injunction. The rock promptly closed, and the +group of Americans was left alone. + +Then Beth came slowly down to where Patsy was hugging Uncle John in a +wild frenzy of delight, and Count Ferralti was shaking Kenneth's hand +with a face eloquent of emotion. + +"Come," said she, her voice sounding faint and weary, "let us get away +from here. It was a pretty game, while it lasted, but I'll feel safer +when we are home again. Where's the money?" + +"I've got it," said Kenneth, holding up the package. + +"What! didn't you pay?" demanded Uncle John, astounded. + +"Of course not, dear," said Patsy, gleefully. "Did you think your nieces +would let you be robbed by a bunch of dagoes?" + +Ferralti caught hold of Beth's swaying form. + +"Look after your cousin," he said, sharply. "I think she has fainted!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +THE COUNT UNMASKS + + +"And now," said Uncle John, as he sat in their cosy sitting-room, +propped in an easy chair with his feet upon a stool, "it's about time +for you to give an account of yourselves, you young rascals." + +They had eaten a late but very satisfactory dinner at the +Castello-a-Mare, where the return of the missing ones was hailed with +joy by the proprietor and his assistants. Even the little bewhiskered +head-waiter, who resembled a jack-in-the-box more than he did a man, +strove to celebrate the occasion by putting every good thing the house +afforded before the returned guests. For, although they dared not +interfere to protect the victims of the terrible Il Duca, the hotel +people fully recognized the fact that brigandage was not a good +advertisement for Taormina, and hoped the "little incident" would not +become generally known. + +Old Silas Watson, dignified lawyer as he was, actually danced a hornpipe +when he beheld his old friend safe and sound. But he shook his head +reproachfully when he learned of the adventure his ward and the two +girls had undertaken with such temerity but marvelous success. + +Beth had quickly recovered from her weakness, although Kenneth had +insisted on keeping her arm all the way home. But the girl had been +silent and thoughtful, and would eat nothing at dinner. + +When they had gathered in their room to talk it all over the lawyer +thought his young friends deserved a reproof. + +"The money wasn't worth the risk, you crazy lunatics!" he said. + +"It wasn't the money at all," replied Patsy, demurely. + +"No?" + +"It was the principle of the thing. And wasn't Beth just wonderful, +though?" + +"Shucks!" said Kenneth. "She had to go and faint, like a ninny, and she +cried all the way home, because she had hurt the brigand's finger." + +The girl's eyes were still red, but she answered the boy's scornful +remark by saying, gravely: + +"I am sorry it had to be done. I'll never touch a revolver again as long +as I live." + +Uncle John gathered his brave niece into an ample embrace. + +"I'm very proud of you, my dear," he said, stroking her hair lovingly, +"and you mustn't pay any attention to that silly boy. I've always known +you were true blue, Beth, and now you have proved it to everyone. It may +have been a reckless thing to do, as Mr. Watson says, but you did it +like a major, and saved our self-esteem as well as our money." + +"Hurrah for Beth!" yelled the boy, changing his colors without a blush. + +"If you don't shut up, I'll box your ears," said his guardian, sternly. + +Uncle John and young Ferralti were the heroes of the evening. The little +old gentleman smoked a big cigar and beamed upon his nieces and friends +with intense satisfaction, while Ferralti sat glum and silent beside +Louise until an abrupt challenge from Mr. Merrick effectually aroused +him. + +"I've only one fault to find with this young man," was the observation +referred to: "that he made our acquaintance under false pretenses. When +a fairly decent fellow becomes an impostor there is usually reason for +it, and I would like Count Ferralti--or whatever his name is--to give us +that reason and make a clean breast of his deception." + +Ferralti bowed, with a serious face, but looked significantly toward the +other members of the company. + +"Whatever you have to say should be heard by all," declared Uncle John, +answering the look. + +"Perhaps you are right, Mr. Merrick, and all present are entitled to an +explanation," answered the young man, slowly. "I may have been foolish, +but I believe I have done nothing that I need be ashamed of. +Fortunately, there is now no further reason for concealment on my part, +and in listening to my explanation I hope you will be as considerate as +possible." + +They were attentive enough, by this time, and every eye was turned, not +unkindly, upon the youth who had so long been an enigma to them +all--except, perhaps, to Louise. + +"I am an American by birth, and my name is Arthur Weldon." + +In the pause that followed Uncle John gave a soft whistle and Patsy +laughed outright, to the undisguised indignation of Louise. + +"Years ago," resumed the youth, "my father, who was a rich man, made a +trip to Sicily and, although I did not know this until recently, was +seized by brigands and imprisoned in the hidden valley we have just +left. There he fell in love with a beautiful girl who was the daughter +of the female brigand known as the Duchess of Alcanta, and who assisted +him to escape and then married him. It was a pretty romance at the time, +but when my father had taken his bride home to New York and became +immersed in the details of his business, his love grew cold and he began +to neglect his wife cruelly. He became a railway president and amassed +a great fortune, but was not so successful a husband as he was a +financier. The result was that the Sicilian girl, after some years of +unhappiness and suffering, deserted him and returned to her own country, +leaving her child, then three years old, behind her. To be frank with +you, it was said at the time that my mother's mind had become +unbalanced, or she would not have abandoned me to the care of a loveless +father, but I prefer to think that she had come to hate her husband so +bitterly that she could have no love for his child or else she feared +that her terrible mother would kill me if I came into her power. Her +flight mattered little to my father, except that it made him more stern +and tyrannical toward me. He saw me very seldom and confided my +education to servants. So I grew up practically unloved and uncared for, +and when the proper time arrived I was sent to college. My father now +gave me an ample allowance, and at the close of my college career called +me into his office and ordered me to enter the employ of the railway +company. I objected to this. I did not like the business and had other +plans for my future. But he was stubborn and dictatorial, and when I +continued unsubmissive he threatened to cast me off entirely and leave +his fortune to charity, since he had no other near relatives. He must +have thought better of this decision afterward, for he gave me a year to +decide whether or not I would obey him. At the end of that time, he +declared, I would become either a pauper or his heir, at my option. + +"It was during this year that I formed the acquaintance of your niece, +Miss Merrick, and grew to love her devotedly. Louise returned my +affection, but her mother, learning of my quarrel with my father, +refused to sanction our engagement until I was acknowledged his heir. I +was forbidden her house, but naturally we met elsewhere, and when I knew +she was going to Europe with you, sir, who had never seen me, we hit +upon what we thought was a happy and innocent plan to avoid the long +separation. I decided to go to Europe also, and without you or your +other nieces suspecting, my identity, attach myself to your party and +enjoy the society of Louise while she remained abroad. So I followed +you on the next ship and met you at Sorrento, where I introduced myself +as Count Ferralti--a name we had agreed I should assume before we parted +in America. + +"The rest of my story you know. My father was killed in an accident on +his own railroad, and I received the news while we were prisoners of the +brigand, whom I discovered to be my uncle, but who had no mercy upon me +because of the relationship. To-night, on my return here, I found a +letter from my father's attorney, forwarded from my bankers in Paris. +Through my father's sudden death I have inherited all his wealth, as he +had no time to alter his will. Therefore Mrs. Merrick's objection to me +is now removed, and Louise has never cared whether I had a penny or +not." + +He halted, as if not knowing what more to say, and the little group of +listeners remained quiet because it seemed that no remark from them was +necessary. Young Weldon, however, was ill at ease, and after hitching +nervously in his chair he addressed Uncle John in these words: + +"Sir, you are the young lady's guardian for the present, as she is in +your charge. I therefore ask your consent to our formal engagement." + +"Not any," said Uncle John, decidedly. "I'll sanction no engagement of +any children on this trip. You are wrong in supposing I am Louise's +guardian--I'm just her chum and uncle. It's like cradle-snatching to +want to marry a girl of sixteen, and you ought to be ashamed of +yourself, for you can't be much more than twenty-one yourself. While +Louise is in my care I won't have any entanglements of any sort, so +you'll have to wait till you get home and settle the business with her +mother." + +"Very wise and proper, sir," said Mr. Watson, nodding gravely. + +Louise's cheeks were flaming. + +"Do you intend to drive Arthur away, Uncle?" she asked. + +"Why should I, my dear? except that you've both taken me for a blind old +idiot and tried to deceive me. Let the boy stay with us, if he wants +to, but he'll have to cut out all love-making and double-dealing from +this time on--or I'll take you home in double-quick time." + +The young man seemed to resent the indictment. + +"The deception seemed necessary at the time, sir," he said, "and you +must not forget the old adage that 'all's fair in love and war.' But I +beg that you will forgive us both and overlook our fault, if fault it +was. Hereafter it is our desire to be perfectly frank with you in all +things." + +That was a good way to disarm Uncle John's anger, and the result was +immediately apparent. + +"Very good," said the old gentleman; "if you are proper and obedient +children I've no objection to your being together. I rather like you, +Arthur Weldon, and most of your failings are due to the foolishness of +youth. But you've got to acquire dignity now, for you have suddenly +become a man of consequence in the world. Don't think you've got to +marry every girl that attracts you by her pretty face. This devotion to +Louise may be 'puppy-love,' after all, and--" + +"Oh, Uncle!" came a chorus of protest. + +"What, you rascals! are you encouraging this desperate fol-de-rol?" + +"You are too severe, Uncle John," said Patsy, smiling. "The trouble with +you is that you've never been in love yourself." + +"Never been in love!" He beamed upon the three girls with devotion +written all over his round, jolly face. + +"Then you're jealous," said Kenneth. "Give the poor kids a fair show, +Uncle John." + +"All right, I will. Arthur, my lad, join our happy family as one of my +kidlets, and love us all--but no one in particular. Eh? Until we get +home again, you know. We've started out to have the time of our lives, +and we're getting it in chunks--eh, girls?" + +"We certainly are, Uncle John!" Another chorus. + +"Well, what do you say, Arthur Weldon?" + +"Perhaps you are right, sir," answered the young man. "And, anyway, I am +deeply grateful for your kindness. I fear I must return home in a couple +of weeks, to look after business matters; but while I remain with you I +shall try to conduct myself as you wish." + +"That sounds proper. Is it satisfactory to you, Louise?" + +"Yes, Uncle." + +"Then we've settled Cupid--for a time, anyway. And now, my dears, I +think we have all had enough of Taormina. Where shall we go next?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +TATO IS ADOPTED + + +They canvassed the subject of their future travels with considerable +earnestness. Uncle John was bent upon getting to Rome and Venice, and +from there to Paris, and the nieces were willing to go anywhere he +preferred, as they were sure to enjoy every day of their trip in the old +world. But Mr. Watson urged them strongly to visit Syracuse, since they +were not likely to return to Sicily again and the most famous of all the +ancient historic capitals was only a few hours' journey from Taormina. +So it was finally decided to pass a week in Syracuse before returning to +the continent, and preparations were at once begun for their departure. + +Kenneth pleaded for one more day in which to finish his picture of Etna, +and this was allowed him. Uncle John nevertheless confessed to being +uneasy as long as they remained on the scene of his recent exciting +experiences. Mr. Watson advised them all not to stray far from the +hotel, as there was no certainty that Il Duca would not make another +attempt to entrap them, or at least to be revenged for their escape from +his clutches. + +On the afternoon of the next day, however, they were startled by a call +from the Duke in person. He was dressed in his usual faded velvet +costume and came to them leading by the hand a beautiful little girl. + +The nieces gazed at the child in astonishment. + +Tato wore a gray cloth gown, ill-fitting and of coarse material; but no +costume could destroy the fairy-like perfection of her form or the +daintiness of her exquisite features. With downcast eyes and a troubled +expression she stood modestly before them until Patsy caught her +rapturously in her arms and covered her face with kisses. + +"You lovely, lovely thing!" she cried. "I'm _so_ glad to see you again, +Tato darling!" + +The Duke's stern features softened. He sighed heavily and accepted +Uncle John's polite invitation to be seated. + +The little party of Americans was fairly astounded by this unexpected +visit. Kenneth regretted that he had left his revolver upstairs, but the +others remembered that the brigand would not dare to molest them in the +security of the hotel grounds, and were more curious than afraid. + +Il Duca's hand was wrapped in a bandage, but the damaged finger did not +seem to affect him seriously. Beth could not take her eyes off this +dreadful evidence of her late conflict, and stared at it as if the +bandage fascinated her. + +"Signore," said the Duke, addressing Uncle John especially, "I owe to +you my apologies and my excuses for the annoyance I have caused to you +and your friends. I have the explanation, if you will so kindly permit +me." + +"Fire away, Duke," was the response. + +"Signore, I unfortunately come of a race of brigands. For centuries my +family has been lawless and it was natural that by education I, too, +should become a brigand. In my youth my father was killed in an affray +and my mother took his place, seizing many prisoners and exacting from +them ransom. My mother you have seen, and you know of her sudden madness +and of her death. She was always mad, I think, and by nature a fiend. +She urged my elder brother to wicked crimes, and when he rebelled she +herself cast him, in a fit of anger, into the pit. I became duke in his +place, and did my mother's bidding because I feared to oppose her. But +for years I have longed to abandon the life and have done with crime. + +"With me our race ends, for I have no sons. But my one child, whom you +know as Tato, I love dearly. My greatest wish is to see her happy. The +last few days have changed the fortunes of us both. The Duchessa is +gone, and at last I am the master of my own fate. As for Tato, she has +been charmed by the young American signorini, and longs to be like them. +So we come to ask that you forgive the wrong we did you, and that you +will now allow us to be your friends." + +Uncle John was amazed. + +"You have decided to reform, Duke?" he asked. + +"Yes, signore. Not alone for Tato's sake, but because I loathe the life +of brigandage. See; here is my thought. At once I will disband my men +and send them away. My household effects I will sell, and then abandon +the valley forever. Tato and I have some money, enough to live in quiet +in some other land, where we shall be unknown." + +"A very good idea, Duke." + +"But from my respect for you, Signer Merreek, and from my daughter's +love for your nieces--the brave and beautiful signorini--I shall dare to +ask from you a favor. But already I am aware that we do not deserve it." + +"What is it, sir?" + +"That you take my Tato to keep for a few weeks, until I can send away my +men and arrange my affairs here. It would be unpleasant for the child +here, and with you she will be so happy. I would like the sweet +signorini to buy nice dresses, like those they themselves wear, for my +little girl, and to teach her the good manners she could not gain as +the brigand's daughter. Tato has the money to pay for everything but the +kindness, if you will let her stay in your society until I can claim +her. I am aware that I ask too much; but the Signorina Patsy has said to +my child that they would always be friends, whatever might happen, and +as I know you to be generous I have dared to come to you with this +request. I only ask your friendship for my Tato, who is innocent. For +myself, after I have become a good man, then perhaps you will forgive +me, too." + +Uncle John looked thoughtful; the old lawyer was grave and listened +silently. Patsy, her arms still around the shrinking form of the child, +looked pleadingly at her uncle. Beth's eyes were moist and Louise smiled +encouragingly. + +"Well, my dears? The Duke is certainly not entitled to our friendship, +as he truly says; but I have nothing against little Tato. What do you +advise?" + +"Let us keep her, and dress her like the beautiful doll she is, and love +her!" cried Patsy. + +"She shall be our adopted cousin," said Louise. + +"Tato is good stuff!" declared Kenneth. + +"Well, Beth?" + +"It seems to me, Uncle," said the girl, seriously, "that if the Duke +really wishes to reform, we should give him a helping hand. The little +girl has led a bad life only because her father forced her to lure his +victims and then procure the money for their ransoms; but I am sure her +nature is sweet and pure, and she is so young that she will soon forget +the evil things she has learned. So I vote with my cousins. Let us adopt +Tato, and care for her until her father can introduce her into a new and +more proper life." + +"Well argued, Beth," said Uncle John, approvingly. "I couldn't have put +the case better myself. What do you say, Silas Watson?" + +"That you are all quite right," answered the old lawyer. "And the best +part of the whole thing, to me, is the fact that this nest of brigands +will be wiped out of existence, and Taormina be hereafter as safe for +tourists as old Elmhurst itself. I wish I could say as much for the rest +of Sicily." + +Uncle John extended his hand to the Duke, who took it gratefully, +although with a shamefaced expression that was perhaps natural under the +circumstances. + +"Look up, dear," said Patsy to the girl, softly; "look up and kiss me. +You've been adopted, Tato! Are you glad?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +DREAMS AND DRESS-MAKING + + +Tato was now one of the family. They left Taormina the next day, and +Frascatti drove all the girls in his victoria to the station. + +"You must come again, signorini," said he, looking regretful at their +departure. "Next year the fountain of the ice cream soda will be in +operation, like those you have in Chicago, which is America. Our culture +increases with our civilization. It is even hinted that Il Duca is to +abandon our island forever. He has been interesting to us, but not +popular, and you will not miss him when you come again to find he is not +here. If this time he has caused you an inconvenience, I am sorry. It is +regrettable, but,--" + +"But it is so!" said Patsy, laughing. + +Tato was again transformed. Patricia, who was the smallest of the three +nieces, though not especially slim, had quickly altered one of her own +pretty white gowns to fit the child, and as she was deft with her needle +and the others had enthusiastically assisted her, Tato now looked more +like a fairy than ever. + +It was really wonderful what a suitable dress could do for the tiny +Sicilian maid. She had lost her free and boyish manner and become shy +and retiring with strangers, although when in the society of the three +nieces she was as sweet and frank as ever. She wore her new gown +gracefully, too, as if well accustomed to feminine attire all her life. +The only thing now needed, as Patsy said, was time in which to grow her +hair, which had always been cut short, in boyish fashion. + +They were a merry party when they boarded the train for Syracuse, and +Uncle John arranged with the guard to secure two adjoining compartments +all to themselves, that they might have plenty of room. + +"Where did you put the money, Uncle John?" Beth whispered, when at last +they were whirling along and skirting the base of Mt. Etna toward the +Catania side. + +"I've hidden it in my trunk," he replied, in the same confidential tone. +"There is no bank in this neighborhood to receive it, so I decided to +carry it with us." + +"But will it be safe in the trunk?" she enquired. + +"Of course, my dear. Who would think of looking there for fifty thousand +dollars? And no one knows we happen to have so much money with us." + +"What did the Count--I mean, Mr. Weldon--do with his ransom?" + +"Carries it in his satchel, so he can keep it with him and have an eye +on it. It's a great mistake, Beth, to do such a thing as that. It'll +make him uneasy every minute, and he won't dare to let a _facchino_ +handle his grip. But in my case, on the other hand, I know it's +somewhere in the baggage car, so I don't have to worry." + +The journey was a delightful one. The road skirted the coast through the +oldest and most picturesque part of Sicily, and it amazed them to +observe that however far they travelled Etna was always apparently next +door, and within reaching distance. + +At Aci Castello they were pointed out the seven Isles of the Cyclops, +which the blind Polyphemus once hurled after the crafty Ulysses. Then +they came to Catania, which is the second largest city in Sicily, but +has little of historic interest. Here they were really at the nearest +point to the mighty volcano, but did not realize it because it always +seemed to be near them. Eighteen miles farther they passed Leontinoi, +which in ancient days dared to rival Siracusa itself, and an hour later +the train skirted the bay and Capo Santa Panagia and slowly came to a +halt in that city which for centuries dominated all the known world and +was more powerful and magnificent in its prime than Athens +itself--Syracuse. + +The day had become cloudy and gray and the wind whistled around them +with a chill sweep as they left their coach at the station and waited +for Kenneth to find carriages. Afterward they had a mile to drive to +their hotel; for instead of stopping in the modern town Uncle John had +telegraphed for rooms at the Villa Politi, which is located in the +ancient Achradina, at the edge of the Latomia de Cappuccini. By the time +they arrived there they were blue with cold, and were glad to seek the +warm rooms prepared for them and pass the remainder of the afternoon +unpacking and "getting settled." + +"I'm afraid," said Patsy, dolefully, "that we shall miss the bright +sunshine and warmth of Taormina, Tato." + +"Oh, it is not always warm there, nor is it always cold here," replied +the child. "Indeed, signorina, I have heard that the climate of Siracusa +is very delightful." + +"It doesn't look it," returned Patsy; "but it may improve." + +The interior of the hotel was comfortable, though, however bleak the +weather might be outside. A good dinner put them all in a better humor +and they passed the evening watching the strangers assembled in the +parlors and wondering where they had come from and who they were. + +"That money," whispered Uncle John to Beth, as he kissed her good +night, "is still as safe as can be. I've lost the key to my trunk, and +now I can't even get at it myself." + +"Lost it!" she exclaimed. + +"Yes; but that won't matter. It's the big trunk that holds the things I +don't often use, and if I can't unlock it no one else can, that's +certain. So I shall rest easy until I need something out of it, and then +I'll get a locksmith to pick the lock." + +"But I wish you hadn't lost the key," said the girl, thoughtfully. + +"Strikes me it's good luck. Pleasant dreams, my dear. I can fancy Arthur +Weldon lying awake all night with his dreadful thirty thousand tucked +under his pillow. It's a great mistake to carry so much money with you, +Beth, for you're sure to worry about it." + +The next morning when they came down to breakfast they were all amazed +at the gorgeous sunshine and the genial temperature that had followed +the dreary afternoon of their arrival. Syracuse was transformed, and +from every window of the hotel the brilliant glow of countless flowers +invited one to wander in the gardens, which are surpassed by few if any +in the known world. + +The Villa Politi stood so near the edge of a monstrous quarry that it +seemed as if it might topple into the abyss at any moment. Our friends +were on historic ground, indeed, for these quarries--or latomia, as they +are called--supplied all the stone of which the five cities of ancient +Syracuse were built--cities which in our age have nearly, if not quite, +passed out of existence. The walls of the quarry are a hundred feet in +depth, and at the bottom are now acres upon acres of the most delightful +gardens, whose luxuriance is attributable to the fact that they are +shielded from the winds while the sun reaches them nearly all the day. +There are gardens on the level above, and beautiful ones, too; but these +in the deep latomia are the most fascinating. + +The girls could scarcely wait to finish breakfast before rushing out to +descend the flights of iron steps that lead to the bottom of the vast +excavation. And presently they were standing on the ground below and +looking up at the vine covered cliffs that shut out all of the upper +world. + +It was peaceful here, and soothing to tired nerves. Through blooming +shrubbery and along quiet paths they might wander for hours, and at +every step find something new to marvel at and to delight the senses. + +Here were ancient tombs cut from the solid rock--one of them that of an +American midshipman who died in Syracuse and selected this impressive +and lovely vault for his burial place. And there stood the famous statue +of Archimedes, who used in life to wander in this very latomia. + +"Once," said Mr. Watson, musingly, "there were seven thousand Athenian +prisoners confined in this very place, and allowed to perish through +starvation and disease. The citizens of Syracuse--even the fine ladies +and the little children--used to stand on the heights above and mock at +the victims of their king's cruelty." + +"Couldn't they climb out?" asked Patsy, shuddering at the thought that +some of the poor prisoners might have died on the very spot her feet +now trod. + +"No, dear. And it is said the guards constantly patrolled the edge to +slay any who might venture to make the attempt." + +"Wasn't it dreadful!" she exclaimed. "But I'm glad they have made a +flower garden of it now. Somehow, it reminds me of a cemetery." + +But there were other interesting sights to be seen at Syracuse, and they +laid out a systematic programme of the places they would visit each +morning while they remained there. The afternoons were supposed to be +reserved for rest, but the girls were so eager to supply Tato with a +fitting wardrobe that they at once began to devote the afternoons to +shopping and dress-making. + +The child had placed in Uncle John's keeping a liberally supplied purse, +which the Duke wished to be applied to the purchase of whatever his +daughter might need or desire. + +"He wants me to dress as you do," said Tato, simply; "and because you +will know what is fitting my station and will be required in my future +life, he has burdened you with my society. It was selfish in my father, +was it not? But but--I wanted so much to be with you--because you are +good to me!" + +"And we're mighty glad to have you with us," answered Patsy. "It's no +end of fun getting a girl a whole new outfit, from top to toe; and, +aside from that, we already love you as if you were our little sister." + +Beth and Louise equally endorsed this statement; and indeed the child +was so sweet and pretty and so grateful for the least kindness bestowed +upon her that it was a pleasure to assist and counsel her. + +Tato looked even smaller in girls' clothing than in boys', and she +improved so rapidly in her manners by constantly watching the nieces +that it was hard to imagine she had until now been all unused to polite +society. Already they began to dread the day when her father would come +to claim her, and the girls and Uncle John had conceived a clever plan +to induce the Duke to let his daughter travel with them on the continent +and then go for a brief visit to them in America. + +"By that time," declared Louise, "Tato's education will be +accomplished, and she will be as refined and ladylike as any girl of her +age we know. Blood will tell, they say, and the monk who taught her must +have been an intelligent and careful man." + +"She knows more of history and languages than all the rest of us put +together," added Beth. + +"And, having adopted her, we mustn't do the thing by halves," concluded +Patsy; "so our darling little brigandess must tease her papa to let her +stay with us as long as possible." + +Tato smiled and blushed with pleasure. It was very delightful to know +she had such enthusiastic friends. But she was afraid the Duke would not +like to spare her for so long a time as a visit to America would +require. + +"You leave him to me," said Uncle John. "I'll argue the case clearly and +logically, and after that he will have to cave in gracefully." + +Meantime the dainty gowns and pretty costumes were one by one finished +and sent to the hotel, and the girls ransacked the rather inadequate +shops of Syracuse for the smartest things in lingerie that could be +procured. As they were determined to "try everything on" and see how +their protégé looked in her finery, Tato was now obliged to dress for +dinner and on every other possible occasion, and she not only astonished +her friends by her loveliness but drew the eye of every stranger as +surely as the magnet attracts the needle. + +Even in Sicily, where the Greek type of beauty to-day exists more +perfectly than in Helene, there were few to compare with Tato, and it +was only natural that the Americans should be very proud of her. + +Kenneth was sketching a bit of the quarry and the old monastery beyond +it, with the blue sea glimmering in the distance. Sometimes he would +join the others in their morning trips to the catacombs, the cathedrals +or the museum; but the afternoons he devoted to his picture, and the +others came to the gardens with him and sat themselves down to sew or +read beside his easel. + +Arthur Weldon was behaving very well indeed; and although a good deal of +the credit belonged to Louise, who managed him with rare diplomatic +ability, Uncle John grew to like the young man better each day, and had +no fault whatever to find with him. + +He was still rather silent and reserved; but that seemed a part of his +nature, inherited doubtless from his father, and when he chose to talk +his conversation was interesting and agreeable. + +Kenneth claimed that Arthur had a bad habit of "making goo-goo eyes" at +Louise; but the young man's manner was always courteous and judicious +when addressing her, and he managed to conceal his love with admirable +discretion--at least when others were present. + +Uncle John's private opinion, confided in secret to his friend Mr. +Watson, was that Louise "really might do worse; that is, if they were +both of the same mind when they grew up." + +And so the days passed pleasantly away, and the time for their departure +from Syracuse drew near. + +On the last morning all of them--with the exception of Tato, who pleaded +a headache--drove to the Latomia del Paradiso to see the celebrated "Ear +of Dionysius"--that vast cavern through which the tyrant is said to +have overheard every whisper uttered by the prisoners who were confined +in that quarry. There is a little room at the top of the cliff, also +built from the rock, where it is claimed Dionysius sat and played +eavesdropper; and it is true that one in that place can hear the +slightest sound uttered in the chamber below. + +Afterward the amphitheatre and the ancient street of the tombs were paid +a final visit, with a stop at San Giovanni, where St. Paul once +preached. And at noon the tourists returned to the hotel hungry but +enthusiastic, in time for the table-d'-hote luncheon. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +TATO WINS + + +"This is funny!" cried Patsy, appearing before Uncle John with a white +and startled face. "I can't find Tato anywhere." + +"And her new trunk is gone from her room, as well as her gowns and +everything she owns," continued Beth's clear voice, over her cousin's +shoulder. + +Uncle John stared at them bewildered. Then an expression of anxiety +crept over his kindly face. + +"Are you sure?" he asked. + +"There can't be a mistake, Uncle. She's just _gone_." + +"None of you has offended, or annoyed the child, I suppose?" + +"Oh, no, Uncle. She kissed us all very sweetly when we left her this +morning." + +"I can't understand it." + +"Nor can we." + +"Could her father have come for her, do you think?" suggested Mr. +Merrick, after a moment's thought. + +"I can't imagine her so ungrateful as to leave us without a word," said +Patsy. "I know Tato well, Uncle, and the dear child would not hurt our +feelings for the world. She loves us dearly." + +"But she's a queer thing," added Louise, "and I don't trust her +altogether. Sometimes I've surprised a look in her eyes that wasn't as +innocent and demure as she would have us imagine her." + +"Oh, Louise!" + +"And there's another reason." + +"What is it?" + +"She reformed too suddenly." + +Uncle John slapped his forehead a mighty blow as a suspicious and +dreadful thought flashed across his mind. But next instant he drew a +long breath and smiled again. + +"It was lucky I lost that key to the trunk," he observed, still a little +ashamed of his temporary lack of confidence in Tato. "It's been locked +ever since we left Taormina, so the child couldn't be tempted by that." + +"She wouldn't touch your money for the world!" said Patsy, indignantly. +"Tato is no thief!" + +"She comes of a race of thieves, though," Beth reminded her. + +"I wonder if Arthur's money is still safe," remarked Louise, following +the line of thought suggested. + +As if with one accord they moved down the hall to the door of the young +man's room. + +"Are you in, Arthur?" asked Uncle John, knocking briskly. + +"Yes, sir." + +He opened his door at once, and saw with surprise the little group of +anxious faces outside. + +"Is your money safe?" asked Uncle John. + +Weldon gave them a startled glance and then ran to his dresser and +pulled open a drawer. After a moment's fumbling he turned with a smile. + +"All safe, sir." + +Uncle John and his nieces were visibly relieved. + +"You see," continued Arthur, "I've invented a clever hiding-place, +because the satchel could not be left alone and I didn't wish to lug it +with me every step I took. So I placed the packages of bills inside the +leg of a pair of trousers, and put them in a drawer with some other +clothing at top and bottom. A dozen people might rummage in that drawer +without suspecting the fact that money is hidden there. I've come to +believe the place is as good as a bank; but you startled me for a +minute, with your question. What's wrong?" + +"Tato's gone." + +"Gone!" + +"Departed bag and baggage." + +"But your fifty thousand, sir. Is it safe?" + +"It has to be," answered Uncle John. "It is in a steel-bound, +double-locked trunk, to which I've lost the key. No bank can beat that, +my boy." + +"Then why did the child run away?" + +They could not answer that. + +"It's a mystery," said Patsy, almost ready to weep. "But I'll bet it's +that cruel, wicked father of hers. Perhaps he came while we were out and +wouldn't wait a minute." + +"What does the hall porter say?" asked Kenneth, who had joined the group +in time to overhear the last speech and guess what had happened. + +"Stupid!" cried Uncle John. "We never thought of the hall-porter. Come +back to our sitting room, and we'll have him up in a jiffy." + +The portiere answered his bell with alacrity. The Americans were liberal +guests. + +The young lady? Ah, she had driven away soon after they had themselves +gone. A thin-faced, dark-eyed man had called for her and taken her away, +placing her baggage on the box of the carriage. Yes, she had paid her +bill and tipped the servants liberally. + +"Just as I suspected!" cried Patsy. "That horrid duke has forced her to +leave us. Perhaps he was jealous, and feared we would want to keep her +always. Was she weeping and miserable, porter?" + +"No, signorina. She laughed and was very merry. And--but I had +forgotten! There is a letter which she left for the Signorina D'Oyle." + +"Where?" + +"In the office. I will bring it at once." + +He ran away and quickly returned, placing a rather bulky parcel in the +girl's hands. + +"You read it, Uncle John," she said. "There can't be anything private in +Tato's letter, and perhaps she has explained everything." + +He put on his glasses and then took the missive and deliberately opened +it. Tato wrote a fine, delicate hand, and although the English words +were badly spelled she expressed herself quite well in the foreign +tongue. With the spelling and lack of punctuation corrected, her letter +was as follows: + +"Dear, innocent, foolish Patsy: How astonished you will be to find I +have vanished from your life forever; and what angry and indignant words +you will hurl after poor Tato! But they will not reach me, because you +will not know in which direction to send them, and I will not care +whether you are angry or not. + +"You have been good to me, Patsy, and I really love you--fully as much +as I have fear of that shrewd and pretty cousin of yours, whose cold +eyes have made me tremble more than once. But tell Beth I forgive her, +because she is the only clever one of the lot of you. Louise thinks she +is clever, but her actions remind me of the juggler who explained his +tricks before he did them, so that the audience would know how skillful +he was." + +"But oh, Patsy, what simpletons you all are! And because you have been +too stupid to guess the truth I must bother to write it all down. For it +would spoil much of my satisfaction and enjoyment if you did not know +how completely I have fooled you. + +"You tricked us that day in the mountain glen, and for the first time an +Alcanta brigand lost his prisoners and his ransom money through being +outwitted. But did you think that was the end? If so you failed to +appreciate us. + +"Look you, my dear, we could have done without the money, for our family +has been robbing and accumulating for ages, with little need to expend +much from year to year. It is all in the Bank of Italy, too, and drawing +the interest, for my father is a wise man of business. That four hundred +thousand lira was to have been our last ransom, and after we had fairly +earned it you tricked us and did not pay. + +"So my father and I determined to get even with you, as much through +revenge as cupidity. We were obliged to desert the valley at once, +because we were getting so rich that the government officials became +uneasy and warned us to go or be arrested. So we consulted together and +decided upon our little plot, which was so simple that it has worked +perfectly. We came to you with our sad story, and you thought we had +reformed, and kindly adopted me as one of your party. It was so easy +that I almost laughed in your foolish faces. But I didn't, for I can +act. I played the child very nicely, I think, and you quite forgot I was +a brigand's daughter, with the wild, free blood of many brave outlaws +coursing in my veins. Ah, I am more proud of that than of my acting. + +"Innocent as I seemed, I watched you all carefully, and knew from +almost the first hour where the money had been put. I stole the key to +Uncle John's trunk on the train, while we were going from Taormina to +Syracuse; but I did not take the money from it because I had no better +place to keep it, and the only danger was that he would force the lock +some day. But Ferralti's money--I call him Ferralti because it is a +prettier name than Weldon--bothered me for a long time. At the first he +would not let that little satchel out of his sight, and when he finally +did he had removed the money to some other place. I searched his room +many times, but could not find his hiding place until last night. While +he was at dinner I discovered the bills in one of the drawers of his +dresser. + +"But for this difficulty I should have left your charming society +before, as my father has been secretly waiting for me for three days. +Having located Ferralti's money I waited until this morning and when you +had all left me I signalled to my father from my window and prepared to +disappear. It took but a few minutes to get the money from Uncle John's +trunk and Arthur's trouser-leg. Much obliged for it, I'm sure. Then I +packed up all my pretty dresses in my new trunk--for part of our plot +was to use your good taste in fitting me out properly--and now I am +writing this loving epistle before I leave. + +"We shall go to Paris or Vienna or Cairo or London--guess which! We +shall have other names--very beautiful ones--and be rich and dignified +and respected. When I grow older I think I shall marry a prince and +become a princess; but that will not interest you much, for you will not +know that the great princess is your own little Tato. + +"Tell Uncle John I have left the key to his trunk on the mantel, behind +the picture of the madonna. I stuffed papers into Arthur's trouser leg +to deceive him if he came back before I had a chance to escape. But I +hoped you would discover nothing until you read this letter, for I +wanted to surprise you. Have I? Then I am content. You tricked me once; +but I have tricked you at the last, and the final triumph is mine. + +"In spite of all, Patsy dear, I love you; for you are sweet and good, +and although I would not be like you for the world I can appreciate your +excellent qualities. Remember this when your anger is gone. I won't be +able to visit you in America, but I shall always think of you in a more +kindly way than I fear you will think of the Sicilian tomboy, TATO." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +A WAY TO FORGET + + +The faces of the group, as Uncle John finished reading, were worth +studying. Arthur Weldon was white with anger, and his eyes blazed. Silas +Watson stared blankly at his old friend, wondering if it was because he +was growing old that he had been so easily hoodwinked by this saucy +child. Beth was biting her lip to keep back the tears of humiliation +that longed to trickle down her cheeks. Louise frowned because she +remembered the hard things Tato had said of her. Patsy was softly crying +at the loss of her friend. + +Then Kenneth laughed, and the sound sent a nervous shiver through the +group. + +"Tato's a brick!" announced the boy, audaciously. "Can't you see, you +stupids, that the thing is a good joke on us all? Or are you too thin +skinned to laugh at your own expense?" + +"Oh, we can laugh," responded Uncle John, gravely. "But if Tato's a +brick it's because she is hard and insensible. The loss of the money +doesn't hurt me, but to think the wicked little lass made me love her +when she didn't deserve it is the hardest blow I have ever received." + +That made Patsy sob outright, while Louise ejaculated, with scorn: "The +little wretch!" + +"It serves us right for having confidence in a child reared to crime and +murder from the cradle," said Arthur, rather savagely. "I don't know how +much money I am worth, but I'd gladly spend another thirty thousand to +bring this wretched creature to justice." + +"Money won't do it," declared the lawyer, shaking his head regretfully. +"The rascals are too clever to be caught in Europe. It would be +different at home." + +"Well, the best thing to do is to grin and bear it, and forget the +unpleasant incident as soon as possible," said Uncle John. "I feel as if +I'd had my pocket picked by my best friend, but it isn't nearly as +disgraceful as being obliged to assist the thief by paying ransom +money. The loss amounts to nothing to either of us, and such treachery, +thank goodness, is rare in the world. We can't afford to let the thing +make us unhappy, my friends; so cheer up, all of you, and don't dwell +upon it any more than you can help." + +They left Syracuse a rather solemn group, in spite of this wise advice, +and journeyed back to Naples and thence to Rome. There was much to see +here, and they saw it so energetically that when they boarded the train +for Florence they were all fagged out and could remember nothing clearly +except the Coliseum and the Baths of Carracalla. + +Florence was just now a bower of roses and very beautiful. But Kenneth +lugged them to the galleries day after day until Uncle John declared he +hated to look an "old master" in the face. + +"After all, they're only daubs," he declared. "Any ten-year-old boy in +America can paint better pictures." + +"Don't let anyone hear you say that, dear," cautioned Patsy. "They'd +think you don't know good art." + +"But I do," he protested. "If any of those pictures by old masters was +used in a street-car 'ad' at home it would be money wasted, for no one +would look at them. The people wouldn't stand for it a minute." + +"They are wonderful for the age in which they were painted," said +Kenneth, soberly. "You must remember that we have had centuries in which +to improve our art, since then." + +"Oh, I've a proper respect for old age, I hope," replied Uncle John; +"but to fall down and worship a thing because it's gray-haired and +out-of-date isn't just my style. All of these 'Oh!'s' and 'Ahs!' over +the old masters are rank humbug, and I'm ashamed of the people that +don't know better." + +And now Arthur Weldon was obliged to bid good-bye to Louise and her +friends and take a train directly to Paris to catch the steamer for +home. His attorney advised him that business demanded his immediate +presence, and he was obliged to return, however reluctantly. + +Kenneth and Mr. Watson also left the party at Florence, as the boy +artist wished to remain there for a time to study the pictures that +Uncle John so bitterly denounced. The others went on to Venice, which +naturally proved to the nieces one of the most delightful places they +had yet seen. Mr. Merrick loved it because he could ride in a gondola +and rest his stubby legs, which had become weary with tramping through +galleries and cathedrals. These last monuments, by the way, had grown to +become a sort of nightmare to the little gentleman. The girls were +enthusiastic over cathedrals, and allowed none to escape a visit. For a +time Uncle John had borne up bravely, but the day of rebellion was soon +coming. + +"No cathedrals in Venice, I hope?" he had said on their arrival. + +"Oh, yes, dear; the loveliest one in the world! St. Mark's is here, you +know." + +"But no St. Paul's or St. Peter's?" + +"No, Uncle. There's the Saluta, and the--" + +"Never mind. We'll do that first one, and then quit. What they build so +many churches for I can't imagine. Nobody goes to 'em but tourists, that +I can see." + +He developed a streak of extravagance in Venice, and purchased Venetian +lace and Venetian glassware to such an extent that the nieces had to +assure him they were all supplied with enough to last them and their +friends for all time to come. Major Doyle had asked for a meerschaum +pipe and a Florentine leather pocket book; so Uncle John made a +collection of thirty-seven pipes of all shapes and sizes, and bought so +many pocketbooks that Patsy declared her father could use a different +one every day in the month. + +"But they're handy things to have," said her uncle, "and we may not get +to Europe again in a hurry." + +This was his excuse for purchasing many things, and it was only by +reminding him of the duty he would have to pay in New York that the +girls could induce him to desist. + +This customs tax worried the old gentleman at times. Before this trip he +had always believed in a protective tariff, but now he referred to the +United States customs as a species of brigandage worse than that of Il +Duca himself. + +They stopped at Milan to visit the great cathedral, and then raced +through Switzerland and made a dash from Luzerne to Paris. + +"Thank heaven," said Uncle John, "there are no cathedrals in gay Paree, +at any rate." + +"Oh, yes there are," they assured him. "We must see Notre Dame, anyway; +and there are a dozen other famous cathedrals." + +Here is where Uncle John balked. + +"See here, my dears," he announced, "Not a cathedral will I visit from +this time on! You can take a guide and go by yourselves if you feel you +can't let any get away from you. Go and find another of Mike Angelo's +last work; every church has got one. For my part, I've always been +religiously inclined, but I've been to church enough lately to last me +the rest of my natural life, and I've fully determined not to darken the +doors of another cathedral again. They're like circuses, anyhow; when +you've seen one, you've seen 'em all." + +No argument would induce him to abandon this position; so the girls +accepted his proposal and visited their beloved cathedrals in charge of +a guide, whose well of information was practically inexhaustible if not +remarkable for its clarity. + +The opera suited Uncle John better, and he freely revelled in the shops, +purchasing the most useless and preposterous things in spite of that +growing bugbear of the customs duties. + +But finally this joyous holiday came to an end, as all good things will, +and they sailed from Cherbourg for New York. + +Uncle John had six extra trunks, Patsy carried a French poodle that was +as much trouble as an infant in arms, and Louise engineered several +hat-boxes that could not be packed at the last minute. But the girls +embarked gay and rosy-cheeked and animated, and in spite of all the +excitement and pleasure that had attended their trip, not one of the +party was really sorry when the return voyage began. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +SAFE HOME + + +"To me," said Uncle John, as he stood on the deck and pointed proudly to +the statue of Liberty in New York harbor, "that is the prettiest sight +I've seen since I left home." + +"Prettier than the old masters, Uncle?" asked Patsy, mischievously. + +"Yes, or the cathedrals!" he retorted. + +When they reached the dock there was the Major waiting to receive Patsy +in a new checked suit with a big flower in his button-hole and a broad +smile on his jolly face. + +And there was Mrs. Merrick, too, with Arthur Weldon beside her, which +proved to Louise that he had succeeded in making his peace with her +mother. Also there were the stern-featured custom-house officials in +their uniforms, and the sight of them sent the cold chills flying down +Uncle John's spine. + +There was no one present to receive Beth, but her uncle tucked her arm +underneath his own with a proud gesture and kept her close beside him. +For the girl had quite won his loving old heart on this trip, and she +seemed to him more mature and far sweeter than when they had left home. + +But the greetings and the "brigandage" were soon over, and in good time +they were all assembled in the Doyle flat, where the joyous Major had +prepared an elaborate dinner to celebrate the return of the wanderers. + +"We've a million pipes and pocket-books for you, daddy," whispered +Patsy, hugging him for the twentieth time; "and I've got a thousand +things to tell you about our adventures in strange lands." + +"Save 'em till we're alone," said the Major; "they're too good to waste +on a crowd." + +Mr. Merrick was placed at the head of the table to make a speech. It was +brief and to the point. + +"I promised these young ladies to give them time of their lives," he +said, "Did I do it, girls?" + +And in a lively chorus they answered: + +"You did, Uncle John!" + + + + + * * * * * + + This story is one of the delightful "Aunt Jane Series" in + which are chronicled the many interesting adventures in the + lives of those fascinating girls and dear old "Uncle John." + The other volumes can be bought wherever books are sold. A + complete list of titles, which is added to from time to + time, is given on page 2 of this book. + + (Complete catalog sent free on request.) + + +Exhilarating Books for Girls of Today + + + + + +The Flying Girl Series + + +_By_ EDITH VAN DYNE + +_Author of "Aunt Jane's Nieces" Series_ + +Capital up-to-the-minute stories for girls and young people, in which +the author is at her very best. Thrilling and full of adventure, but of +that wholesome type parents are glad to put in the hands of their +daughters. Two titles: + +[Illustration] + + +The Flying Girl + +Orissa Kane, self-reliant and full of sparkling good nature, under-study +for her brother, prospective inventor and aviator whose experiments put +the Kane family into great difficulties, in the crisis proves +resourceful and plucky, and saves the day in a most thrilling manner. + + +The Flying Girl and Her Chum + +This story takes Orissa and her friend Sybil through further adventures +that test these two clever girls to the limit. A remarkably well told +story. + + _12mo. Bound in extra cloth with design stamping on cover + and fancy jacket. Printed on high grade paper. Illustrated + in black and white_. + + _Price 60 cents each. Postage 12 cents_. + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + +The Captain Becky Series + +_By_ + +MARGARET LOVE SANDERSON + +Resourceful, self-reliant, sunny-natured Captain Becky will find many +friends among girl readers. The Captain Becky Series is a noteworthy +contribution to books for girls--distinctive and individual in every +detail, inside and out. + +Two very much alive stories of a girl who makes things happen--who is a +_doer_. Whether she is on cruise on the picturesque Indian River in +Florida or in laughable masquerade among the old homesteads of New +Hampshire, her experiences are worth writing about--and worth reading. +Two titles: + +Captain Becky's Winter Cruise. +Captain Becky's Masquerade. + +_Attractive binding; cover inlay in full color. Frontispiece for each by +Norman Hall. Price 60 cents._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_Books for Older Children by L. Frank Baum_ + + + + + +The Daring Twins Series + +_By_ L. FRANK BAUM + +[Illustration] + +In writing "The Daring Twins Series" Mr. Baum yielded to the hundreds of +requests that have been made of him by youngsters, both boys and girls, +who in their early childhood read and loved his famous "Oz" books, to +write a story for young folk of the ages between twelve and eighteen. + +A story of the real life of real boys and girls in a real family under +real conditions + +_Two Titles_: + +The Daring Twins +Phoebe Daring + +While preparing these books Mr. Baum lived with his characters. They +have every element of the drama of life as it begins within the lives of +children. The two stories are a mixture of the sublime and the +ridiculous; the foibles and fancies of childhood, interspersed with +humor and pathos. + +_Price, $1.00 each_ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + +Azalea + +_By_ ELIA W. PEATTIE + +The first book of the "Blue Ridge" Series + +Azalea is the heroine of a good, wholesome story that will appeal to +every mother as the sort of book she would like her daughter to read. In +the homy McBirneys of Mt. Tennyson, down in the Blue Ridge country, and +their hearty mountain neighbors, girl readers will find new friends they +will be glad to make old friends. + +This book marks a distinct advance in the quality of books offered for +girls. No lack of action--no sacrifice of charm. + + _Four half-tone illustrations from drawings by Hazel + Roberts. Attractive cover design, $1.00._ + +[Illustration: Azalea] + +The second title in THE BLUE RIDGE SERIES will be published in 1913 + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + +ANNABEL + +_By_ SUSANNE METCALF + + +A GIRLS' book with a clever, quick-moving plot is unusual. ANNABEL is +that kind. The heroine is a lovable girl, but one with plenty of +snap--her red hair testifies to that. Her friend, Will Carden, too, is a +boy of unusual qualities, as is apparent in everything he does. He and +Annabel make an excellent team. + +[Illustration] + +The two, the best of chums, retrieve the fortunes of the Carden family +in a way that makes some exciting situations. The secret of the +mysterious Mr. Jordan is surprised by Annabel, while Will, in a trip to +England with an unexpected climax, finds the real fortune of the +Cardens. + +ANNABEL is a book whose make-up is in keeping with the high quality of +the story. + +_Beautiful cover and jacket in colors, 12 mo. Illustrated by Joseph +Pierre Nuyttens. Price 60 cents_ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_A Novelty Every Girl Wants_ + + + + +The Girl Graduate + +HER OWN BOOK + +In which to keep the happy record of her last year at school or +college--a book she will keep and prize always. + +There is a place for everything dear to the girl graduate's heart and +memory--class flower, color, yell, motto, photographs, jokes and +frolics. + +Departments for social events, officers, teachers, invitations, +baccalaureate sermon, programmes, presents, press notices, class +prophecy and various "doings." + +THE GIRL GRADUATE is equally appropriate for young girls +leaving grade or high schools and their older sisters who have +"finished" at college or boarding school. It makes a suitable present at +any season of the year. + +_FIFTEENTH EDITION. Revised and Improved_ + +Dainty designs in delicate colorings on pearl gray stationery. Cover to +match, with a trellis of roses in tints and decorations in gold. + +_8vo. 200 pages. Decorated on every page. Each book put up in an +attractive gray box. Price $1.50. Swiss velvet ooze, price $2.50. Full +leather, gold edges, De Luxe edition, price $3.00. Commencement edition, +crushed levant, price $6.00._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_A Memory Book for Younger Girls_ + + + + +School-Girl Days + +_Designed by_ + +CLARA POWERS WILSON + + +A school memory book appropriate for girls of the upper grammar grades +through high school, private school and normal school. New and exquisite +illustrations, printed in two colors on specially made tinted paper, +having a good writing surface. + + Cloth Edition + + _Bound in fancy cloth with fetching cover design in five + colors and gold. Large 8vo. 192 pages. In beautiful box. + Price $1.25_ + + + Classmates Edition + + _Swiss Velvet Ooze. Silk Marker. Special Box. Price $2.00_ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_An Ideal Book for Young Travelers_ + + + + +Travel Notes Abroad + +MY OWN RECORD + +[Illustration] + +_Arranged by_ + +CLARA POWERS WILSON + +It would be hard to imagine a girl who does not want a real record of +the ecstatic joys of her first glimpses of foreign lands. This very +attractive book is the first of its kind, and will be found to provide +for every kind of an experience that comes to young American travelers. + +There are departments for recording the itinerary, the events of the +trip across, friends met, autographs, expenses, different general +divisions for the various countries, places to keep a memorandum of +hotels where the travelers stayed, also of restaurants, shops, +galleries, and purchases, the return trip, etc., etc. + + _TRAVEL NOTES ABROAD is profusely illustrated and decorated + in two colors with striking cover design, and inclosed in a + box. Price, cloth, $1.50; leather, $3.00._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + The + Boys' + Big + Game + Series + +[Illustration] + + +THE GIANT MOOSE. The monarch of the big Northwest; a story told over +camp fires in the reek of cedar smoke and the silence of the barrens. + +THE WHITE TIGER OF NEPAL. The weird story of the man-killer of the +foothills. Tinged with the mysticism of India, dramatic and stirring. + +THE BLIND LION OF THE CONGO. A story of the least known part of the +earth and its most feared beast. A gripping tale of the land of the +white pigmies. + +THE KING BEAR OF KADIAK ISLAND. A tale of the bully of the Frozen +North and his mysterious guardian. A game-and-man-story that makes a +good boy-story. + + + _The topnotch of production in boys' books. Remarkable + covers and four-color jackets. Illustrations and + cover designs by Dan Sayre Grosbeck._ + + Price, 60 cents each + + The REILLY & BRITTON CO. + PUBLISHERS, CHICAGO + + + + The + Boy Scouts + of the Air Books + +_By_ GORDON STUART + +[Illustration] + + Are stirring stories of adventure in which real boys, + clean-cut and wide-awake, do the things other wide-awake + boys like to read about. + + _Four titles, + per volume, + 60 cents_ + + THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR AT EAGLE CAMP + + THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR AT GREENWOOD SCHOOL + + THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR IN INDIAN LAND + + THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR IN NORTHERN WILDS + +_Splendid Illustrations by Norman Hall_ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_The Best Aviation Stories for Boys_ + + + + + The + Aeroplane + Boys + Series + + _By_ + ASHTON LAMAR + +[Illustration: THE AEROPLANE BOYS SERIES + +WHEN SCOUT MEETS SCOUT + +ASHTON LAMAR] + +[Illustration: THE AEROPLANE BOYS SERIES + +BATTLING THE BIGHORN + +ASHTON LAMAR] + + +These are the newest and most exciting books of aeroplane adventure. A +special point is the correctness of the aviation details. + + +_1. IN THE CLOUDS FOR UNCLE SAM + Or, Morey Marshall of the Signal Corps_ + +_2. THE STOLEN AEROPLANE + Or, How Bud Wilson Made Good_ + +_3. THE AEROPLANE EXPRESS + Or, The Boy Aeronaut's Grit_ + +_4. THE BOY AERONAUTS' CLUB + Or, Flying for Fun_ + +_5. A CRUISE IN THE SKY + Or, The Legend of the Great Pink Pearl_ + +_6. BATTLING THE BIGHORN + Or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies_ + +_7. WHEN SCOUT MEETS SCOUT + Or, The Aeroplane Spy_ + + + _Fully illustrated. Colored frontispiece. + Cloth, 12mo. 60 cents each._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + +[Illustration: The Famous AIRSHIP BOYS SERIES] + +_By_ H.L. SAYLER + +_SEVEN TITLES_ + +1. THE AIRSHIP BOYS Or, The Quest of the Aztec Treasure +2. THE AIRSHIP BOYS ADRIFT Or, Saved by an Aeroplane +3. THE AIRSHIP BOYS DUE NORTH Or, By Balloon to the Pole +4. THE AIRSHIP BOYS IN THE BARREN LANDS Or, The Secret of the White + Eskimos +5. THE AIRSHIP BOYS IN FINANCE Or, The Flight of the Flying Cow +6. THE AIRSHIP BOYS' OCEAN FLYER Or, New York to London in Twelve Hours +7. THE AIRSHIP BOYS AS DETECTIVES Or, On Secret Service in Cloudland + +Fascinating stories of that wonderful region of invention where +imagination and reality so nearly meet. There is no more interesting +field for stories for wide-awake boys. Mr. Sayler combines a remarkable +narrative ability with a degree of technical knowledge that makes these +books correct in all airship details. Full of adventure without being +sensational. + + _The make-up of these books is strictly up-to-date and + fetching. The covers are emblematic, and the jackets are + showy and in colors. The illustrations are full of dash and + vim. Standard novel size, 12mo. Price $1.00 each._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +[Transcriber's note: The word "to" was inserted into the sentence "Next +him was a dandified appearing man" in Chapter XVIII] + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES ABROAD*** + + +******* This file should be named 16566-8.txt or 16566-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/5/6/16566 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad</p> +<p>Author: Edith Van Dyne</p> +<p>Release Date: August 21, 2005 [eBook #16566]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES ABROAD***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Afra Ullah, Emmy,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (https://www.pgdp.net/)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<div class="figcenter"><a href="./images/cover.jpg"><img src="./images/cover-tb.jpg" alt="Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad" title="Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad" /></a></div> + + + +<h1>AUNT JANE'S NIECES</h1> +<h1>ABROAD</h1> + + +<h3>By</h3> + +<h2>EDITH VAN DYNE</h2> + +<p class="center">AUTHOR OF</p> + +<p class="center">"AUNT JANE'S NIECES," "AUNT JANE'S NIECES AT<br /> +MILLVILLE," "AUNT JANE'S NIECES<br /> +IN SOCIETY," ETC.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="./images/emblem.png" alt="Emblem" title="Emblem" /></div> + +<p class="center">PUBLISHERS<br /> +THE REILLY & BRITTON CO.<br /> +CHICAGO<br /> +<br /> +1906</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x"></a>The Aunt Jane's Nieces</h2> +<h2>Series</h2> + +<h3>BOOKS FOR GIRLS</h3> + +<h3><i>By</i> EDITH VAN DYNE</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'><div class="figleft"> +<img src="./images/ajane.png" alt="Aunt Jane's Nieces" title="Aunt Janes' Nieces" /> +</div></td><td align='left'><p class='center'>SEVEN TITLES</p> +<i>Aunt Jane's Nieces</i><br /> +<i>Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad</i><br /> +<i>Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville</i><br /> +<i>Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work</i><br /> +<i>Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society</i><br /> +<i>Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John</i><br /> +<i>Aunt Jane's Nieces on Vacation</i><br /> +</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Distinctly girls' books and yet stories that will appeal to <i>brother</i> +as well—and to older folk. Real and vital—rousing stories of +the experiences and exploits of three real girls who do things. Without +being sensational, Mrs. Van Dyne has succeeded in writing a series of +stories that have the tug and stir of fresh young blood in them. Each +story is complete in itself.</p> + +<div class="center"><i>Illustrated 12mo. Uniform cloth binding,<br /> stamped in + colors, with beautiful colored inlay.<br /> Fancy colored jackets. + Price 60 cents each</i> +</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> + +<h2>LIST OF CHAPTERS</h2> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> + +<tr><td align='left'><span class='smcap'>chapter</span> </td> +<td align='left'></td> +<td align='left'><span class='smcap'>page</span> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>I.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Doyles are Astonished</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>II.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Uncle John Makes Plans</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_12'>12</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>III.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">"All Ashore!"</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_24'>24</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>IV.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Some New Acquaintances and a Warning</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_36'>36</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>V.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Vesuvius Rampant</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_54'>54</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VI.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Under a Cloud</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_57'>57</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Friend in Need</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_69'>69</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VIII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Across the Bay</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_76'>76</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>IX.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Count Ferralti</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_85'>85</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>X.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Road to Amalfi</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_94'>94</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XI.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Eagle Screams</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_110'>110</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Moving on</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_120'>120</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">"Il Duca"</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_137'>137</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIV.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Uncle John Disappears</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_153'>153</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XV.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Days of Anxiety</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_169'>169</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVI.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Tato</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_180'>180</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Hidden Valley</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_189'>189</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVIII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Guests of the Brigand</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_202'>202</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIX.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Difficult Position</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_217'>217</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XX.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Uncle John Plays Eavesdropper</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_228'>228</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXI.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Pit</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_241'>241</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">News at Last</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_250'>250</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXIII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Beth Begins to Plot</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_263'>263</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXIV.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Patsy's New Friend</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_272'>272</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXV.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Turning the Tables</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_283'>283</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXVI.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Count Unmasks</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_292'>292</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXVII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Tato is Adopted</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_304'>304</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXVIII.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Dreams and Dress-making</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_312'>312</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXIX.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Tato Wins</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_326'>326</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXX.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Way to Forget</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_337'>337</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXXI.</td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Safe Home</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_345'>345</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="./images/frontis.jpg" alt="Frontispiece" title="Frontispiece" /></div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>PREFATORY:</h2> + + +<p>The author is pleased to be able to present a sequel to "Aunt Jane's +Nieces," the book which was received with so much favor last year. Yet +it is not necessary one should have read the first book to fully +understand the present volume, the characters being taken to entirely +new scenes.</p> + +<p>The various foreign localities are accurately described, so that those +who have visited them will recognize them at once, while those who have +not been so fortunate may acquire a clear conception of them. It was my +good fortune to be an eye witness of the recent great eruption of +Vesuvius.</p> + +<p>Lest I be accused of undue sensationalism in relating the somewhat +dramatic Sicilian incident, I will assure my reader that the story does +not exaggerate present conditions in various parts of the island. In +fact, Il Duca and Tato are drawn from life, although they did not have +their moun<a name="Page_0" id="Page_0"></a>tain lair so near to Taormina as I have ventured to locate +it. Except that I have adapted their clever system of brigandage to the +exigencies of this story, their history is truly related. Many who have +travelled somewhat outside the beaten tracks in Sicily will frankly +vouch for this statement.</p> + +<p>Italy is doing its best to suppress the Mafia and to eliminate +brigandage from the beautiful islands it controls, but so few of the +inhabitants are Italians or in sympathy with the government that the +work of reformation is necessarily slow. Americans, especially, must +exercise caution in travelling in any part of Sicily; yet with proper +care not to tempt the irresponsible natives, they are as safe in Sicily +as they are at home.</p> + +<p>Aunt Jane's nieces are shown to be as frankly adventurous as the average +clear headed American girl, but their experiences amid the environments +of an ancient and still primitive civilization are in no wise +extraordinary.</p> + +<div class='right'> +<span class="smcap">Edith Van Dyne.</span><br /> +</div> + +<p><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>AUNT JANE'S NIECES</h2> +<h2>ABROAD</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 15%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>THE DOYLES ARE ASTONISHED</h3> + + +<p>It was Sunday afternoon in Miss Patricia Doyle's pretty flat at 3708 +Willing Square. In the small drawing room Patricia—or Patsy, as she +preferred to be called—was seated at the piano softly playing the one +"piece" the music teacher had succeeded in drilling into her flighty +head by virtue of much patience and perseverance. In a thick cushioned +morris-chair reclined the motionless form of Uncle John, a chubby little +man in a gray suit, whose features were temporarily eclipsed by the +newspaper that was spread carefully over them. Occasionally a gasp or a +snore from beneath the paper suggested that the little man was +"snoozing" as he sometimes <a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a>gravely called it, instead of listening to +the music.</p> + +<p>Major Doyle sat opposite, stiffly erect, with his admiring eyes full +upon Patsy. At times he drummed upon the arms of his chair in unison +with the music, nodding his grizzled head to mark the time as well as to +emphasize his evident approbation. Patsy had played this same piece from +start to finish seven times since dinner, because it was the only one +she knew; but the Major could have listened to it seven hundred times +without the flicker of an eyelash. It was not that he admired so much +the "piece" the girl was playing as the girl who was playing the +"piece." His pride in Patsy was unbounded. That she should have +succeeded at all in mastering that imposing looking instrument—making +it actually "play chunes"—was surely a thing to wonder at. But then, +Patsy could do anything, if she but tried.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Uncle John gave a dreadful snort and sat bolt upright, gazing +at his companions with a startled look that melted into one of benign +complacency as he observed his surround<a name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a>ings and realized where he was. +The interruption gave Patsy an opportunity to stop playing the tune. She +swung around on the stool and looked with amusement at her newly +awakened uncle.</p> + +<p>"You've been asleep," she said.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed; quite a mistake," replied the little man, seriously. "I've +only been thinking."</p> + +<p>"An' such <i>beaut</i>chiful thoughts," observed the Major, testily, for he +resented the interruption of his Sunday afternoon treat. "You thought +'em aloud, sir, and the sound of it was a bad imithation of a bullfrog +in a marsh. You'll have to give up eating the salad, sir."</p> + +<p>"Bah! don't I know?" asked Uncle John, indignantly.</p> + +<p>"Well, if your knowledge is better than our hearing, I suppose you do," +retorted the Major. "But to an ignorant individual like meself the +impression conveyed was that you snored like a man that has forgotten +his manners an' gone to sleep in the prisence of a lady."</p> + +<p>"Then no one has a better right to do that," declared Patsy, soothingly; +"and I'm sure our <a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a>dear Uncle John's thoughts were just the most +beautiful dreams in the world. Tell us of them, sir, and we'll prove the +Major utterly wrong."</p> + +<p>Even her father smiled at the girl's diplomacy, and Uncle John, who was +on the verge of unreasonable anger, beamed upon her gratefully.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to Europe," he said.</p> + +<p>The Major gave an involuntary start, and then turned to look at him +curiously.</p> + +<p>"And I'm going to take Patsy along," he continued, with a mischievous +grin.</p> + +<p>The Major frowned.</p> + +<p>"Conthrol yourself, sir, until you are fully awake," said he. "You're +dreaming again."</p> + +<p>Patsy swung her feet from side to side, for she was such a little thing +that the stool raised her entirely off the floor. There was a thoughtful +look on her round, freckled face, and a wistful one in her great blue +eyes as the full meaning of Uncle John's abrupt avowal became apparent.</p> + +<p>The Major was still frowning, but a half frightened expression had +replaced the one of scornful raillery. For he, too, knew that his +eccentric <a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a>brother-in-law was likely to propose any preposterous thing, +and then carry it out in spite of all opposition. But to take Patsy to +Europe would be like pulling the Major's eye teeth or amputating his +good right arm. Worse; far worse! It would mean taking the sunshine out +of her old father's sky altogether, and painting it a grim, despairing +gray.</p> + +<p>But he resolved not to submit without a struggle.</p> + +<p>"Sir," said he, sternly—he always called his brother-in-law "sir" when +he was in a sarcastic or reproachful mood—"I've had an idea for some +time that you were plotting mischief. You haven't looked me straight in +the eye for a week, and you've twice been late to dinner. I will ask you +to explain to us, sir, the brutal suggestion you have just advanced."</p> + +<p>Uncle John laughed. In the days when Major Doyle had thought him a poor +man and in need of a helping hand, the grizzled old Irishman had been as +tender toward him as a woman and studiously avoided any speech or +epithet that by chance might injure the feelings of his dead <a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a>wife's +only brother. But the Major's invariable courtesy to the poor or +unfortunate was no longer in evidence when he found that John Merrick +was a multi-millionaire with a strongly defined habit of doing good to +others and striving in obscure and unconventional ways to make everybody +around him happy. His affection for the little man increased mightily, +but his respectful attitude promptly changed, and a chance to reprove or +discomfit his absurdly rich brother-in-law was one of his most +satisfactory diversions. Uncle John appreciated this, and holding the +dignified Major in loving regard was glad to cross swords with him now +and then to add variety to their pleasant relations.</p> + +<p>"It's this way, Major Doyle," he now remarked, coolly. "I've been +worried to death, lately, over business matters; and I need a change."</p> + +<p>"Phoo! All your business is attended to by Isham, Marvin & Co. You've no +worry at all. Why, we've just made you a quarter of a million in C.H. & +D's."</p> + +<p>The "we" is explained by stating that the<a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a> Major held an important +position in the great banking house—a position Mr. Merrick had secured +for him some months previously.</p> + +<p>"That's it!" said Uncle John. "You've made me a quarter of a million +that I don't want. The C.H. & D. stocks were going to pieces when I +bought them, and I had reason to hope I'd lose a good round sum on them. +But the confounded luck turned, and the result is an accumulation of all +this dreadful money. So, my dear Major, before I'm tempted to do +some-other foolish thing I've determined to run away, where business +can't follow me, and where by industry and perseverance I can scatter +some of my ill-gotten gains."</p> + +<p>The Major smiled grimly.</p> + +<p>"That's Europe, right enough," he said. "And I don't object, John, to +your going there whenever you please. You're disgracefully countryfied +and uninformed for a man of means, and Europe'll open your eyes and +prove to you how insignificant you really are. I advise you to visit +Ireland, sor, which I'm reliably informed is the centhral jewel in +Europe's crown of beauty.<a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a> Go; and go whinever you please, sor; but +forbear the wickedness of putting foolish thoughts into our Patsy's +sweet head. She can't go a step, and you know it. It's positive cruelty +to her, sir, to suggest such a thing!"</p> + +<p>The Major's speech had a touch of the brogue when he became excited, but +recovered when he calmed down.</p> + +<p>"Why, you selfish old humbug!" cried Uncle John, indignantly. "Why can't +she go, when there's money and time to spare? Would you keep her here to +cuddle and spoil a vigorous man like yourself, when she can run away and +see the world and be happy?"</p> + +<p>"It's a great happiness to cuddle the Major," said Patsy, softly; "and +the poor man needs it as much as he does his slippers or his oatmeal for +breakfast."</p> + +<p>"And Patsy has the house to look after," added the Major, complacently.</p> + +<p>Uncle John gave a snort of contempt.</p> + +<p>"For an unreasonable man, show me an Irishman," he remarked. "Here +you've been telling me how Europe is an education and a delight, <a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a>and in +the next breath you deliberately deprive your little daughter, whom you +pretend to love, of the advantages she might gain by a trip abroad! And +why? Just because you want her yourself, and might be a bit lonesome +without her. But I'll settle that foolishness, sir, in short order. You +shall go with us."</p> + +<p>"Impossible!" ejaculated the Major. "It's the time of year I'm most +needed in the office, and Mr. Marvin has been so kind and considerate +that I won't play him a dirty trick by leaving him in the lurch."</p> + +<p>Patsy nodded approval.</p> + +<p>"That's right, daddy," she said.</p> + +<p>Uncle John lay back in the chair and put the newspaper over his face +again. Patsy and her father stared at one another with grave intentness. +Then the Major drew out his handkerchief and mopped his brow.</p> + +<p>"You'd like to go, mavourneen?" he asked, softly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, daddy; but I won't, of course."</p> + +<p>"Tut-tut! don't you go putting yourself against your old father's will, +Patsy. It's not so <a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a>far to Europe," he continued, thoughtfully, "and you +won't be away much longer than you were when you went to Elmhurst after +Aunt Jane's money—which you didn't get. Mary takes fine care of our +little rooms, and doubtless I shall be so busy that I won't miss you at +all, at all."</p> + +<p>"Daddy!"</p> + +<p>She was in his lap, now, her chubby arms clasped around his neck and her +soft cheek laid close beside his rough and ruddy one.</p> + +<p>"And when ye get back, Patsy darlin'," he whispered, tenderly stroking +her hair, "the joy of the meeting will make up for all that we've +suffered. It's the way of life, mavourneen. Unless a couple happens to +be Siamese twins, they're bound to get separated in the course of +events, more or less, if not frequently."</p> + +<p>"I won't go, daddy."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes you will. It's not like you to be breakin' my heart by stayin' +home. Next week, said that wicked old uncle—he remoinds me of the one +that tried to desthroy the Babes in the Woods, Patsy dear. You must try +to reclaim him to humanity, for I'm hopin' there's a bit of <a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a>good in the +old rascal yet." And he looked affectionately at the round little man +under the newspaper.</p> + +<p>Uncle John emerged again. It was wonderful how well he understood the +Doyle family. His face was now smiling and wore a look of supreme +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Your selfishness, my dear Major," said he, "is like the husk on a +cocoanut. When you crack it there's plenty of milk within—and in your +case it's the milk of human kindness. Come! let's talk over the trip."<a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>UNCLE JOHN MAKES PLANS</h3> + + +<p>"The thought came to me a long time ago," Uncle John resumed; "but it +was only yesterday that I got all the details fixed and settled in my +mind. I've been a rough old duffer, Patsy, and in all my hard working +life never thought of such a thing as travelling or enjoying myself +until I fell in with you, and you taught me how pleasant it is to +scatter sunshine in the hearts of others. For to make others happy means +a lot of joy for yourself—a secret you were trying to keep from me, you +crafty young woman, until I discovered it by accident. Now, here I am +with three nieces on my hands—"</p> + +<p>"You may say two, sir," interrupted the Major. "Patsy can take care of +herself."</p> + +<p>"Hold your tongue," said Uncle John. "I say I've got three nieces—as +fine a trio of in<a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>telligent, sweet and attractive young women as you'll +run across in a month of Sundays. I dare you to deny it, sir. And they +are all at an age when an European trip will do them a world of good. So +off we go, a week from Tuesday, in the first-class steamer 'Princess +Irene,' bound from New York for the Bay of Naples!"</p> + +<p>Patsy's eyes showed her delight. They fairly danced.</p> + +<p>"Have you told Beth and Louise?" she asked.</p> + +<p>His face fell.</p> + +<p>"Not yet," he said. "I'd forgotten to mention it to them."</p> + +<p>"For my part," continued the girl, "I can get ready in a week, easily. +But Beth is way out in Ohio, and we don't know whether she can go or +not."</p> + +<p>"I'll telegraph her, and find out," said Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"Do it to-day," suggested the Major.</p> + +<p>"I will."</p> + +<p>"And to-morrow you must see Louise," added Patsy. "I'm not sure she'll +want to go, dear.<a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a> She's such a social butterfly, you know, that her +engagements may keep her at home."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say she's engaged?" asked Mr. Merrick, aghast.</p> + +<p>"Only for the parties and receptions, Uncle. But it wouldn't surprise me +if she was married soon. She's older than Beth or me, and has a host of +admirers."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she's old enough to be sensible," suggested the Major.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll see her and her mother to-morrow morning," decided Uncle +John, "and if she can't find time for a trip to Europe at my expense, +you and Beth shall go anyhow—and we'll bring Louise a wedding present."</p> + +<p>With this declaration he took his hat and walking stick and started for +the telegraph station, leaving Patsy and her father to canvass the +unexpected situation.</p> + +<p>John Merrick was sixty years old, but as hale and rugged as a boy of +twenty. He had made his vast fortune on the Pacific Coast and during his +years of busy activity had been practically forgotten by the Eastern +members of his family, <a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a>who never had credited him with sufficient +ability to earn more than a precarious livelihood. But the man was +shrewd enough in a business way, although simple almost to childishness +in many other matters. When he returned, quite unheralded, to end his +days "at home" and employ his ample wealth to the best advantage, he for +a time kept his success a secret, and so learned much of the +dispositions and personal characteristics of his three nieces.</p> + +<p>They were at that time visiting his unmarried sister, Jane, at her +estate at Elmhurst, whither they had been invited for the first time; +and in the race for Aunt Jane's fortune he watched the three girls +carefully and found much to admire in each one of them. Patsy Doyle, +however, proved exceptionally frank and genuine, and when Aunt Jane at +last died and it was found she had no estate to bequeath, Patsy proved +the one bright star in the firmament of disappointment. Supposing Uncle +John to be poor, she insisted upon carrying him to New York with her and +sharing with him the humble tenement room in which she lived with her +father—a re<a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>tired veteran who helped pay the family expenses by keeping +books for a mercantile firm, while Patsy worked in a hair-dresser's +shop.</p> + +<p>It was now that Uncle John proved a modern fairy godfather to Aunt +Jane's nieces—who were likewise his own nieces. The three girls had +little in common except their poverty, Elizabeth De Graf being the +daughter of a music teacher, in Cloverton, Ohio, while Louise Merrick +lived with her widowed mother in a social atmosphere of the second class +in New York, where the two women frankly intrigued to ensnare for Louise +a husband who had sufficient means to ensure both mother and daughter a +comfortable home. In spite of this worldly and unlovely ambition, which +their circumstances might partially excuse, Louise, who was but +seventeen, had many good and womanly qualities, could they have been +developed in an atmosphere uninfluenced by the schemes of her vain and +selfish mother.</p> + +<p>Uncle John, casting aside the mask of poverty, came to the relief of all +three girls. He settled the incomes of substantial sums of money upon +<a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a>both Beth and Louise, making them practically independent. For Patsy he +bought a handsome modern flat building located at 3708 Willing Square, +and installed her and the Major in its cosiest apartment, the rents of +the remaining flats giving the Doyles an adequate income for all time to +come. Here Uncle John, believing himself cordially welcome, as indeed he +was, made his own home, and it required no shrewd guessing to arrive at +the conclusion that little Patsy was destined to inherit some day all +his millions.</p> + +<p>The great banking and brokerage firm of Isham, Marvin & Co. had long +managed successfully John Merrick's vast fortune, and at his +solicitation it gave Major Doyle a responsible position in its main +office, with a salary that rendered him independent of his daughter's +suddenly acquired wealth and made him proud and self-respecting.</p> + +<p>Money had no power to change the nature of the Doyles. The Major +remained the same simple, honest, courteous yet brusque old warrior who +had won Uncle John's love as a hard working book-keeper; and Patsy's +bright and sunny <a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>disposition had certain power to cheer any home, +whether located in a palace or a hovel.</p> + +<p>Never before in his life had Uncle John been so supremely happy, and +never before had Aunt Jane's three nieces had so many advantages and +pleasures. It was to confer still further benefits upon these girls that +their eccentric uncle had planned this unexpected European trip.</p> + +<p>His telegram to Elizabeth was characteristic:</p> + +<p>"Patsy, Louise and I sail for Europe next Tuesday. Will you join us as +my guest? If so, take first train to New York, where I will look after +your outfit. Answer immediately."</p> + +<p>That was a message likely to surprise a country girl, but it did not +strike John Merrick as in any way extraordinary. He thought he could +depend upon Beth. She would be as eager to go as he was to have her, and +when he had paid for the telegram he dismissed the matter from further +thought.</p> + +<p>Next morning Patsy reminded him that instead of going down town he must +personally notify Louise Merrick of the proposed trip; so <a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a>he took a +cross-town line and arrived at the Merrick's home at nine o'clock.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Merrick was in a morning wrapper, sipping her coffee in an upper +room. But she could not deny herself to Uncle John, her dead husband's +brother and her only daughter's benefactor (which meant indirectly her +own benefactor), so she ordered the maid to show him up at once.</p> + +<p>"Louise is still sweetly sleeping," she said, "and won't waken for hours +yet."</p> + +<p>"Is anything wrong with her?" he asked, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear, no! but everyone does not get up with the milkman, as you do, +John; and the dear child was at the opera last night, which made her +late in getting home."</p> + +<p>"Doesn't the opera let out before midnight, the same as the theatres?" +he asked.</p> + +<p>"I believe so; but there is the supper, afterward, you know."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes," he returned, thoughtfully. "I've always noticed that the +opera makes folks desperately hungry, for they flock to the restaurants +<a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>as soon as they can get away. Singular, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I never thought of it in that light."</p> + +<p>"But Louise is well?"</p> + +<p>"Quite well, thank you."</p> + +<p>"That's a great relief, for I'm going to take her to Europe with me next +week," he said.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Merrick was so astonished that she nearly dropped her coffee-cup +and could make no better reply than to stare blankly at her +brother-in-law.</p> + +<p>"We sail Tuesday," continued Uncle John, "and you must have my niece +ready in time and deliver her on board the 'Princess Irene' at Hoboken +at nine o'clock, sharp."</p> + +<p>"But John—John!" gasped Mrs. Merrick, feebly, "it will take a month, at +least, to make her gowns, and—"</p> + +<p>"Stuff and rubbish!" he growled. "That shows, Martha, how little you +know about European trips. No one makes gowns to go abroad with; you buy +'em in Paris to bring home."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes; to be sure," she muttered. "Per<a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>haps, then, it can be done, if +Louise, has no other engagements."</p> + +<p>"Just what Patsy said. See here, Martha, do you imagine that any girl +who is half human could have engagements that would keep her from +Europe?"</p> + +<p>"But the requirements of society—"</p> + +<p>"You'll get me riled, pretty soon, Martha; and if you do you'll wish you +hadn't."</p> + +<p>This speech frightened the woman. It wouldn't do to provoke Uncle John, +however unreasonable he happened to be. So she said, meekly:</p> + +<p>"I've no doubt Louise will be delighted to go, and so will I."</p> + +<p>"You!"</p> + +<p>"Why—why—whom do you intend taking?"</p> + +<p>"Just the three girls—Aunt Jane's three nieces. Also mine."</p> + +<p>"But you'll want a chaperone for them."</p> + +<p>"Why so?"</p> + +<p>"Propriety requires it; and so does ordinary prudence. Louise, I know, +will be discreet, for <a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a>it is her nature; but Patsy is such a little +flyaway and Beth so deep and demure, that without a chaperone they might +cause you a lot of trouble."</p> + +<p>Uncle John grew red and his eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>"A chaperone!" he cried, contemptuously; "not any in mine, Martha +Merrick. Either we young folks go alone, without any death's head to +perpetually glower at us, or we don't go at all! Three better girls +never lived, and I'll trust 'em anywhere. Besides that, we aren't going +to any of your confounded social functions; we're going on a reg'lar +picnic, and if I don't give those girls the time of their lives my name +ain't John Merrick. A chaperone, indeed!"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Merrick held up her hands in horror.</p> + +<p>"I'm not sure, John," she gasped, "that I ought to trust my dear child +with an uncle who disregards so openly the proprieties."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm sure; and the thing's settled," he said, more calmly. "Don't +worry, ma'am. I'll look after Patsy and Beth, and Louise will look after +all of us—just as she does after you—because she's so discreet. Talk +about your being <a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a>a chaperone! Why, you don't dare say your soul's your +own when Louise is awake. That chaperone business is all +humbuggery—unless an old uncle like me can be a chaperone. Anyhow, I'm +the only one that's going to be appointed. I won't wait for Louise to +wake up. Just tell her the news and help her to get ready on time. And +now, I'm off. Good morning, Martha."</p> + +<p>She really had no words of protest ready at hand, and it was long after +queer old John Merrick had gone away that she remembered a dozen +effective speeches that she might have delivered.</p> + +<p>"After all," she sighed, taking up her cup again, "it may be the best +thing in the world for Louise. We don't know whether that young Weldon, +who is paying her attentions just now, is going to inherit his father's +money or not. He's been a bit wild, I've heard, and it is just as well +to postpone any engagement until we find out the facts. I can do that +nicely while my sweet child is in Europe with Uncle John, and away from +all danger of entanglements. Really, it's an ill wind that blows no +good! I'll go talk with Louise."<a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>"ALL ASHORE"</h3> + + +<p>Beth De Graf was a puzzle to all who knew her. She was a puzzle even to +herself, and was wont to say, indifferently, that the problem was not +worth a solution. For this beautiful girl of fifteen was somewhat bitter +and misanthropic, a condition perhaps due to the uncongenial atmosphere +in which she had been reared. She was of dark complexion and her big +brown eyes held a sombre and unfathomable expression. Once she had +secretly studied their reflection in a mirror, and the eyes awed and +frightened her, and made her uneasy. She had analyzed them much as if +they belonged to someone else, and wondered what lay behind their mask, +and what their capabilities might be.</p> + +<p>But this morbid condition mostly affected her when she was at home, +listening to the unpleasant bickerings of her father and mother, who +quar<a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>relled constantly over trifles that Beth completely ignored. Her +parents seemed like two ill tempered animals confined in the same cage, +she thought, and their snarls had long since ceased to interest her.</p> + +<p>This condition had, of course, been infinitely worse in all those +dreadful years when they were poverty stricken. Since Uncle John had +settled a comfortable income on his niece the grocer was paid promptly +and Mrs. De Graf wore a silk dress on Sundays and held her chin a little +higher than any other of the Cloverton ladies dared do. The Professor, +no longer harrassed by debts, devoted less time to the drudgery of +teaching and began the composition of an oratorio that he firmly +believed would render his name famous. So, there being less to quarrel +about, Beth's parents indulged more moderately in that pastime; but +their natures were discordant, and harmony in the De Graf household was +impossible.</p> + +<p>When away from home Beth's disposition softened. Some of her +school-friends had seen her smile—a wonderful and charming phe<a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>nomenon, +during which her expression grew sweet and bewitchingly animated and her +brown eyes radiant with mirthful light. It was not the same Beth at all.</p> + +<p>Sometimes, when the nieces were all at Aunt Jane's, Beth had snuggled in +the arms of her cousin Louise, who had a way of rendering herself +agreeable to all with whom she came in contact, and tried hard to win +the affection of the frankly antagonistic girl. At such times the +gentleness of Elizabeth, her almost passionate desire to be loved and +fondled, completely transformed her for the moment. Louise, shrewd at +reading others, told herself that Beth possessed a reserve force of +tenderness, amiability and fond devotion that would render her adorable +if she ever allowed those qualities full expression. But she did not +tell Beth that. The girl was so accustomed to despise herself and so +suspicious of any creditable impulses that at times unexpectedly +obtruded themselves, that she would have dismissed such a suggestion as +arrant flattery, and Louise was clever enough not to wish to arouse <a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a>her +cousin to a full consciousness of her own possibilities.</p> + +<p>The trained if not native indifference of this strange girl of fifteen +was demonstrated by her reception of Uncle John's telegram. She quietly +handed it to her mother and said, as calmly as if it were an invitation +to a church picnic:</p> + +<p>"I think I shall go."</p> + +<p>"Nothing like that ever happened to me," remarked Mrs. De Graf, +enviously. "If John Merrick had an atom of common sense he'd have taken +me to Europe instead of a troop of stupid school girls. But John always +was a fool, and always will be. When will you start, Beth?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow morning. There's nothing to keep me. I'll go to Patsy and +stay with her until we sail."</p> + +<p>"Are you glad?" asked her mother, looking into the expressionless face +half curiously.</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned Beth, as if considering her reply; "a change is always +interesting, and I have never travelled except to visit Aunt Jane at +Elmhurst. So I think I am pleased to go to Europe."<a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a></p> + +<p>Mrs. De Graf sighed. There was little in common between mother and +daughter; but that, to a grave extent, was the woman's fault. She had +never tried to understand her child's complex nature, and somewhat +resented Beth's youth and good looks, which she considered contrasted +unfavorably with her own deepening wrinkles and graying hair. For Mrs. +De Graf was vain and self-important, and still thought herself +attractive and even girlish. It would really be a relief to have Beth +out of the way for a few months.</p> + +<p>The girl packed her own trunk and arranged for it to be taken to the +station. In the morning she entered the music room to bid the Professor +good-bye. He frowned at the interruption, for the oratorio was +especially engrossing at the time. Mrs. De Graf kissed her daughter +lightly upon the lips and said in a perfunctory way that she hoped Beth +would have a good time.</p> + +<p>The girl had no thought of resenting the lack of affection displayed by +her parents. It was what she had always been accustomed to, and she had +no reason to expect anything different.<a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a></p> + +<p>Patsy met her at the train in New York and embraced her rapturously. +Patsy was really fond of Beth; but it was her nature to be fond of +everyone, and her cousin, escaping from her smacking and enthusiastic +kisses, told herself that Patsy would have embraced a cat with the same +spontaneous ecstacy. That was not strictly true, but there was nothing +half hearted or halfway about Miss Doyle. If she loved you, there would +never be an occasion for you to doubt the fact. It was Patsy's way.</p> + +<p>Uncle John also was cordial in his greetings. He was very proud of his +pretty niece, and discerning enough to realize there was a broad strata +of womanliness somewhere in Elizabeth's undemonstrative character. He +had promised himself to "dig it out" some day, and perhaps the European +trip would give him his opportunity.</p> + +<p>Patsy and Elizabeth shopped for the next few days most strenuously and +delightfully. Sometimes their dainty cousin Louise joined them, and the +three girls canvassed gravely their requirements for a trip that was as +new to them as a flight to the moon. Naturally, they bought <a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>much that +was unnecessary and forgot many things that would have been useful. You +have to go twice to Europe to know what to take along.</p> + +<p>Louise needed less than the others, for her wardrobe was more extensive +and she already possessed all that a young girl could possibly make use +of. This niece, the eldest of Uncle John's trio, was vastly more +experienced in the ways of the world than the others, although as a +traveller she had no advantage of them. Urged thereto by her worldly +mother, she led a sort of trivial, butterfly existence, and her +character was decidedly superficial to any close observer. Indeed, her +very suavity and sweetness of manner was assumed, because it was so much +more comfortable and effective to be agreeable than otherwise. She was +now past seventeen years of age, tall and well formed, with a delicate +and attractive face which, without being beautiful, was considered +pleasant and winning. Her eyes were good, though a bit too shrewd, and +her light brown hair was fluffy as spun silk. Graceful of carriage, +gracious of manner, yet affecting a <a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>languor unsuited to her years, +Louise Merrick was a girl calculated to draw from the passing throng +glances of admiration and approval, and to convey the impression of good +breeding and feminine cleverness.</p> + +<p>All this, however, was outward. Neither Patsy nor Beth displayed any +undue affection for their cousin, although all of the girls exhibited a +fair amount of cousinly friendship for one another. They had once been +thrown together under trying circumstances, when various qualities of +temperament not altogether admirable were liable to assert themselves. +Those events were too recent to be already forgotten, yet the girls were +generous enough to be considerate of each others' failings, and had +resolved to entertain no sentiment other than good will on the eve of +their departure for such a charming outing as Uncle John had planned for +them.</p> + +<p>Mr. Merrick being a man, saw nothing radically wrong in the dispositions +of any of his nieces. Their youth and girlishness appealed to him +strongly, and he loved to have them by his side. It is true that he +secretly regretted Louise <a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>was not more genuine, that Beth was so +cynical and frank, and that Patsy was not more diplomatic. But he +reflected that he had had no hand in molding their characters, although +he might be instrumental in improving them; so he accepted the girls as +they were, thankful that their faults were not glaring, and happy to +have found three such interesting nieces to cheer his old age.</p> + +<p>At last the preparations were complete. Tuesday arrived, and Uncle John +"corralled his females," as he expressed it, and delivered them safely +on board the staunch and comfortable ocean greyhound known as the +"Princess Irene," together with their bags and baggage, their flowers +and fruits and candy boxes and all those other useless accessories to a +voyage so eagerly thrust upon the departing travellers by their +affectionate but ill-advised friends.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Merrick undertook the exertion of going to Hoboken to see her +daughter off, and whispered in the ear of Louise many worldly +admonitions and such bits of practical advice as she could call to mind +on the spur of the moment.</p> + +<p>Major Gregory Doyle was there, pompous <a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>and straight of form and wearing +an assumed smile that was meant to assure Patsy he was delighted at her +going, but which had the effect of scaring the girl because she at first +thought the dreadful expression was due to convulsions.</p> + +<p>The Major had no admonitions for Patsy, but she had plenty for him, and +gave him a long list of directions that would, as he said, cause him to +"walk mighty sthraight" if by good luck he managed to remember them all.</p> + +<p>Having made up his mind to let the child go to Europe, the old fellow +allowed no wails or bemoanings to reach Patsy's ears to deprive her of a +moment's joyful anticipation of the delights in store for her. He +laughed and joked perpetually during that last day, and promised the +girl that he would take a vacation while she was gone and visit his old +colonel in Virginia, which she knew was the rarest pleasure he could +enjoy. And now he stood upon the deck amusing them all with his quaint +sayings and appearing so outwardly jolly and unaffected that only Patsy +herself suspected the deep grief that was gripping his kindly old +heart.<a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a></p> + +<p>Uncle John guessed, perhaps, for he hugged the Major in a tight embrace, +whispering that Patsy should be now, as ever, the apple of his eye and +the subject of his most loving care.</p> + +<p>"An' don't be forgetting to bring me the meerschaum pipe from Sicily an' +the leathern pocket-book from Florence," the Major said to Patsy, +impressively. "It's little enough for ye to remember if ye go that way, +an' to tell the truth I'm sending ye abroad just for to get them. An' +don't be gettin' off the boat till it stops at a station; an' remember +that Uncle John is full of rheumatics an' can't walk more n' thirty mile +an hour, an'—"</p> + +<p>"It's a slander," said Uncle John, stoutly. "I never had rheumatics in +my life."</p> + +<p>"Major," observed Patsy, her blue eyes full of tears but her lips trying +to smile, "do have the tailor sponge your vest every Saturday. It's full +of spots even now, and I've been too busy lately to look after you +properly. You're—you're—just disgraceful, Major!"</p> + +<p>"All ashore!" called a loud voice.</p> + +<p>The Major gathered Patsy into an embrace <a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>that threatened to crush her, +and then tossed her into Uncle John's arms and hurried away. Mrs. +Merrick followed, with good wishes for all for a pleasant journey; and +then the four voyagers pressed to the rail and waved their handkerchiefs +frantically to those upon the dock while the band played vociferously +and the sailors ran here and there in sudden excitement and the great +ship left her moorings and moved with proud deliberation down the bay to +begin her long voyage to Gibraltar and the blue waters of the +Mediterranean.<a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES, AND A WARNING</h3> + + +<p>For an inexperienced tourist Uncle John managed their arrangements most +admirably. He knew nothing at all about ocean travel or what was the +proper method to secure comfortable accommodations; but while most of +the passengers were writing hurried letters in the second deck gallery, +which were to be sent back by the pilot, Mr. Merrick took occasion to +interview the chief steward and the deck steward and whatever other +official he could find, and purchased their good will so liberally that +the effect of his astute diplomacy was immediately apparent.</p> + +<p>His nieces found that the sunniest deck chairs bore their names; the +most desirable seats in the dining hall were theirs when, half famished +because breakfast had been disregarded, they trooped in to luncheon; the +best waiters on the ship attended to their wants, and afterward their +<a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>cabins were found to be cosily arranged with every comfort the heart of +maid could wish for.</p> + +<p>At luncheon it was found that the steward had placed a letter before +Uncle John's plate. The handwriting of the address Louise, who sat next +her uncle, at once recognized as that of her mother; but she said +nothing.</p> + +<p>Mr. Merrick was amazed at the contents of the communication, especially +as he had so recently parted with the lady who had written it.</p> + +<p>It said: "I must warn you, John, that my daughter has just escaped a +serious entanglement, and I am therefore more grateful than I can +express that you are taking her far from home for a few weeks. A young +man named Arthur Weldon—a son of the big railroad president, you +know—has been paying Louise marked attentions lately; but I cautioned +her not to encourage him because a rumor had reached me that he has +quarrelled with his father and been disinherited. My informant also +asserted that the young man is wild and headstrong and cannot be +controlled by his parent; but he always seemed gentlemanly enough at +<a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>our house, and my greatest objection to him is that he is not likely to +inherit a dollar of his father's money. Louise and I decided to keep him +dangling until we could learn the truth of this matter, for you can +easily understand that with her exceptional attractions there is no +object in Louise throwing herself away upon a poor man, or one who +cannot give her a prominent position in society. Imagine my horror, +John, when I discovered last evening that my only child, whom I have so +fondly cherished, has ungratefully deceived me. Carried away by the +impetuous avowals of this young scapegrace, whom his own father disowns, +she has confessed her love for him—love for a pauper!—and only by the +most stringent exercise of my authority have I been able to exact from +Louise a promise that she will not become formally engaged to Arthur +Weldon, or even correspond with him, until she has returned home. By +that time I shall have learned more of his history and prospects, when I +can better decide whether to allow the affair to go on. Of course I have +hopes that in case my fears are proven to have <a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>been well founded, I can +arouse Louise to a proper spirit and induce her to throw the fellow +over. Meantime, I implore you, as my daughter's temporary guardian, not +to allow Louise to speak of or dwell upon this young man, but try to +interest her in other gentlemen whom you may meet and lead her to +forget, if possible, her miserable entanglement. Consider a loving +mother's feelings, John. Try to help me in this emergency, and I shall +be forever deeply grateful."</p> + +<p>"It's from mother, isn't it?" asked Louise, when he had finished reading +the letter.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he answered gruffly, as he crumpled the missive and stuffed it +into his pocket.</p> + +<p>"What does she say, Uncle?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing but rubbish and nonsense. Eat your soup, my dear; it's getting +cold."</p> + +<p>The girl's sweet, low laughter sounded very pleasant, and served to calm +his irritation. From her demure yet amused expression Uncle John guessed +that Louise knew the tenor of her mother's letter as well as if she had +read it over his shoulder, and it comforted him that she <a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>could take the +matter so lightly. Perhaps the poor child was not so deeply in love as +her mother had declared.</p> + +<p>He was greatly annoyed at the confidence Mrs. Merrick had seen fit to +repose in him, and felt she had no right to burden him with any +knowledge of such an absurd condition of affairs just as he was starting +for a holiday. Whatever might be the truth of the girl's +"entanglement,"—and he judged that it was not all conveyed in Martha +Merrick's subtle letter—Louise would surely be free and unhampered by +either love or maternal diplomacy for some time to come. When she +returned home her mother might conduct the affair to suit herself. He +would have nothing to do with it in any way.</p> + +<p>As soon as luncheon was finished they rushed for the deck, and you may +imagine that chubby little Uncle John, with his rosy, smiling face and +kindly eyes, surrounded by three eager and attractive girls of from +fifteen to seventeen years of age, was a sight to compel the attention +of every passenger aboard the ship.</p> + +<p>It was found easy to make the acquaintance <a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>of the interesting group, +and many took advantage of that fact; for Uncle John chatted brightly +with every man and Patsy required no excuse of a formal introduction to +confide to every woman that John Merrick was taking his three nieces to +Europe to "see the sights and have the time of their lives."</p> + +<p>Many of the business men knew well the millionaire's name, and accorded +him great respect because he was so enormously wealthy and successful. +But the little man was so genuinely human and unaffected and so openly +scorned all toadyism that they soon forgot his greatness in the +financial world and accepted him simply as a good fellow and an +invariably cheerful comrade.</p> + +<p>The weather was somewhat rough for the latter part of March—they had +sailed the twenty-seventh—but the "Irene" was so staunch and rode the +waves so gracefully that none of the party except Louise was at all +affected by the motion. The eldest cousin, however, claimed to be +indisposed for the first few days out, and so Beth and Patsy and Uncle +John sat in a row in their steamer chairs, with the <a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>rugs tucked up to +their waists, and kept themselves and everyone around them merry and +light hearted.</p> + +<p>Next to Patsy reclined a dark complexioned man of about thirty-five, +with a long, thin face and intensely black, grave eyes. He was +carelessly dressed and wore a flannel shirt, but there was an odd look +of mingled refinement and barbarity about him that arrested the girl's +attention. He sat very quietly in his chair, reserved both in speech and +in manner; but when she forced him to talk he spoke impetuously and with +almost savage emphasis, in a broken dialect that amused her immensely.</p> + +<p>"You can't be American," she said.</p> + +<p>"I am Sicilian," was the proud answer.</p> + +<p>"That's what I thought; Sicilian or Italian or Spanish; but I'm glad +it's Sicilian, which is the same as Italian. I can't speak your lingo +myself," she continued, "although I am studying it hard; but you manage +the English pretty well, so we shall get along famously together."</p> + +<p>He did not answer for a moment, but searched <a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>her unconscious face with +his keen eyes. Then he demanded, brusquely:</p> + +<p>"Where do you go?"</p> + +<p>"Why, to Europe," she replied, as if surprised.</p> + +<p>"Europe? Pah! It is no answer at all," he responded, angrily. "Europe is +big. To what part do you journey?"</p> + +<p>Patsy hesitated. The magic word "Europe" had seemed to sum up their +destination very effectively, and she had heretofore accepted it as +sufficient, for the time being, at least. Uncle John had bought an +armful of guide books and Baedeckers, but in the hurry of departure she +had never glanced inside them. To go to Europe had been enough to +satisfy her so far, but perhaps she should have more definite knowledge +concerning their trip. So she turned to Uncle John and said:</p> + +<p>"Uncle, dear, to what part of Europe are we going?"</p> + +<p>"What part?" he answered. "Why, it tells on the ticket, Patsy. I can't +remember the name just now. It's where the ship stops, of course."<a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a></p> + +<p>"That is Napoli," said the thin faced man, with a scarcely veiled sneer. +"And then?"</p> + +<p>"And then?" repeated Patsy, turning to her Uncle.</p> + +<p>"Then? Oh, some confounded place or other that I can't think of. I'm not +a time-table, Patsy; but the trip is all arranged, in beautiful style, +by a friend of mine who has always wanted to go abroad, and so has the +whole programme mapped out in his head."</p> + +<p>"Is it in his head yet?" enquired Patsy, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"No, dear; it's in the left hand pocket of my blue coat, all written +down clearly. So what's the use of bothering? We aren't there yet. By +and bye we'll get to Eu-rope an' do it up brown. Whatever happens, and +wherever we go, it's got to be a spree and a jolly good time; so take it +easy, Patsy dear, and don't worry."</p> + +<p>"That's all right, Uncle," she rejoined, with a laugh. "I'm not worrying +the least mite. But when folks ask us where we're going, what shall we +say?"</p> + +<p>"Eu-rope."<a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a></p> + +<p>"And then?" mischievously.</p> + +<p>"And then home again, of course. It's as plain as the nose on your face, +Patsy Doyle, and a good bit straighter."</p> + +<p>That made her laugh again, and the strange Italian, who was listening, +growled a word in his native language. He wasn't at all a pleasant +companion, but for that very reason Patsy determined to make him talk +and "be sociable." By degrees he seemed to appreciate her attention, and +always brightened when she came to sit beside him.</p> + +<p>"You'll have to tell me your name, you know," she said to him; "because +I can't be calling you 'Sir' every minute."</p> + +<p>He glanced nervously around. Then he answered, slowly:</p> + +<p>"I am called Valdi—Victor Valdi."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's a pretty name, Mr. Valdi—or should I say Signor?"</p> + +<p>"You should."</p> + +<p>"Do I pronounce it right?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Well, never mind if I don't; you'll know <a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>what I mean, and that I +intend to be proper and polite," she responded, sweetly.</p> + +<p>Beth, while she made fewer acquaintances than Patsy, seemed to have cast +off her sullen reserve when she boarded the ship. In truth, the girl was +really happy for the first time in her life, and it softened her so +wonderfully and made her so attractive that she soon formed a select +circle around her. A young lady from Cleveland, who had two big +brothers, was impelled to introduce herself to Beth because of the young +men's intense admiration for the girl's beautiful face. When it was +found that they were all from Ohio, they formed a friendly alliance at +once. Marion Horton was so frank and agreeable that she managed to draw +out all that was best in Beth's nature, and the stalwart young Hortons +were so shyly enthusiastic over this, their first trip abroad, that they +inspired the girl with a like ardor, which resulted in the most cordial +relations between them.</p> + +<p>And it so happened that several other young men who chanced to be aboard +the "Princess Irene" marked the Hortons' intimacy with Beth <a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a>and +insisted on being introduced by them, so that by the time Louise had +conquered her <i>mal-de-mer</i> and appeared on deck, she found an admiring +group around her cousin that included most of the desirable young +fellows on the ship. Beth sat enthroned like a queen, listening to her +courtiers and smiling encouragement now and then, but taking little part +in the conversation herself because of her inexperience. Such adoration +was new to the little country girl, and she really enjoyed it. Nor did +the young men resent her silence. All that they wanted her to do, as Tom +Horton tersely expressed it, was to "sit still and look pretty."</p> + +<p>As for Uncle John, he was so delighted with Beth's social success that +he adopted all the boys on the spot, and made them a part of what he +called his family circle.</p> + +<p>Louise, discovering this state of affairs, gave an amused laugh and +joined the group. She was a little provoked that she had isolated +herself so long in her cabin when there was interesting sport on deck; +but having lost some val<a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>uable time she straightway applied herself to +redeem the situation.</p> + +<p>In the brilliance of her conversation, in her studied glances, in a +thousand pretty ways that were skillfully rendered effective, she had a +decided advantage over her more beautiful cousin. When Louise really +desired to please she was indeed a charming companion, and young men are +not likely to detect insincerity in a girl who tries to captivate them.</p> + +<p>The result was astonishing to Uncle John and somewhat humiliating to +Beth; for a new queen was presently crowned, and Louise by some magnetic +power assembled the court around herself. Only the youngest Horton boy, +in whose susceptible heart Beth's image was firmly enshrined, refused to +change his allegiance; but in truth the girl enjoyed herself more +genuinely in the society of one loyal cavalier than when so many were +clamoring for her favors. The two would walk the deck together for hours +without exchanging a single word, or sit together silently listening to +the band or watching the waves, without the need, as Tom expressed it, +of "jab<a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>bering every blessed minute" in order to be happy.</p> + +<p>Patsy was indignant at the artfulness of Louise until she noticed that +Beth was quite content; then she laughed softly and watched matters take +their course, feeling a little sorry for the boys because she knew +Louise was only playing with them.</p> + +<p>The trip across the Atlantic was all too short. On the fifth of April +they passed the Azores, running close to the islands of Fayal and San +Jorge so that the passengers might admire the zigzag rows of white +houses that reached from the shore far up the steep hillsides. On the +sixth day they sighted Gibraltar and passed between the Moorish and +Spanish lighthouses into the lovely waters of the Mediterranean. The +world-famed rock was now disclosed to their eyes, and when the ship +anchored opposite it Uncle John assisted his nieces aboard the lighter +and took them for a brief excursion ashore.</p> + +<p>Of course they rode to the fortress and wandered through its gloomy, +impressive galleries, seeing little of the armament because visitors are +<a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>barred from the real fortifications. The fortress did not seem +especially impregnable and was, taken altogether, a distinct +disappointment to them; but the ride through the town in the low basket +phaetons was wholly delightful. The quaint, narrow streets and stone +arches, the beautiful vistas of sea and mountain, the swarthy, dark-eyed +Moors whose presence lent to the town an oriental atmosphere, and the +queer market-places crowded with Spaniards, Frenchmen, Jews and +red-coated English soldiers, altogether made up a panorama that was +fascinating in the extreme.</p> + +<p>But their stay was short, and after a rush of sightseeing that almost +bewildered them they returned to the ship breathless but elated at +having "seen an' done," as Uncle John declared, their first foreign +port.</p> + +<p>And now through waters so brightly blue and transparent that they +aroused the girls' wonder and admiration, the good ship plowed her way +toward the port of Naples, passing to the east of Sardinia and Corsica, +which they viewed with eager interest because these places had always +<a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>seemed so far away to them, and had now suddenly appeared as if by +magic directly before their eyes.</p> + +<p>Patsy and the big whiskered captain had become such good friends that he +always welcomed the girl on his own exclusive deck, and this afternoon +she sat beside him and watched the rugged panorama slip by.</p> + +<p>"When will we get to Naples?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow evening, probably," answered the captain. "See, it is over in +that direction, where the gray cloud appears in the sky."</p> + +<p>"And what is the gray cloud, Captain?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know," said he, gravely. "Perhaps smoke from Vesuvius. At +Gibraltar we heard that the volcano is in an ugly mood, I hope it will +cause you no inconvenience."</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't it be fine if we could see an eruption!" exclaimed the girl.</p> + +<p>The captain shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Interesting, perhaps," he admitted; "but no great calamity that causes +thousands of people to suffer can be called 'fine.'"<a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a></p> + +<p>"Ah, that is true!" she said, quickly. "I had forgotten the suffering."</p> + +<p>Next morning all the sky was thick with smoke, and the sun was hidden. +The waters turned gray, too, and as they approached the Italian coast +the gloom perceptibly increased. A feeling of uneasiness seemed to +pervade the ship, and even the captain had so many things to consider +that he had no time to converse with his little friend.</p> + +<p>Signor Valdi forsook his deck chair for the first time and stood at the +rail which overlooked the steerage with his eyes glued to the grim skies +ahead. When Uncle John asked him what he saw he answered, eagerly:</p> + +<p>"Death and destruction, and a loss of millions of lira to the bankrupt +government. I know; for I have studied Etna for years, and Vesuvio is a +second cousin to Etna."</p> + +<p>"Hm," said Uncle John. "You seem pleased with the idea of an eruption."</p> + +<p>The thin faced man threw a shrewd look from his dark eyes and smiled. +Uncle John frowned at the look and stumped away. He was not at <a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>all easy +in his own mind. He had brought three nieces for a holiday to this +foreign shore, and here at the outset they were confronted by an +intangible danger that was more fearful because it was not understood. +It was enough to make his round face serious, although he had so strong +an objection to unnecessary worry.</p> + +<p>Afternoon tea was served on deck amidst an unusual quiet. People soberly +canvassed the situation and remarked upon the fact that the darkness +increased visibly as they neared the Bay of Naples. Beth couldn't drink +her tea, for tiny black atoms fell through the air and floated upon the +surface of the liquid. Louise retired to her stateroom with a headache, +and found her white serge gown peppered with particles of lava dust +which had fallen from the skies.</p> + +<p>The pilot guided the ship cautiously past Capri and into the bay. The +air was now black with volcanic dross and a gloom as of midnight +surrounded them on every side. The shore, the mountain and the water of +the bay itself were alike invisible.<a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>VESUVIUS RAMPANT</h3> + + +<p>It was Saturday night, the seventh day of April, nineteen hundred and +six—a night never to be forgotten by those aboard the ship; a night +which has its place in history.</p> + +<p>At dinner the captain announced that he had dropped anchor at the +Immacollatella Nuova, but at a safe distance from the shore, and that no +passengers would be landed under any circumstances until the fall of +ashes ceased and he could put his people ashore in a proper manner.</p> + +<p>A spirit of unrest fell upon them all. Big Tom Horton whispered to Beth +that he did not intend to leave her side until all danger was over. The +deck was deserted, all the passengers crowding into the smoking room and +saloons to escape the lava dust.</p> + +<p>Few kept their rooms or ventured to sleep. At intervals a loud +detonation from the volcano <a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>shook the air, and the mystery and awe of +the enveloping gloom were so palpable as almost to be felt.</p> + +<p>Toward midnight the wind changed, driving the cloud of ashes to the +southward and sufficiently clearing the atmosphere to allow the angry +glow of the crater to be distinctly seen. Now it shot a pillar of fire +thousands of feet straight into the heavens; then it would darken and +roll skyward great clouds that were illumined by the showers of sparks +accompanying them.</p> + +<p>The windows of every cabin facing the volcano were filled with eager +faces, and in the smoking room Uncle John clasped Beth around the waist +with one arm and Patsy with the other and watched the wonderful +exhibition through the window with a grave and anxious face. Tom Horton +had taken a position at one side of them and the dark Italian at the +other. The latter assured Patsy they were in no danger whatever. Tom +secretly hoped they were, and laid brave plans for rescuing Beth or +perishing at her side. Louise chose to lie in her berth and <a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>await +events with calm resignation. If they escaped she would not look haggard +and hollow-eyed when morning came. If a catastrophy was pending she +would have no power to prevent it.</p> + +<p>It was four o'clock on Sunday morning when Vesuvius finally reached the +climax of her travail. With a deep groan of anguish the mountain burst +asunder, and from its side rolled a great stream of molten lava that +slowly spread down the slope, consuming trees, vineyards and dwellings +in its path and overwhelming the fated city of Bosco-Trecase.</p> + +<p>Our friends marked the course of destruction by watching the thread of +fire slowly wander down the mountain slope. They did not know of the +desolation it was causing, but the sight was terrible enough to inspire +awe in every breast.</p> + +<p>The volcano was easier after that final outburst, but the black clouds +formed thicker than ever, and soon obscured the sky again.<a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>UNDER A CLOUD</h3> + + +<p>"After all," said Uncle John, next morning, "we may consider ourselves +very lucky. Your parents might have come to Naples a hundred times, my +dears, and your children may come a hundred times more, and yet never +see the sights that have greeted us on our arrival. If the confounded +old hill was bound to spout, it did the fair thing by spouting when we +were around. Eh, Patsy?"</p> + +<p>"I quite agree with you," said the girl. "I wouldn't have missed it for +anything—if it really had to behave so."</p> + +<p>"But you'll pay for it!" growled Signor Valdi, who had overheard these +remarks. "You will pay for it with a thousand discomforts—and I'm glad +that is so. Vesuvio is hell let loose; and it amuses you. Hundreds are +lying dead and crushed; and you are lucky to be <a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a>here. Listen," he +dropped his voice to a whisper: "if these Neapolitans could see the +rejoicing in my heart, they would kill me. And you? Pah! you are no +better. You also rejoice—and they will welcome you to Naples. I have +advice. Do not go on shore. It is useless."</p> + +<p>They were all startled by this strange speech, and the reproof it +conveyed made them a trifle uncomfortable; but Uncle John whispered that +the man was mad, and to pay no attention to him.</p> + +<p>Although ashes still fell softly upon the ship the day had somewhat +lightened the gloom and they could see from deck the dim outlines of the +shore. A crowd of boats presently swarmed around them, their occupants +eagerly clamoring for passengers to go ashore, or offering fruits, +flowers and souvenirs to any who might be induced to purchase. Their +indifference to their own and their city's danger was astonishing. It +was their custom to greet arriving steamers in this way, for by this +means they gained a livelihood. Nothing short of absolute destruction +seemed able to interfere with their established occupations.<a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a></p> + +<p>A steam tender also came alongside, and after a cordial farewell to the +ship's officers and their travelling acquaintances, Uncle John placed +his nieces and their baggage aboard the tender, which shortly deposited +them safely upon the dock.</p> + +<p>Perhaps a lot of passengers more dismal looking never before landed on +the beautiful shores of Naples—beautiful no longer, but presenting an +appearance gray and grewsome. Ashes were ankle deep in the streets—a +fine, flour-like dust that clung to your clothing, filled your eyes and +lungs and seemed to penetrate everywhere. The foliage of the trees and +shrubbery drooped under its load and had turned from green to the +all-pervading gray. The grass was covered; the cornices and balconies of +the houses were banked with ashes.</p> + +<p>"Bless me!" said Uncle John. "It's as bad as Pompey, or whatever that +city was called that was buried in the Bible days."</p> + +<p>"Oh, not quite, Uncle," answered Patsy, in her cheery voice; "but it may +be, before Vesuvius is satisfied."<a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a></p> + +<p>"It is certainly bad enough," observed Louise, pouting as she marked the +destruction of her pretty cloak by the grimy deposit that was fast +changing its color and texture.</p> + +<p>"Well, let us get under shelter as soon as possible," said Uncle John.</p> + +<p>The outlines of a carriage were visible a short distance away. He walked +up to the driver and said:</p> + +<p>"We want to go to a hotel."</p> + +<p>The man paid no attention.</p> + +<p>"Ask him how much he charges, Uncle. You know you mustn't take a cab in +Naples without bargaining."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"The driver will swindle you."</p> + +<p>"I'll risk that," he answered. "Just now we're lucky if we get a +carriage at all." He reached up and prodded the jehu in the ribs with +his cane. "How much to the Hotel Vesuvius?" he demanded, loudly.</p> + +<p>The man woke up and flourished his whip, at the same time bursting into +a flood of Italian.</p> + +<p>The girls listened carefully. They had been <a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a>trying to study Italian +from a small book Beth had bought entitled "Italian in Three Weeks +without a Master," but not a word the driver of the carriage said seemed +to have occurred in the vocabulary of the book. He repeated "Vesuvio" +many times, however, with scornful, angry or imploring intonations, and +Louise finally said:</p> + +<p>"He thinks you want to go to the volcano, Uncle. The hotel is the +Vesuve, not the Vesuvius."</p> + +<p>"What's the difference?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"All right; you girls just hop in, and leave the rest to me."</p> + +<p>He tumbled them all into the vehicle, bag and baggage, and then said +sternly to the driver:</p> + +<p>"Ho-tel Ve-suve—Ve-suve—ho-tel Ve-suve! Drive there darned quick, or +I'll break your confounded neck."</p> + +<p>The carriage started. It plowed its way jerkily through the dust-laden +streets and finally stopped at an imposing looking structure. The day +was growing darker, and an electric lamp <a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>burned before the entrance. +But no one came out to receive them.</p> + +<p>Uncle John climbed out and read the sign. "Hotel du Vesuve." It was the +establishment he had been advised to stop at while in Naples. He +compared the sign with a card which he drew from his pocket, and knew +that he had made no mistake.</p> + +<p>Entering the spacious lobby, he found it deserted. In the office a man +was hastily making a package of some books and papers and did not +respond or even look up when spoken to. At the concierge's desk a big, +whiskered man sat staring straight ahead of him with a look of abject +terror in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Good morning," said Uncle John. "Fine day, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Did you hear it?" whispered the concierge, as a dull boom, like that of +a distant cannon, made the windows rattle in their casements.</p> + +<p>"Of course," replied Mr. Merrick, carelessly. "Old Vesuve seems on a +rampage. But never mind that now. We've just come from Amer<a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>ica, where +the mountains are more polite, and we're going to stop at your hotel."</p> + +<p>The concierge's eyes wandered from the man to the three girls who had +entered and grouped themselves behind him. Then they fell upon the +driver of the carriage, who burst into a torrent of vociferous but +wholly unintelligible exclamations which Uncle John declared "must be an +excuse—and a mighty poor one—for talking."</p> + +<p>The whiskered man, whose cap was elaborately embroidered in gold with +the words "Hotel du Vesuve," seemed to understand the driver. He sighed +drearily and said to Mr. Merrick:</p> + +<p>"You must pay him thirty lira."</p> + +<p>"How much is that?"</p> + +<p>"Six dollars."</p> + +<p>"Not by a jugfull!"</p> + +<p>"You made no bargain."</p> + +<p>"I couldn't. He can't talk."</p> + +<p>"He claims it is you who cannot talk."</p> + +<p>"What!"</p> + +<p>"And prices are advanced during these awful days. What does it matter? +Your money <a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>will do you no good when we are all buried deep in ash and +scoria."</p> + +<p>The big man shuddered at this gloomy picture, and added, listlessly: +"You'll have to pay."</p> + +<p>Uncle John paid, but the driver wouldn't accept American money. The +disconsolate concierge would, though. He unlocked a drawer, put the six +dollars into one section and drew from another two ten-lira notes. The +driver took them, bowed respectfully to the whiskered man, shot a +broadside of invective Italian at the unconscious Americans, and left +the hotel.</p> + +<p>"How about rooms?" asked Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"Take any you please," answered the concierge. "All our guests are gone +but two—two mad Americans like yourselves. The servants are also gone; +the chef has gone; the elevator conductors are gone. If you stay you'll +have to walk up."</p> + +<p>"Where have they all gone?" asked Uncle John, wonderingly.</p> + +<p>"Fled, sir; fled to escape destruction. They remember Pompeii. Only +Signor Floriano, the <a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>proprietor, and myself are left. We stick to the +last. We are brave."</p> + +<p>"So I see. Now, look here, my manly hero. It's possible we shall all +live through it; I'll bet you a thousand to ten that we do. And then +you'll be glad to realize you've pocketed a little more American money. +Come out of that box and show us some rooms, and I'll help to build up +your fortune."</p> + +<p>The concierge obeyed. Even the horrors of the situation could not +eliminate from his carefully trained nature that desire to accumulate +which is the prime qualification of his profession. The Americans walked +up one flight and found spacious rooms on the first floor, of which they +immediately took possession.</p> + +<p>"Send for our trunks," said Mr. Merrick; and the man consented to do so +provided he could secure a proper vehicle.</p> + +<p>"You will be obliged to pay high for it," he warned; "but that will not +matter. To witness the destruction of our beautiful Naples is an unusual +sight. It will be worth your money."</p> + +<p>"We'll settle that in the dim hereafter," re<a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a>plied Uncle John. "You get +the trunks, and I'll take care of the finances."</p> + +<p>When the concierge had retired the girls began to stuff newspapers into +the cracks of the windows of their sitting room, where the fine ash was +sifting in and forming little drifts several inches in thickness. Also +the atmosphere of the room was filled with impalpable particles of dust, +which rendered breathing oppressive and unpleasant.</p> + +<p>Uncle John watched them for a time, and his brow clouded.</p> + +<p>"See here, girls," he exclaimed; "let's hold a council of war. Do you +suppose we are in any real danger?"</p> + +<p>They grouped around him with eager interest.</p> + +<p>"It's something new to be in danger, and rather exciting, don't you +think?" said Beth. "But perhaps we're as safe as we would be at home."</p> + +<p>"Once," said Louise, slowly, "there was a great eruption of Vesuvius +which destroyed the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Many of <a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>the +inhabitants were buried alive. Perhaps they thought there was no real +danger."</p> + +<p>Uncle John scratched his head reflectively.</p> + +<p>"I take it," he observed, "that the moral of your story is to light out +while we have the chance."</p> + +<p>"Not necessarily," observed the girl, smiling at his perplexity. "It is +likewise true that many other eruptions have occurred, when little +damage was done."</p> + +<p>"Forewarned is forearmed," declared Patsy. "Naples isn't buried more +than six inches in ashes, as yet, and it will take days for them to +reach to our windows, provided they're falling at the same rate they do +now. I don't see any use of getting scared before to-morrow, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"It's a big hill," said Uncle John, gravely, "and I've no right to take +foolish chances with three girls on my hands."</p> + +<p>"I'm not frightened, Uncle John."</p> + +<p>"Nor I."</p> + +<p>"Nor I, the least bit."<a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a></p> + +<p>"Everyone has left the hotel but ourselves," said he.</p> + +<p>"How sorry they will be, afterward," remarked Beth.</p> + +<p>He looked at them admiringly, and kissed each one.</p> + +<p>"You stay in this room and don't move a peg till I get back," he +enjoined them; "I'm going out to look over the situation."<a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>A FRIEND IN NEED</h3> + + +<p>Some of Mr. Merrick's business friends in New York, hearing of his +proposed trip, had given him letters of introduction to people in +various European cities. He had accepted them—quite a bunch, +altogether—but had firmly resolved not to use them. Neither he nor the +nieces cared to make superficial acquaintances during their wanderings. +Yet Uncle John chanced to remember that one of these letters was to a +certain Colonel Angeli of the Twelfth Italian Regiment, occupying the +barracks on the Pizzofalcone hill at Naples. This introduction, tendered +by a relative of the Colonel's American wife, was now reposing in Mr. +Merrick's pocket, and he promptly decided to make use of it in order to +obtain expert advice as to the wisdom of remaining in the stricken city.</p> + +<p>Enquiring his way from the still dazed con<a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>cierge, he found that the +Pizzofalcone barracks were just behind the hotel but several hundred +feet above it; so he turned up the Strada St. Lucia and soon came upon +the narrow lane that wound upward to the fortifications. It was a long +and tedious climb in the semi-darkness caused by the steady fall of +ashes, and at intervals the detonations from Vesuvius shook the huge +rock and made its massive bulk seem insecure. But the little man +persevered, and finally with sweating brow arrived at the barracks.</p> + +<p>A soldier carried in the letter to his colonel and presently returned to +usher Uncle John through the vast building, up a flight of steps, and so +to a large covered balcony suspended many hundred feet above the Via +Partenope, where the hotel was situated.</p> + +<p>Here was seated a group of officers, watching intently the cloud that +marked the location of the volcano. Colonel Angeli, big and bluff, his +uniform gorgeous, his dark, heavy moustaches carefully waxed, his +handsome face as ingenuous and merry as a schoolboy's, greeted the +American with a gracious courtesy that made Uncle<a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a> John feel quite at +his ease. When he heard of the nieces the Italian made a grimace and +then laughed.</p> + +<p>"I am despairing, signore," said he, in English sufficiently +strangulated to be amusing but nevertheless quite comprehensible, "that +you and the sweet signorini are to see our lovely Naples under +tribulations so very great. But yesterday, in all the world is no city +so enchanting, so brilliant, so gay. To-day—look! is it not horrible? +Vesuvio is sick, and Naples mourns until the tyrant is well again."</p> + +<p>"But the danger," said Uncle John. "What do you think of the wisdom of +our staying here? Is it safe to keep my girls in Naples during this +eruption?"</p> + +<p>"Ah! Why not? This very morning the mountain asunder burst, and we who +love our people dread the news of devastation we shall hear. From the +observatory, where His Majesty's faithful servant still remains, come +telegrams that the great pebbles—what we call scoria—have ruined +Ottajano and San Guiseppe. Perhaps they are overwhelmed. But <a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>the beast +has vomited; he will feel better now, and ever become more quiet."</p> + +<p>"I suppose," remarked Mr. Merrick, thoughtfully, "that no one knows +exactly what the blamed hill may do next. I don't like to take chances +with three girls on my hands. They are a valuable lot, Colonel, and +worth saving."</p> + +<p>The boyish Italian instantly looked grave. Then he led Uncle John away +from the others, although doubtless he was the only officer present able +to speak or understand English, and said to him:</p> + +<p>"Where are you living?"</p> + +<p>"At the hotel named after your sick mountain—the Vesuve."</p> + +<p>"Very good. In the bay, not distant from your hotel, lies a government +launch that is under my command. At my home in the Viala Elena are a +wife and two children, who, should danger that is serious arise, will be +put by my soldiers on the launch, to carry them to safety. Admirable, is +it not?"</p> + +<p>"Very good arrangement," said Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"It renders me content to know that in any <a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>difficulty they cannot be +hurt. I am not scare, myself, but it is pleasant to know I have what you +call the side that is safe. From my American wife I have many of your +excellent speech figures. But now! The launch is big. Remain happy in +Naples—happy as Vesuvio will let you—and watch his vast, his gigantic +exhibition. If danger come, you all enter my launch and be saved. If no +danger, you have a marvelous experience." The serious look glided from +his face, and was replaced by a smile as bright as before.</p> + +<p>"Thank you very much," responded Uncle John, gratefully. "I shall go +back to the girls well satisfied."</p> + +<p>"Make the signorini stay in to-day," warned the colonel. "It is bad, +just now, and so black one can nothing at all observe. To-morrow it will +be better, and all can go without. I will see you myself, then, and tell +you what to do."</p> + +<p>Then he insisted that Uncle John clear his parched throat with a glass +of vermouth—a harmless drink of which all Italians are very fond—and +<a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>sent him away much refreshed in body and mind.</p> + +<p>He made his way through the ashy rain back to the hotel. People were +holding umbrellas over their heads and plodding through the dust with +seeming unconcern. At one corner a street singer was warbling, stopping +frequently to cough the lava dust from his throat or shake it from his +beloved mandolin. A procession of peasants passed, chanting slowly and +solemnly a religious hymn. At the head of the column was borne aloft a +gilded statuette of the Virgin, and although Uncle John did not know it, +these simple folks were trusting in the sacred image to avert further +disaster from the angry mountain.</p> + +<p>On arriving home Mr. Merrick told the girls with great elation of his +new friend, and how they were to be taken aboard the launch in case of +emergency.</p> + +<p>"But how will we know when danger threatens?" asked Louise.</p> + +<p>While Uncle John tried to think of an answer to this puzzling query +someone knocked upon the door. The concierge was standing in the +<a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a>passage and beside him was a soldier in uniform, a natty cock's plume +upon his beaver hat and a short carbine over his arm.</p> + +<p>"A guard from Colonel Angeli, Signor," said the concierge, +respectfully—the first respectful tone he had yet employed.</p> + +<p>The soldier took off his hat with a flourish, and bowed low.</p> + +<p>"He is to remain in the hotel, sir, yet will not disturb you in any +way," continued the whiskered one. "But should he approach you at any +time and beckon you to follow him, do so at once, and without +hesitation. It is Colonel Angeli's wish. You are in the charge of this +brave man, who will watch over your welfare."</p> + +<p>"That settles it, my dears," said Uncle John, cheerfully, when the +soldier and the concierge had withdrawn. "This Italian friend doesn't do +things by halves, and I take it we are perfectly safe from this time +on."<a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>ACROSS THE BAY</h3> + + +<p>Tom Horton called an hour later. He was in despair because his party had +decided to leave Naples for Rome, and he feared Beth would be engulfed +by the volcano unless he was present to protect her.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Merrick," said the boy, earnestly, "you'll take good care of Miss +De Graf, sir, won't you? We both live in Ohio, you know, and we've just +got acquainted; and—and I'd like to see her again, some time, if she +escapes."</p> + +<p>Uncle John's eyes twinkled, but he drew a long face.</p> + +<p>"My dear Tom," he said, "don't ask me to take care of anyone—please +don't! I brought these girls along to take care of <i>me</i>—three of 'em, +sir—and they've got to do their duty. Don't you worry about the girls; +just you worry about <i>me</i>."<a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a></p> + +<p>That was not much consolation for the poor fellow, but he could do +nothing more than wring their hands—Beth's twice, by mistake—and wish +them good luck before he hurried away to rejoin his family.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry to see him go," said Beth, honestly. "Tom is a nice boy."</p> + +<p>"Quite right," agreed Uncle John. "I hope we shall meet no worse fellows +than Tom Horton."</p> + +<p>At noon they were served a modest luncheon in their rooms, for Signor +Floriano, having sent his important papers to a place of safety, had +resolved to stick to his hotel and do his duty by any guests that chose +to remain with him in defiance of the existent conditions. He had +succeeded in retaining a few servants who had more courage than those +that had stampeded at the first alarm, and while the hotel service for +the next few days was very inadequate, no one was liable to suffer any +great privation.</p> + +<p>During the afternoon the gloom grew denser than before, while thicker +than ever fell the rain of ashes. This was the worst day Naples +ex<a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>perienced during the great eruption, and Uncle John and his nieces +were content to keep their rooms and live in the glare of electric +lights. Owing to their wise precautions to keep out the heavily laden +air they breathed as little lava dust into their lungs as any people, +perhaps, in the city; but to escape all was impossible. Their eyes and +throats became more or less inflamed by the floating atoms, and the +girls declared they felt as if they were sealed up in a tomb.</p> + +<p>"Well, my chickens, how do you like being abroad, and actually in +Europe?" enquired Uncle John, cheerfully.</p> + +<p>Beth and Patsy smiled at him, but Louise looked up from the Baedecker +she was studying and replied:</p> + +<p>"It's simply delightful, Uncle, and I'm glad we happened here during +this splendid eruption of Vesuvius. Only—only—"</p> + +<p>"Only what, my dear?"</p> + +<p>"Only it is such hard work to keep clean," answered his dainty niece. +"Even the water is full of lava, and I'm sure my face looks like a +chimney-sweep's."<a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a></p> + +<p>"And you, Beth?"</p> + +<p>"I don't like it, Uncle. I'm sure I'd prefer Naples in sunshine, +although this is an experience we can brag about when we get home."</p> + +<p>"That is the idea, exactly," said Louise, "and the only thing that +reconciles me to the discomforts. Thousands see Naples in sunshine, but +few can boast seeing Vesuvius in eruption. It will give us considerable +prestige when we return home."</p> + +<p>"Ah, that is why I selected this time to bring you here," declared Uncle +John, with a comical wink. "I ordered the eruption before I left home, +and I must say they've been very prompt about it, and done the thing up +brown. Eh, Patsy?"</p> + +<p>"Right you are, Uncle. But you might tell 'em to turn off the eruption +now, because we've had enough."</p> + +<p>"Don't like Eu-rope, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Why, if I thought all Europe was surrounded by volcanoes, I'd go home +at once, if I had to walk. But the geographies don't mention many of +these spouters, so we may as well <a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>stick out our present experience and +hope the rest of the continent will behave better. The Major'll be +worried to death when he hears of this."</p> + +<p>"I've sent him a cable," said Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"What did you say?" asked Patsy, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"'All safe and well and enjoying the fireworks.'"</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you did that," replied the girl, deeply grateful at this +evidence of thoughtfulness. "It's bad enough for the Major to have me +away, without making him worry, into the bargain."</p> + +<p>"Well, no one is likely to worry about me," said Beth, philosophically.</p> + +<p>"Mother seldom reads the papers, except to get the society news," +remarked Louise. "I doubt if she'll hear of the eruption, unless the +Major happens to tell her."</p> + +<p>"I've cabled them all," said Uncle John. "They're entitled to know that +their kidiwinkles are in good shape."</p> + +<p>The evening was a tedious one, although they tried to enliven it with a +game of bridge, in <a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>which Uncle John and Louise were quite proficient +and the others dreadfully incompetent. Once in a while the volcano +thundered a deep detonation that caused the windows to shiver, but the +Americans were getting used to the sound and paid little heed to it.</p> + +<p>In the morning the wind had shifted, and although the air was still full +of dust all near-by objects were clearly visible and even the outline of +Vesuvius could be seen sending skyward its pillar of black smoke.</p> + +<p>Colonel Angeli appeared soon after breakfast, his uniform fresh and +bright and his boyish face beaming as pleasantly as ever.</p> + +<p>"Vesuvio is better," said he, "but the rascal has badly acted and done +much harm to our poor people. Like Herculaneum, our Boscatrecase is +covered with lava; like Pompeii our Ottajano is buried in ashes. Let me +advise you. To-day go to Sorrento, and there stay for a time, until we +can the dust brush from our streets and prepare to welcome you with the +comfort more serene. I must myself ride to the villages that are +suffering. My men are already gone, <a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a>with the Red-Cross corps, to succor +whom they can. I will send to you word when you may return. Just now, +should you stay, you will be able to see nothing at all."</p> + +<p>"I believe that is wise counsel," replied Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"Sorrento has no ashes," continued the Colonel, "and from there you may +watch the volcano better than from Naples. To-day come the Duke and +Duchess d'Aosta to render assistance to the homeless and hungry; +to-morrow His Majesty the King will be here to discover what damage has +been caused. Alas! we have no sackcloth, but we are in ashes. I trust +you will pardon my poor Naples for her present inhospitality."</p> + +<p>"Sure thing," said Uncle John. "The city may be under a cloud, but her +people are the right stuff, and we are greatly obliged to you for all +your kindness to us."</p> + +<p>"But that is so little!" said the colonel, deprecatingly.</p> + +<p>They decided to leave their heavy baggage at the Hotel du Vesuve, and +carried only their suit-cases <a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>and light luggage aboard the little +steamer that was bound across the bay for Sorrento. The decks were +thronged with people as eager to get away from the stricken city as were +our friends, and Uncle John was only enabled to secure seats for his +girls by bribing a steward so heavily that even that modern brigand was +amazed at his good fortune.</p> + +<p>The ride was short but very interesting, for they passed under the +shadow of the smoking mountain and came into a fresh, sweet atmosphere +that was guiltless of a speck of the disagreeable lava dust that had so +long annoyed them. The high bluffs of Sorrento, with their picturesque +villas and big hotels, seemed traced in burnished silver by the strong +sunshine, and every member of Uncle John's party was glad that Colonel +Angeli had suggested this pleasant change of condition.</p> + +<p>Small boats took them ashore and an elevator carried them swiftly to the +top of the cliff and deposited them on the terrace of the Victoria, a +beautiful inn that nestled in a garden brilliant with splendid flowers +and shrubbery. Here they <a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>speedily established themselves, preparing to +enjoy their first real experience of "Sunny Italy."<a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>COUNT FERRALTI</h3> + + +<p>At dinner it was announced that the famous Tarantella would be danced in +the lower hall of the hotel at nine o'clock, and the girls told Uncle +John that they must not miss this famous sight, which is one of the most +unique in Sorrento, or indeed in all Italy.</p> + +<p>As they entered the pretty, circular hall devoted to the dance Louise +gave a start of surprise. A goodly audience had already assembled in the +room, and among them the girl seemed to recognize an acquaintance, for +after a brief hesitation she advanced and placed her hand in that of a +gentleman who had risen on her entrance and hastened toward her.</p> + +<p>He was a nice looking young fellow, Beth thought, and had a foreign and +quite distinguished air.</p> + +<p>Presently Louise turned with cheeks somewhat <a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>flushed and brought the +gentleman to her party, introducing him to Uncle John and her cousins as +Count Ferralti, whom she had once met in New York while he was on a +visit to America.</p> + +<p>The Count twirled his small and slender moustaches in a way that Patsy +thought affected, and said in excellent English:</p> + +<p>"It delights me to meet Mr. Merrick and the young ladies. May I express +a hope that you are pleased with my beautiful country?"</p> + +<p>"Are you Italian?" asked Uncle John, regarding the young man critically.</p> + +<p>"Surely, Mr. Merrick. But I have resided much in New York, and may well +claim to be an adopted son of your great city."</p> + +<p>"New York adopts a good many," said Uncle John, drily. "It has even been +thoughtless enough to adopt me."</p> + +<p>The dancers entered at that moment and the Americans were forced to seat +themselves hastily so as not to obstruct the view of others. Count +Ferralti found a place beside Louise, but seemed to have little to say +to her during the course of the entertainment.<a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a></p> + +<p>The dances were unique and graceful, being executed by a troup of +laughing peasants dressed in native costume, who seemed very proud of +their accomplishment and anxious to please the throng of tourists +present. The Tarantella originated in Ischia, but Sorrento and Capri +have the best dancers.</p> + +<p>Afterward Uncle John and his nieces stood upon the terrace and watched +the volcano rolling its dense clouds, mingled with sparks of red-hot +scoria, toward the sky. The Count clung to Louise's side, but also tried +to make himself agreeable to her cousins. In their rooms that night +Patsy told Beth that the young foreigner was "too highfalutin' to suit +her," and Beth replied that his manners were so like those of their +Cousin Louise that the two ought to get along nicely together.</p> + +<p>Uncle John liked his nieces to make friends, and encouraged young men +generally to meet them; but there was something in the appearance of +this callow Italian nobleman that stamped his character as artificial +and insincere. He resolved to find out something about his antece<a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a>dents +before he permitted the young fellow to establish friendly relations +with his girls.</p> + +<p>Next morning after breakfast he wandered through the lobby and paused at +the little office, where he discovered that the proprietor of this hotel +was a brother of that Floriano who managed the Hotel du Vesuve. That +gave him an excuse to talk with the man, who spoke very good English and +was exceedingly courteous to his guests—especially when they were +American.</p> + +<p>"I see you have Count Ferralti with you," remarked Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"Whom, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Ferralti—Count Ferralti. The young man standing by the window, +yonder."</p> + +<p>"I—I did not know," he said, hesitatingly. "The gentleman arrived last +evening, and I had not yet learned his name. Let me see," he turned to +his list of guests, who register by card and not in a book, and +continued: "Ah, yes; he has given his name as Ferralti, but added no +title. A count, did you say?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Uncle John.<a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a></p> + +<p>The proprietor looked curiously toward the young man, whose back only +was visible. Then he remarked that the eruption of Vesuvius was waning +and the trouble nearly over for this time.</p> + +<p>"Are the Ferraltis a good family?" asked Uncle John, abruptly.</p> + +<p>"That I cannot tell you, Signor Merrick."</p> + +<p>"Oh. Perhaps you know little about the nobility of your country."</p> + +<p>"I! I know little of the nobility!" answered Floriano, indignantly. "My +dear signor, there is no man better posted as to our nobility in all +Italy."</p> + +<p>"Yet you say you don't know the Ferralti family."</p> + +<p>The proprietor reached for a book that lay above his desk.</p> + +<p>"Observe, signor. Here is our record of nobility. It is the same as the +'Blue Book' or the 'Peerage' of England. Either fortunately or +unfortunately—I cannot say—you have no need of such a book in +America."</p> + +<p>He turned the pages and ran his finger down the line of "Fs."<a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a></p> + +<p>"Find me, if you can, a Count Ferralti in the list."</p> + +<p>Uncle John looked. He put on his glasses and looked again. The name of +Ferralti was no place in the record.</p> + +<p>"Then there is no such count, Signor Floriano."</p> + +<p>"And no such noble family, Signor Merrick."</p> + +<p>Uncle John whistled softly and walked away to the window. The young man +greeted him with a smile and a bow.</p> + +<p>"I misunderstood your name last evening," he said. "I thought you were +Count Ferralti."</p> + +<p>"And that is right, sir," was the prompt reply. "Allow me to offer you +my card."</p> + +<p>Uncle John took the card and read:<br /> <br /></p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"CONTE LEONARDI FERRALTI,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 27em;">Milano, Italia."</span><br /> +<br /></p> + +<p>He carefully placed the card in his pocket-book.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said he. "It's a fine morning, Count."</p> + +<p>"Charming, Mr. Merrick."<a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a></p> + +<p>Uncle John walked away. He was glad that he had not suspected the young +man unjustly. When an imposture is unmasked it is no longer dangerous.</p> + +<p>He joined his nieces, who were all busily engaged in writing letters +home, and remarked, casually:</p> + +<p>"You've been deceived in your Italian friend, Louise. He is neither a +count nor of noble family, although I suppose when you met him in New +York he had an object in posing as a titled aristocrat."</p> + +<p>The girl paused, examining the point of her pen thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure, Uncle John?"</p> + +<p>"Quite sure, my dear. I've just been through the list of Italian counts, +and his name is not there. Floriano, the proprietor, who knows every +aristocrat in Italy, has never before heard of him."</p> + +<p>"How singular!" exclaimed Louise. "I wonder why he has tried to deceive +us."</p> + +<p>"Oh, the world is full of impostors; but when you are on to their game +they are quite harm<a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>less. Of course we won't encourage this young man in +any way. It will be better to avoid him."</p> + +<p>"He—he seems very nice and gentlemanly," said Louise with hesitation.</p> + +<p>The other girls exchanged glances, but made no remark. Uncle John hardly +knew what to say further. He felt he was in an awkward position, for +Louise was the most experienced in worldly ways of his three nieces and +he had no desire to pose as a stern guardian or to deprive his girls of +any passing pleasure they might enjoy. Moreover, Louise being in love +with that young Weldon her mother so strongly objected to, she would not +be likely to care much for this Italian fellow, and Mrs. Merrick had +enjoined him to keep her daughter's mind from dwelling on her +"entanglement."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, my dear," he said to her, "you must act as you see fit. I do +not imagine we shall see much of this young man, in any event, and now +that you are well aware of the fact that he is sailing under false +colors, you will know how to handle him better than I can advise you."<a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a></p> + +<p>"I shall be very careful," said Louise slowly, as she resumed her +writing.</p> + +<p>"Well then, girls, what do you say to a stroll around the village?" +asked their uncle. "I'm told it's a proper place to buy silk stockings +and inlaid wood-work. They come assorted, I suppose."</p> + +<p>Beth and Patsy jumped up with alacrity, but Louise pleaded that she had +several more letters to write; so the others left her and passed the +rest of the forenoon in rummaging among the quaint shops of Sorrento, +staring at the statue of Tasso, and enjoying the street scenes so +vividly opposed to those of America. It was almost their first glimpse +of foreign manners and customs. In Naples they had as yet seen nothing +but darkness and falling ashes.<a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>THE ROAD TO AMALFI</h3> + + +<p>The Hotel Victoria faces the bay of Naples. Back of it are the famous +gardens, and as you emerge from these you find yourself upon the narrow +main street of Sorrento, not far from the Square of Tasso.</p> + +<p>As our little party entered this street they were immediately espied by +the vetturini, or cabmen, who rushed toward them with loud cries while +they waved their whips frantically to attract attention. One tall fellow +was dressed in a most imposing uniform of blue and gold, with a high hat +bearing a cockade <i>a la Inglese</i> and shiny top boots. His long legs +enabled him to outstrip the others, and in an almost breathless voice he +begged Uncle John to choose his carriage: "the besta carrozza ina town!"</p> + +<p>"We don't want to ride," was the answer.</p> + +<p>The cabman implored. Certainly they must <a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>make the Amalfi drive, or to +Massa Lubrense or Saint' Agata or at least Il Deserto! The others stood +by to listen silently to the discussion, yielding first place to the +victor in the race.</p> + +<p>Uncle John was obdurate.</p> + +<p>"All we want to-day is to see the town," he declared, "We're not going +to ride, but walk."</p> + +<p>"Ah, but the Amalfi road, signore! Surely you will see that."</p> + +<p>"To-morrow, perhaps; not now."</p> + +<p>"To-morrow, signore! It is good. At what hour, to-morrow, +illustrissimo?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't bother me."</p> + +<p>"We may as well drive to Amalfi to-morrow," suggested Beth. "It is the +proper thing to do, Uncle."</p> + +<p>"All right; we'll go, then."</p> + +<p>"You take my carrozza, signore?" begged the cabman. "It is besta ina +town."</p> + +<p>"Let us see it."</p> + +<p>Instantly the crowd scampered back to the square, followed more +leisurely by Uncle John and the girls. There the uniformed vetturio +stood beside the one modern carriage in the <a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a>group. It was new; it was +glossy; it had beautiful, carefully brushed cushions; it was drawn by a +pair of splendid looking horses.</p> + +<p>"Is not bellissima, signore?" asked the man, proudly.</p> + +<p>"All right," announced Uncle John, nodding approval. "Be ready to start +at nine o'clock to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>The man promised, whereat his confreres lost all interest in the matter +and the strangers were allowed to proceed without further interruption.</p> + +<p>They found out all about the Amalfi drive that evening, and were glad +indeed they had decided to go. Even Louise was pleased at the +arrangement and as eager as the others to make the trip. It is one of +the most famous drives in the world, along a road built upon the rocky +cliff that overhangs the sea and continually winds in and out as it +follows the outlines of the crags.</p> + +<p>They had an early breakfast and were ready at nine o'clock; but when +they came to the gate of the garden they found only a dilapidated +carriage standing before it.</p> + +<p>"Do you know where my rig is?" Uncle<a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a> John asked the driver, at the same +time peering up and down the road.</p> + +<p>"It is me, sir signore. I am engage by you. Is it not so?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Merrick looked at the driver carefully. It was long-legs, sure +enough, but shorn of his beautiful regalia.</p> + +<p>"Where's your uniform?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I have leave it home. The road is dusty, very; I must not ruin a +nice dress when I work," answered the man, smiling unabashed.</p> + +<p>"But the carriage. What has become of the fine carriage and the good +horses, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, it is dreadful; it is horrible, signore. I find me the carrozza is +not easy; it is not perfect; it do not remain good for a long ride. So I +leave him home, for I am kind. I do not wish the signorini bella to tire +and weep. But see the fine vetture you now have! Is he not easy like +feathers, an' strong, an' molto buena?"</p> + +<p>"It may be a bird, but it don't look it," said Uncle John, doubtfully. +"I rented the best looking rig in town, and you bring me the worst."</p> + +<p>"Only try, signore! Others may look; it is <a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>only you who must ride. You +will be much please when we return."</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose we may as well take it," said the little man, in a +resigned tone. "Hop in, my dears."</p> + +<p>They entered the crazy looking vehicle and found the seats ample and +comfortable despite the appearance of dilapidation everywhere prevalent. +The driver mounted the box, cracked his whip, and the lean nags ambled +away at a fair pace.</p> + +<p>They passed near to the square, where the first thing that attracted +Uncle John's attention was the beautiful turnout he had hired yesterday. +It was standing just as it had before, and beside it was another man +dressed in the splendid uniform his driver had claimed that he had left +at home.</p> + +<p>"Here—stop! Stop, I say!" he yelled at the man, angrily. But the fellow +seemed suddenly deaf, and paid no heed. He cracked his whip and rattled +away through the streets without a glance behind him. The girls laughed +and Uncle<a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a> John stopped waving his arms and settled into his seat with a +groan.</p> + +<p>"We've been swindled, my dears," he said; "swindled most beautifully. +But I suppose we may as well make the best of it."</p> + +<p>"Better," agreed Patsy. "This rig is all right, Uncle. It may not be as +pretty as the other, but I expect that one is only kept to make +engagements with. When it comes to actual use, we don't get it."</p> + +<p>"That's true enough," he returned. "But I'll get even with this rascal +before I've done with him, never fear."</p> + +<p>It was a cold, raw morning, but the portiere at the Victoria had told +them the sun would be out presently and the day become more genial. +Indeed, the sun did come out, but only to give a discouraged look at the +landscape and retire again. During this one day in which they rode to +Amalfi and back, Uncle John afterward declared that they experienced +seven different kinds of weather. They had sunshine, rain, hail, snow +and a tornado; and then rain again and more sunshine. "Sunny Italy" +seemed a misnomer <a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a>that day, as indeed it does many days in winter and +spring, when the climate is little better than that prevailing in the +eastern and central portions of the United States. And perhaps one +suffers more in Italy than in America, owing to the general lack of +means to keep warm on cold days. The Italian, shivering and blue, will +tell you it is not cold at all, for he will permit no reproach to lie on +his beloved land; but the traveller frequently becomes discouraged, and +the American contingent, especially, blames those misleading English +writers who, finding relief from their own bleak island in Italian +climes, exaggerated the conditions by apostrophizing the country as +"Sunny Italy" and for more than a century uttered such rhapsodies in its +praise that the whole world credited them—until it acquired personal +experience of the matter.</p> + +<p>Italy is beautiful; it is charming and delightful; but seldom is this +true in winter or early spring.</p> + +<p>The horses went along at a spanking pace that was astonishing. They +passed through the picturesque lanes of Sorrento, climbed the further +<a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>slope, and brought the carriage to the other side of the peninsula, +where the girls obtained their first view of the Gulf of Salerno, with +the lovely Isles of the Sirens lying just beneath them.</p> + +<p>And now they were on the great road that skirts the coast as far as +Salerno, and has no duplicate in all the known world. For it is cut from +the solid rock of precipitous cliffs rising straight from the sea, which +the highway overhangs at an average height of five hundred feet, the +traveller being protected only by a low stone parapet from the vast gulf +that yawns beneath. And on the other side of the road the cliffs +continue to ascend a like distance toward the sky, their irregular +surfaces dotted with wonderful houses that cling to the slopes, and +vineyards that look as though they might slip down at any moment upon +the heads of timorous pilgrims.</p> + +<p>When it rained they put up the carriage top, which afforded but partial +shelter. The shower was brief, but was shortly followed by hail as big +as peas, which threatened to dash in the frail roof of their <i>carrozza</i>. +While they shrank huddled beneath the blankets, the sun came out +sud<a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a>denly, and the driver shed his leathern apron, cracked his whip, and +began singing merrily as the vehicle rolled over the smooth road.</p> + +<p>Our travellers breathed again, and prepared to enjoy once more the +wonderful vistas that were unfolded at every turn of the winding way. +Sometimes they skirted a little cove where, hundreds of feet below, the +fishermen sat before their tiny huts busily mending their nets. From +that distance the boats drawn upon the sheltered beach seemed like mere +toys. Then they would span a chasm on a narrow stone bridge, or plunge +through an arch dividing the solid mountain. But ever the road returned +in a brief space to the edge of the sea-cliff, and everywhere it was +solid as the hills themselves, and seemingly as secure.</p> + +<p>They had just sighted the ancient town of Positano and were circling a +gigantic point of rock, when the great adventure of the day overtook +them. Without warning the wind came whistling around them in a great +gale, which speedily increased in fury until it drove the blinded horses +reeling against the low parapet <a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a>and pushed upon the carriage as if +determined to dash it over the precipice.</p> + +<p>As it collided against the stone wall the vehicle tipped dangerously, +hurling the driver from his seat to dive headforemost into the space +beneath. But the man clung to the reins desperately, and they arrested +his fall, leaving him dangling at the end of them while the maddened +horses, jerked at the bits by the weight of the man, reared and plunged +as if they would in any instant tumble themselves and the carriage over +the cliff.</p> + +<p>At this critical moment a mounted horseman, who unobserved had been +following the party, dashed to their rescue. The rider caught the +plunging steeds by their heads and tried to restrain their terror, at +his own eminent peril, while the carriage lay wedged against the wall +and the driver screamed pitifully from his dangerous position midway +between sea and sky.</p> + +<p>Then Beth slipped from her seat to the flat top of the parapet, stepped +boldly to where the reins were pulling upon the terrified horses, and +seized them in her strong grasp.<a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a></p> + +<p>"Hold fast," she called calmly to the driver, and began dragging him +upward, inch by inch.</p> + +<p>He understood instantly the task she had undertaken, and in a moment his +courage returned and he managed to get his foot in a crack of the rock +and assist her by relieving her of part of his weight. Just above was a +slight ledge; he could reach it now; and then she had him by the arm, so +that another instant found him clinging to the parapet and drawing +himself into a position of safety.</p> + +<p>The wind had died away as suddenly as it came upon them. The horses, as +soon as the strain upon their bits was relaxed, were easily quieted. +Before those in the carriage had quite realized what had occurred the +adventure was accomplished, the peril was past, and all was well again.</p> + +<p>Uncle John leaped from the carriage, followed by Louise and Patsy. The +young horseman who had come to their assistance so opportunely was none +other than Count Ferralti, whom they had such good reason to distrust. +He was sitting upon his horse and staring with amazement <a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>at Beth, at +whose feet the driver was grovelling while tears flowed down his bronzed +cheeks and he protested in an absurd mixture of English and Italian, by +every saint in the calendar, that the girl had saved him from a +frightful death and he would devote his future life to her service.</p> + +<p>"It is wonderful!" murmured Ferralti. "However could such a slip of a +girl do so great a deed?"</p> + +<p>"Why, it's nothing at all," returned Beth, flushing; "we're trained to +do such things in the gymnasium at Cloverton, and I'm much stronger than +I appear to be."</p> + +<p>"'Twas her head, mostly," said Patsy, giving her cousin an admiring hug; +"she kept her wits while the rest of us were scared to death."</p> + +<p>Uncle John had been observing the Count. One of the young man's hands +hung limp and helpless.</p> + +<p>"Are you hurt, sir?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Ferralti smiled, and his eyes rested upon Louise.</p> + +<p>"A little, perhaps, Mr. Merrick; but it is un<a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>important. The horses were +frantic at the time and wrenched my wrist viciously as I tried to hold +them. I felt something snap; a small bone, perhaps. But I am sure it is +nothing of moment."</p> + +<p>"We'd better get back to Sorrento," said Uncle John, abruptly.</p> + +<p>"Not on my account, I beg of you," returned Ferralti, quickly. "We are +half way to Amalfi now, and you may as well go on. For my part, if the +wrist troubles me, I will see a surgeon at Amalfi—that is, if you +permit me to accompany you."</p> + +<p>He said this with a defferent bow and a glance of inquiry.</p> + +<p>Uncle John could not well refuse. The young fellow might be a sham +count, but the manliness and courage he had displayed in their grave +emergency surely entitled him to their grateful consideration.</p> + +<p>"You are quite welcome to join us," said Uncle John.</p> + +<p>The driver had by now repaired a broken strap and found his equippage +otherwise uninjured.<a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a></p> + +<p>The horses stood meekly quiescent, as if they had never known a moment's +fear in their lives. So the girls and their uncle climbed into the +vehicle again and the driver mounted the box and cracked his whip with +his usual vigor.</p> + +<p>The wind had subsided as suddenly as it had arisen, and as they passed +through Positano—which is four hundred feet high, the houses all up and +down the side of a cliff like swallows' nests—big flakes of snow were +gently falling around them.</p> + +<p>Count Ferralti rode at the side of the carriage but did not attempt much +conversation. His lips were tight set and the girls, slyly observing his +face, were sure his wrist was hurting him much more than he cared to +acknowledge.</p> + +<p>Circling around the cliff beyond Positano the sun greeted them, shining +from out a blue sky, and they wondered what had become of the bad +weather they had so lately experienced.</p> + +<p>From now on, past Prajano and into Amalfi, the day was brilliant and the +temperature delightful. It was full noon by the time they alighted at +the little gate-house of the ancient<a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a> Cappuccini-Convento, now a hotel +much favored by the tourist. Count Ferralti promised to join them later +and rode on to the town to find a surgeon to look after his injured +hand, while the others slowly mounted the long inclines leading in a +zigzag fashion up to the old monastery, which was founded in the year +1212.</p> + +<p>From the arbored veranda of this charming retreat is obtained one of the +finest views in Europe, and while the girls sat enjoying it Uncle John +arranged with a pleasant faced woman (who had once lived in America) for +their luncheon.</p> + +<p>An hour later, and just as they were sitting down to the meal, Count +Ferralti rejoined them. His hand was bandaged and supported by a sling, +and in answer to Louise's gentle inquiries he said, simply:</p> + +<p>"It was as I had feared: a small bone snapped. But my surgeon is +skillful, and says time will mend the wrist as good as new."</p> + +<p>In spite of his courage he could eat no luncheon, but merely sipped a +glass of wine; so Uncle John, alarmed at his pallor, insisted that he +take <a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a>a seat in the carriage on the return journey. Beth wanted to ride +the Count's horse home, but there was no side saddle to be had, so they +led the animal by a halter fastened behind the ricketty carriage, and +Beth mounted the box and rode beside her friend the driver.</p> + +<p>The pleasant weather lasted until they neared Sorrento, when another +shower of rain came up. They reached their hotel damp and bedraggled, +but enthusiastic over their wonderful trip and the interesting adventure +it had incidentally developed.<a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>THE EAGLE SCREAMS</h3> + + +<p>Despite the glories of the Amalfi road our tourists decided it was more +pleasant to loiter around Sorrento for a time than to undertake further +excursions. The mornings and evenings were chill, but during the middle +of the day the air was warm and delicious; so the girls carried their +books and fancy-work into the beautiful gardens or wandered lazily +through the high-walled lanes that shut in the villas and orange groves. +Sometimes they found a gate open, and were welcomed to the orchards and +permitted to pluck freely the fragrant and rich flavored fruit, which is +excelled in no other section of the south country. Also Uncle John, with +Beth and Patsy, frequented the shops of the wood-workers and watched +their delicate and busy fingers inlaying the various colored woods; but +Louise mostly kept to the garden, where Count Ferralti, <a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>being a +semi-invalid, was content to sit by her side and amuse her.</p> + +<p>In spite of her uncle's discovery of the false position assumed by this +young man, Louise seemed to like his attentions and to approve his +evident admiration for her. His ways might be affected and effeminate +and his conversational powers indifferent; but his bandaged wrist was a +constant reminder to all the nieces that he possessed courage and ready +wit, and it was but natural that he became more interesting to them +because just now he was to an extent helpless, and his crippled hand had +been acquired in their service.</p> + +<p>Uncle John watched the young fellow shrewdly, but could discover little +harm in him except his attempt to deceive them in regard to his name and +position. Yet in his mature eyes there was not much about Ferralti to +arouse admiration, and the little man considered his girls too sensible +to be greatly impressed by this youthful Italian's personality. So he +allowed him to sit with his nieces in the gardens as much as he +<a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a>pleased, believing it would be ungrateful to deprive the count of that +harmless recreation.</p> + +<p>"A reg'lar chaperone might think differently," he reflected; "but thank +goodness there are no dragons swimming in our cup of happiness."</p> + +<p>One day they devoted to Capri and the Blue Grotto, and afterward they +lunched at the Quisisana and passed the afternoon in the town. But the +charms of Sorrento were too great for Capri to win their allegiance, and +they were glad to get back to their quaint town and delightful gardens +again.</p> + +<p>The week passed all too swiftly, and then came a letter from Colonel +Angeli telling them to return to Naples and witness the results of the +eruption. This they decided to do, and bidding good-bye to Signor +Floriano and his excellent hotel they steamed across the bay and found +the "Vesuve" a vastly different hostelry from the dismal place they had +left in their flight from Naples. It was now teeming with life, for, all +danger being past, the tourists had flocked to the city in droves. The +town was still covered with ashes, but under the brilliant sunshine it +<a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>did not look as gloomy as one might imagine, and already thousands of +carts were busily gathering the dust from the streets and dumping it in +the waters of the bay. It would require months of hard work, though, +before Naples could regain a semblance of its former beauty.</p> + +<p>Their friend the Colonel personally accompanied them to the towns that +had suffered the most from the eruption. At Boscatrecasa they walked +over the great beds of lava that had demolished the town—banks of +cinders looking like lumps of pumice stone and massed from twenty to +thirty feet in thickness throughout the valley. The lava was still so +hot that it was liable to blister the soles of their feet unless they +kept constantly moving. It would be many more days before the interior +of the mass became cold.</p> + +<p>Through the forlorn, dust-covered vineyards they drove to San Guiseppe, +where a church roof had fallen in and killed one hundred and forty +people, maiming many more. The Red-Cross tents were pitched in the +streets and the whole town was one vast hospital. Ottajano, a little +nearer to the volcano, had been buried in scoria, <a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a>and nine-tenths of +the roofs had fallen in, rendering the dwellings untenable.</p> + +<p>From here a clear view of Mt. Vesuvius could be obtained. The shape of +the mountain had greatly altered and the cone had lost sixty-five feet +of its altitude. But when one gazed upon the enormous bulk of volcanic +deposit that littered the country for miles around, it seemed to equal a +dozen mountains the size of Vesuvius. The marvel was that so much ashes +and cinders could come from a single crater in so short a period.</p> + +<p>Naples was cleaning house, but slowly and listlessly. The people seemed +as cheerful and light-hearted as ever. The volcano was one of their +crosses, and they bore it patiently. The theatres would remain closed +for some weeks to come, but the great Museo Nationale was open, and +Uncle John and his nieces were much interested in the bronze and marble +statuary that here form the greatest single collection in all the world.</p> + +<p>It was at the Museum that Mr. Merrick was <a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>arrested for the first time +in his life, an experience he never afterward forgot.</p> + +<p>Bad money is so common in Naples that Uncle John never accepted any +change from anyone, but obtained all his silver coins and notes directly +from the Banca Commerciale Italiana, a government institution. One +morning he drove with the girls to the museum and paid the cabman a +lira, but before he could ascend the steps the man was after him and +holding out a leaden coin, claiming that his fare had given him bad +money and must exchange it for good. This is so common a method of +swindling that Uncle John paid no heed to the demands of the cabman +until one of the Guard Municipale, in his uniform of dark blue with +yellow buttons and cap, placed a restraining hand upon the American's +shoulder.</p> + +<p>Uncle John angrily shook him off, but the man persisted, and an +interpreter employed by the museum stepped forward and explained that +unless the cabman was given a good coin in exchange for the bad one the +guarde would be ob<a name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></a>liged to take him before a commissionaire, or +magistrate.</p> + +<p>"But I gave him a good coin—a lira direct from the bank," declared +Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"He exhibits a bad one," returned the interpreter, calmly.</p> + +<p>"He's a swindler!"</p> + +<p>"He is a citizen of Naples, and entitled to a just payment," said the +other, shrugging his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"You are all leagued together," said Uncle John, indignantly. "But you +will get no more money out of me, I promise you."</p> + +<p>The result was that the stubborn American was placed under arrest. +Leaving the girls at the museum in charge of Ferralti, who had made no +attempt to interfere in the dispute but implored Uncle John to pay and +avoid trouble, the angry prisoner was placed in the same cab he had +arrived in and, with the officer seated beside him, was publicly driven +to the office of the magistrate.</p> + +<p>This official understood no English, but he glowered and frowned +fiercely when the Amer<a name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></a>ican was brought before him. The guarde and the +cabman stood with bared bowed heads and in low tones preferred the +charge against the prisoner; but Uncle John swaggered up to the desk and +pounded his clinched fist upon it while he roared a defiance of Italian +injustice and threatened to "bring over a few war-ships and blow Naples +into kingdom come!"</p> + +<p>The magistrate was startled, and ordered the prisoner searched for +concealed weapons. Uncle John doubled his fists and dared the guarde to +touch him.</p> + +<p>Then the cabman was dispatched for someone who could speak English, and +when an interpreter arrived the American told him to send for the United +States consul and also to inform the magistrate that nothing but war +between America and Italy could wipe out the affront that had been +thrust upon him.</p> + +<p>The magistrate was disturbed, and preferred not to send for the consul. +He offered to release Uncle John if he would give the cabman a good lira +in exchange for the bad one. The official fee would be five lira—or say +three lira—or <a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a>even two. Uncle John flatly refused to pay anything to +anybody. Only war could settle this international complication—bloody +and bitter war. The consul must cable at once for war-ships and troops. +He would insist upon it. All compromise was now impossible!</p> + +<p>The magistrate was frightened. The guarde's eyes bulged with horror and +he trembled visibly. It was evident they had made a grave mistake in +arresting this mad American, who was evidently a personage of great +importance and able to declare war at a moment's notice. The cabman, the +magistrate, the guarde and the interpreter put their heads together and +chattered voluble Italian—all speaking at once in excited tones—while +Uncle John continued to warn them at the top of his lungs that their +country was doomed to sudden annihilation and they were the culprits +responsible for the coming calamity.</p> + +<p>As a result they bundled the irate American into the carriage again and +drove him poste haste back to the museum, where they deposited him upon +the steps. Then in a flash the guarde <a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a>and the cabman disappeared from +sight and were seen no more.</p> + +<p>The victor smiled proudly as his nieces rushed toward him.</p> + +<p>"Did you have to pay another lira, Uncle?" asked Patsy, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Not on your life, my dear," mopping his brow vigorously. "They're a lot +of cutthroats and assassins—policemen, magistrates and all—but when +the eagle screams they're wise enough to duck."</p> + +<p>The girls laughed.</p> + +<p>"And did the eagle scream, then?" Patsy enquired.</p> + +<p>"Just a little, my dear; but if it whispered it would sound mighty loud +in this mummified old world. But we've lost enough time for one day. +Come; let's go see 'Narcissus' and the 'Dancing Faun.'"<a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>MOVING ON</h3> + + +<p>"Here's a letter from my dear old friend Silas Watson," said Uncle John, +delightedly. "It's from Palermo, where he has been staying with his +ward—and your friend, girls—Kenneth Forbes, and he wants me to lug you +all over to Sicily at once."</p> + +<p>"That's jolly," said Patsy, with a bright smile. "I'd like to see +Kenneth again."</p> + +<p>"I suppose he is a great artist, by this time," said Beth, musingly.</p> + +<p>"How singular!" exclaimed Louise. "Count Ferralti told me only this +morning that he had decided to go to Palermo."</p> + +<p>"Really?" said Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Uncle. Isn't it a coincidence?"</p> + +<p>"Why, as for that," he answered, slowly, "I'm afraid it will prevent our +seeing the dear count—or whatever he is—again, at least for <a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a>some +time. For Mr. Watson and Kenneth are just leaving Palermo, and he asks +us to meet him in another place altogether, a town called—called—let +me see; Tormenti, or Terminal, or something."</p> + +<p>"Give me the letter, dear," said Patsy. "I don't believe it's Terminal +at all. Of course not," consulting the pages, "it's Taormina."</p> + +<p>"Is that in Sicily?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Listen to what Mr. Watson says: 'I'm told it is the most beautiful +spot in the world, which is the same thing you hear about most beautiful +places. It is eight hundred feet above the Mediterranean and nestles +peacefully in the shadow of Mount Etna.'"</p> + +<p>"Etna!" cried Uncle John, with a start. "Isn't that another volcano?"</p> + +<p>"To be sure," said Beth, the geographer. "Etna is the biggest volcano in +the world."</p> + +<p>"Does it spout?" he asked, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"All the time, they say. But it is not usually dangerous."</p> + +<p>"The proper thing, when you go to Eu-rope," declared Uncle John, +positively, "is to do Venice, <a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a>where the turpentine comes from, and +Switzerland, where they make chocolate and goat's milk, and Paris and +Monte Carlo, where they kick high and melt pearls in champagne. +Everybody knows that. That's what goin' to Eu-rope really means. But +Sicily isn't on the programme, that I ever heard of. So we'll just tell +Silas Watson that we'll see him later—which means when we get home +again."</p> + +<p>"But Sicily is beautiful," protested Patsy. "I'd as soon go there as +anywhere."</p> + +<p>"It's a very romantic place," added Louise, reflectively.</p> + +<p>"Everybody goes to France and Switzerland," remarked Beth. "But it's +because they don't know any better. Let's be original, Uncle, and keep +out of the beaten track of travel."</p> + +<p>"But the volcano!" exclaimed Mr. Merrick. "Is it necessary to stick to +volcanoes to be original?"</p> + +<p>"Etna won't hurt us, I'm sure," said Patsy.</p> + +<p>"Isn't there a Greek theatre at Taormina?" asked Louise.</p> + +<p>"I've never heard of it; but I suppose the<a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a> Greeks have, if it's there," +he replied. "But why not wait till we get home, and then go to Kieth's +or Hammerstein's?"</p> + +<p>"You don't understand, dear. This theatre is very ancient."</p> + +<p>"Playing minstrel shows in it yet, I suppose. Well, girls, if you say +Sicily, Sicily it is. All I'm after is to give you a good time, and if +you get the volcano habit it isn't my fault."</p> + +<p>"It is possible the Count said Taormina, instead of Palermo," remarked +Louise, plaintively. "I wasn't paying much attention at the time. I'll +ask him."</p> + +<p>The others ignored this suggestion. Said Patsy to her uncle:</p> + +<p>"When do we go, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Whenever you like, my dears."</p> + +<p>"Then I vote to move on at once," decided the girl. "We've got the best +out of Naples, and it's pretty grimey here yet."</p> + +<p>The other nieces agreed with her, so Uncle John went out to enquire the +best way to get to Sicily, and to make their arrangements.</p> + +<p>The steamer "Victor Emmanuel" of the<a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a> Navigazione General Italiana line +was due to leave Naples for Messina the next evening, arriving at its +destination the following morning. Uncle John promptly booked places. +The intervening day was spent in packing and preparing for the journey, +and like all travellers the girls were full of eager excitement at the +prospect of seeing something new.</p> + +<p>"I'm told Sicily is an island," grumbled Uncle John. "Here we are, on a +trip to Eu-rope, and emigrating to an island the first thing we do."</p> + +<p>"Sicily is Europe, all right, Uncle," answered Patsy. "At least, it +isn't Asia or Africa."</p> + +<p>That assertion seemed to console him a little, and he grew cheerful +again.</p> + +<p>The evening was beautiful as they embarked, but soon after leaving the +bay the little, tub-shaped steamer began to tumble and toss vigorously, +so that all the passengers aboard speedily sought their berths.</p> + +<p>Uncle John found himself in a stuffy little cabin that smelled of tar +and various other flavors that were too mixed to be recognizable.<a name="Page_125" id="Page_125"></a> As a +result he passed one of the most miserable nights of his life.</p> + +<p>Toward morning he rolled out and dressed himself, preferring the deck to +his bed, and the first breath of salt air did much to restore him. Day +was just breaking, and to the right he could see a tongue of fire +flaming against the dark sky.</p> + +<p>"What is that, sir?" he enquired of an officer who passed.</p> + +<p>"That is Stromboli, signor, the great volcano of Lipari. It is always in +eruption."</p> + +<p>Uncle John groaned.</p> + +<p>"Volcanoes to right of us, volcanoes to left of us volleyed and +thundered," he muttered dismally, as he fell back in his chair.</p> + +<p>The sky brightened, and the breath of the breeze changed and came to him +laden with delicious fragrance.</p> + +<p>"See, signore!" called the officer, passing again; "before us is mighty +Etna—you can see it clearly from the bow."</p> + +<p>"Volcanoes in front of us, volcanoes behind us!" wailed the little man. +But he walked to the bow and saw the shores of Sicily looming in +<a name="Page_126" id="Page_126"></a>advance, with the outline of the stately mountain rising above and +dominating it.</p> + +<p>Then the sun burst forth, flooding all with a golden radiance that was +magical in its gorgeous effects. Patsy came on deck and stood beside her +uncle, lost in rapturous admiration. Beth soon followed her.</p> + +<p>Before long they entered the Straits of Messina and passed between the +classic rock of Scylla on the Calabrian coast, and the whirlpool of +Charybdis at the point of the promontory of Faro, which forms the end of +the famous "Golden Sickle" enclosing the Bay of Messina.</p> + +<p>"If this is really Eu-rope, I'm glad we came," said Uncle John, drawing +a long breath as the ship came to anchor opposite the Palazzo +Municipale. "I don't remember seeing anything prettier since we left New +York."</p> + +<p>Presently they had loaded their trunks and hand baggage, and +incidentally themselves, into the boat of the Hotel Trinacria which came +alongside in charge of a sleepy porter. After a brief examination at the +custom-house, where Uncle John denied having either sugar, tobacco <a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a>or +perfumery, they followed on foot the truck laden with their worldly +possessions, and soon reached the hotel.</p> + +<p>A pleasant breakfast followed, which they ate before a window +overlooking the busy marina, and then they drove about the town for a +time to see in a casual way the "sights." In the afternoon they took the +train for Taormina. Messina seemed a delightful place, but if they were +going to settle in Taormina for a time it would not pay them to unpack +or linger on the way.</p> + +<p>So they rolled along the coast for a couple of hours in a quaint, +old-fashioned railway carriage, and were then deposited upon the +platform of the little station at Giardini.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid there has been a mistake," said the little man, gazing +around him anxiously. "There's no town here, and I told the guard to put +us off at Taormina—not this forlorn place."</p> + +<p>Just then Beth discovered a line of carriages drawn up back of the +station. The drivers were mostly asleep inside them, although several +stood in a group arguing in fluent Italian the grave <a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>question as to +whether Signora Gani's cow had a black patch over its left shoulder, or +not.</p> + +<p>Some of the carriages bore signs: "Hotel Timeo;" "Grand Hotel San +Domenico;" "Hotel Castello-a-Mare;" "Grand Hotel Metropole," and so +forth. In that of the Castello-a-Mare the man was awakening and rubbing +his eyes. Uncle John said to him:</p> + +<p>"Good morning. Had a nice rest?"</p> + +<p>"I thank you, signore, I am well refreshed," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"By the way, can you tell us where the town of Taormina is? I hate to +trouble you; but we'd like to know."</p> + +<p>The man waved an arm upward, and following the motion with their eyes +they saw a line of precipitous cliffs that seemed impossible to scale.</p> + +<p>"Do you desire to go to the Grand Hotel Castello-a-Mare?" enquired the +driver, politely.</p> + +<p>"Is it in Taormina?"</p> + +<p>"Most certainly, signore."</p> + +<p>"And you will take us?"</p> + +<p>"With pleasure, signore."<a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh; I didn't know. I supposed you were going to sleep again."</p> + +<p>The man looked at him reproachfully.</p> + +<p>"It is my business, signore. I am very attentive to my duties. If you +permit me to drive you to our splendide—our magnifico hotel—you will +confer a favor."</p> + +<p>"How about the baggage?"</p> + +<p>"The trunks, signor, we will send for later. There is really no hurry +about them. The small baggage will accompany us. You will remark how +excellent is my English. I am Frascatti Vietri; perhaps you have heard +of me in America?"</p> + +<p>"If I have it has escaped my memory," said Uncle John, gravely.</p> + +<p>"Have you been to America?" asked Beth.</p> + +<p>"Surely, signorina. I lived in Chicago, which, as you are aware, is +America. My uncle had a fruit shop in South Water, a via which is +Chicago. Is it not so? You will find few in Taormina who can the English +speak, and none at all who can so perfectly speak it as Frascatti +Vietri."</p> + +<p>"You are wonderful," said Patsy, delighted <a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a>with him. But Uncle John +grew impatient to be off.</p> + +<p>"I hate to interrupt you, Mr. Vietri," he hinted; "but if you can spare +the time we may as well make a start."</p> + +<p>The driver consented. He gracefully swung the suit-cases and travelling +bags to the top of the vehicle and held the door open while his fares +entered. Then he mounted to his seat, took the reins, and spoke to the +horses. Some of the other drivers nodded at him cheerfully, but more as +if they were sorry he must exert himself than with any resentment at his +success in getting the only tourists who had alighted from the train.</p> + +<p>As they moved away Uncle John said: "Observe the difference between the +cab-drivers here and those at home. In America they fight like beasts to +get a job; here they seem anxious to avoid earning an honest penny. If +there could be a happy medium somewhere, I'd like it."</p> + +<p>"Are we going to the best hotel?" asked Louise, who had seemed a trifle +disconsolate be<a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a>cause she had not seen Count Ferralti since leaving +Naples.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, my dear. It wasn't a question of choice, but of +necessity. No other hotel seemed willing to receive us."</p> + +<p>They were now winding upward over a wonderful road cut in the solid +rock. It was broad and smooth and protected by a parapet of dressed +limestone. Now and then they passed pleasant villas set in orchards of +golden oranges or groves of olives and almonds; but there was no sign of +life on any side.</p> + +<p>The road was zigzag, making a long ascent across the face of the cape, +then turning abruptly to wind back again, but always creeping upward +until an open space showed the station far below and a rambling stone +building at the edge of the cliff far above.</p> + +<p>"Behold!" cried Frascatti, pointing up, "the Grand Hotel +Castello-a-Mare; is it not the excellenza location?"</p> + +<p>"Has it a roof?" asked Uncle John, critically.<a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a></p> + +<p>"Of a certainty, signore! But it does not show from below," was the +grave reply.</p> + +<p>At times Frascatti stopped his horses to allow them to rest, and then he +would turn in his seat to address his passengers in the open victoria +and descant upon the beauties of the panorama each turn unfolded.</p> + +<p>"This road is new," said he, "because we are very progressive and the +old road was most difficulty. Then it was three hours from the bottom to +the top. Now it is but a short hour, for our energy climbs the three +miles in that brief time. Shall I stop here for the sunset, or will your +excellenzi hasten on?"</p> + +<p>"If your energy approves, we will hasten," returned Uncle John. "We love +a sunset, because it's bound to set anyway, and we may as well make the +best of it; but we have likewise an objection to being out after dark. +Any brigands around here?"</p> + +<p>"Brigands! Ah; the signor is merry. Never, since the days of Naxos, have +brigands infested our fair country."</p> + +<p>"When were the days of Naxos?"<a name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a></p> + +<p>"Some centuries before Christ, signor," bowing his head and making the +sign of the cross.</p> + +<p>"Very good. The brigands of those days must, of course, be dead by this +time. Now, sir, when you have leisure, let us hasten."</p> + +<p>The horses started and crept slowly upward again. None of the party was +in a hurry. Such beautiful glimpses of scenery were constantly visible +from the bends of the road that the girls were enraptured, and could +have ridden for hours in this glorious fairyland.</p> + +<p>But suddenly the horses broke into a trot and dragged the carriage +rapidly forward over the last incline. A moment later they dashed into +the court of the hotel and the driver with a loud cry of "Oo-ah!" and a +crack of his whip drew up before the entrance.</p> + +<p>The portiere and the padrone, or landlord—the latter being also the +proprietaire—came out to greet them, extending to their guests a +courteous welcome. The house was very full. All of the cheaper rooms +were taken; but of course the Signor Americain would wish only the best +and be glad to pay.<a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a></p> + +<p>Uncle John requested them to rob him as modestly as possible without +conflicting with their sense of duty, and they assured him they would do +so.</p> + +<p>The rooms were adorable. They faced the sea and had little balconies +that gave one a view of the blue Mediterranean far beneath, with lovely +Isola Bella and the Capo San Andrea nestling on its bosom. To the right +towered the majestic peak of Etna, its crest just now golden red in the +dying sunset.</p> + +<p>The girls drew in deep breaths and stood silent in a very ecstacy of +delight. At their feet was a terraced garden, running downward two +hundred feet to where the crag fell sheer to the sea. It was glorious +with blooming flowers of every sort that grows, and the people on the +balconies imagined at the moment they had been transferred to an earthly +paradise too fair and sweet for ordinary mortals. And then the glow of +the sun faded softly and twilight took its place. Far down the winding +road could be seen the train of carriages returning from the station, +the vetturini singing their native songs as the <a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a>horses slowly ascended +the slope. An unseen organ somewhere in the distance ground out a +Neapolitan folk song, and fresh and youthful voices sang a clear, high +toned accompaniment.</p> + +<p>Even practical Uncle John stood absorbed and admiring until the soft +voice of the facchino called to ask if he wanted hot water in which to +bathe before dinner.</p> + +<p>"It's no use," said Patsy, smiling at him from the next balcony with +tears in her eyes; "There's not another Taormina on earth. Here we are, +and here we stay until we have to go home again."</p> + +<p>"But, my dear, think of Paris, of Venice, of—"</p> + +<p>"I'll think of nothing but this, Uncle John. Unless you settle down with +us here I'll turn milkmaid and live all my days in Sicily!"</p> + +<p>Beth laughed, and drew her into their room.</p> + +<p>"Don't be silly, Patsy dear," she said, calmly, although almost as +greatly affected as her cousin. "There are no cows here, so you can't be +a milkmaid."</p> + +<p>"Can't I milk the goats, then?"<a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a></p> + +<p>"Why, the men seem to do that, dear. But cheer up. We've only seen the +romance of Taormina yet; doubtless it will be commonplace enough +to-morrow."<a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>IL DUCA</h3> + + +<p>Beth's prediction, however, did not come true. The morning discovered +nothing commonplace about Taormina. Their hotel was outside the walls, +but a brief walk took them to the Messina Gate, a quaint archway through +which they passed into the narrow streets of one of the oldest towns in +Sicily. Doorways and windows of Saracen or Norman construction faced +them on every side, and every inch of the ancient buildings was +picturesque and charming.</p> + +<p>Some of the houses had been turned into shops, mostly for the sale of +curios. Uncle John and his nieces had scarcely passed a hundred yards +into the town when one of these shops arrested their attention. It was +full of antique jewelry, antique furniture, antique laces and antique +pottery—all of the most fascinating description. The jewelry was +tarnished and broken, the lace <a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a>had holes in it and the furniture was +decrepit and unsteady; but the proprietor cared nothing for such +defects. All was very old, and he knew the tourist was eager to buy. So +he scattered his wares inside and outside his salesroom, much as the +spider spreads his web for the unwary, and waited for the inevitable +tourist with a desire to acquire something ancient and useless.</p> + +<p>The girls could not be induced to pass the shop. They entered the +square, low room and flooded the shopman with eager questions. +Notwithstanding Frascatti's assertion that few in Taormina could speak +English, this man was quite intelligible and fixed his prices according +to the impression his wares made upon the artistic sense of the young +American ladies.</p> + +<p>It was while they were intently inspecting some laces that the +proprietor suddenly paused in his chatter, removed his hat and bowed +almost to the floor, his face assuming at the same time a serious and +most humble expression.</p> + +<p>Turning around they saw standing outside the door a man whom they +recognized at once as <a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a>their fellow passenger aboard the "Princess +Irene."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Signor Valdi!" cried Patsy, running toward him, "how strange to +find you again in this out-of-the-way place."</p> + +<p>The Italian frowned, but in a dignified manner took the hand of all +three girls in turn and then bowed a greeting to Mr. Merrick.</p> + +<p>Uncle John thought the fellow had improved in appearance. Instead of the +flannel shirt and Prince Albert coat he had affected on shipboard he now +wore a native costume of faded velvet, while a cloak of thin but +voluminous cloth swung from his shoulders, and a soft felt hat shaded +his dark eyes.</p> + +<p>His appearance was entirely in keeping with the place, and the American +noticed that the villagers who passed doffed their hats most +respectfully to this seemingly well-known individual. But mingled with +their polite deference was a shyness half fearful, and none stopped to +speak but hurried silently on.</p> + +<p>"And how do we happen to find you here,<a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a> Signor Valdi?" Patsy was +saying. "Do you live in Taormina?"</p> + +<p>"I am of this district, but not of Taormina," he replied. "It is chance +that you see me here. Eh, Signor Bruggi, is it not so?" casting one of +his characteristic fierce glances at the shopkeeper.</p> + +<p>"It is so, your excellency."</p> + +<p>"But I am glad you have come to the shadow of Etna," he continued, +addressing the Americans with slow deliberation. "Here the grandeur of +the world centers, and life keeps time with Nature. You will like it? +You will stay?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, for a time, anyway," said Patsy.</p> + +<p>"We expect to meet some friends here," explained Uncle John. "They are +coming down from Palermo, but must have been delayed somewhere on the +way."</p> + +<p>"Who are they?" asked Valdi, brusquely.</p> + +<p>"Americans, of course; Silas Watson and Kenneth Forbes. Do you know of +them?"</p> + +<p>"No," said the other. He cast an uneasy glance up and down the street. +"I will meet <a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a>you again, signorini," he added. "Which is your hotel?"</p> + +<p>"The Castello-a-Mare. It is delightful," said Beth.</p> + +<p>He nodded, as if pleased. Then, folding his cloak about him, he murmured +"adios!" and stalked away without another word or look.</p> + +<p>"Queer fellow," remarked Uncle John.</p> + +<p>The shopkeeper drew a long breath and seemed relieved.</p> + +<p>"Il Duca is unusual, signore," he replied.</p> + +<p>"Duke!" cried the girls, in one voice.</p> + +<p>The man seemed startled.</p> + +<p>"I—I thought you knew him; you seemed friends," he stammered.</p> + +<p>"We met Signor Valdi on shipboard," said Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"Valdi? Ah, yes; of course; the duke has been to America."</p> + +<p>"Isn't his name Valdi?" asked Beth, looking the man straight in the +eyes. "Has he another name here, where he lives?"</p> + +<p>The shopman hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Who knows?" was the evasive reply. "Il<a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a> Duca has many names, but we do +not speak them. When it is necessary to mention him we use his +title—the duke."</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked the girl.</p> + +<p>"Why, signorina? Why? Perhaps because he does not like to be talked +about. Yes; that is it, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"Where does he live?" asked Patsy.</p> + +<p>The man seemed uneasy under so much questioning.</p> + +<p>"Somewhere in the mountains," he said, briefly. "His estates are there. +He is said to be very rich and powerful. I know nothing more, +signorini."</p> + +<p>Realizing that little additional information could be gleaned from this +source they soon left the shop and wandered into the Piazzo Vittorio +Emanuele, and from thence by the narrow lane to the famous Teatro Greco.</p> + +<p>For a time they admired this fascinating ruin, which has the best +preserved stage of any Greek theatre now in existence. From the top of +the hill is one of the most magnificent views in Sicily, and here our +travellers sat in contemplative awe <a name="Page_143" id="Page_143"></a>until Uncle John declared it was +time to return to their hotel for luncheon.</p> + +<p>As they passed the portiere's desk Mr. Merrick paused to ask that +important official:</p> + +<p>"Tell me, if you please, who is Signor Victor Valdi?"</p> + +<p>"Valdi, signore?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; the Duke di Valdi, I suppose you call him."</p> + +<p>"I have never heard of him," replied the man.</p> + +<p>"But every one seems to know him in Taormina."</p> + +<p>"Is it so? We have but one duke near to us, and he—. But never mind. I +do not know this Valdi."</p> + +<p>"A thin faced man, with black eyes. We met him on the steamer coming +from America."</p> + +<p>The portiere dropped his eyes and turned toward his desk.</p> + +<p>"Luncheon is served, signore," he remarked. "Also, here is a letter for +you, which arrived this morning."</p> + +<p>Uncle John took the letter and walked on to rejoin the girls.<a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a></p> + +<p>"It seems hard work to find out anything about this Valdi," he said. +"Either the folks here do not know him, or they won't acknowledge his +acquaintance. We may as well follow suit, and avoid him."</p> + +<p>"I don't like his looks a bit," observed Beth. "He seems afraid and +defiant at the same time, and his temper is dreadful. It was only with +great difficulty he could bring himself to be polite to us."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I always got along with him all right," said Patsy. "I'm sure +Signor Valdi isn't as bad as he appears. And he's a duke, too, girls—a +real duke!"</p> + +<p>"So it seems," Uncle John rejoined; "yet there is something queer about +the fellow, I agree with Beth; I don't like him."</p> + +<p>"Did Mr. Watson say when he would join us here?" enquired Louise, when +they were seated at the little round table.</p> + +<p>"No; but here's a letter from him. I'd quite forgotten it."</p> + +<p>He tore open the envelope and carefully read the enclosure.<a name="Page_145" id="Page_145"></a></p> + +<p>"Too bad," said he. "We might have stayed a few days in Messina. Watson +says he and Kenneth have stopped at Girgenti—wherever that is—to study +the temples. Wonder if they're Solomon's? They won't get to Taormina +before Saturday."</p> + +<p>"It won't matter," declared Patsy, "so long as they arrive then. And I'd +a good deal rather be here than in Messina, or any other place. Of +course we'll all be glad to see Kenneth."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Watson wants us to be very careful while we are in Sicily," +continued Uncle John, referring to the letter. "Listen to this: 'Don't +let the girls wear jewelry in public places, or display their watches +openly; and take care, all of you, not to show much money. If you buy +anything, have it sent to your hotel to be paid for by the hall porter. +And it is wise not to let anyone know who you are or how long you intend +to remain in any one place. This may strike you as an absurd precaution; +but you must remember that you are not in America, but in an isolated +Italian province, where government control is inefficient. The truth is +that the terrible<a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a> Mafia is still all powerful on this island, and +brigandage is by no means confined to the neighborhood of +Castrogiovanni, as the guide books would have you believe. The people +seem simple and harmless enough, but Kenneth and I always keep our +revolvers handy, and believe it is a reasonable precaution. I don't want +to frighten you, John; merely to warn you. Sicily is full of tourists, +and few are ever molested; but if you are aware of the conditions +underlying the public serenity you are not so liable to run yourself and +your nieces into needless dangers.' How's that for a hair-curler, +girls?"</p> + +<p>"It sounds very romantic," said Louise, smiling. "Mr. Watson is such a +cautious man!"</p> + +<p>"But it's all rubbish about there being danger in Taormina," declared +Patsy, indignantly. "Mr. Watson has been in the wilds of the interior, +which Baedecker admits is infested with brigands. Here everyone smiles +at us in the friendliest way possible."</p> + +<p>"Except the duke," added Beth, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"Oh, the duke is sour by nature," Patsy answered; "but if there really +was danger, I'm sure <a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a>he'd protect us, for he lives here and knows the +country."</p> + +<p>"You are sure of a lot of things, dear," said her cousin, smiling. "But +it will do no harm to heed the advice, and be careful."</p> + +<p>They all agreed to that, and Uncle John was glad to remember he had two +brand new revolvers in the bottom of his trunk, which he could use in an +emergency if he could manage to find the cartridges to load them with.</p> + +<p>He got them out next morning, and warned his nieces not to touch the +dangerous things when they entered his room. But Patsy laughed at him, +saying:</p> + +<p>"You are behind the times, Uncle. Beth has carried a revolver ever since +we started."</p> + +<p>"Beth!" he cried, horrified.</p> + +<p>"Just as a precaution," said that young lady, demurely.</p> + +<p>"But you're only a child!"</p> + +<p>"Even so, Uncle, I have been taught to shoot in Cloverton, as a part of +my education. Once I won a medal—think of that! So I brought <a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a>my pet +revolver along, although I may never have need to use it."</p> + +<p>Uncle John looked thoughtful.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem like a girlish accomplishment, exactly," he mused. +"When I was young and went into the West, the times were a bit +unsettled, and I used to carry a popgun myself. But I never shot at a +human being in my life. There were women in the camps that could shoot, +too; but the safest place was always in front of them. If Beth has won a +medal, though, she might hit something."</p> + +<p>"Don't try, Beth," said Louise; "you ought to make a hit without +shooting."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, dear."</p> + +<p>As they left their hotel for a walk they came upon Count Ferralti, who +was standing in the court calmly smoking a cigarette. His right hand was +still in a sling.</p> + +<p>No one was greatly surprised at his appearance, but Uncle John uttered +an exclamation of impatience. It annoyed him that this fellow, whose +antecedents were decidedly cloudy, should be "chasing around" after one +of his nieces,<a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a> Beth and Patsy smiled at each other significantly as the +young man was discovered, but Louise, with a slight blush, advanced to +greet Ferralti in her usual pleasant and cordial way.</p> + +<p>There was no use resenting the intrusion. They owed a certain +consideration to this boyish Italian for his assistance on the Amalfi +road. But Uncle John almost wished he had left them to escape as best +they might, for the obligation was getting to be decidedly onerous.</p> + +<p>While Ferralti was expressing his astonishment at so "unexpectedly" +meeting again his American friends, Uncle John discovered their English +speaking cocchiere, Frascatti Vietri, lolling half asleep on the box of +his victoria.</p> + +<p>"Would your energy like to drive us this morning?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"It is my duty, signore, if you wish to go," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Then you are engaged. Come, girls; hop in, if you want to ride."</p> + +<p>The three nieces and Uncle John just filled the victoria. The count was +disconsolate at being so cleverly dropped from the party, but could +<a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a>only flourish his hat and wish them a pleasant drive.</p> + +<p>They descended the winding road to the coast, where Frascatti took the +highway to Sant' Alessio, a charming drive leading to the Taormina Pass.</p> + +<p>"By the way," Uncle John asked the driver, "do you know of a duke that +lives in this neighborhood?"</p> + +<p>The laughing face of the Sicilian suddenly turned grave.</p> + +<p>"No, signore. There is the Prince di Scaletta; but no duke on this side +the town."</p> + +<p>"But on the other side?"</p> + +<p>"Oh; in the mountains? To be sure there are noblemen there; old estates +almost forgotten in our great civilization of to-day. We are very +progressive in Taormina, signore. There will be a fountain of the ice +cream soda established next summer. Quite metropolitan, <i>ne c'e</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Quite. But, tell me, Frascatti, have you a duke in the mountains back +of Taormina?"</p> + +<p>"Signore, I beg you to pay no attention to the foolish stories you may +hear from our peasants.<a name="Page_151" id="Page_151"></a> There has been no brigandage here for +centuries. I assure you the country is perfectionly safe—especial if +you stay within the town or take me on your drives. They know me, +signore, and even Il Duca dares not trifle with my friends."</p> + +<p>"Why should he, Frascatti, if there is no brigandage? Is it the Mafia?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, I have heard that Mafia spoken of, but mostly when I lived in +America, which is Chicago. Here we do not know of the Mafia."</p> + +<p>"But you advise us to be careful?"</p> + +<p>"Everywhere, illustrissimo signore, it is well to be what you call the +circumspection. I remember that in the State street of Chicago, which is +America, peaceful citizens were often killed by bandits. Eh, is it not +so?"</p> + +<p>"Quite probable," said Uncle John, soberly.</p> + +<p>"Then, what will you? Are we worse than Americans, that you fear us? +Never mind Il Duca, or the tales they foolishly whisper of him. Here you +may be as safe and happy as in Chicago—which is America."</p> + +<p>He turned to his horses and urged them up a <a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a>slope. The girls and Uncle +John eyed one another enquiringly.</p> + +<p>"Our duke seems to bear no good reputation," said Beth, in a tone so low +that Frascatti could not overhear. "Everyone fears to speak of him."</p> + +<p>"Singular," said Uncle John, "that Patsy's friend turns out to be a +mystery, even in his own home. I wonder if he is a leader of the Mafia, +or just a common brigand?"</p> + +<p>"In either case," said Patsy, "he will not care to injure us, I am sure. +We all treated him very nicely, and I just made him talk and be +sociable, whether he wanted to or not. That ought to count for something +in our favor. But my opinion is that he's just a gruff old nobleman who +lives in the hills and makes few friends."</p> + +<p>"And hasn't a name, any more than Louise's count has. Is it customary, +my dear, for all Italian noblemen to conceal their identity?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know, Uncle," answered Louise, casting down her eyes.<a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>UNCLE JOHN DISAPPEARS</h3> + + +<p>Uncle John grew to love Taormina. Its wildness and ruggedness somehow +reminded him of the Rockies in the old pioneer days, and he wandered +through all the lanes of the quaint old town until he knew every cornice +and cobblestone familiarly, and the women who sat weaving or mending +before their squalid but picturesque hovels all nodded a greeting to the +cheery little American as he passed by.</p> + +<p>He climbed Malo, too, a high peak crowned by a ruined castle; and also +Mt. Venere, on the plateau of which an ancient city had once stood. His +walking tours did him good, and frequently while the girls lay stretched +upon the grass that lined the theatre enclosure, to idle the time or +read or write enthusiastic letters home, Uncle John, scorning such +laziness, would take his stick and <a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a>climb mountains, or follow the rough +paths that diverged from the highway just beyond the Catania Gate.</p> + +<p>The tax gatherer whose tiny office was just inside the gate came to know +the little gentleman very well, and although he could speak no English +he would bob his grizzled head and murmur: "<i>Buon giorno, signore!</i>" as +the stranger passed out on his daily stroll.</p> + +<p>One afternoon Mr. Merrick went down the hill path leading from the +Castello-a-Mare to Capo di San Andrea, and as he passed around a narrow +ledge of rock came full upon two men seated upon a flat stone. One was +Valdi and the other Ferralti, and they seemed engaged in earnest +conversation when he interrupted them. The Count smiled frankly and +doffed his hat; the Duke frowned grimly, but also nodded.</p> + +<p>Uncle John passed on. The path was wild and little frequented. He felt +in his side pocket and grasped the handle of his revolver; but there was +no attempt to follow or molest him. Nevertheless, when he returned from +the beach he came up the longer winding roadway and was glad of <a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a>the +company of a ragged goatherd who, having no English, entertained "Il +Signore" by singing ditties as he drove his goats before him.</p> + +<p>The misgivings Uncle John had originally conceived concerning Count +Ferralti returned in full force with this incident; but he resolved to +say nothing of it to his nieces. Silas Watson would be with them in a +couple of days more and he would consult the shrewd lawyer before he +took any decisive action.</p> + +<p>Next morning after breakfast he left his nieces in the garden and said +he would take a walk through the town and along the highway west, toward +Kaggi.</p> + +<p>"I'll be back in an hour or so," he remarked, "for I have some letters +to write and I want them to catch the noon mail."</p> + +<p>So the girls sat on the terrace overlooking the sea and Etna, and +breathed the sweet air and enjoyed the caressing sunshine, until they +noticed the portiere coming hastily toward them.</p> + +<p>"Pardon, signorini," he said, breathlessly, "but it will be to oblige me +greatly if you will tell me where Signor Ferralti is."<a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a></p> + +<p>"He is not of our party," answered Patsy, promptly; but Louise looked up +as if startled, and said: "I have been expecting him to join us here."</p> + +<p>"Then you do not know?" exclaimed the portiere, in an anxious tone.</p> + +<p>"Know what, sir?" asked the girl.</p> + +<p>"That Signor Ferralti is gone. He has not been seen by any after last +evening. He did not occupy his room. But worse, far worse, will I break +you the news gently—his baggage is gone with him!"</p> + +<p>"His baggage gone!" echoed Louise, greatly disturbed. "And he did not +tell you? You did not see him go?"</p> + +<p>"Alas, no, signorina. His bill is still unsettled. He possessed two +large travelling cases, which must have been carried out at the side +entrance with stealth most deplorable. The padrone is worried. Signor +Ferralti is American, and Americans seldom treat us wrongfully."</p> + +<p>"Signor Ferralti is Italian," answered Louise, stiffly.<a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a></p> + +<p>"The name is Italian, perhaps; but he speaks only the English," declared +the portiere.</p> + +<p>"He is not a rogue, however. Assure your master of that fact. When Mr. +Merrick returns he will settle Count Ferralti's bill."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Louise!" gasped Patsy.</p> + +<p>"I don't understand it in the least," continued Louise, looking at her +cousins as if she were really bewildered. "I left him in the courtyard +last evening to finish his cigar, and he said he would meet us in the +garden after breakfast. I am sure he had no intention of going away. And +for the honor of American travellers his account here must be taken care +of."</p> + +<p>"One thing is singular," observed Beth, calmly. "There has been no train +since last you saw him. If Count Ferralti has left the hotel, where +could he be?"</p> + +<p>The portiere brightened.</p> + +<p>"<i>Gia s'intende!</i>" he exclaimed, "he must still be in +Taormina—doubtless at some other hotel."</p> + +<p>"Will you send and find out?" asked Louise.</p> + +<p>"I will go myself, and at once," he answered.<a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a> "And thank you, +signorina, for the kind assurance regarding the account. It will relieve +the padrone very much."</p> + +<p>He hurried away again, and an uneasy silence fell upon the nieces.</p> + +<p>"Do you care for this young man. Louise?" asked Beth, pointedly, after +the pause had become awkward.</p> + +<p>"He is very attentive and gentlemanly, and I feel you have all wronged +him by your unjust suspicions," she replied, with spirit.</p> + +<p>"That does not answer my question, dear," persisted her cousin. "Are you +especially fond of him?"</p> + +<p>"What right have you to question me in this way, Beth?"</p> + +<p>"No right at all, dear. I am only trying to figure out our doubtful +position in regard to this young man—a stranger to all of us but you."</p> + +<p>"It is really none of our business," observed Patsy, quickly. "We're +just a lot of gossips to be figuring on Count Ferralti at all. And +although this sudden disappearance looks queer, on <a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a>the face of it, the +gentleman may simply have changed his boarding place."</p> + +<p>"I do not think so," said Louise. "He liked this hotel very much."</p> + +<p>"And he may have liked some of its guests," added Patsy, smiling. "Well, +Uncle John will soon be back, and then we will talk it over with him."</p> + +<p>Uncle John was late. The portiere returned first. He had been to every +hotel in the little town, but none of them had received a guest since +the afternoon train of yesterday. Count Ferralti had disappeared as if +by magic, and no one could account for it.</p> + +<p>Noon arrived, but no Uncle John. The girls became dispirited and +anxious, for the little man was usually very prompt in keeping his +engagements, and always had returned at the set time.</p> + +<p>They waited until the last moment and then entered the <i>salle a manger</i> +and ate their luncheon in gloomy silence, hoping every moment to hear +the sound of their uncle's familiar tread.</p> + +<p>After luncheon they held a hurried consultation and decided to go into +town and search for <a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a>him. So away they trooped, asking eager questions +in their uncertain Italian but receiving no satisfactory reply until +they reached the little office of the tax gatherer at the Catania Gate.</p> + +<p>"<i>Ah, si, signorini mia</i>," he answered, cheerfully, "<i>il poco signore +passato da stamattini.</i>"</p> + +<p>But he had not returned?</p> + +<p>Not yet.</p> + +<p>They looked at one another blankly.</p> + +<p>"See here," said Patsy; "Uncle John must have lost his way or met with +an accident. You go back to the hotel, Louise, and wait there in case he +returns home another way. Beth and I will follow some of these paths and +see if we can find him."</p> + +<p>"He may have sprained an ankle, and be unable to walk," suggested Beth. +"I think Patsy's advice is good."</p> + +<p>So Louise returned through the town and the other girls began exploring +the paths that led into the mountains from every turn of the highway. +But although they searched eagerly and followed each path a mile or more +of its length, no sign of life did they encounter—much less <a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a>a sight of +their missing uncle. The paths were wild and unfrequented, only on the +Catania road itself a peasant now and then being found patiently +trudging along or driving before him a donkey laden with panniers of +oranges or lemons for the markets of Taormina.</p> + +<p>On some of the solitary rocky paths they called to Uncle John by name, +hoping that their voices might reach him; but only the echoes replied. +Finally they grew discouraged.</p> + +<p>"It will be sunset before we get back, even if we start this minute," +said Beth, finally. "Let us return, and get some one to help us."</p> + +<p>Patsy burst into tears.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm sure he's lost, or murdered, or kidnapped!" she wailed. "Dear, +dear Uncle John! Whatever shall we do, Beth?"</p> + +<p>"Why, he may be at home, waiting for us to get back. Don't give way, +Patsy; it will do no good, you know."</p> + +<p>They were thoroughly tired when, just at sunset, they reached the hotel. +Louise came to meet them, and by the question in her eyes they knew +their uncle had not returned.<a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a></p> + +<p>"Something must be done, and at once," said Beth, decidedly. She was the +younger of the three girls, but in this emergency took the lead because +of her calm and unruffled disposition and native good sense. "Is +Frascatti in the courtyard?"</p> + +<p>Patsy ran to see, and soon brought the vetturino into their sitting +room. He could speak English and knew the neighborhood thoroughly. He +ought to be able to advise them.</p> + +<p>Frascatti listened intently to their story. He was very evidently +impressed.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, then, signorini," he said, thoughtfully; "is Senor Merreek +very rich?"</p> + +<p>"Why do you ask?" returned Beth, suspiciously. She remembered the +warning conveyed in Mr. Watson's letter.</p> + +<p>"Of course, I know that all the Americans who travel are rich," +continued Frascatti. "I have myself been in Chicago, which is America. +But is Signor Merreek a very rich and well acquainted man in his own +country? Believe me, it is well that you answer truly."</p> + +<p>"I think he is."<a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a></p> + +<p>The man looked cautiously around, and then came nearer and dropped his +voice to a whisper.</p> + +<p>"Are you aware that Il Duca knows this?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Beth thought a moment.</p> + +<p>"We met the man you call Il Duca, but who told us he was Signor Victor +Valdi, on board the ship, where many of the passengers knew my uncle +well. If he listened to their conversation he would soon know all about +John Merrick, of course."</p> + +<p>Frascatti wagged his head solemnly.</p> + +<p>"Then, signorina," he said, still speaking very softly, "I assure you +there is no need to worry over your uncle's safety."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" demanded Beth.</p> + +<p>"People do not lose their way in our mountains," he replied. "The paths +are straight, and lead all to the highways. And there is little danger +of falling or of being injured. But—I regret to say it, signorini—it +is a reflection upon our advanced civilization and the good name of our +people—but sometimes a man who is rich disappears for a time, and no +one knows how it <a name="Page_164" id="Page_164"></a>is, or where he may be. He always returns; but then he +is not so rich."</p> + +<p>"I understand. My uncle is captured by brigands, you think."</p> + +<p>"There are no brigands, signorina."</p> + +<p>"Or the Mafia, then."</p> + +<p>"I do not know the Mafia. All I know is that the very rich should keep +their riches secret when they travel. In Chicago, which is America, they +will knock you upon the head for a few miserable dollars; here my +countrymen scorn to attack or to rob the common people. But when a man +is so very rich that he does not need all of his money, there are, I +regret to say, some lawless ones in Sicily who insist that he divide +with them. But the prisoner is always well treated, and when he pays he +is sent away very happy."</p> + +<p>"Suppose he does not pay?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, signorina, will not a drowning man clutch the raft that floats by? +And the lawless ones do not take his all—merely a part."</p> + +<p>The girls looked at one another helplessly.</p> + +<p>"What must we do, Frascatti?" asked Patsy.<a name="Page_165" id="Page_165"></a></p> + +<p>"Wait. In a day—two days, perhaps—you will hear from your uncle. He +will tell you how to send money to the lawless ones. You will follow his +instructions, and he will come home with smiles and singing. I know. It +is very regrettable, but it is so."</p> + +<p>"It will not be so in this case," said Beth, indignantly. "I will see +the American consul—"</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, but there is none here."</p> + +<p>"I will telegraph to Messina for the military. They will search the +mountains, and bring your brigands to justice."</p> + +<p>Frascatti smiled sadly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; perhaps they will come. But the military is Italian—not +Sicilian—and has no experience in these parts. The search will find +nothing, except perhaps a dead body thrown upon the rocks to defy +justice. It is very regrettable, signorina; but it is so."</p> + +<p>Patsy was wringing her hands, frantic with terror. Louise was white and +staring. Beth puckered her pretty brow in a frown and tried to think.</p> + +<p>"Ferralti is also gone," murmured Louise, in <a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a>a hoarse voice. "They will +rob or murder him with Uncle John!"</p> + +<p>"I am quite convinced," said Beth, coldly, "that your false count is a +fellow conspirator of the brigand called Il Duca. He has been following +us around to get a chance to ensnare Uncle John."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, no, Beth! It is not so! I know better than that."</p> + +<p>"He would lie to you, of course," returned the girl bitterly. "As soon +as the trap was set he disappeared, bag and baggage, and left the simple +girl he had fooled to her own devices."</p> + +<p>"You do not know what you are saying," retorted Louise, turning her back +to Beth and walking to a window. From where they stood they could hear +her sobbing miserably.</p> + +<p>"Whether Frascatti is right or not," said Patsy, drying her eyes and +trying to be brave, "we ought to search for Uncle John at once."</p> + +<p>"I think so, too," agreed Beth. Then, turning to the Sicilian, she said: +"Will you get together as many men as possible and search the <a name="Page_167" id="Page_167"></a>hills, +with lanterns, for my uncle? You shall be well paid for all you do."</p> + +<p>"Most certainly, signorina, if it will please you," he replied. "How +long do you wish us to search?"</p> + +<p>"Until you find him."</p> + +<p>"Then must we grow old in your service. <i>Non fa niente!</i> It is +regrettable, but—"</p> + +<p>"Will you go at once?" stamping her foot angrily.</p> + +<p>"Most certainly, signorina."</p> + +<p>"Then lose no time. I will go with you and see you start."</p> + +<p>She followed the man out, and kept at his side until he had secured +several servants with lanterns for the search. The promise of high +<i>caparra</i> or earnest money made all eager to join the band, but the +padrone could only allow a half dozen to leave their stations at the +hotel. In the town, however, whither Beth accompanied them, a score of +sleepy looking fellows were speedily secured, and under the command of +Frascatti, who had resolved to earn his money by energy and good will +because there was no chance of suc<a name="Page_168" id="Page_168"></a>cess, they marched out of the Catania +Gate and scattered along the mountain paths.</p> + +<p>"If you find Uncle John before morning I will give you a thousand lira +additional," promised Beth.</p> + +<p>"We will search faithfully," replied her captain, "but the signorina +must not be disappointed if the lawless ones evade us. They have a way +of hiding close in the caves, where none may find them. It is +regrettable, very; but it is so."</p> + +<p>Then he followed his men to the mountains, and as the last glimmer from +his lantern died away the girl sighed heavily and returned alone through +the deserted streets to the hotel.</p> + +<p>Clouds hid the moon and the night was black and forbidding; but it did +not occur to her to be afraid.<a name="Page_169" id="Page_169"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>DAYS OF ANXIETY</h3> + + +<p>Uncle John's nieces passed a miserable night. Patsy stole into his room +and prayed fervently beside his bed that her dear uncle might be +preserved and restored to them in health and safety. Beth, meantime, +paced the room she shared with Patsy with knitted brows and flashing +eyes, the flush in her cheeks growing deeper as her anger increased. An +ungovernable temper was the girl's worst failing; the abductors of her +uncle were arousing in her the most violent passions of which she was +capable, and might lead her to adopt desperate measures. She was only a +country girl, and little experienced in life, yet Beth might be expected +to undertake extraordinary things if, as she expressed it, if she "got +good and mad!"</p> + +<p>No sound was heard during the night from the room occupied by Louise, +but the morning dis<a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a>closed a white, drawn face and reddened eyelids as +proof that she had rested as little as her cousins.</p> + +<p>Yet, singularly enough, Louise was the most composed of the three when +they gathered in the little sitting room at daybreak, and tried +earnestly to cheer the spirits of her cousins. Louise never conveyed the +impression of being especially sincere, but the pleasant words and +manners she habitually assumed rendered her an agreeable companion, and +this faculty of masking her real feelings now stood her in good stead +and served to relieve the weight of anxiety that oppressed them all.</p> + +<p>Frascatti came limping back with his tired followers in the early dawn, +and reported that no trace of the missing man had been observed. There +were no brigands and no Mafia; on that point all his fellow townsmen +agreed with him fully. But it was barely possible some lawless ones who +were all unknown to the honest Taorminians had made the rich American a +prisoner.</p> + +<p>Il Duca? Oh, no, signorini! A thousand <a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a>times, no. Il Duca was queer and +unsociable, but not lawless. He was of noble family and a native of the +district. It would be very wrong and foolish to question Il Duca's +integrity.</p> + +<p>With this assertion Frascatti went to bed. He had not shirked the +search, because he was paid for it, and he and his men had tramped the +mountains faithfully all night, well knowing it would result in nothing +but earning their money.</p> + +<p>On the morning train from Catania arrived Silas Watson and his young +ward Kenneth Forbes, the boy who had so unexpectedly inherited Aunt +Jane's fine estate of Elmhurst on her death. The discovery of a will +which gave to Kenneth all the property their aunt had intended for her +nieces had not caused the slightest estrangement between the young +folks, then or afterward. On the contrary, the girls were all glad that +the gloomy, neglected boy, with his artistic, high-strung temperament, +would be so well provided for. Without the inheritance he would have +been an outcast; now he was able to travel with his guardian, the kindly +old Elmhurst lawyer, and fit himself for his future im<a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a>portant position +in the world. More than all this, however, Kenneth had resolved to be a +great landscape painter, and Italy and Sicily had done much, in the past +year, to prepare him for this career.</p> + +<p>The boy greeted his old friends with eager delight, not noticing for the +moment their anxious faces and perturbed demeanor. But the lawyer's +sharp eyes saw at once that something was wrong.</p> + +<p>"Where is John Merrick?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm so glad you've come!" cried Patsy, clinging to his hand.</p> + +<p>"We are in sore straits, indeed, Mr. Watson," said Louise.</p> + +<p>"Uncle John is lost," explained Beth, "and we're afraid he is in the +hands of brigands."</p> + +<p>Then she related as calmly as she could all that had happened. The +relation was clear and concise. She told of their meeting with Valdi on +the ship, of Count Ferralti's persistence in attaching himself to their +party, and of Uncle John's discovery that the young man was posing under +an assumed name. She did not fail to <a name="Page_173" id="Page_173"></a>mention Ferralti's timely +assistance on the Amalfi drive, or his subsequent devoted attentions to +Louise; but the latter Beth considered merely as an excuse for following +them around.</p> + +<p>"In my opinion," said she, "we have been watched ever since we left +America, by these two spies, who had resolved to get Uncle John into +some unfrequented place and then rob him. If they succeed in their vile +plot, Mr. Watson, we shall be humiliated and disgraced forever."</p> + +<p>"Tut-tut," said he; "don't think of that. Let us consider John Merrick, +and nothing else."</p> + +<p>Louise protested that Beth had not been fair in her conclusions. The +Count was an honorable man; she would vouch for his character herself.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Watson did not heed this defense. The matter was very +serious—how serious he alone realized—and his face was grave indeed as +he listened to the descriptions of that terrible Il Duca whom the +natives all shrank from and refused to discuss.</p> + +<p>When he had learned all the nieces had to tell he hastened into the town +and telegraphed the<a name="Page_174" id="Page_174"></a> American consul at Messina. Then he found the +questura, or police office, and was assured by the officer in attendance +that the disappearance of Mr. Merrick was already known to the +authorities and every effort was being made to find him.</p> + +<p>"Do you think he has been abducted by brigands?" asked the lawyer.</p> + +<p>"Brigands, signore?" was the astonished reply. "There are no brigands in +this district at all. We drove them out many years ago."</p> + +<p>"How about Il Duca?"</p> + +<p>"And who is that, signore?"</p> + +<p>"Don't you know?"</p> + +<p>"I assure you we have no official knowledge of such a person. There are +dukes in Sicily, to be sure; but 'Il Duca' means nothing. Perhaps you +can tell me to whom you refer?"</p> + +<p>"See here," said the lawyer, brusquely; "I know your methods, <i>questore +mia</i>, but they won't prove effective in this case. If you think an +American is helpless in this country you are very much mistaken. But, to +save time, I am willing <a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a>to submit to your official requirements. I will +pay you well for the rescue of my friend."</p> + +<p>"All shall be done that is possible."</p> + +<p>"But if you do not find him at once, and return him to us unharmed, I +will have a regiment of soldiers in Taormina to search your mountains +and break up the bands of brigands that infest them. When I prove that +brigands are here and that you were not aware of them, you will be +disgraced and deposed from your office."</p> + +<p>The official shrugged his shoulders, a gesture in which the Sicilian is +as expert as the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>"I will welcome the soldiery," said he; "but you will be able to prove +nothing. The offer of a reward may accomplish more—if it is great +enough to be interesting."</p> + +<p>"How great is that?"</p> + +<p>"Can I value your friend? You must name the reward yourself. But even +then I can promise nothing. In the course of our duty every effort is +now being made to find the missing American. But we work in the dark, as +you know. Your friend may be a suicide; he may <a name="Page_176" id="Page_176"></a>have lost his mind and +wandered into the wilderness; he may have committed some crime and +absconded. How do I know? You say he is missing, but that is no reason +the brigands have him, even did brigands exist, which I doubt. Rest +assured, signore, that rigid search will be made. It is my boast that I +leave no duty unfulfilled."</p> + +<p>Mr. Watson walked back to the telegraph office and found an answer to +his message. The American consul was ill and had gone to Naples for +treatment. When he returned, his clerk stated, the matter of the +disappearance of John Merrick would immediately be investigated.</p> + +<p>Feeling extremely helpless and more fearful for his friend than before, +the lawyer returned to the hotel for a conference with the nieces.</p> + +<p>"How much of a reward shall I offer?" he asked. "That seems to be the +only thing that can be depended upon to secure results."</p> + +<p>"Give them a million—Uncle John won't mind," cried Patsy, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Don't give them a penny, sir," said Beth. "If they are holding him for +a ransom Uncle is <a name="Page_177" id="Page_177"></a>in no personal danger, and we have no right to assist +in robbing him."</p> + +<p>"But you don't understand, my dear," asserted the lawyer. "These +brigands never let a victim go free unless they are well paid. That is +why they are so often successful. If John Merrick is not ransomed he +will never again be heard of."</p> + +<p>"But this is not a ransom, sir. You propose to offer a reward to the +police."</p> + +<p>"Let me explain. The ways of the Italian police are very intricate. They +know of no brigandage here, and cannot find a brigand. But if the reward +is great enough to divide, they know where to offer a share of it, in +lieu of a ransom, and will force the brigands to accept it. In that way +the police gets the glory of a rescue and a share of the spoils. If we +offer no reward, or an insignificant one, the brigands will be allowed +to act as they please."</p> + +<p>"That is outrageous!" exclaimed Beth.</p> + +<p>"Yes. The Italian government deplores it. It is trying hard to break up +a system that has existed for centuries, but has not yet succeeded."<a name="Page_178" id="Page_178"></a></p> + +<p>"Then I'd prefer to deal directly with the brigands."</p> + +<p>"So would I, if—"</p> + +<p>"If what, sir?"</p> + +<p>"If we were sure your uncle is in their hands. Do you think the party +you sent out last night searched thoroughly?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so."</p> + +<p>"I will send out more men at once. They shall search the hills in every +direction. Should they find nothing our worst fears will be confirmed, +and then—"</p> + +<p>"Well, Mr. Watson?"</p> + +<p>"Then we must wait for the brigands to dictate the terms of a ransom, +and make the best bargain we can."</p> + +<p>"That seems sensible," said Kenneth, and both Patsy and Louise agreed +with him, although it would be tedious waiting.</p> + +<p>But Beth only bit her lip and frowned.</p> + +<p>Mr. Watson's searching party was maintained all day—for two days, and +three; but without result. Then they waited for the brigands to <a name="Page_179" id="Page_179"></a>act. +But a week dragged painfully by and no word of John Merrick's +whereabouts reached the ears of the weary watchers.<a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>TATO</h3> + + +<p>When Uncle John passed through the west gate for a tramp along the +mountain paths he was feeling in an especially happy and contented mood. +The day was bright and balmy, the air bracing, the scenery unfolded step +by step magnificent and appealing. To be in this little corner of the +old world, amid ruins antedating the Christian era, and able to wholly +forget those awful stock and market reports of Wall street, was a +privilege the old gentleman greatly appreciated.</p> + +<p>So away he trudged, exploring this path or that leading amongst the +rugged cliffs, until finally he began to take note of his erratic +wanderings and wonder where he was. Climbing an elevated rock near the +path he poised himself upon its peak and studied the landscape spread +out beneath him.<a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a></p> + +<p>There was a patch of sea, with the dim Calabrian coast standing sentry +behind it. The nearer coast was hidden from view, but away at the left +was a dull white streak marking the old wall of Taormina, and above this +the ruined citadel and the ancient castle of Mola—each on its separate +peak.</p> + +<p>"I must be getting back," he thought, and sliding down the surface of +the rock he presently returned to the path from whence he had climbed.</p> + +<p>To his surprise he found a boy standing there and looking at him with +soft brown eyes that were both beautiful and intelligent. Uncle John was +as short as he was stout, but the boy scarcely reached to his shoulder. +He was slender and agile, and clothed in a grey corduroy suit that was +better in texture than the American had seen other Sicilian youths wear. +As a rule the apparel of the children in this country seemed sadly +neglected.</p> + +<p>Yet the most attractive thing about this child was his face, which was +delicate of contour, richly tinted to harmonize with his magnificent +<a name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a>brown eyes, and so sensitive and expressive that it seemed able to +convey the most subtle shades of emotion. He seemed ten or twelve years +of age, but might have been much older.</p> + +<p>As soon as the American had returned to the path the boy came toward him +in an eager, excited way, and exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Is it not Signor Merrick?"</p> + +<p>The English was fluent, and only rendered softer by the foreign +intonation.</p> + +<p>"It is," said Uncle John, cheerfully. "Where did you drop from, my lad? +I thought these hills were deserted, until now."</p> + +<p>"I am sent by a friend," answered the boy, speaking rapidly and +regarding the man with appealing glances. "He is in much trouble, +signore, and asks your aid."</p> + +<p>"A friend? Who is it?"</p> + +<p>"The name he gave me is Ferralti, signore. He is near to this place, in +the hills yonder, and unable to return to the town without assistance."</p> + +<p>"Ferralti. H-m-m. Is he hurt?"</p> + +<p>"Badly, signore; from a fall on the rocks."</p> + +<p>"And he sent for me?"<a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"></a></p> + +<p>"Yes, signore. I know you by sight—who does not?—and as I hurried +along I saw you standing on the rock. It is most fortunate. Will you +hasten to your friend, then? I will lead you to him."</p> + +<p>Uncle John hesitated. He ought to be getting home, instead of +penetrating still farther into these rocky fastnesses. And Ferralti was +no especial friend, to claim his assistance. But then the thought +occurred that this young Italian had befriended both him and his nieces +in an extremity, and was therefore entitled to consideration when +trouble in turn overtook himself. The natural impulse of this thought +was to go to his assistance.</p> + +<p>"All right, my lad," said he. "Lead on, and I'll see what can be done +for Ferralti. Is it far?"</p> + +<p>"Not far, signore."</p> + +<p>With nervous, impatient steps the child started up the narrow path and +Uncle John followed—not slowly, but scarcely fast enough to satisfy his +zealous guide.</p> + +<p>"What is your name, little one?"<a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a></p> + +<p>"Tato, signore."</p> + +<p>"Where do you live?"</p> + +<p>"Near by, signore."</p> + +<p>"And how did you happen to find Ferralti?"</p> + +<p>"By chance, signore."</p> + +<p>Uncle John saved his remaining breath for the climb. He could ask +questions afterward.</p> + +<p>The path was in a crevasse where the rocks seemed once to have split. It +was narrow and steep, and before long ended in a <i>cul de sac</i>. The +little man thought they had reached their destination, then; but without +hesitation the boy climbed over a boulder and dropped into another path +on the opposite side, holding out a hand to assist the American.</p> + +<p>Uncle John laughed at the necessity, but promptly slid his stout body +over the boulder and then paused to mop his brow.</p> + +<p>"Much farther, Tato?"</p> + +<p>"Just a step, signore."</p> + +<p>"It is lucky you found Ferralti, or he might have died in these wilds +without a soul knowing he was here."</p> + +<p>"That is true, signore."<a name="Page_185" id="Page_185"></a></p> + +<p>"Well, is this the path?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, signore. Follow me, please."</p> + +<p>The cliffs were precipitous on both sides of them. It was another +crevasse, but not a long one. Presently the child came to a halt because +the way ended and they could proceed no farther. He leaned against the +rock and in a high-pitched, sweet voice sang part of a Sicilian ditty, +neither starting the verse nor ending it, but merely trilling out a +fragment.</p> + +<p>Uncle John regarded him wonderingly; and then, with a sudden suspicion, +he demanded:</p> + +<p>"You are not playing me false, Tato?"</p> + +<p>"I, signore?" smiling frankly into the man's eyes; "you need never fear +Tato, signore. To be your friend, and Signor Ferralti's friend, makes me +very proud."</p> + +<p>The rock he leaned against fell inward, noiselessly, and disclosed a +passage. It was short, for there was light at the other end.</p> + +<p>The strange child darted in at once.</p> + +<p>"This way, signore. He is here!"</p> + +<p>Uncle John drew back. He had forgotten until now that these mountains +are dangerous.<a name="Page_186" id="Page_186"></a> And something strange in the present proceedings, the +loneliness of the place and the elfish character of his guide, suddenly +warned him to be cautious.</p> + +<p>"See here, my lad," he called: "I'll go no farther."</p> + +<p>Instantly Tato was at his side again, grasping the man's hand in his +tiny brown one and searching his face with pleading eyes.</p> + +<p>"Ah, signore, you will not fail your friend, when he is so near you and +in such great trouble? See! I who am a stranger and not even his +countryman, even I weep for the poor young man, and long to comfort him. +Do you, his friend, refuse him aid because you have fear of the wild +mountains and a poor peasant boy?"</p> + +<p>Tears really stood in the beautiful brown eyes. They rolled down his +cheeks, as with both hands he pressed that of Uncle John and urged him +gently forward.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well; lead on, Tato. I'll see the other side of your tunnel, +anyhow. But if you play me tricks, my lad—"</p> + +<p>He paused, for a wonderful vision had <a name="Page_187" id="Page_187"></a>opened before him. Coming through +the short passage hewn in the rocks the American stood upon a ledge +facing a most beautiful valley, that was hemmed in by precipitous cliffs +on every side. From these stern barriers of the outside world the ground +sloped gradually toward the center, where a pretty brook flowed, its +waters sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight as it tumbled over its +rocky bed. Groves of oranges and of olive, lemon and almond trees +occupied much of the vale, and on a higher point at the right, its back +to the wall of rock that towered behind it, stood a substantial yet +picturesque mansion of stone, with several outbuildings scattered on +either side.</p> + +<p>The valley seemed, indeed, a toy kingdom sequestered from the great +outside world, yet so rich and productive within itself that it was +independent of all else.</p> + +<p>Uncle John gazed with amazement. Who could have guessed this delightful +spot was hidden safe within the heart of the bleak, bare mountain +surrounding it? But suddenly he bethought himself.</p> + +<p>"What place is this, Tato?" he asked; "and <a name="Page_188" id="Page_188"></a>where is our friend +Ferralti, who needs me?"</p> + +<p>There was no reply.</p> + +<p>He turned around to find the boy had disappeared. Moreover, the passage +had disappeared. Only a wall of rock was behind him, and although his +eyes anxiously searched the rifts and cracks of its rough surface, no +indication of the opening through which he had passed could be +discovered.<a name="Page_189" id="Page_189"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h3>THE HIDDEN VALLEY</h3> + + +<p>Uncle John's first inspiration was to sit down upon a stone to think. He +drew out his pipe and lighted it, to assist his meditations.</p> + +<p>These were none too pleasant. That he had been cleverly entrapped, and +that by a child scarcely in its teens, was too evident to need +reflection. And what a secure trap it was! The mountains ranged all +around the valley were impossible to scale, even by an Alpine climber, +and to one who was not informed of its location the existence of the +valley itself was unimaginable.</p> + +<p>"I had not believed Ferralti was so shrewd," he muttered, wonderingly. +"That something was wrong about the fellow I knew, of course; but I had +not suspected such a thing as this. Now, then, first of all let me mark +this spot, so that I will remember it. Just back of where I now stand is +the entrance or outlet to the tunnel <a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a>through the wall. It is closed, I +suppose, by a swinging stone, like the one on the opposite side. I saw +that one opened—opened by some person concealed from view, as soon as +the boy sang his bit of song which was the signal agreed upon. And I was +fool enough, after that warning, to walk straight through the tunnel! +You're getting old, John Merrick; that's the only way I can account for +your folly. But Ferralti hasn't won the odd trick yet, and if I keep my +wits about me he isn't likely to win."</p> + +<p>Thus ruminating, Uncle John searched the rocky wall carefully and +believed he would know the place again, although which of the rough +stones of its surface formed the doorway to the tunnel he could not +guess.</p> + +<p>A ledge of rock served as a path leading to right and left around this +end of the valley, or "pocket" in the mountain, as it could more +properly be called. Uncle John turned to the right, striding along with +his usual deliberation, smoking his pipe and swinging his cane as he +approached the stone dwelling that formed the center of the little +settlement. As yet no sign of hu<a name="Page_191" id="Page_191"></a>man life had he observed since Tato had +disappeared, although a few cows were standing in a green meadow and +some goats scrambled among the loose rocks at the further end of the +enclosure.</p> + +<p>Around the house the grounds had been laid out in gardens, with flowers +and shrubbery, hedges and shade trees scattered about. Chickens clucked +and strutted along the paths and an air of restfulness and peace brooded +over all.</p> + +<p>Uncle John was plainly mystified until he drew quite close to the +dwelling, which had many verandas and balconies and bore every evidence +of habitation. Then, to his astonishment, he beheld the form of a man +stretched lazily in a wicker chair beside the entrance, and while he +paused, hesitating, the man sat up and bowed politely to him.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, Signor Merreek."</p> + +<p>It was Victor Valdi, or, ignoring the fictitious name, the mysterious +personage known as "Il Duca."</p> + +<p>"Behold my delight, Signor Merreek, to re<a name="Page_192" id="Page_192"></a>ceive you in my poor home," +continued the man. "Will you not be seated, <i>caro amico</i>?"</p> + +<p>The words were soft and fair, but the dark eyes gleamed with triumph and +a sneer curled the thin lips.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Uncle John; "I believe I will."</p> + +<p>He stepped upon the veranda and sat down opposite his host.</p> + +<p>"I came to see Count Ferralti, who is hurt, I understand," he continued.</p> + +<p>"It is true, signore, but not badly. The poor count is injured mostly in +his mind. Presently you shall see him."</p> + +<p>"No hurry," observed Uncle John. "Pleasant place you have here, Duke."</p> + +<p>"It is very good of you to praise it, signore. It is my most ancient +patrimony, and quite retired and exclusive."</p> + +<p>"So I see."</p> + +<p>"The house you have honored by your presence, signore, was erected some +three hundred and thirty years ago, by an ancestor who loved +<a name="Page_193" id="Page_193"></a>retirement. It has been in my family ever since. We all love +retirement."</p> + +<p>"Very desirable spot for a brigand, I'm sure," remarked the American, +puffing his pipe composedly.</p> + +<p>"Brigand? Ah, it pleases you to have humor, signore, mia. Brigand! But I +will be frank. It is no dishonor to admit that my great ancestors of +past centuries were truly brigands, and from this quiet haven sallied +forth to do mighty deeds. They were quite famous, I am told, those olden +Dukes d'Alcanta."</p> + +<p>"I do not question it."</p> + +<p>"Our legends tell of how my great ancestors demanded tribute of the rich +who passed through their domain—for all this end of Sicily was given to +us by Peter of Aragon, and remained in our possession until the second +Ferdinand robbed us of it. Those times were somewhat wild and barbarous, +signore, and a gentleman who protected his estates and asked tribute of +strangers was termed a brigand, and became highly respected. But now it +is different. We are civilized and meek, and ruled most lovingly by<a name="Page_194" id="Page_194"></a> +Italy. They will tell you there is no brigandage in all Sicily."</p> + +<p>"So I understand."</p> + +<p>"To-day I am nobody. My very name is forgotten. Those around this +mountain know nothing of my little estate, and I am content. I desire +not glory: I desire not prominence; to live my life in seclusion, with +the occasional visit of a friend like yourself, is enough to satisfy +me."</p> + +<p>"You seem well known in Taormina."</p> + +<p>"Quite a mistake, signore."</p> + +<p>"And the natives must have climbed these peaks at times and looked down +into your secluded kingdom."</p> + +<p>"If so, they have forgotten it."</p> + +<p>"I see."</p> + +<p>"I give to the churches and the poor, but in secret. If I have an enemy, +he disappears—I do not know how; no one knows."</p> + +<p>"Of course not. You are an improvement on your ancestors, Duke. Instead +of being a brigand you belong to the Mafia, and perform your robberies +and murders in security. Very clever, indeed."<a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a></p> + +<p>"But again you are wrong, signore," replied the Duke, with a frown. "I +have never known of this Mafia, of which you speak, nor do I believe it +exists. For myself, I am no robber, but a peaceful merchant."</p> + +<p>"A merchant?" returned Uncle John, surprised by the statement.</p> + +<p>"To be sure. I have some ancient and very valuable relics in my +possession, treasured most carefully from the mediæval days. These I +sell to my friends—who are fortunately all foreigners like yourself and +can appreciate such treasures—and so obtain for myself and my family a +modest livelihood."</p> + +<p>"And you expect to sell something to me?" asked Uncle John, +understanding very well the Sicilian's meaning.</p> + +<p>"It is my earnest hope, signore."</p> + +<p>The American fell silent, thinking upon the situation. The fierce +looking brigand beside him was absurd enough, in his way, but doubtless +a dangerous man to deal with. Uncle John was greatly interested in the +adventure. It was such a sharp contrast to the hum-drum, unromantic<a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a> +American life he had latterly known that he derived a certain enjoyment +from the novel experience. If the girls did not worry over his absence +he would not much regret his visit to Il Duca's secluded valley.</p> + +<p>It was already midday, and his nieces would be expecting him to +luncheon. When he did not appear they would make enquiries, and try to +find him. It occurred to him how futile all such attempts must prove. +Even to one acquainted with the mountain paths the entrance to the +duke's domain was doubtless a secret, and the brigand had plainly hinted +that the native Sicilians were too cautious to spy upon him or molest +him in any way.</p> + +<p>So far, the only person he had seen was Il Duca himself. The child who +had decoyed him was, of course, somewhere about, and so also was +Ferralti. How many servants or followers the brigand might have was as +yet a mystery to the new arrival.</p> + +<p>In the side pocket of Uncle John's loose coat lay a loaded revolver, +which he had carried ever since he had received Mr. Watson's warning +let<a name="Page_197" id="Page_197"></a>ter. He had never imagined a condition of danger where he could not +use this weapon to defend himself, and as long as it remained by him he +had feared nothing. But he had been made a prisoner in so deft a manner +that he had no opportunity to expostulate or offer any sort of +resistance. Later there might be a chance to fight for his liberty, and +the only sensible action was to wait and bide his time.</p> + +<p>"For example," the Duke was saying, in his labored, broken English, "I +have here a priceless treasure—very antique, very beautiful. It was in +one time owned by Robert the Norman, who presented it to my greatest +ancestor."</p> + +<p>He drew an odd-shaped ring from his pocket and handed it to the +American. It was of dull gold and set with a half dozen flat-cut +garnets. Perhaps antique; perhaps not; but of little intrinsic value.</p> + +<p>"This ring I have decided to sell, and it shall be yours, Signor +Merreek, at a price far less than is represented by its historic worth. +I am sure you will be glad to buy it."<a name="Page_198" id="Page_198"></a></p> + +<p>"For how much?" asked Uncle John, curiously.</p> + +<p>"A trifle; a mere hundred thousand lira."</p> + +<p>"Twenty thousand dollars!"</p> + +<p>"The ring of King Roger. How cheap! But, nevertheless, you shall have it +for that sum."</p> + +<p>Uncle John smiled.</p> + +<p>"My dear Duke," he replied, "you have made a sad mistake. I am a +comparatively poor man. My fortune is very modest."</p> + +<p>The brigand lay back in his chair and lighted a fresh cigarette.</p> + +<p>"I fear you undervalue yourself, my dear guest," he said. "Recently have +I returned from America, where I was told much of the wealth of Signor +John Merreek, who is many times a millionaire. See," drawing a paper +from his pocket, "here is a list of the stocks and securities you own. +Also of government and railway bonds, of real estate and of manufactures +controlled by your money. I will read, and you will correct me if an +error occurs."</p> + +<p>Uncle John listened and was amazed. The schedule was complete, and its +total was many <a name="Page_199" id="Page_199"></a>millions. It was a better list of holdings than Uncle +John possessed himself.</p> + +<p>"You foreigners make queer mistakes, Duke," said he, taking another +tack. "This property belongs to another John Merrick. It is a common +name, and that is doubtless why you mistook me for the rich John +Merrick."</p> + +<p>"I have noticed," returned the Duke, coldly, "that this strange delusion +of mind is apt to overtake my guests. But do not be alarmed; it will +pass away presently, and then you will realize that you are yourself. +Remember that I crossed the Atlantic on your steamship, signore. Many +people there on board spoke of you and pointed you out to me as the +great man of finance. Your own niece that is called Patsy, she also told +me much about you, and of your kindness to her and the other young +signorini. Before I left New York a banker of much dignity informed me +you would sail on the ship 'Princess Irene.' If a mistake has been made, +signore, it is yours, and not mine. Is your memory clearer now?"</p> + +<p>Uncle John laughed frankly. The rascal was too clever for him to dispute +with.<a name="Page_200" id="Page_200"></a></p> + +<p>"Whoever I am," said he, "I will not buy your ring."</p> + +<p>"I am pained," replied the brigand, lightly. "But there is ample time +for you to reflect upon the matter. Do not decide hastily, I implore +you. I may have been too liberal in making my offer, and time may assist +me in fixing a just price for the relic. But we have had enough of +business just now. It is time for our midday collation. Oblige me by +joining us, signore."</p> + +<p>He blew a shrill whistle, and a man stepped out of a doorway. He was an +enormous Sicilian, tall, sinewy and with a countenance as dark and +fierce as his master's. In his belt was a long knife, such as is known +as a stilleto.</p> + +<p>"Tommaso," said the Duke, "kindly show Signor Merreek to his room, and +ask Guido if luncheon is ready to be served."</p> + +<p>"<i>Va bene, padrone</i>," growled the man, and turned obediently to escort +the American.</p> + +<p>Uncle John entered the house, traversed a broad and cool passage, +mounted to the second floor and found himself in a pleasant room with a +balcony overlooking the valley. It was com<a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a>fortably furnished, and with +a bow that was not without a certain grim respect the man left him alone +and tramped down the stairs again. There had been no attempt to restrain +his liberty or molest him in any way, yet he was not slow to recognize +the fact that he was a prisoner. Not in the house, perhaps, but in the +valley. There was no need to confine him more closely. He could not +escape.</p> + +<p>He bathed his hands and face, dried them on a fresh towel, and found his +toilet table well supplied with conveniences. In the next room some one +was pacing the floor like a caged beast, growling and muttering angrily +at every step.</p> + +<p>Uncle John listened. "The brigand seems to have more than one guest," he +thought, and smiled at the other's foolish outbursts.</p> + +<p>Then he caught a word or two of English that made him start. He went to +the door between the two rooms and threw it open, finding himself face +to face with Count Ferralti.<a name="Page_202" id="Page_202"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h3>GUESTS OF THE BRIGAND</h3> + + +<p>"Good morning, Count," said Uncle John, cheerfully.</p> + +<p>The other stared at him astonished.</p> + +<p>"Good heavens! Have they got you, too?" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Why, I'm visiting his excellency, Il Duca, if that's what you mean," +replied Mr. Merrick. "But whether he's got me, or I've got him, I +haven't yet decided."</p> + +<p>The young man's jaw was tied in a bandage and one of his eyes was black +and discolored. He looked agitated and miserable.</p> + +<p>"Sir, you are in grave danger; we are both in grave danger," he +announced, "unless we choose to submit to being robbed by this rascally +brigand."</p> + +<p>"Then," observed Uncle John, "let's submit."</p> + +<p>"Never! Not in a thousand years!" cried<a name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a> Ferralti, wildly. And then this +singular young man sank into a chair and burst into tears.</p> + +<p>Uncle John was puzzled. The slender youth—for he was but a youth in +spite of his thin moustaches—exhibited a queer combination of courage +and weakness; but somehow Uncle John liked him better at that moment +than he ever had before. Perhaps because he now realized he had unjustly +suspected him.</p> + +<p>"You seem to have been hurt, Count," he remarked.</p> + +<p>"Why, I was foolish enough to struggle, and that brute Tommaso pounded +me," was the reply. "You were wise to offer no resistance, sir."</p> + +<p>"As for that, I hadn't a choice," said Uncle John, smiling. "When did +they get you, Ferralti?"</p> + +<p>"Last evening. I walked in the garden of the hotel and they threw a sack +over my head. I resisted and tried to cry out. They beat me until I was +insensible and then brought me here, together with my travelling cases, +which they removed from my room to convey the impression that I had gone +away voluntarily. When I <a name="Page_204" id="Page_204"></a>awakened from my swoon I was in this room, +with the doctor bending over me."</p> + +<p>"The doctor?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, they have a doctor in this accursed den, as well as a priest and a +lawyer. The Duke entreated my pardon. He will punish his men for abusing +me. But he holds me a safe prisoner, just the same."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"He wants a ransom. He will force me to purchase an ancient brass +candlestick for fifty thousand lira."</p> + +<p>Uncle John looked at his companion thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, Count Ferralti," he said, "who you really are. I had believed +you were Il Duca's accomplice, until now. But if he has trapped you, and +demands a ransom, it is because you are a person of some consequence, +and able to pay. May I not know as much about your position in life as +does this brigand duke?"</p> + +<p>The young man hesitated. Then he spread out his hands with an appealing +gesture and said:</p> + +<p>"Not yet, Mr. Merrick! Do not press me <a name="Page_205" id="Page_205"></a>now, I implore you. Perhaps I +have done wrong to try to deceive you, but in good time I will explain +everything, and then you will understand me better."</p> + +<p>"You are no count."</p> + +<p>"That is true, Mr. Merrick."</p> + +<p>"You are not even an Italian."</p> + +<p>"That is but partly true, sir."</p> + +<p>"You have seen fit to deceive us by—"</p> + +<p>Tommaso threw wide the door.</p> + +<p>"<i>Il dejuné é servito</i>," he said gruffly.</p> + +<p>"What does that mean?" asked Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"Luncheon is ready. Shall we go down?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I'm hungry."</p> + +<p>They followed the man to the lower floor, where he ushered them into a +low, cool room where a long table was set. The walls were whitewashed +and bore some religious prints, gaudily colored. A white cloth covered +the table, which was well furnished with modern crockery and glass, and +antique silverware.</p> + +<p>At the head of the table were two throne-like chairs, one slightly +larger and more elevated than the other. In the more important seat was +a <a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a>withered old woman with a face like that of a mummy, except that it +was supplied with two small but piercing jet eyes that seemed very much +alive as they turned shrewdly upon the strangers. She was the only one +of the company they found seated. The Duke stood behind the smaller +chair beside her, and motioned the Americans to occupy two places at the +side of the table next him. Opposite them, in the places adjoining the +elevated dais, were two remarkable individuals whom Uncle John saw for +the first time. One was a Cappuccin monk, with shaven crown and coarse +cassock fastened at the waist by a cord. He was blind in one eye and the +lid of the other drooped so as to expose only a thin slit. Fat, awkward +and unkempt, he stood holding to the back of his chair and swaying +slightly from side to side. Next <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original does not have word "to"">to</ins>him was a dandified appearing man +who was very slight and thin of form but affected the dress and manners +of extreme youth. Ferralti whispered to Uncle John that this was the +doctor.</p> + +<p>The table dropped a step in heighth from these places, and the balance +of its length was occu<a name="Page_207" id="Page_207"></a>pied by several stalwart Sicilians, clothed in +ordinary peasant costume, and a few silent, heavy-featured women. Tato +was not present.</p> + +<p>"Signori," said the Duke to the Americans, "allow me to present you to +my mother, the head of our illustrious family; one who is known, admired +and feared throughout Sicily as her Excellenza la Duchessa d'Alcanta."</p> + +<p>With the words the Duke bowed low to the old woman. Uncle John and +Ferralti also bowed low. The lines of servitors humbly bent themselves +double. But the Duchessa made no acknowledgment. Her bead like eyes +searched the faces of the "guests" with disconcerting boldness, and then +dropped to her plate.</p> + +<p>At this signal the fat priest mumbled a blessing upon the food, the Duke +waved his hand, and all the company became seated.</p> + +<p>Uncle John felt as if he were taking part in a comic opera, and enjoyed +the scene immensely. But now his attention was distracted by the +stewards bringing in steaming platters of macaroni and stewed mutton, +from which they first served the Duchessa, and then the Duke, and +<a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a>afterward the guests. The servants waited hungry-eyed until these +formalities were completed, and then swept the platters clean and ate +ravenously.</p> + +<p>Uncle John plied his knife and fork busily and found the food +excellently prepared. Ferralti seemed to have little appetite. Some of +his teeth had been knocked out and his broken wrist, which had but +partially healed, had been wrenched in the scrimmage of the night before +so that it caused him considerable pain.</p> + +<p>The Duke attempted little conversation, doubtless through deference to +the aged Duchessa, who remained absolutely silent and unresponsive to +her surroundings. He praised his wine, however, which he said was from +their own vineyards, and pressed the Americans to drink freely.</p> + +<p>When she had finished her meal the Duchessa raised a hand, and at the +signal the whole company arose and stood at their places while two of +the women assisted her to retire. She leaned upon their shoulders, being +taller than her son, but displayed surprising vigor for one so advanced +in years.<a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a></p> + +<p>When she had gone the others finished at their leisure, and the +conversation became general, the servants babbling in their voluble +Italian without any restraint whatever.</p> + +<p>Then the Duke led his prisoners to the veranda and offered them cigars. +These were brought by Tato, who then sat in the duke's lap and curled up +affectionately in his embrace, while the brigand's expression softened +and he stroked the boy's head with a tender motion.</p> + +<p>Uncle John watched the little scene approvingly. It was the first time +he had seen Tato since the child had lured him through the tunnel.</p> + +<p>"Your son, Duke?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, signore; my only child. The heir to my modest estate."</p> + +<p>"And a very good brigand, already, for his years," added Mr. Merrick. +"Ah, Tato, Tato," shaking his head at the child, "how could you be so +cruel as to fool an innocent old chap like me?"</p> + +<p>Tato laughed.</p> + +<p>"I did not deceive you, signore. You but mis<a name="Page_210" id="Page_210"></a>understood me. I said +Signor Ferralti was hurt, and so he was."</p> + +<p>"But you said he needed my assistance."</p> + +<p>"Does he not, signore?"</p> + +<p>"How do you speak such good English?"</p> + +<p>"Father Antoine taught me."</p> + +<p>"The monk?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, signore."</p> + +<p>"My child is a linguist," remarked the Duke, complacently. "Sh—he has +been taught English, German and French, even from the days of infancy. +It is very good for me, for now Tato can entertain my guests."</p> + +<p>"Have you no Italian guests, then?" asked Uncle John.</p> + +<p>"No, since Italy owns Sicily, and I am a loyal subject. Neither have I +many Germans or Frenchmen, although a few wander my way, now and then. +But the Americans I love, and often they visit me. There were three last +year, and now here are two more to honor me with their presence."</p> + +<p>"The Americans make easier victims, I suppose."<a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, the Americans are very rich, and they purchase my wares liberally. +By the way, Signor Ferralti," turning to the young man, "have you +decided yet the little matter of your own purchase?"</p> + +<p>"I will not buy your candlestick, if that is what you refer to," was the +response.</p> + +<p>"No?"</p> + +<p>"By no means. Fifty thousand lira, for a miserable bit of brass!"</p> + +<p>"But I forgot to tell you, signore; the candlestick is no longer for +sale," observed the Duke, with an evil smile. "Instead, I offer you a +magnificent bracelet which is a hundred years old."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. What's the price?"</p> + +<p>"A hundred thousand lira, signore."</p> + +<p>Ferralti started. Then in turn he smiled at his captor.</p> + +<p>"That is absurd," said he. "I have no wealth at all, sir, but live on a +small allowance that barely supplies my needs. I cannot pay."</p> + +<p>"I will take that risk, signore," said the brigand, coolly. "You have +but to draw me an order on Mr. Edward Leighton, of New York, <a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a>for one +hundred thousand lira—or say twenty thousand dollars—and the bracelet +is yours."</p> + +<p>"Edward Leighton! My father's attorney! How did you know of him, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I have an agent in New York," answered the Duke, "and lately I have +been in your city myself."</p> + +<p>"Then, if you know so much, you scoundrelly thief, you know that my +father will not honor a draft for such a sum as you demand. I doubt if +my father would pay a single dollar to save me from assassination."</p> + +<p>"We will not discuss that, signore, for I regret to say that your father +is no longer able to honor drafts. However, your attorney can do so, and +will, without question."</p> + +<p>Ferralti stared at him blankly.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>The Duke shook the ashes from his cigar and examined the glowing end +with interest.</p> + +<p>"Your father," was the deliberate reply, "was killed in a railway +accident, four days ago. I have just been notified of the fact by a +cable from America."<a name="Page_213" id="Page_213"></a></p> + +<p>Ferralti sat trembling and regarding the man with silent horror.</p> + +<p>"Is this true, sir?" asked Uncle John, quickly; "or is it only a part of +your cursed game?"</p> + +<p>"It is quite true, signore, I regret being obliged to break the ill news +so abruptly; but this gentleman thought himself too poor to purchase my +little bracelet, and it was necessary to inform him that he is suddenly +made wealthy—not yet so great a Croesus as yourself, Signor Merreek, +but still a very rich man."</p> + +<p>Ferralti ceased trembling, but the horror still clung to his eyes.</p> + +<p>"A railway wreck!" he muttered, hoarsely. "Where was it, sir? Tell me, I +beseech you! And are you sure my father is dead?"</p> + +<p>"Very sure, signore. My informant is absolutely reliable. But the +details of the wreck I do not know. I am only informed of the fact of +your father's death, and that his will leaves you his entire fortune."</p> + +<p>Ferralti arose and staggered away to his room, and Uncle John watched +him go pityingly, but <a name="Page_214" id="Page_214"></a>knew no way to comfort him. When he had gone he +asked gently:</p> + +<p>"His father was an American, Duke?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, signore."</p> + +<p>"And wealthy, you say?"</p> + +<p>"Exceedingly wealthy, signore."</p> + +<p>"What was his name?"</p> + +<p>"Ah; about that ring, my dear guest. Do you think a hundred and fifty +thousand lira too much for it?"</p> + +<p>"You said a hundred thousand."</p> + +<p>"That was this morning, signore. The ring has increased in value since. +To-morrow, without doubt, it will be worth two hundred thousand."</p> + +<p>Tato laughed at the rueful expression on the victim's face, and, a +moment after, Uncle John joined in his laughter.</p> + +<p>"Very good, duke," he said. "I don't wish to rob you. Let us wait until +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>The brigand seemed puzzled.</p> + +<p>"May I ask why, Signor Merreek—since you are warned?" he enquired.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's this way, Duke. I'm just a simple, <a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a>common-place American, +and have lived a rather stupid existence for some time. We have no +brigands at home, nor any hidden valleys or protected criminals like +yourself. The romance of my surroundings interests me; your methods are +unique and worth studying; if I am so rich as you think me a few extra +hundred thousand lira will be a cheap price to pay for this experience. +Is it not so?"</p> + +<p>The Duke frowned.</p> + +<p>"Do you play with me?" he asked, menacingly.</p> + +<p>"By no means. I'm just the spectator. I expect you to make the +entertainment. I'm sure it will be a good show, although the price is +rather high."</p> + +<p>Il Duca glared, but made no reply at the moment. Instead, he sat +stroking Tato's hair and glowering evilly at the American.</p> + +<p>The child whispered something in Italian, and the man nodded.</p> + +<p>"Very well, signore," he said, more quietly. "To-morrow, then, if it so +pleases you."<a name="Page_216" id="Page_216"></a></p> + +<p>Then, taking Tato's hand, he slowly arose and left the veranda.</p> + +<p>For a moment the American looked after them with a puzzled expression. +Then he said to himself, with a smile: "Ah, I have solved one mystery, +at any rate. Tato is a girl!"<a name="Page_217" id="Page_217"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h3>A DIFFICULT POSITION</h3> + + +<p>And now Uncle John, finding himself left alone, took his walkingstick +and started out to explore the valley.</p> + +<p>He felt very sorry for young Ferralti, but believed his sympathy could +in no way lighten the blow caused by the abrupt news of his parent's +death. He would wish to be alone with his grief for a time. By and by +Mr. Merrick intended to question his fellow prisoner and try to find out +something of his history.</p> + +<p>The dale was very beautiful as it lay basking in the afternoon sun. Near +the house was a large vegetable garden, which, being now shaded by the +overhanging cliffs, was being tended by a sour-visaged Sicilian. Uncle +John watched him for a time, but the fellow paid no heed to him. Every +servant connected with the duke's establishment seemed surly and morose, +and this <a name="Page_218" id="Page_218"></a>was the more remarkable because the country folk and villagers +Uncle John had met were usually merry and light-hearted.</p> + +<p>Down by the brook were green meadows and groves of fruit trees. The +little gentleman followed the stream for some distance, and finally came +upon a man seated on the bank above a broad pool, intently engaged in +fishing. It proved to be the dandified old doctor, who wore gloves to +protect his hands and a broad-rimmed straw hat to shade his face.</p> + +<p>Uncle John stood beside the motionless figure for a moment, watching the +line. Then, forgetting he was in a foreign country, he asked carelessly:</p> + +<p>"Any luck?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet," was the quiet reply, in clear English. "It is too early to +interest the fishes. An hour later they will bite."</p> + +<p>"Then why did you come so soon?"</p> + +<p>"To escape that hell-hole yonder," nodding his head toward the house.</p> + +<p>Uncle John was surprised.<a name="Page_219" id="Page_219"></a></p> + +<p>"But you are not a prisoner, doctor," he ventured to say.</p> + +<p>"Except through the necessity of earning a livelihood. Il Duca pays +well—or rather the Duchessa does, for she is the head of this +household. I am skillful, and worth my price, and they know it."</p> + +<p>"You say the Duchessa is the head of the house?"</p> + +<p>"Assuredly, signore. Il Duca is her slave. She plans and directs +everything, and her son but obeys her will."</p> + +<p>"Did she send him to America?"</p> + +<p>"I think so. But do not misunderstand me. The Duke is clever on his own +account, and almost as wicked as his old mother. And between them they +are training the child to be as bad as they are. It is dreadful."</p> + +<p>"Have you been here long?"</p> + +<p>"For seven years, signore."</p> + +<p>"But you can resign whenever you please?"</p> + +<p>"Why not? But the doubt makes me uneasy, sometimes. In another year I +would like to go to Venice, and retire from professional life. I <a name="Page_220" id="Page_220"></a>am a +Venetian, you observe; no dastardly brigand of a Sicilian. And in +another year I shall have sufficient means to retire and end my days in +peace. Here I save every centessimo I make, for I can spend nothing."</p> + +<p>Uncle John sat down upon the bank beside the confiding Venetian.</p> + +<p>"Doctor," said he, "I am somewhat puzzled by this man you call Il Duca, +as well as by my audacious capture and the methods employed to rob me. +I'd like your advice. What shall I do?"</p> + +<p>"The only possible thing, signore. Submit."</p> + +<p>"Why is it the only possible thing?"</p> + +<p>"Have you not yet discovered? Unless you pay, your friends will never +hear from you again. Il Duca, by his mother's favor, is king here. He +will murder you if you oppose his demands."</p> + +<p>"Really?"</p> + +<p>"It is quite certain, signore. He has murdered several obstinate people +since I have been here, and the outside world will never know their +fate. It is folly to oppose the king. Were you not rich you would not be +here. Il Duca <a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a>knows the exact wealth of every American who travels +abroad and is likely to visit Sicily. Many escape him, but a few wander +into his toils, for he is wonderfully sagacious. Mark you: he does not +demand your all; he merely takes tribute, leaving his victims sufficient +to render life desirable to them. If he required their all, many would +as soon forfeit life as make the payment; but a tithe they will spare +for the privilege of living. That is why he is so successful. And that +is why he remains undisturbed. For an American, being robbed so simply, +never tells of his humiliating experience. He goes home, and avoids +Sicily ever after."</p> + +<p>"H-m-m. I understand."</p> + +<p>"But if you do not pay, you are not permitted to leave this place. You +are killed at once, and the incident is over. Il Duca does not love to +murder, but he takes no chances."</p> + +<p>"I see. But suppose I pay, and then make complaint to the Italian +government?"</p> + +<p>"It has been done, signore. But the government is very blind. It does +not know Il Duca d' Alcanta. Its officials are convinced he does <a name="Page_222" id="Page_222"></a>not +exist. They investigate carefully, and declare the tale is all a myth."</p> + +<p>"Then there is no way of escape?"</p> + +<p>"Absolutely none. Such a condition is almost inconceivable, is it not? +and in this enlightened age? But it exists, and is only harmful when its +victims are stubborn and rebellious. To be cheerful and pay promptly is +the only sensible way out of your difficulty."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Uncle John. "I shall probably pay promptly. But tell +me, to satisfy my curiosity, how does your duke murder his victims?"</p> + +<p>"He does not call it murder, as I do; he says they are suicides, or the +victims of accident. They walk along a path and fall into a pit. It is +deep, and they are killed. The pit is also their tomb. They are +forgotten, and the trap is already set for their successors."</p> + +<p>"Rather a gloomy picture, doctor."</p> + +<p>"Yes. I tell you this because my nature is kind. I abhor all crime, and +much prefer that you should live. But, if you die, my <i>salario</i> +continues. I am employed to guard the health of <a name="Page_223" id="Page_223"></a>the Duke's +family—especially the old Duchessa—and have no part in this detestable +business."</p> + +<p>"Isn't that a bite?"</p> + +<p>"No, signore. It is the current. It is not time for the fish to bite."</p> + +<p>Uncle John arose.</p> + +<p>"Good afternoon, doctor."</p> + +<p>"Good afternoon, signore."</p> + +<p>He left the old fellow sitting there and walked on. The valley was about +a half mile long and from a quarter to a third of a mile in width. It +resembled a huge amphitheatre in shape.</p> + +<p>The American tramped the length of the brook, which disappeared into the +rocky wall at the far end. Then he returned through the orchards to the +house.</p> + +<p>The place was silent and seemed deserted. There was a languor in the +atmosphere that invited sleep. Uncle John sought his room and lay down +for an afternoon nap, soon falling into a sound slumber.</p> + +<p>When he awoke he found Ferralti seated beside his bed. The young man was +pale, but composed.<a name="Page_224" id="Page_224"></a></p> + +<p>"Mr. Merrick," said he, "what have you decided to do?"</p> + +<p>Uncle John rubbed his eyes and sat up.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to purchase that ring," he answered, "at the best price the +Duke will make me."</p> + +<p>"I am disappointed," returned Ferralti, stiffly. "I do not intend to +allow myself to be robbed in this way."</p> + +<p>"Then write a farewell letter, and I'll take it to your friends."</p> + +<p>"It may not be necessary, sir."</p> + +<p>Uncle John regarded him thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"What can you do?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Ferralti leaned forward and whispered, softly: "I have a stout +pocket-knife, with a very long blade. I shall try to kill the Duke. Once +he is dead his people will not dare to oppose us, but will fly in +terror. It is only Il Duca's audacity and genius that enables this +robber's den to exist."</p> + +<p>"You would rather attempt this than pay?"</p> + +<p>"Sir, I could not bear the infamy of letting this scoundrel triumph over +me."<a name="Page_225" id="Page_225"></a></p> + +<p>"Well, Ferralti, you are attempting a delicate and dangerous task, but +so far as I can, I will help you."</p> + +<p>He took the revolver from his pocket and handed it to his companion.</p> + +<p>"It's loaded in every chamber," he whispered. "Perhaps it will serve +your purpose better than a knife."</p> + +<p>Ferralti's eyes sparkled.</p> + +<p>"Good!" he exclaimed, concealing the weapon. "I shall watch for my +opportunity, so as to make no mistake. Meantime, do you bargain with the +Duke, but postpone any agreement to pay."</p> + +<p>"All right, my lad. I'll wait to see what happens. It may add a good +deal to the cost of that ring, if you fail; but I'll take the chances of +that for the sake of the game."</p> + +<p>He paused a moment, and then added:</p> + +<p>"Is your father really dead, Count?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; the Duke has sent me the cablegram he received from his agent. I +cannot doubt his authority. My father and I have not been friendly, of +late years. He was a severe man, <a name="Page_226" id="Page_226"></a>cold and unsympathetic, but I am sorry +we could not have been reconciled before this awful fate overtook him. +However, it is now too late for vain regrets. I tried not to disobey or +antagonize my one parent, but he did not understand my nature, and +perhaps I failed to understand his."</p> + +<p>He sighed, and rising from his chair walked to the window to conceal his +emotion.</p> + +<p>Uncle John remained silent, and presently Tommaso entered to notify them +that dinner would be served in a half hour, and the Duke expected them +to join him at the table.</p> + +<p>The next morning Mr. Merrick bargained pleasantly with his jailer, who +seemed not averse to discussing the matter at length; but no conclusion +was reached. Ferralti took no part in the conversation, but remained +sullen and silent, and the Duke did not press him.</p> + +<p>The day after, however, he insisted that he had dallied long enough, +although after much argument on the part of his enforced guests he +agreed to give them three days to decide, with the understanding that +each day they delayed would add a goodly sum to their ransom. If at <a name="Page_227" id="Page_227"></a>the +end of the three days the Americans remained obdurate, he would invite +them to take a little walk, and the affair would be terminated.</p> + +<p>Ferralti hugged his revolver and awaited his opportunity. It seemed to +Uncle John that he might have had a hundred chances to shoot the +brigand, who merited no better fate than assassination at their hands; +but although Ferralti was resolved upon the deed he constantly hesitated +to accomplish it in cold blood, and the fact that he had three days +grace induced him to put off the matter as long as possible.</p> + +<p>He came to regret most bitterly his indecision; for something in the +young man's eyes must have put the brigand on his guard. When they awoke +on the third morning, which was the fifth since their imprisonment, some +one had searched their rooms thoroughly. The revolver and the knife were +both gone, and the loss rendered them absolutely helpless.<a name="Page_228" id="Page_228"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>UNCLE JOHN PLAYS EAVESDROPPER</h3> + + +<p>It now seemed to Uncle John that further resistance to the demands of Il +Duca was as useless as it was dangerous. He resented the necessity of +paying a ransom as much as any man could; but imprisoned as he was in a +veritable "robbers' den," without means of communicating with the +authorities or the outside world, and powerless to protect his life from +the vengeance of the unprincipled scoundrel who held him, the only safe +and sane mode of procedure was to give in as gracefully as possible.</p> + +<p>He formed this conclusion during a long walk around the valley, during +which he once more noted the absolute seclusion of the place and the +impossibility of escape by scaling the cliffs. The doctor was fishing +again by the brook, but paid no heed when Uncle John tramped by. The +sight of the dapper little man gave Mr. Merrick <a name="Page_229" id="Page_229"></a>a thought, and +presently he turned back and sat down beside the fisherman.</p> + +<p>"I want to get out of this," he said, bluntly. "It was fun, at first, +and rather interesting; but I've had enough of it."</p> + +<p>The physician kept his eye on the line and made no reply.</p> + +<p>"I want you to tell me how to escape," continued Uncle John. "It's no +use saying that it can't be done, for nothing is impossible to a clever +man, such as I believe you to be."</p> + +<p>Still no reply.</p> + +<p>"You spoke, the other day, of earning enough money to go home and live +in peace for the rest of your days. Here, sir, is your opportunity to +improve upon that ambition. The brigand is trying to exact a large +ransom from me; I'll give it to you willingly—every penny—if you'll +show me how to escape."</p> + +<p>"Why should you do that?" enquired the doctor, still intent upon his +line. "Does it matter to you who gets your money?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," was the prompt reply. "In one case I pay it for a service +rendered, and do it <a name="Page_230" id="Page_230"></a>gladly. On the other hand, I am robbed, and that +goes against the grain. Il Duca has finally decided to demand fifty +thousand dollars. It shall be yours, instead, if you give me your +assistance."</p> + +<p>"Signore," said the other, calmly, "I would like this money, and I +regret that it is impossible for me to earn it. But there is no means of +escape from this place except by the passage through the rocks, which +passage only three people know the secret of opening—Il Duca himself, +the child Tato, and the old Duchessa. Perhaps Tommaso also knows; I am +not certain; but he will not admit he has such knowledge. You see, +signore, I am as much a prisoner as yourself."</p> + +<p>"There ought to be some way to climb these cliffs; some secret path or +underground tunnel," remarked Uncle John, musingly.</p> + +<p>"It is more than a hundred years since this valley was made secure by a +brigand ancestor of our Duchessa," was the reply. "It may be two or +three centuries ago, for all I know. And ever since it has been used for +just this purpose:<a name="Page_231" id="Page_231"></a> to hold a prisoner until he was ransomed—and no +such man has ever left the place alive unless he paid the price."</p> + +<p>"Then you cannot help me?" asked Uncle John, who was weary of hearing +these pessimistic declarations.</p> + +<p>"I cannot even help myself; for I may not resign my position here unless +the Duke is willing I should go."</p> + +<p>"Good morning, doctor."</p> + +<p>The prisoner returned slowly toward the dwelling, with its group of +outhouses. By chance he found a path leading to the rear of these which +he had not traversed before, and followed it until he came to a hedge of +thickly set trees of some variety of cactus, which seemed to have been +planted to form an enclosure. Cautiously pushing aside the branches +bordering a small gap in this hedge, Uncle John discovered a charming +garden lying beyond, so he quickly squeezed himself through the opening +and entered.</p> + +<p>The garden was rudely but not badly kept. There was even some attempt at +ornamentation, <a name="Page_232" id="Page_232"></a>and many of the shrubs and flowers were rare and +beautiful. Narrow walks traversed the masses of foliage, and several +leafy bowers invited one to escape the heat of the midday sun in their +shelter. It was not a large place, and struck one as being overcrowded +because so many of the plants were taller than a man's head.</p> + +<p>Uncle John turned down one path which, after several curves and turns, +came to an abrupt ending beneath the spreading branches of an acacia +tree which had been converted into a bower by a thick, climbing vine, +whose matted leaves and purple blossoms effectually screened off the +garden beyond.</p> + +<p>While he stood gazing around him to find a way out without retracing his +steps, a clear voice within a few feet of him caused him to start. The +voice spoke in vehement Italian, and came from the other side of the +screen of vines. It was sharp and garrulous in tone, and although Uncle +John did not understand the words he recognized their dominating accent.</p> + +<p>The Duke replied, slowly and sullenly, and <a name="Page_233" id="Page_233"></a>whatever he said had the +effect of rousing the first speaker to fierce anger.</p> + +<p>The American became curious. He found a place where the leaves were +thinner than elsewhere, and carefully pressing them apart looked through +the opening. Beyond was a clear space, well shaded and furnished with +comfortable settles, tables and chairs. It adjoined a wing of the +dwelling, which stood but a few paces away and was evidently occupied by +the women of the household. The old Duchessa, her face still like a +death mask but her eyes glittering with the brightness of a serpent's, +sat enthroned within a large chair in the center of a family group. It +was her sharp voice that had first aroused the American's attention. +Opposite her sat the Duke, his thin face wearing an expression of gloom +and dissatisfaction. The child Tato occupied a stool at her father's +feet, and in the background were three serving women, sewing or +embroidering. Near the Duke stood the tall brigand known as Pietro.</p> + +<p>Answering the old woman's fierce tirade, Tato said:<a name="Page_234" id="Page_234"></a></p> + +<p>"It is foolish to quarrel in Italian. The servants are listening."</p> + +<p>"Let us then speak in English," returned the Duchessa. "These are +matters the servants should not gossip about."</p> + +<p>The Duke nodded assent. Both Tato and her grandmother spoke easily the +foreign tongue; the Duke was more uncertain in his English, but +understood it perfectly.</p> + +<p>"I am still the head of this family," resumed the Duchessa, in a more +moderate tone. "I insist that my will be obeyed."</p> + +<p>"Your dignity I have the respect for," replied the Duke, laboredly; "but +you grow old and foolish."</p> + +<p>"Foolish! I?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; you are absurd. You live in past centuries. You think to-day we +must do all that your ancestors did."</p> + +<p>"Can you do better?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; the world has change. It has progress. With it I advance, but you +do not. You would murder, rob, torture to-day as the great Duke, your +grandfather, did. You think we <a name="Page_235" id="Page_235"></a>still are of the world independent. You +think we are powerful and great. Bah! we are nothing—we are as a speck +of dust. But still we are the outlaws and the outcasts of Sicily, and +some day Italy will crush us and we will be forgotten."</p> + +<p>"I dare them to molest us!"</p> + +<p>"Because you are imbecile. The world you do not know. I have travel; I +see many countries; and I am wise."</p> + +<p>"But you are still my vassal, my slave; and I alone rule here. Always +have you rebelled and wanted to escape. Only my iron will has kept you +here and made you do your duty."</p> + +<p>"Since you my brother Ridolfo killed, I have little stomach for the +trade of brigand. It is true. But no longer is this trade necessary. We +are rich. Had I a son to inherit your business, a different thought +might prevail; but I have only Tato, and a girl cannot be a successful +brigand."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" cried the old Duchessa, contemptuously. "It is the +girl—always the girl—<a name="Page_236" id="Page_236"></a>you make excuses for. But have I not ruled our +domain—I, who am a woman?"</p> + +<p>Tato herself answered, in a quiet voice.</p> + +<p>"And what have you become, nonna, more than an outcast?" she enquired. +"What use to you is money, or a power that the world would sneer at, did +the world even suspect that you exist? You are a failure in life, my +nonna, and I will not be like you."</p> + +<p>The Duchessa screamed an epithet and glared at the child as if she would +annihilate her; but no fitting words to reply could she find.</p> + +<p>Uncle John smiled delightedly. He felt no sense of humiliation or revolt +at eavesdropping in this den of thieves, and to be able to gain so fair +a revelation of the inner life of this remarkable family was a diversion +not lightly to be foregone.</p> + +<p>"So far, we have managed to escape the law," resumed the Duke. "But +always it may not be our fortune to do this, if we continue this life. +It is now a good time to stop. Of one American we will gain a quarter of +a million lira—a fortune—and of the other one hundred and fifty +<a name="Page_237" id="Page_237"></a>thousand lira. With what we already have it is enough and more. Quietly +we will disband our men and go away. In another land we live the +respectable life, in peace with all, and Tato shall be the fine lady, +and forget she once was a brigand's daughter."</p> + +<p>The child sprang up in glee, and clasping her father's neck with both +arms kissed him with passionate earnestness.</p> + +<p>Silently the Duchessa watched the scene. Her face was as pallid and +immobile as ever; even the eyes seemed to have lost expression. But the +next words showed that she was still unconquered.</p> + +<p>"You shall take the money of the fat pig of an American; it is well to +do so. But the youth who boldly calls himself Ferralti shall make no +tribute to this family. He shall die as I have declared."</p> + +<p>"I will not take the risk," asserted the Duke, sourly.</p> + +<p>"Have the others who lie in the pit told tales?" she demanded.</p> + +<p>"No; but they died alone. Here are two<a name="Page_238" id="Page_238"></a> Americans our prisoners, and +they have many and powerful friends, both at Taormina and at Naples. The +man Merrick, when he goes, will tell that Ferralti is here. To obtain +his person, alive or dead, the soldiers will come here and destroy us +all. It is folly, and shows you are old and imbecile."</p> + +<p>"Then go!" she cried, fiercely. "Go, you and Tato; take your money and +escape. And leave me my valley, and the youth Ferralti, and my revenge. +Then, if I die, if the soldiers destroy me, it is my own doing."</p> + +<p>"In this new world, of which you know nothing, escape is not possible," +replied the duke, after a moment's thought. "Ferralti must be accounted +for, and because I captured him they would accuse me of his death, and +even Tato might be made to suffer. No, madame. Both the Americans must +be killed, or both set free for ransom."</p> + +<p>Uncle John gave a start of dismay. Here was a development he had not +expected.</p> + +<p>"Then," said the old woman, positively, "let them both die."<a name="Page_239" id="Page_239"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, no!" exclaimed Tato. "Not that, grandmother!"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not so," agreed the Duke. "We want their money."</p> + +<p>"You are already rich," said the Duchessa. "You have yourself said so, +and I know it is truth."</p> + +<p>"This new world," explained the Duke, "contains of luxuries many that +you have no understanding of. To be rich to-day requires more money than +in your days, madre mia. With these ransoms, which already we have won, +we shall have enough. Without this money my Tato would lack much that I +desire for her. So of new murders I will take no risk, for the bambina's +sake."</p> + +<p>"And my revenge?"</p> + +<p>"Bah, of what use is it? Because the boy's father married my sister +Bianca, and ill-treated her, must we kill their offspring?"</p> + +<p>"He is his father's son. The father, you say, is dead, and so also is my +child Bianca. Then my hatred falls upon the son Arturo, and he must die +to avenge the wrong to our race."<a name="Page_240" id="Page_240"></a></p> + +<p>"More proof that you are imbecile," said the Duke, calmly. "He shall not +die. He is nothing to us except a mine from whence to get gold."</p> + +<p>"He is my grandson. I have a right to kill him."</p> + +<p>"He is my nephew. He shall live."</p> + +<p>"Do you defy me?"</p> + +<p>"With certainty. I defy you. The new world permits no crazy nonna to +rule a family. That is my privilege. If you persist, it is you who shall +go to the pit. If you have reason, you shall remain in your garden in +peace. Come, Tato; we will retire."</p> + +<p>He arose and took the child's hand. The old woman sat staring at them in +silence, but with an evil glint in her glistening eyes.</p> + +<p>Uncle John turned around and softly made his retreat from the garden. +His face wore a startled and horrified expression and on his forehead +stood great beads of sweat that the sultriness of the day did not +account for.</p> + +<p>But he thought better of Il Duca.<a name="Page_241" id="Page_241"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>THE PIT</h3> + + +<p>They met an hour later at luncheon, all but the Duchessa, who sulked in +her garden. Tato was bright and smiling, filled with a suppressed joy +which bubbled up in spite of the little one's effort to be dignified and +sedate. When her hand stole under the table to find and press that of +her father, Uncle John beamed upon her approvingly; for he knew what had +occurred and could sympathize with her delight.</p> + +<p>The Duke, however, was more sombre than usual. He had defied his mother, +successfully, so far; but he feared the terrible old woman more than did +Tato, because he knew more of her history and of the bold and wicked +deeds she had perpetrated in years gone by. Only once had a proposed +victim escaped her, and that was when her own daughter Bianca had fallen +in love with an American held for ransom and <a name="Page_242" id="Page_242"></a>spirited him away from the +valley through knowledge of the secret passage. It was well Bianca had +fled with her lover; otherwise her mother would surely have killed her. +But afterward, when the girl returned to die in the old home, all was +forgiven, and only the hatred of her foreign husband, whose cruelty had +driven her back to Sicily, remained to rankle in the old Duchessa's +wicked heart.</p> + +<p>No one knew her evil nature better than her son. He entertained a +suspicion that he had not conquered her by his recent opposition to her +will. Indeed, he would never have dared to brave her anger except for +Tato's sake. Tato was his idol, and in her defense the cowardly brigand +had for the moment become bold.</p> + +<p>Tato laughed and chatted with Uncle John all through the meal, even +trying at times to cheer the doleful Ferralti, who was nearly as glum +and unsociable as her father. The servants and brigands at the lower end +of the table looked upon the little one admiringly. It was evident she +was a general favorite.</p> + +<p>On the porch, after luncheon, the Duke <a name="Page_243" id="Page_243"></a>broached the subject of the +ransoms again, still maintaining the fable of selling his antique +jewelry.</p> + +<p>"Sir," said Uncle John, "I'm going to submit gracefully, but upon one +condition."</p> + +<p>The Duke scowled.</p> + +<p>"I allow no conditions," he said.</p> + +<p>"You'd better allow this one," Uncle John replied, "because it will make +it easier for all of us. Of my own free will and accord I will make a +present to Tato of fifty thousand dollars, and she shall have it for her +dowry when she marries."</p> + +<p>Tato clapped her hands.</p> + +<p>"How did you know I am a girl, when I wear boys' clothes?" she asked.</p> + +<p>Even the duke smiled, at that, but the next moment he shook his head +solemnly.</p> + +<p>"It will not do, signore," he declared, answering Uncle John's +proposition. "This is a business affair altogether. You must purchase +the ring, and at once."</p> + +<p>The little American sighed. It had been his last hope.<a name="Page_244" id="Page_244"></a></p> + +<p>"Very well," he said; "have your own way."</p> + +<p>"You will send to your friends for the money?"</p> + +<p>"Whenever you say, Duke. You've got me in a hole, and I must wiggle out +the best way I can."</p> + +<p>The brigand turned to Ferralti.</p> + +<p>"And you, signore?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I do not know whether I can get the money you demand."</p> + +<p>"But you will make the attempt, as I shall direct?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then, signori, it is all finished. In a brief time you will leave my +hospitable roof."</p> + +<p>"The sooner the better," declared Ferralti.</p> + +<p>They sat for a time in silence, each busy with his thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Go to your grandmother, Tato," said the Duke, "and try to make your +peace with her. If she is too angry, do not remain. To-morrow you must +go into town with letters from these gentlemen to their friends."</p> + +<p>The child kissed him and went obediently to <a name="Page_245" id="Page_245"></a>do his will. Then the +brigand spoke to Tommaso, who brought writing material from the house +and placed it upon a small table.</p> + +<p>Uncle John, without further demur, sat down to write. The Duke dictated +what he should say, although he was allowed to express the words in his +own characteristic style, and he followed his instructions implicitly, +secretly admiring the shrewdness of the brigand's methods.</p> + +<p>It was now Ferralti's turn. He had just seated himself at the table and +taken the pen when they were startled by a shrill scream from the rear +of the house. It was followed by another, and another, in quick +succession.</p> + +<p>It was Tato's voice, and the duke gave an answering cry and sprang from +the veranda to dart quickly around the corner of the house. Uncle John +followed him, nearly as fearful as the child's father.</p> + +<p>Tommaso seized a short rifle that stood near and ran around the house in +the other direction, when Ferralti, who for a moment had seemed dazed by +the interruption, followed Tommaso rather than the others.<a name="Page_246" id="Page_246"></a></p> + +<p>As they came to the rear they were amazed to see the old Duchessa, whom +they had known to be feeble and dependent upon her women, rush through +the garden hedge with the agility of a man, bearing in her arms the +struggling form of little Tato.</p> + +<p>The child screamed pitifully, but the woman glared upon Tommaso and +Ferralti, as she passed them, with the ferocity of a tiger.</p> + +<p>"She is mad!" cried Ferralti. "Quick, Tommaso; let us follow her."</p> + +<p>The brigand bounded forward, with the young man scarce a pace behind +him. The woman, running with wonderful speed in spite of her burden, +began to ascend a narrow path leading up the face of a rugged cliff.</p> + +<p>A yell of anguish from behind for a moment arrested Ferralti's rapid +pursuit. Glancing back he saw the Duke running frantically toward them, +at the same time waving his arms high above his head.</p> + +<p>"The pit!" he shouted. "She is making for the pit. Stop her, for the +love of God!"</p> + +<p>Ferralti understood, and dashed forward again <a name="Page_247" id="Page_247"></a>at full speed. Tommaso +also understood, for his face was white and he muttered terrible oaths +as he pressed on. Yet run as they might, the mad duchessa was inspired +with a strength so superhuman that she kept well in advance.</p> + +<p>But the narrow path ended half way up the cliff. It ended at a deep +chasm in the rocks, the edge of which was protected by a large flat +stone, like the curb of a well.</p> + +<p>With a final leap the old woman gained this stone, and while the +dreadful pit yawned at her feet she turned, and with a demoniacal laugh +faced her pursuers, hugging the child close to her breast.</p> + +<p>Tommaso and Ferralti, who were nearest, paused instinctively. It was now +impossible for them to prevent the tragedy about to be enacted. The +Duke, spurred on by fear, was yet twenty paces in their rear, and in a +moment he also stopped, clasping his hands in a gesture of vain +entreaty.</p> + +<p>"Listen, Lugui!" his mother called to him, in a dear, high voice. "This +is the child that has come between us and turned you from a man <a name="Page_248" id="Page_248"></a>into a +coward. Here alone is the cause of our troubles. Behold! I will remove +it forever from our path."</p> + +<p>With the words she lifted Tato high above her head and turned toward the +pit—that terrible cleft in the rocks which was believed to have no +bottom.</p> + +<p>At her first movement Tommaso had raised his gun, and the Duke, +perceiving this, called to him in an agonized voice to fire. But either +the brigand wavered between his loyalty to the Duke or the Duchessa, or +he feared to injure Tato, for he hesitated to obey and the moments were +precious.</p> + +<p>The child's fate hung in the balance when Ferralti snatched the weapon +from the brigand's hands and fired it so hastily that he scarcely seemed +to take aim.</p> + +<p>A wild cry echoed the shot. The woman collapsed and fell, dropping Tato +at her feet, where they both tottered at the edge of the pit. The child, +however, clung desperately to the outer edge of the flat stone, while +the Duchessa's inert <a name="Page_249" id="Page_249"></a>form seemed to hesitate for an instant and then +disappeared from view.</p> + +<p>Tommaso ran forward and caught up the child, returning slowly along the +path to place it in the father's arms. Ferralti was looking vaguely from +the weapon he held to the pit, and then back again, as if not fully +understanding what he had done.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, signore," said the Duke, brokenly, "for saving my precious +child."</p> + +<p>"But I have slain your mother!" cried the young man, horrified.</p> + +<p>"The obligation is even," replied the duke. "She was also your +grandmother."</p> + +<p>Ferralti stood motionless, his face working convulsively, his tongue +refusing to utter a sound.</p> + +<p>"But he did not shoot my grandmother at all," said Tato, who was sobbing +against her father's breast; "for I heard the bullet strike the rock +beside us. My grandmother's strength gave way, and she fainted. It was +that that saved me, padre mia."<a name="Page_250" id="Page_250"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>NEWS AT LAST</h3> + + +<p>Kenneth Forbes had always been an unusual boy. He had grown up in an +unfriendly atmosphere, unloved and uncared for, and resented this +neglect with all the force of his impetuous nature. He had hated Aunt +Jane, and regarded her as cruel and selfish—a fair estimate of her +character—until Aunt Jane's nieces taught him to be more considerate +and forgiving. Patricia, especially, had exercised a gentler influence +upon the arbitrary youth, and as a consequence they had become staunch +friends.</p> + +<p>When the unexpected inheritance of a fortune changed the boy's condition +from one of dependence to one of importance he found he had no longer +any wrongs to resent; therefore his surly and brusque moods gradually +disappeared, and he became a pleasant companion to those he cared for. +With strangers he still remained <a name="Page_251" id="Page_251"></a>reserved and suspicious, and +occasionally the old sullen fits would seize him and it was well to +avoid his society while they lasted.</p> + +<p>On his arrival at Taormina, Kenneth had entered earnestly into the +search for Uncle John, whom he regarded most affectionately; and, having +passed the day tramping over the mountains, he would fill the evening +with discussions and arguments with the nieces concerning the fate of +their missing uncle.</p> + +<p>But as the days dragged wearily away the search slackened and was +finally abandoned. Kenneth set up his easel in the garden and began to +paint old Etna, with its wreath of snow and the soft gray cloud of vapor +that perpetually hovered over it.</p> + +<p>"Anyone with half a soul could paint that!" said Patsy; and as a proof +of her assertion the boy did very well indeed, except that his +uneasiness on Mr. Merrick's account served to distract him more or less.</p> + +<p>Nor was Kenneth the only uneasy one. Mr. Watson, hard-headed man of +resource as he was, grew more and more dejected as he realized the +<a name="Page_252" id="Page_252"></a>impossibility of interesting the authorities in the case. The Sicilian +officials were silent and uncommunicative; the Italians wholly +indifferent. If strangers came to Taormina and got into difficulties, +the government was in no way to blame. It was their duty to tolerate +tourists, but those all too energetic foreigners must take care of +themselves.</p> + +<p>Probably Mr. Watson would have cabled the State Department at Washington +for assistance had he not expected each day to put him in communication +with his friend, and in the end he congratulated himself upon his +patience. The close of the week brought a sudden and startling change in +the situation.</p> + +<p>The girls sat on the shaded terrace one afternoon, watching the picture +of Etna grow under Kenneth's deft touches, when they observed a child +approaching them with shy diffidence. It was a beautiful Sicilian boy, +with wonderful brown eyes and a delicate profile. After assuring himself +that the party of young Americans was quite separate from any straggling +guest of <a name="Page_253" id="Page_253"></a>the hotel, the child came near enough to say, in a low tone:</p> + +<p>"I have a message from Signor Merrick."</p> + +<p>They crowded around him eagerly then, raining questions from every side; +but the boy shrank away and said, warningly:</p> + +<p>"If we are overheard, signorini mia, it will be very bad. No one must +suspect that I am here."</p> + +<p>"Is my uncle well?" asked Patsy, imploringly.</p> + +<p>"Quite well, mees."</p> + +<p>"And have you also news of Count Ferralti?" anxiously enquired Louise.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Ferralti? He is better. Some teeth are knocked out, but he eats +very well without them," replied the child, with an amused laugh.</p> + +<p>"Where are our friends, my lad?" Kenneth asked.</p> + +<p>"I cannot describe the place, signore; but here are letters to explain +all." The child produced a bulky package, and after a glance at each, in +turn, placed it in Patsy's hands. "Read very secretly, signorini, and +decide your course of <a name="Page_254" id="Page_254"></a>action. To-morrow I will come for your answer. In +the meantime, confide in no one but yourselves. If you are indiscreet, +you alone will become the murderers of Signor Merrick and the sad young +Ferralti."</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" asked Beth, examining the child closely.</p> + +<p>"I am called Tato, signorina mia."</p> + +<p>"Where do you live?"</p> + +<p>"It is all explained in the letters, believe me."</p> + +<p>Beth glanced at Patricia, who was examining the package, and now all +crowded around for a glimpse of Uncle John's well-known handwriting. The +wrapper was inscribed:</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>"To Miss Doyle, Miss De Graf and Miss Merrick,</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 16.5em;"><i>Hotel Castello-a-Mare, Taormina.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>By the safe hands of Tato."</i></span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Inside were two letters, one addressed to Louise personally. She seized +this and ran a little distance away, while Beth took Uncle John's letter +from Patsy's trembling hands, and having <a name="Page_255" id="Page_255"></a>opened it read aloud in a +clear and composed voice the following:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"My dear Nieces: (and also my dear friends, Silas Watson and +Kenneth Forbes, if they are with you) Greeting! You have +perhaps been wondering at my absence, which I will explain +by saying that I am visiting a noble acquaintance in a very +cozy and comfortable retreat which I am sure would look +better from a distance. My spirits and health are A No. 1 +and it is my intention to return to you as soon as you have +executed a little commission for me, which I want you to do +exactly as I hereby instruct you. In other words, if you +don't execute the commission you will probably execute me.</p> + +<p>"I have decided to purchase a valuable antique ring from my +host, at a price of fifty thousand dollars, which trifling +sum I must have at once to complete the transaction, for +until full payment is made I cannot rejoin you. Therefore +you must hasten to raise the dough. Here's the programme, my +dear girls: One of you must go by first train to Messina and +cable<a name="Page_256" id="Page_256"></a> Isham, Marvin & Co. to deposit with the New York +correspondents of the Banca Commerciale Italiana fifty +thousand dollars, and have instructions cabled to the +Messina branch of that bank to pay the sum to the written +order of John Merrick. This should all be accomplished +within twenty-four hours. Present the enclosed order, +together with my letter of credit and passport, which will +identify my signature, and draw the money in cash. Return +with it to Taormina and give it secretly to the boy Tato, +who will bring it to me. I will rejoin you within three +hours after I have paid for the ring.</p> + +<p>"This may seem a strange proceeding to you, my dears, but +you must not hesitate to accomplish it—if you love me. +Should my old friend Silas Watson be now with you, as I +expect him to be, he will assist you to do my bidding, for +he will be able to realize, better than I can now explain, +how important it is to me.</p> + +<p>"Also I beg you to do a like service for Count Ferralti, who +is entrusting his personal commission, to Louise. He also +must conclude an im<a name="Page_257" id="Page_257"></a>portant purchase before he can return to +Taormina.</p> + +<p>"More than this I am not permitted to say in this letter. +Confide in no stranger, or official of any sort, and act as +secretly and quietly as possible. I hope soon to be with +you.</p></div> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Very affectionately, </span> <span class="smcap">Uncle John</span>."<br /> +</p> + +<p>"What does it all mean?" asked Patsy, bewildered, when Beth had finished +reading.</p> + +<p>"Why, it is clear enough, I'm sure," said Kenneth. "Uncle John is +imprisoned by brigands, and the money he requires is his ransom. We must +get it as soon as possible, you know, and luckily he is so rich that he +won't miss this little draft at all."</p> + +<p>Beth sat silent, angrily staring at the letter.</p> + +<p>"I suppose," said Patsy, hesitating, "the robbers will do the dear uncle +some mischief, if he doesn't pay."</p> + +<p>"Just knock him on the head, that's all," said the boy. "But there's no +need to worry. We can get the money easily."</p> + +<p>Suddenly Beth jumped up.<a name="Page_258" id="Page_258"></a></p> + +<p>"Where's that girl?" she demanded, sharply.</p> + +<p>"What girl?"</p> + +<p>"Tato."</p> + +<p>"Tato, my dear coz, is a boy," answered Kenneth; "and he disappeared +ages ago."</p> + +<p>"You must be blind," said Beth, scornfully, "not to recognize a girl +when you see one. A boy, indeed!"</p> + +<p>"Why, he dressed like a boy," replied Kenneth, hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>"So much the more disgraceful," sniffed Beth. "She belongs to those +brigands, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"Looks something like Victor Valdi," said Patsy, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Il Duca? Of course! I see it myself, now. Patricia, it is that wicked +duke who has captured Uncle John."</p> + +<p>"I had guessed that," declared Patsy, smiling.</p> + +<p>"He must be a handsome rascal," observed Kenneth, "for the child is +pretty as a picture."</p> + +<p>"He isn't handsome at all," replied Beth; "but there is a look about the +child's eyes that reminds me of him."<a name="Page_259" id="Page_259"></a></p> + +<p>"That's it, exactly," agreed Patsy.</p> + +<p>Louise now approached them with a white, frightened face.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it dreadful!" she moaned. "They are going to kill Ferralti unless +he gives them thirty thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"And I don't believe he can raise thirty cents," said Patsy, calmly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, he can," answered Louise, beginning to cry. "Hi—his—father +is d—dead, and has left him—a—fortune."</p> + +<p>"Don't blubber, Lou," said the boy, chidingly; "in that case your dago +friend is as well off as need be. But I suppose you're afraid the +no-account Count won't figure his life is worth thirty thousand dollars. +It does seem like an awful price to pay for a foreigner."</p> + +<p>"It isn't that," said Louise, striving to control her emotion. "He says +he hates to be robbed. He wouldn't pay a penny if he could help it."</p> + +<p>"Good for the Count! I don't blame him a bit," exclaimed Beth. "It is a +beastly shame that free born Americans should be enslaved by a <a name="Page_260" id="Page_260"></a>crew of +thieving Sicilians, and obliged to purchase their freedom!"</p> + +<p>"True for you," said Kenneth, nodding. "But what are we going to do +about it?"</p> + +<p>"Pay, of course," decided Patsy, promptly. "Our Uncle John is too +precious to be sacrificed for all the money in the world. Come; let's go +and find Mr. Watson. We ought not to lose a moment's time."</p> + +<p>The lawyer read Uncle John's letter carefully, as well as the one from +Count Ferralti, which Louise confided to him with the request that he +keep the young man's identity a secret for a time, until he could reveal +it to her cousins in person.</p> + +<p>"The only thing to be done," announced Mr. Watson, "is to carry out +these instructions faithfully. We can send the cable messages from here, +and in the morning Louise and I will take the train for Messina and +remain there until we get the money."</p> + +<p>"It's an outrage!" cried Beth.</p> + +<p>"Of course, my dear. But it can't be helped. And your uncle is wise to +take the matter so <a name="Page_261" id="Page_261"></a>cheerfully. After all, it is little enough to pay +for one's life and liberty, and our friend is so wealthy that he will +never feel the loss at all."</p> + +<p>"It isn't that; it's the principle of the thing that I object to," said +the girl. "It's downright disgraceful to be robbed so easily."</p> + +<p>"To be sure; but the disgrace is Italy's, not ours. Object all you want +to, Beth, dear," continued the old lawyer, smiling at her; "but +nevertheless we'll pay as soon as possible, and have done with it. What +we want now is your Uncle John, and we want him mighty badly."</p> + +<p>"Really, the pirates didn't charge enough for him," added Patsy.</p> + +<p>So Mr. Watson sent the cables to John Merrick's bankers and Count +Ferralti's attorney, and the next morning went with Louise to Messina.</p> + +<p>Frascatti drove all the party down the road to the station at Giardini, +and as the train pulled out, Beth, who had remained seated in the +victoria with Patricia and Kenneth, suddenly stood up to pull the +<i>vetturino's</i> sleeve.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, Frascatti," she whispered, "isn't <a name="Page_262" id="Page_262"></a>that Il Duca's child? +Look—that little one standing in the corner?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes; it is really Tato," answered the man, before he thought to +deny it.</p> + +<p>"Very well; you may now drive us home," returned Beth, a shade of +triumph in her voice.<a name="Page_263" id="Page_263"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>BETH BEGINS TO PLOT</h3> + + +<p>Once back in their sitting-room behind closed doors, Beth, Patsy and +Kenneth got their three heads together and began eagerly to discuss a +plot which Beth had hinted of on the way home and now unfolded in +detail. And while they still whispered together a knock at the door +startled them and made them look rather guilty until the boy answered +the call and admitted little Tato.</p> + +<p>The child's beautiful face wore a smile of demure satisfaction as Tato +bowed respectfully to the young Americans.</p> + +<p>Kenneth winked at Beth from behind the visitor's back.</p> + +<p>"As you have a guest," he remarked, with a yawn that was somewhat rude, +"I shall now go and take my nap."<a name="Page_264" id="Page_264"></a></p> + +<p>"What, do you sleep so early in the day, you lazy-bones?" asked Patsy, +brightly.</p> + +<p>"Any time, my dear, is good enough for an overworked artist," he +replied. "Au revoir, my cousins. See you at luncheon."</p> + +<p>With this he strolled away, and when he had gone Beth said to Tato:</p> + +<p>"Won't you sit down, signorina?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean me?" asked the child, as if surprised.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I can see plainly that you are a girl."</p> + +<p>"And a pretty one, too, my dear," added Patsy.</p> + +<p>Tato blushed as if embarrassed, but in a moment smiled upon the American +girls.</p> + +<p>"Do you think me immodest, then?" she asked, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"By no means, my dear," Beth assured her. "I suppose you have an +excellent reason for wearing boys' clothes."</p> + +<p>"So I have, signorina. I live in the mountains, where dresses catch in +the crags, and bother a girl. And my father has always been heart-broken +because he had no son, and likes <a name="Page_265" id="Page_265"></a>to see me in this attire. He has many +errands for me, too, where a boy may go unnoticed, yet a girl would +attract too much attention. This is one of the errands, signorini. But +now tell me, if you please, how have you decided to answer the letters +of Signor Merrick and Signor Ferralti?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, there was but one way to answer them, Tato," replied Beth, +composedly. "We have sent Mr. Watson and our cousin Louise Merrick to +Messina to get the money. If our friends in America act promptly Mr. +Watson and Louise will return by to-morrow afternoon's train, and be +prepared to make the payment."</p> + +<p>"That is well, signorina," responded Tato.</p> + +<p>"We are to give the money to you, I suppose?" said Patsy.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I will return for it to-morrow afternoon," answered the child, +with business-like gravity. Then she looked earnestly from one to the +other of the two girls. "You must act discreetly, in the meantime, you +know. You must not talk to anyone, or do anything to imperil your +uncle's safety."<a name="Page_266" id="Page_266"></a></p> + +<p>"Of course not, Tato."</p> + +<p>"I beg you not, signorini. The uncle is a good man, and brave. I do not +wish him to be injured."</p> + +<p>"Nor do we, Tato."</p> + +<p>"And the young man is not a coward, either. He has been kind to me. But +he is sad, and not so pleasant to talk with as the uncle."</p> + +<p>"True enough, Tato," said Beth.</p> + +<p>Patsy had been examining the child with curious intentness. The little +one was so lovely and graceful, and her voice sounded so soft and +womanly, that Patsy longed to take her in her arms and hug her.</p> + +<p>"How old are you, dear?" she asked.</p> + +<p>Tato saw the friendly look, and answered with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps as old as you, signorina, although I am so much smaller. I +shall be fifteen in a month."</p> + +<p>"So old!"</p> + +<p>Tato laughed merrily.</p> + +<p>"Ah, you might well say 'so young,' amico mia! To be grown up is much +nicer; do you <a name="Page_267" id="Page_267"></a>not think so? And then I shall not look such a baby as +now, and have people scold me when I get in the way, as they do little +bambini."</p> + +<p>"But when you are grown you cannot wear boys' clothing, either."</p> + +<p>Tato sighed.</p> + +<p>"We have a saying in Sicily that 'each year has its sunshine and rain,' +which means its sorrow and its joy," she answered. "Perhaps I sometimes +think more of the tears than of the laughter, although I know that is +wrong. Not always shall I be a mountaineer, and then the soft dresses of +the young girls shall be my portion. Will I like them better? I do not +know. But I must go now, instead of chattering here. Farewell, +signorini, until to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Will you not remain with us?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; although you are kind. I am expected home. But to-morrow I will +come for the money. You will be silent?"</p> + +<p>"Surely, Tato."</p> + +<p>The child smiled upon them pleasantly. It was a relief to deal with two +tender girls instead of cold and resentful men, such as she had +some<a name="Page_268" id="Page_268"></a>times met. At the door she blew a kiss to them, and darted away.</p> + +<p>In the courtyard Frascatti saw her gliding out and discreetly turned his +head the other way.</p> + +<p>Tato took the old road, circling around the theatre and through the +narrow, winding streets of the lower town to the Catania Gate. She +looked back one or twice, but no one noticed her. If any of the +villagers saw her approaching they slipped out of her path.</p> + +<p>Once on the highway, however, Tato became lost in reflection. Her +mission being successfully accomplished, it required no further thought; +but the sweet young American girls had made a strong impression upon the +lonely Sicilian maid, and she dreamed of their pretty gowns and ribbons, +their fresh and comely faces, and the gentleness of their demeanor.</p> + +<p>Tato was not gentle. She was wild and free and boyish, and had no pretty +gowns whatever. But what then? She must help her father to get his +fortune, and then he had promised her that some day they would go to +Paris or Cairo and live in the world, and be brigands no longer.<a name="Page_269" id="Page_269"></a></p> + +<p>She would like that, she thought, as she clambered up the steep paths; +and perhaps she would meet these American girls again, or others like +them, and make them her friends. She had never known a girl friend, as +yet.</p> + +<p>These ambitions would yesterday have seemed far in the dim future; but +now that her stern old grandmother was gone it was possible her father +would soon fulfill his promises. While the Duchessa lived she ruled them +all, and she was a brigand to the backbone. Now her father's will +prevailed, and he could refuse his child nothing.</p> + +<p>Kenneth was not an expert detective, but he had managed to keep Tato in +sight without being suspected by her. He had concealed himself near the +Catania Gate, through which he knew she must pass, and by good luck she +had never looked around once, so intent were her musings.</p> + +<p>When she came to the end of the path and leaned against the rock to sing +the broken refrain which was the "open sesame" to the valley, the boy +was hidden snug behind a boulder where he could watch her every +movement.<a name="Page_270" id="Page_270"></a></p> + +<p>Then the rock opened; Tato passed in, and the opening closed behind her.</p> + +<p>Kenneth found a foothold and climbed up the wall of rock, higher and +higher, until at last he crept upon a high ridge and looked over.</p> + +<p>The hidden valley lay spread before him in all its beauty, but the +precipice at his feet formed a sheer drop of a hundred feet or more, and +he drew back with a shudder.</p> + +<p>Then he took courage to look again, and observed the house, on the porch +of which stood Tato engaged in earnest conversation with a tall, dark +Sicilian. Uncle John was nowhere to be seen, but the boy understood that +he was there, nevertheless, and realized that his prison was so secure +that escape was impossible.</p> + +<p>And now he climbed down again, a much more difficult feat than getting +up. But although he was forced to risk his life several times, he was +agile and clear-headed, and finally dropped to the path that led to the +secret door of the passage.</p> + +<p>His next thought was to mark the exact location of the place, so that he +could find it again; <a name="Page_271" id="Page_271"></a>and as he returned slowly along the paths through +the rocky fissures he took mental note of every curve and communication, +and believed he could now find his way to the retreat of the brigands at +any time he chose.<a name="Page_272" id="Page_272"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>PATSY'S NEW FRIEND</h3> + + +<p>"I must say that I don't like the job," said Patsy, the next morning, as +she stood by the window and faced Beth and Kenneth. "Suppose we fail?"</p> + +<p>"In the bright lexicon of youth—"</p> + +<p>"Shut up, Ken. If we fail," said Beth, "we will be no worse off than +before."</p> + +<p>"And if we win," added the boy, "they'll think twice before they try to +rob Americans again."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm with you, anyhow," declared Patricia. "I can see it's risky, +all right; but as you say, no great harm will be done if we slip up."</p> + +<p>"You," announced Beth, gravely, "must be the captain."</p> + +<p>"It isn't in me, dear. You figured the thing out, and Ken and I will +follow your lead."<a name="Page_273" id="Page_273"></a></p> + +<p>"No," said Beth, decidedly; "I'm not quick enough, either in thought or +action, to be a leader, Patsy. And there's a bit of deception required +that I couldn't manage. That clever little thing, Tato, would know at +once I was up to some mischief; but she would never suspect you."</p> + +<p>"I like that compliment," replied Patricia. "I may deserve it, of +course; but it strikes me Louise is the one best fitted for such work."</p> + +<p>"We can't let Louise into this plot," said the boy, positively; "she'd +spoil it all."</p> + +<p>"Don't be silly, Patsy," said Beth. "You're genuine and frank, and the +child likes you. I could see that yesterday. All you have to do is to be +nice to her and win her confidence; and then, when the climax comes, you +must be the spokesman and talk straight out from the shoulder. You can +do that all right."</p> + +<p>"I'll bet on her," cried Kenneth, with an admiring look at the girl.</p> + +<p>"Then," said Patsy, "it is all arranged, and I'm the captain. And is it +agreed that we won't lisp a word to Mr. Watson or Louise?"<a name="Page_274" id="Page_274"></a></p> + +<p>"Not a word."</p> + +<p>"Here," said Kenneth, drawing a revolver from his pocket, "is Uncle +John's pop-gun. It's the only one I could find in his room, so he must +have taken the other with him. Be careful of it, Patsy, for it's loaded +all 'round. Can you shoot?"</p> + +<p>"No; but I suppose the pistol can. I know enough to pull the trigger."</p> + +<p>"And when you do, remember to point it away from your friends. Now hide +it, my dear, and be careful of it."</p> + +<p>Patsy concealed the weapon in the bosom of her dress, not without making +a wry face and shivering a bit.</p> + +<p>"Have you got your revolver, Beth?" asked the boy.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And she can shoot just wonderfully!" exclaimed Patsy. "Yesterday she +picked an orange off a tree with a bullet. You should have seen her."</p> + +<p>"I know," said Ken, nodding. "I've seen Beth shoot before, and she's our +main reliance in <a name="Page_275" id="Page_275"></a>this conspiracy. For my part, I can hit a mark +sometimes, and sometimes I can't. See here." He exhibited a beautiful +pearl and silver-mounted weapon which he drew from his pocket. "Mr. +Watson and I have carried revolvers ever since we came to Sicily, but +we've never had occasion to use them. I can hardly believe, even now, +that this beautiful place harbors brigands. It's such a romantic +incident in our prosaic world of to-day. And now, young ladies, we are +armed to the teeth and can defy an army. Eh, Captain Pat?"</p> + +<p>"If you're not more respectful," said the girl, "I'll have you +court-marshalled and drummed out of camp."</p> + +<p>On the afternoon train came Louise and Mr. Watson from Messina. The +American agents had responded promptly, and the bank had honored the +orders and delivered the money without delay.</p> + +<p>"It is all safe in my satchel," said the lawyer, as they rode together +to the hotel; "and our dear friends are as good as rescued already. It's +pretty bulky, Kenneth—four hundred thousand <a name="Page_276" id="Page_276"></a>lira—but it is all in +notes on the Banca d'Italia, for we couldn't manage gold."</p> + +<p>"Quite a haul for the brigand," observed Kenneth, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"True; but little enough for the lives of two men. That is the way I +look at the transaction. And, since our friends can afford the loss, we +must be as cheerful over the thing as possible. It might have been a +tragedy, you know."</p> + +<p>Louise shivered.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad it is all over," she said, gratefully.</p> + +<p>The conspirators looked at one another and smiled, but held their peace.</p> + +<p>Arriving at the hotel, Beth and Kenneth at once disappeared, saying they +were going to town, as they would not be needed longer. Patsy +accompanied their cousin and the lawyer to the sitting-room, where +presently Tato came to them.</p> + +<p>"Well, little one," said the lawyer, pleasantly, "We have secured the +money required to enable Mr. Merrick to purchase the ring, and +Mr.—er—Count Ferralti to buy his bracelet. Will you count it?"<a name="Page_277" id="Page_277"></a></p> + +<p>"Yes, signore, if you please," replied Tato, with a sober face.</p> + +<p>Mr. Watson drew out two packages of bank notes and placed them upon the +table. The child, realizing the importance of the occasion, carefully +counted each bundle, and then replaced the wrappers.</p> + +<p>"The amounts are correct, signore," she said. "I thank you for making my +task so easy. And now I will go."</p> + +<p>The lawyer brought a newspaper and wrapped the money in it once again.</p> + +<p>"It is always dangerous to carry so much money," said he; "but now no +one will be likely to suspect the contents of your package."</p> + +<p>Tato smiled.</p> + +<p>"No one would care to molest me," she said; "for they fear those that +protect me. Good afternoon, signore. Your friends will be with you in +time to dine in your company. Good afternoon, signorini," turning to +Patsy and Louise.</p> + +<p>"I'll walk a little way with you; may I?" asked Patsy, smiling into +Tato's splendid eyes.<a name="Page_278" id="Page_278"></a></p> + +<p>"To be sure, signorina," was the quick response.</p> + +<p>Patricia caught up a sunshade and followed the child out at the side +entrance, which was little used. Tato took the way along the old road, +and Patsy walked beside her, chatting brightly of the catacombs, the +Norman villa that showed its checkered tower above the trees and the +ancient wall that still hemmed in the little village.</p> + +<p>"I love Taormina," she said, earnestly, "and shall be sorry to leave it. +You must be very happy, Tato, to be able to live here always."</p> + +<p>"It is my birthplace," she said; "but I long to get away from it and see +other countries. The view is fine, they say; but it tires me. The air is +sweet and pure; but it oppresses me. The climate is glorious; but I have +had enough of it. In other places there is novelty, and many things that +Sicily knows nothing of."</p> + +<p>"That is true," replied Patsy, tucking the little one's arm underneath +her own, with a sympathetic gesture. "I know just how you feel, Tato. +You must come to America some day, <a name="Page_279" id="Page_279"></a>and visit me. I will make you very +welcome, dear, and you shall be my friend."</p> + +<p>The child looked into her face earnestly.</p> + +<p>"You do not hate me, signorina, because—because—"</p> + +<p>"Because why?"</p> + +<p>"Because my errand to you has been so lawless and—and—unfriendly?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, Tato, you do not choose this life, do you?"</p> + +<p>"No, signorina."</p> + +<p>"It is forced on you by circumstances, is it not?"</p> + +<p>"Truly, signorina."</p> + +<p>"I know. You would not long so wistfully to change your condition if you +enjoyed being a little brigand. But nothing that has passed must +interfere with our friendship, dear. If I were in your place, you see, I +would do just as you have done. It is not a very honest life, Tato, nor +one to be proud of; but I'm not going to blame you one bit."</p> + +<p>They had passed the Catania Gate and reached <a name="Page_280" id="Page_280"></a>the foot of one of the +mountain paths. Tato paused, hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll go a little farther," said Patsy, promptly. "No one will +notice two girls, you know. Shall I carry your parcel for a time?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied the child, hugging it close with her disengaged arm. But +she offered no objection when Patsy continued to walk by her side.</p> + +<p>"Have you any brothers or sisters, Tato?"</p> + +<p>"No, signorina."</p> + +<p>"Have you a mother?"</p> + +<p>"No, signorina. My father and I are alone."</p> + +<p>"I know him well, Tato. We were on the ship together, crossing the +ocean. He was gruff and disagreeable, but I made him talk to me and +smile."</p> + +<p>"I know; he has told me of the Signorina Patsy. He is fond of you."</p> + +<p>"Yet he robbed my uncle."</p> + +<p>The child flushed, and drew away her arm.</p> + +<p>"That is it. That is why you should hate me," she replied, bitterly. "I +know it is robbery, and brigandage, although my father masks it by +saying he sells antiques. Until now I have <a name="Page_281" id="Page_281"></a>seen nothing wrong in this +life, signorina; but you have made me ashamed."</p> + +<p>"Why, dear?"</p> + +<p>"Because you are so good and gentle, and so forgiving."</p> + +<p>Patsy laughed.</p> + +<p>"In reality, Tato, I am resentful and unforgiving. You will find out, +soon, that I am a very human girl, and then I will not make you ashamed. +But your father's business is shameful, nevertheless."</p> + +<p>Tato was plainly puzzled, and knew not what to reply. But just then they +reached the end of the crevasse, and the child said:</p> + +<p>"You must return now, Signorina Patsy."</p> + +<p>"But why cannot I go on with you, and come back with my uncle?"</p> + +<p>Tato hesitated. Accustomed as she was to duplicity and acting, in her +capacity as lure for her thieving father, the child was just now +softened by Patsy's kindly manner and the successful accomplishment of +her mission. She had no thought of any treachery or deception on the +<a name="Page_282" id="Page_282"></a>part of the American girl, and the request seemed to her natural +enough.</p> + +<p>"If you like," she decided, "you may come as far as the barrier, and +there wait for your uncle. It will not be long."</p> + +<p>"Very well, dear."</p> + +<p>Tato clambered over the dividing rock and dropped into the path beyond. +Patsy sprang lightly after her. A short distance farther and they +reached the barrier.</p> + +<p>"This is the place, signorina. You will sit upon that stone, and wait +until your uncle appears." She hesitated, and then added, softly: "I may +not see you again. But you will not forget me?"</p> + +<p>"Never, Tato. And if you come to America you must not forget to visit +me. Remember, whatever happens, that we are friends, and must always +remain so."</p> + +<p>The child nodded, gratefully. Then, leaning against the face of the +cliff, she raised her voice and warbled clearly the bit of song that +served as the signal to her father.<a name="Page_283" id="Page_283"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<h3>TURNING THE TABLES</h3> + + +<p>No sooner had the notes ceased than Kenneth sprang from behind a rock +that had concealed him and grasped the child in his strong arms, trying +to cover her mouth at the same time to prevent her from crying out.</p> + +<p>Tato developed surprising strength. The adventure of yesterday had so +thoroughly frightened her that when she found herself again seized she +struggled madly. The boy found that he could scarcely hold her, so he +enfolded her in both his arms and, letting her scream as she might, +picked up her tiny form and mounted the slope of the hill, leaping from +rock to rock until he came to a broad boulder twenty feet or more above +the path. Here he paused, panting, and awaited results.</p> + +<p>The rock doors had opened promptly. Even while Kenneth struggled with +the brigand's <a name="Page_284" id="Page_284"></a>daughter Patsy could see straight through the tunnel and +into the valley beyond. The child had dropped her bundle in the effort +to escape, and while Kenneth was leaping with her up the crags Patsy ran +forward and secured the money, returning quickly to her position facing +the tunnel.</p> + +<p>And now they heard shouts and the sound of hastening feet as Il Duca ran +from the tunnel, followed closely by two of his brigands. They paused a +moment at the entrance, as if bewildered, but when the father saw his +child in the grasp of a stranger and heard her screams he answered with +a roar of fury and prepared to scramble up the rock to rescue her.</p> + +<p>That was where Patsy showed her mettle. She hastily covered the brigand +with her revolver and shouted warningly:</p> + +<p>"Stop, or you are a dead man!"</p> + +<p>It was wonderfully dramatic and effective.</p> + +<p>Il Duca shrank back, scowling, for he had no weapon at hand. Leaning +against the entrance to his valley he glared around to determine the +<a name="Page_285" id="Page_285"></a>number of his foes and the probable chance of defeating them.</p> + +<p>Kenneth laughed boyishly at his discomfiture. Kneeling down, the youth +grasped Tato by both wrists and lowered her body over the edge of the +rock so that her feet just touched a little ledge beneath. He continued +to hold fast to her wrists, though, and there she remained, stretched +against the face of the rock fronting the path, in full view of all, but +still unable to move.</p> + +<p>From this exasperating sight Il Duca glanced at Patsy. She was holding +the revolver rigidly extended, and her blue eyes blazed with the +excitement of the moment. It was a wonder she did not pull the trigger +inadvertently, and the thought that she might do so caused the brigand +to shudder.</p> + +<p>Turning half around he beheld a third enemy quietly seated upon the +rocks directly across the path from Kenneth, her pose unconcerned as she +rested her chin lightly upon her left hand. It was Beth, who held her +revolver nonchalantly and gazed upon the scene below her with calm +interest.<a name="Page_286" id="Page_286"></a></p> + +<p>The Duke gave a cough to clear his throat. His men hung back of him, +silent and motionless, for they did not like this absolute and dangerous +defiance of their chief.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, then, Tato," he called in English, "what is the cause of this +trouble?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know, my father, except that these are friends of Signor +Merrick who have secretly followed me here."</p> + +<p>The carefully arranged programme gave Patsy a speech at this point, but +she had entirely forgotten it.</p> + +<p>"Let me explain," said Beth, coldly. "You have dared to detain in your +robbers' den the persons of Mr. Merrick and Count Ferralti. You have +also demanded a ransom for their release. That is brigandage, which is +denounced by the laws of Sicily. We have appealed to the authorities, +but they are helpless to assist us. Therefore, being Americans, we have +decided to assist ourselves. We command you to deliver to us on this +spot, safe and uninjured, the persons of our friends, and that without +any unnecessary delay."<a name="Page_287" id="Page_287"></a></p> + +<p>The Duke listened with a sneer.</p> + +<p>"And if we refuse, signorina?"</p> + +<p>"If you refuse—if you do not obey at once—I swear that I will shoot +your child, Tato, whose body yonder awaits my bullet. And afterward I +shall kill you."</p> + +<p>As she spoke she levelled the revolver and aimed it carefully at the +exposed body of the child.</p> + +<p>The brigand paled, and grasped the rock to steady himself.</p> + +<p>"Bah! No girl can shoot from that distance," he exclaimed, scornfully.</p> + +<p>"Indeed! Take care of your finger," called Beth, and a shot echoed +sharply along the mountain side.</p> + +<p>The brigand jumped and uttered a yell, at the same time whipping his +right hand underneath his left arm; for Beth's bullet had struck one of +his fingers and then flattened itself against the cliff.</p> + +<p>That settled all argument, as far as Il Duca was concerned; for he now +had ample evidence that the stern-eyed girl above him could shoot, <a name="Page_288" id="Page_288"></a>and +was not to be trifled with. All his life he had ruled by the terror of +his threats; to-day he was suddenly vanquished by a determination he +dared not withstand.</p> + +<p>"Enough!" he cried. "Have your way."</p> + +<p>He spoke to his men in Italian, and they hastened through the tunnel, +glad to escape.</p> + +<p>Following their departure there was a brief silence, during which all +stood alert. Then, Tato, still half suspended against the cliff, said in +a clear, soft voice:</p> + +<p>"Father, if you think you can escape, let them shoot me, and keep your +prisoners. The money for their ransom I brought to this place, and they +will pay it even yet to save their friends from your vengeance. Do not +let these wild Americans defeat us, I beg of you. I am not afraid. Save +yourself, and let them shoot me, if they will!"</p> + +<p>Kenneth afterward declared that he thought "the jig was up" then, for +they had no intention whatever of harming Tato. It was all merely a bit +of American "bluff," and it suc<a name="Page_289" id="Page_289"></a>ceeded because the brigand was a coward, +and dared not emulate his daughter's courage.</p> + +<p>"No, no, Tato!" cried the Duke, brokenly, as he wrung his hands in +anguish. "There is more money to be had, but I have only one child. They +shall not harm a hair of your head, my pretty one!"</p> + +<p>Patsy wanted to yell "bravo!" but wisely refrained. Her eyes were full +of tears, though, and her resolution at ebb tide.</p> + +<p>Fortunately the men had made haste. They returned with surprising +promptness, pushing the amazed prisoners before them.</p> + +<p>Uncle John, as he emerged from the tunnel, looked around upon the tragic +scene and gasped:</p> + +<p>"Well, I declare!"</p> + +<p>Count Ferralti was more composed, if equally surprised. He lifted his +hat politely to Beth and Patsy, and smiled with great satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"You are free," said Il Duca, harshly. "Go!"</p> + +<p>They lost no time in getting the brigands between themselves and the +mouth of the tunnel, and then Kenneth gently drew Tato to a place beside +<a name="Page_290" id="Page_290"></a>him and assisted her to clamber down the path.</p> + +<p>"Good bye, little one," he said, pleasantly; "you're what we call a +'brick' in our country. I like you, and I'm proud of you."</p> + +<p>Tato did not reply. With streaming eyes she was examining her father's +shattered hand, and sobbing at sight of the blood that dripped upon the +rocks at his feet.</p> + +<p>"Get inside!" called Beth, sharply; "and close up that rock. Lively, +now!"</p> + +<p>The "girl who could shoot" still sat toying with her revolver, and the +mountaineers obeyed her injunction. The rock promptly closed, and the +group of Americans was left alone.</p> + +<p>Then Beth came slowly down to where Patsy was hugging Uncle John in a +wild frenzy of delight, and Count Ferralti was shaking Kenneth's hand +with a face eloquent of emotion.</p> + +<p>"Come," said she, her voice sounding faint and weary, "let us get away +from here. It was a pretty game, while it lasted, but I'll feel safer +when we are home again. Where's the money?"<a name="Page_291" id="Page_291"></a></p> + +<p>"I've got it," said Kenneth, holding up the package.</p> + +<p>"What! didn't you pay?" demanded Uncle John, astounded.</p> + +<p>"Of course not, dear," said Patsy, gleefully. "Did you think your nieces +would let you be robbed by a bunch of dagoes?"</p> + +<p>Ferralti caught hold of Beth's swaying form.</p> + +<p>"Look after your cousin," he said, sharply. "I think she has fainted!"<a name="Page_292" id="Page_292"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI</h2> + +<h3>THE COUNT UNMASKS</h3> + + +<p>"And now," said Uncle John, as he sat in their cosy sitting-room, +propped in an easy chair with his feet upon a stool, "it's about time +for you to give an account of yourselves, you young rascals."</p> + +<p>They had eaten a late but very satisfactory dinner at the +Castello-a-Mare, where the return of the missing ones was hailed with +joy by the proprietor and his assistants. Even the little bewhiskered +head-waiter, who resembled a jack-in-the-box more than he did a man, +strove to celebrate the occasion by putting every good thing the house +afforded before the returned guests. For, although they dared not +interfere to protect the victims of the terrible Il Duca, the hotel +people fully recognized the fact that brigandage was not a good +advertisement for Taormina, and <a name="Page_293" id="Page_293"></a>hoped the "little incident" would not +become generally known.</p> + +<p>Old Silas Watson, dignified lawyer as he was, actually danced a hornpipe +when he beheld his old friend safe and sound. But he shook his head +reproachfully when he learned of the adventure his ward and the two +girls had undertaken with such temerity but marvelous success.</p> + +<p>Beth had quickly recovered from her weakness, although Kenneth had +insisted on keeping her arm all the way home. But the girl had been +silent and thoughtful, and would eat nothing at dinner.</p> + +<p>When they had gathered in their room to talk it all over the lawyer +thought his young friends deserved a reproof.</p> + +<p>"The money wasn't worth the risk, you crazy lunatics!" he said.</p> + +<p>"It wasn't the money at all," replied Patsy, demurely.</p> + +<p>"No?"</p> + +<p>"It was the principle of the thing. And wasn't Beth just wonderful, +though?"</p> + +<p>"Shucks!" said Kenneth. "She had to go <a name="Page_294" id="Page_294"></a>and faint, like a ninny, and she +cried all the way home, because she had hurt the brigand's finger."</p> + +<p>The girl's eyes were still red, but she answered the boy's scornful +remark by saying, gravely:</p> + +<p>"I am sorry it had to be done. I'll never touch a revolver again as long +as I live."</p> + +<p>Uncle John gathered his brave niece into an ample embrace.</p> + +<p>"I'm very proud of you, my dear," he said, stroking her hair lovingly, +"and you mustn't pay any attention to that silly boy. I've always known +you were true blue, Beth, and now you have proved it to everyone. It may +have been a reckless thing to do, as Mr. Watson says, but you did it +like a major, and saved our self-esteem as well as our money."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah for Beth!" yelled the boy, changing his colors without a blush.</p> + +<p>"If you don't shut up, I'll box your ears," said his guardian, sternly.</p> + +<p>Uncle John and young Ferralti were the heroes of the evening. The little +old gentleman smoked a big cigar and beamed upon his nieces <a name="Page_295" id="Page_295"></a>and friends +with intense satisfaction, while Ferralti sat glum and silent beside +Louise until an abrupt challenge from Mr. Merrick effectually aroused +him.</p> + +<p>"I've only one fault to find with this young man," was the observation +referred to: "that he made our acquaintance under false pretenses. When +a fairly decent fellow becomes an impostor there is usually reason for +it, and I would like Count Ferralti—or whatever his name is—to give us +that reason and make a clean breast of his deception."</p> + +<p>Ferralti bowed, with a serious face, but looked significantly toward the +other members of the company.</p> + +<p>"Whatever you have to say should be heard by all," declared Uncle John, +answering the look.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are right, Mr. Merrick, and all present are entitled to an +explanation," answered the young man, slowly. "I may have been foolish, +but I believe I have done nothing that I need be ashamed of. +Fortunately, there is now no further reason for concealment on my part, +<a name="Page_296" id="Page_296"></a>and in listening to my explanation I hope you will be as considerate as +possible."</p> + +<p>They were attentive enough, by this time, and every eye was turned, not +unkindly, upon the youth who had so long been an enigma to them +all—except, perhaps, to Louise.</p> + +<p>"I am an American by birth, and my name is Arthur Weldon."</p> + +<p>In the pause that followed Uncle John gave a soft whistle and Patsy +laughed outright, to the undisguised indignation of Louise.</p> + +<p>"Years ago," resumed the youth, "my father, who was a rich man, made a +trip to Sicily and, although I did not know this until recently, was +seized by brigands and imprisoned in the hidden valley we have just +left. There he fell in love with a beautiful girl who was the daughter +of the female brigand known as the Duchess of Alcanta, and who assisted +him to escape and then married him. It was a pretty romance at the time, +but when my father had taken his bride home to New York and became +immersed in the details of his business, his love grew cold and he began +to neglect his wife cruelly. He became a rail<a name="Page_297" id="Page_297"></a>way president and amassed +a great fortune, but was not so successful a husband as he was a +financier. The result was that the Sicilian girl, after some years of +unhappiness and suffering, deserted him and returned to her own country, +leaving her child, then three years old, behind her. To be frank with +you, it was said at the time that my mother's mind had become +unbalanced, or she would not have abandoned me to the care of a loveless +father, but I prefer to think that she had come to hate her husband so +bitterly that she could have no love for his child or else she feared +that her terrible mother would kill me if I came into her power. Her +flight mattered little to my father, except that it made him more stern +and tyrannical toward me. He saw me very seldom and confided my +education to servants. So I grew up practically unloved and uncared for, +and when the proper time arrived I was sent to college. My father now +gave me an ample allowance, and at the close of my college career called +me into his office and ordered me to enter the employ of the railway +company. I objected to this. I did not like the business <a name="Page_298" id="Page_298"></a>and had other +plans for my future. But he was stubborn and dictatorial, and when I +continued unsubmissive he threatened to cast me off entirely and leave +his fortune to charity, since he had no other near relatives. He must +have thought better of this decision afterward, for he gave me a year to +decide whether or not I would obey him. At the end of that time, he +declared, I would become either a pauper or his heir, at my option.</p> + +<p>"It was during this year that I formed the acquaintance of your niece, +Miss Merrick, and grew to love her devotedly. Louise returned my +affection, but her mother, learning of my quarrel with my father, +refused to sanction our engagement until I was acknowledged his heir. I +was forbidden her house, but naturally we met elsewhere, and when I knew +she was going to Europe with you, sir, who had never seen me, we hit +upon what we thought was a happy and innocent plan to avoid the long +separation. I decided to go to Europe also, and without you or your +other nieces suspecting, my identity, attach myself to your party and +enjoy the society of<a name="Page_299" id="Page_299"></a> Louise while she remained abroad. So I followed +you on the next ship and met you at Sorrento, where I introduced myself +as Count Ferralti—a name we had agreed I should assume before we parted +in America.</p> + +<p>"The rest of my story you know. My father was killed in an accident on +his own railroad, and I received the news while we were prisoners of the +brigand, whom I discovered to be my uncle, but who had no mercy upon me +because of the relationship. To-night, on my return here, I found a +letter from my father's attorney, forwarded from my bankers in Paris. +Through my father's sudden death I have inherited all his wealth, as he +had no time to alter his will. Therefore Mrs. Merrick's objection to me +is now removed, and Louise has never cared whether I had a penny or +not."</p> + +<p>He halted, as if not knowing what more to say, and the little group of +listeners remained quiet because it seemed that no remark from them was +necessary. Young Weldon, however, was ill at ease, and after hitching +nervously in <a name="Page_300" id="Page_300"></a>his chair he addressed Uncle John in these words:</p> + +<p>"Sir, you are the young lady's guardian for the present, as she is in +your charge. I therefore ask your consent to our formal engagement."</p> + +<p>"Not any," said Uncle John, decidedly. "I'll sanction no engagement of +any children on this trip. You are wrong in supposing I am Louise's +guardian—I'm just her chum and uncle. It's like cradle-snatching to +want to marry a girl of sixteen, and you ought to be ashamed of +yourself, for you can't be much more than twenty-one yourself. While +Louise is in my care I won't have any entanglements of any sort, so +you'll have to wait till you get home and settle the business with her +mother."</p> + +<p>"Very wise and proper, sir," said Mr. Watson, nodding gravely.</p> + +<p>Louise's cheeks were flaming.</p> + +<p>"Do you intend to drive Arthur away, Uncle?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Why should I, my dear? except that you've both taken me for a blind old +idiot and tried to deceive me. Let the boy stay with us, if he <a name="Page_301" id="Page_301"></a>wants +to, but he'll have to cut out all love-making and double-dealing from +this time on—or I'll take you home in double-quick time."</p> + +<p>The young man seemed to resent the indictment.</p> + +<p>"The deception seemed necessary at the time, sir," he said, "and you +must not forget the old adage that 'all's fair in love and war.' But I +beg that you will forgive us both and overlook our fault, if fault it +was. Hereafter it is our desire to be perfectly frank with you in all +things."</p> + +<p>That was a good way to disarm Uncle John's anger, and the result was +immediately apparent.</p> + +<p>"Very good," said the old gentleman; "if you are proper and obedient +children I've no objection to your being together. I rather like you, +Arthur Weldon, and most of your failings are due to the foolishness of +youth. But you've got to acquire dignity now, for you have suddenly +become a man of consequence in the world. Don't think you've got to +marry every girl that attracts you by her pretty face. This devotion to +Louise may be 'puppy-love,' after all, and—"<a name="Page_302" id="Page_302"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, Uncle!" came a chorus of protest.</p> + +<p>"What, you rascals! are you encouraging this desperate fol-de-rol?"</p> + +<p>"You are too severe, Uncle John," said Patsy, smiling. "The trouble with +you is that you've never been in love yourself."</p> + +<p>"Never been in love!" He beamed upon the three girls with devotion +written all over his round, jolly face.</p> + +<p>"Then you're jealous," said Kenneth. "Give the poor kids a fair show, +Uncle John."</p> + +<p>"All right, I will. Arthur, my lad, join our happy family as one of my +kidlets, and love us all—but no one in particular. Eh? Until we get +home again, you know. We've started out to have the time of our lives, +and we're getting it in chunks—eh, girls?"</p> + +<p>"We certainly are, Uncle John!" Another chorus.</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you say, Arthur Weldon?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are right, sir," answered the young man. "And, anyway, I am +deeply grateful for your kindness. I fear I must return home in a couple +of weeks, to look after business <a name="Page_303" id="Page_303"></a>matters; but while I remain with you I +shall try to conduct myself as you wish."</p> + +<p>"That sounds proper. Is it satisfactory to you, Louise?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Uncle."</p> + +<p>"Then we've settled Cupid—for a time, anyway. And now, my dears, I +think we have all had enough of Taormina. Where shall we go next?"<a name="Page_304" id="Page_304"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII</h2> + +<h3>TATO IS ADOPTED</h3> + + +<p>They canvassed the subject of their future travels with considerable +earnestness. Uncle John was bent upon getting to Rome and Venice, and +from there to Paris, and the nieces were willing to go anywhere he +preferred, as they were sure to enjoy every day of their trip in the old +world. But Mr. Watson urged them strongly to visit Syracuse, since they +were not likely to return to Sicily again and the most famous of all the +ancient historic capitals was only a few hours' journey from Taormina. +So it was finally decided to pass a week in Syracuse before returning to +the continent, and preparations were at once begun for their departure.</p> + +<p>Kenneth pleaded for one more day in which to finish his picture of Etna, +and this was allowed him. Uncle John nevertheless confessed <a name="Page_305" id="Page_305"></a>to being +uneasy as long as they remained on the scene of his recent exciting +experiences. Mr. Watson advised them all not to stray far from the +hotel, as there was no certainty that Il Duca would not make another +attempt to entrap them, or at least to be revenged for their escape from +his clutches.</p> + +<p>On the afternoon of the next day, however, they were startled by a call +from the Duke in person. He was dressed in his usual faded velvet +costume and came to them leading by the hand a beautiful little girl.</p> + +<p>The nieces gazed at the child in astonishment.</p> + +<p>Tato wore a gray cloth gown, ill-fitting and of coarse material; but no +costume could destroy the fairy-like perfection of her form or the +daintiness of her exquisite features. With downcast eyes and a troubled +expression she stood modestly before them until Patsy caught her +rapturously in her arms and covered her face with kisses.</p> + +<p>"You lovely, lovely thing!" she cried. "I'm <i>so</i> glad to see you again, +Tato darling!"</p> + +<p>The Duke's stern features softened. He <a name="Page_306" id="Page_306"></a>sighed heavily and accepted +Uncle John's polite invitation to be seated.</p> + +<p>The little party of Americans was fairly astounded by this unexpected +visit. Kenneth regretted that he had left his revolver upstairs, but the +others remembered that the brigand would not dare to molest them in the +security of the hotel grounds, and were more curious than afraid.</p> + +<p>Il Duca's hand was wrapped in a bandage, but the damaged finger did not +seem to affect him seriously. Beth could not take her eyes off this +dreadful evidence of her late conflict, and stared at it as if the +bandage fascinated her.</p> + +<p>"Signore," said the Duke, addressing Uncle John especially, "I owe to +you my apologies and my excuses for the annoyance I have caused to you +and your friends. I have the explanation, if you will so kindly permit +me."</p> + +<p>"Fire away, Duke," was the response.</p> + +<p>"Signore, I unfortunately come of a race of brigands. For centuries my +family has been lawless and it was natural that by education I, too, +should become a brigand. In my youth my <a name="Page_307" id="Page_307"></a>father was killed in an affray +and my mother took his place, seizing many prisoners and exacting from +them ransom. My mother you have seen, and you know of her sudden madness +and of her death. She was always mad, I think, and by nature a fiend. +She urged my elder brother to wicked crimes, and when he rebelled she +herself cast him, in a fit of anger, into the pit. I became duke in his +place, and did my mother's bidding because I feared to oppose her. But +for years I have longed to abandon the life and have done with crime.</p> + +<p>"With me our race ends, for I have no sons. But my one child, whom you +know as Tato, I love dearly. My greatest wish is to see her happy. The +last few days have changed the fortunes of us both. The Duchessa is +gone, and at last I am the master of my own fate. As for Tato, she has +been charmed by the young American signorini, and longs to be like them. +So we come to ask that you forgive the wrong we did you, and that you +will now allow us to be your friends."</p> + +<p>Uncle John was amazed.<a name="Page_308" id="Page_308"></a></p> + +<p>"You have decided to reform, Duke?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, signore. Not alone for Tato's sake, but because I loathe the life +of brigandage. See; here is my thought. At once I will disband my men +and send them away. My household effects I will sell, and then abandon +the valley forever. Tato and I have some money, enough to live in quiet +in some other land, where we shall be unknown."</p> + +<p>"A very good idea, Duke."</p> + +<p>"But from my respect for you, Signer Merreek, and from my daughter's +love for your nieces—the brave and beautiful signorini—I shall dare to +ask from you a favor. But already I am aware that we do not deserve it."</p> + +<p>"What is it, sir?"</p> + +<p>"That you take my Tato to keep for a few weeks, until I can send away my +men and arrange my affairs here. It would be unpleasant for the child +here, and with you she will be so happy. I would like the sweet +signorini to buy nice dresses, like those they themselves wear, for my +little girl, and to teach her the good man<a name="Page_309" id="Page_309"></a>ners she could not gain as +the brigand's daughter. Tato has the money to pay for everything but the +kindness, if you will let her stay in your society until I can claim +her. I am aware that I ask too much; but the Signorina Patsy has said to +my child that they would always be friends, whatever might happen, and +as I know you to be generous I have dared to come to you with this +request. I only ask your friendship for my Tato, who is innocent. For +myself, after I have become a good man, then perhaps you will forgive +me, too."</p> + +<p>Uncle John looked thoughtful; the old lawyer was grave and listened +silently. Patsy, her arms still around the shrinking form of the child, +looked pleadingly at her uncle. Beth's eyes were moist and Louise smiled +encouragingly.</p> + +<p>"Well, my dears? The Duke is certainly not entitled to our friendship, +as he truly says; but I have nothing against little Tato. What do you +advise?"</p> + +<p>"Let us keep her, and dress her like the beautiful doll she is, and love +her!" cried Patsy.</p> + +<p>"She shall be our adopted cousin," said Louise.<a name="Page_310" id="Page_310"></a></p> + +<p>"Tato is good stuff!" declared Kenneth.</p> + +<p>"Well, Beth?"</p> + +<p>"It seems to me, Uncle," said the girl, seriously, "that if the Duke +really wishes to reform, we should give him a helping hand. The little +girl has led a bad life only because her father forced her to lure his +victims and then procure the money for their ransoms; but I am sure her +nature is sweet and pure, and she is so young that she will soon forget +the evil things she has learned. So I vote with my cousins. Let us adopt +Tato, and care for her until her father can introduce her into a new and +more proper life."</p> + +<p>"Well argued, Beth," said Uncle John, approvingly. "I couldn't have put +the case better myself. What do you say, Silas Watson?"</p> + +<p>"That you are all quite right," answered the old lawyer. "And the best +part of the whole thing, to me, is the fact that this nest of brigands +will be wiped out of existence, and Taormina be hereafter as safe for +tourists as old Elmhurst itself. I wish I could say as much for the rest +of Sicily."<a name="Page_311" id="Page_311"></a></p> + +<p>Uncle John extended his hand to the Duke, who took it gratefully, +although with a shamefaced expression that was perhaps natural under the +circumstances.</p> + +<p>"Look up, dear," said Patsy to the girl, softly; "look up and kiss me. +You've been adopted, Tato! Are you glad?"<a name="Page_312" id="Page_312"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2> + +<h3>DREAMS AND DRESS-MAKING</h3> + + +<p>Tato was now one of the family. They left Taormina the next day, and +Frascatti drove all the girls in his victoria to the station.</p> + +<p>"You must come again, signorini," said he, looking regretful at their +departure. "Next year the fountain of the ice cream soda will be in +operation, like those you have in Chicago, which is America. Our culture +increases with our civilization. It is even hinted that Il Duca is to +abandon our island forever. He has been interesting to us, but not +popular, and you will not miss him when you come again to find he is not +here. If this time he has caused you an inconvenience, I am sorry. It is +regrettable, but,—"</p> + +<p>"But it is so!" said Patsy, laughing.</p> + +<p>Tato was again transformed. Patricia, who was the smallest of the three +nieces, though not especially slim, had quickly altered one of her <a name="Page_313" id="Page_313"></a>own +pretty white gowns to fit the child, and as she was deft with her needle +and the others had enthusiastically assisted her, Tato now looked more +like a fairy than ever.</p> + +<p>It was really wonderful what a suitable dress could do for the tiny +Sicilian maid. She had lost her free and boyish manner and become shy +and retiring with strangers, although when in the society of the three +nieces she was as sweet and frank as ever. She wore her new gown +gracefully, too, as if well accustomed to feminine attire all her life. +The only thing now needed, as Patsy said, was time in which to grow her +hair, which had always been cut short, in boyish fashion.</p> + +<p>They were a merry party when they boarded the train for Syracuse, and +Uncle John arranged with the guard to secure two adjoining compartments +all to themselves, that they might have plenty of room.</p> + +<p>"Where did you put the money, Uncle John?" Beth whispered, when at last +they were whirling along and skirting the base of Mt. Etna toward the +Catania side.<a name="Page_314" id="Page_314"></a></p> + +<p>"I've hidden it in my trunk," he replied, in the same confidential tone. +"There is no bank in this neighborhood to receive it, so I decided to +carry it with us."</p> + +<p>"But will it be safe in the trunk?" she enquired.</p> + +<p>"Of course, my dear. Who would think of looking there for fifty thousand +dollars? And no one knows we happen to have so much money with us."</p> + +<p>"What did the Count—I mean, Mr. Weldon—do with his ransom?"</p> + +<p>"Carries it in his satchel, so he can keep it with him and have an eye +on it. It's a great mistake, Beth, to do such a thing as that. It'll +make him uneasy every minute, and he won't dare to let a <i>facchino</i> +handle his grip. But in my case, on the other hand, I know it's +somewhere in the baggage car, so I don't have to worry."</p> + +<p>The journey was a delightful one. The road skirted the coast through the +oldest and most picturesque part of Sicily, and it amazed them to +observe that however far they travelled Etna was <a name="Page_315" id="Page_315"></a>always apparently next +door, and within reaching distance.</p> + +<p>At Aci Castello they were pointed out the seven Isles of the Cyclops, +which the blind Polyphemus once hurled after the crafty Ulysses. Then +they came to Catania, which is the second largest city in Sicily, but +has little of historic interest. Here they were really at the nearest +point to the mighty volcano, but did not realize it because it always +seemed to be near them. Eighteen miles farther they passed Leontinoi, +which in ancient days dared to rival Siracusa itself, and an hour later +the train skirted the bay and Capo Santa Panagia and slowly came to a +halt in that city which for centuries dominated all the known world and +was more powerful and magnificent in its prime than Athens +itself—Syracuse.</p> + +<p>The day had become cloudy and gray and the wind whistled around them +with a chill sweep as they left their coach at the station and waited +for Kenneth to find carriages. Afterward they had a mile to drive to +their hotel; for instead of stopping in the modern town Uncle John had +<a name="Page_316" id="Page_316"></a>telegraphed for rooms at the Villa Politi, which is located in the +ancient Achradina, at the edge of the Latomia de Cappuccini. By the time +they arrived there they were blue with cold, and were glad to seek the +warm rooms prepared for them and pass the remainder of the afternoon +unpacking and "getting settled."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid," said Patsy, dolefully, "that we shall miss the bright +sunshine and warmth of Taormina, Tato."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it is not always warm there, nor is it always cold here," replied +the child. "Indeed, signorina, I have heard that the climate of Siracusa +is very delightful."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't look it," returned Patsy; "but it may improve."</p> + +<p>The interior of the hotel was comfortable, though, however bleak the +weather might be outside. A good dinner put them all in a better humor +and they passed the evening watching the strangers assembled in the +parlors and wondering where they had come from and who they were.</p> + +<p>"That money," whispered Uncle John to Beth, <a name="Page_317" id="Page_317"></a>as he kissed her good +night, "is still as safe as can be. I've lost the key to my trunk, and +now I can't even get at it myself."</p> + +<p>"Lost it!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Yes; but that won't matter. It's the big trunk that holds the things I +don't often use, and if I can't unlock it no one else can, that's +certain. So I shall rest easy until I need something out of it, and then +I'll get a locksmith to pick the lock."</p> + +<p>"But I wish you hadn't lost the key," said the girl, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Strikes me it's good luck. Pleasant dreams, my dear. I can fancy Arthur +Weldon lying awake all night with his dreadful thirty thousand tucked +under his pillow. It's a great mistake to carry so much money with you, +Beth, for you're sure to worry about it."</p> + +<p>The next morning when they came down to breakfast they were all amazed +at the gorgeous sunshine and the genial temperature that had followed +the dreary afternoon of their arrival. Syracuse was transformed, and +from every window of the hotel the brilliant glow of countless <a name="Page_318" id="Page_318"></a>flowers +invited one to wander in the gardens, which are surpassed by few if any +in the known world.</p> + +<p>The Villa Politi stood so near the edge of a monstrous quarry that it +seemed as if it might topple into the abyss at any moment. Our friends +were on historic ground, indeed, for these quarries—or latomia, as they +are called—supplied all the stone of which the five cities of ancient +Syracuse were built—cities which in our age have nearly, if not quite, +passed out of existence. The walls of the quarry are a hundred feet in +depth, and at the bottom are now acres upon acres of the most delightful +gardens, whose luxuriance is attributable to the fact that they are +shielded from the winds while the sun reaches them nearly all the day. +There are gardens on the level above, and beautiful ones, too; but these +in the deep latomia are the most fascinating.</p> + +<p>The girls could scarcely wait to finish breakfast before rushing out to +descend the flights of iron steps that lead to the bottom of the vast +excavation. And presently they were standing <a name="Page_319" id="Page_319"></a>on the ground below and +looking up at the vine covered cliffs that shut out all of the upper +world.</p> + +<p>It was peaceful here, and soothing to tired nerves. Through blooming +shrubbery and along quiet paths they might wander for hours, and at +every step find something new to marvel at and to delight the senses.</p> + +<p>Here were ancient tombs cut from the solid rock—one of them that of an +American midshipman who died in Syracuse and selected this impressive +and lovely vault for his burial place. And there stood the famous statue +of Archimedes, who used in life to wander in this very latomia.</p> + +<p>"Once," said Mr. Watson, musingly, "there were seven thousand Athenian +prisoners confined in this very place, and allowed to perish through +starvation and disease. The citizens of Syracuse—even the fine ladies +and the little children—used to stand on the heights above and mock at +the victims of their king's cruelty."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't they climb out?" asked Patsy, shuddering at the thought that +some of the poor <a name="Page_320" id="Page_320"></a>prisoners might have died on the very spot her feet +now trod.</p> + +<p>"No, dear. And it is said the guards constantly patrolled the edge to +slay any who might venture to make the attempt."</p> + +<p>"Wasn't it dreadful!" she exclaimed. "But I'm glad they have made a +flower garden of it now. Somehow, it reminds me of a cemetery."</p> + +<p>But there were other interesting sights to be seen at Syracuse, and they +laid out a systematic programme of the places they would visit each +morning while they remained there. The afternoons were supposed to be +reserved for rest, but the girls were so eager to supply Tato with a +fitting wardrobe that they at once began to devote the afternoons to +shopping and dress-making.</p> + +<p>The child had placed in Uncle John's keeping a liberally supplied purse, +which the Duke wished to be applied to the purchase of whatever his +daughter might need or desire.</p> + +<p>"He wants me to dress as you do," said Tato, simply; "and because you +will know what is fitting my station and will be required in my future +life, he has burdened you with my society.<a name="Page_321" id="Page_321"></a> It was selfish in my father, +was it not? But but—I wanted so much to be with you—because you are +good to me!"</p> + +<p>"And we're mighty glad to have you with us," answered Patsy. "It's no +end of fun getting a girl a whole new outfit, from top to toe; and, +aside from that, we already love you as if you were our little sister."</p> + +<p>Beth and Louise equally endorsed this statement; and indeed the child +was so sweet and pretty and so grateful for the least kindness bestowed +upon her that it was a pleasure to assist and counsel her.</p> + +<p>Tato looked even smaller in girls' clothing than in boys', and she +improved so rapidly in her manners by constantly watching the nieces +that it was hard to imagine she had until now been all unused to polite +society. Already they began to dread the day when her father would come +to claim her, and the girls and Uncle John had conceived a clever plan +to induce the Duke to let his daughter travel with them on the continent +and then go for a brief visit to them in America.</p> + +<p>"By that time," declared Louise, "Tato's <a name="Page_322" id="Page_322"></a>education will be +accomplished, and she will be as refined and ladylike as any girl of her +age we know. Blood will tell, they say, and the monk who taught her must +have been an intelligent and careful man."</p> + +<p>"She knows more of history and languages than all the rest of us put +together," added Beth.</p> + +<p>"And, having adopted her, we mustn't do the thing by halves," concluded +Patsy; "so our darling little brigandess must tease her papa to let her +stay with us as long as possible."</p> + +<p>Tato smiled and blushed with pleasure. It was very delightful to know +she had such enthusiastic friends. But she was afraid the Duke would not +like to spare her for so long a time as a visit to America would +require.</p> + +<p>"You leave him to me," said Uncle John. "I'll argue the case clearly and +logically, and after that he will have to cave in gracefully."</p> + +<p>Meantime the dainty gowns and pretty costumes were one by one finished +and sent to the hotel, and the girls ransacked the rather inadequate +shops of Syracuse for the smartest things in lingerie that could be +procured. As they <a name="Page_323" id="Page_323"></a>were determined to "try everything on" and see how +their protégé looked in her finery, Tato was now obliged to dress for +dinner and on every other possible occasion, and she not only astonished +her friends by her loveliness but drew the eye of every stranger as +surely as the magnet attracts the needle.</p> + +<p>Even in Sicily, where the Greek type of beauty to-day exists more +perfectly than in Helene, there were few to compare with Tato, and it +was only natural that the Americans should be very proud of her.</p> + +<p>Kenneth was sketching a bit of the quarry and the old monastery beyond +it, with the blue sea glimmering in the distance. Sometimes he would +join the others in their morning trips to the catacombs, the cathedrals +or the museum; but the afternoons he devoted to his picture, and the +others came to the gardens with him and sat themselves down to sew or +read beside his easel.</p> + +<p>Arthur Weldon was behaving very well indeed; and although a good deal of +the credit belonged to Louise, who managed him with rare <a name="Page_324" id="Page_324"></a>diplomatic +ability, Uncle John grew to like the young man better each day, and had +no fault whatever to find with him.</p> + +<p>He was still rather silent and reserved; but that seemed a part of his +nature, inherited doubtless from his father, and when he chose to talk +his conversation was interesting and agreeable.</p> + +<p>Kenneth claimed that Arthur had a bad habit of "making goo-goo eyes" at +Louise; but the young man's manner was always courteous and judicious +when addressing her, and he managed to conceal his love with admirable +discretion—at least when others were present.</p> + +<p>Uncle John's private opinion, confided in secret to his friend Mr. +Watson, was that Louise "really might do worse; that is, if they were +both of the same mind when they grew up."</p> + +<p>And so the days passed pleasantly away, and the time for their departure +from Syracuse drew near.</p> + +<p>On the last morning all of them—with the exception of Tato, who pleaded +a headache—drove to the Latomia del Paradiso to see the celebrated "Ear +of Dionysius"—that vast cavern <a name="Page_325" id="Page_325"></a>through which the tyrant is said to +have overheard every whisper uttered by the prisoners who were confined +in that quarry. There is a little room at the top of the cliff, also +built from the rock, where it is claimed Dionysius sat and played +eavesdropper; and it is true that one in that place can hear the +slightest sound uttered in the chamber below.</p> + +<p>Afterward the amphitheatre and the ancient street of the tombs were paid +a final visit, with a stop at San Giovanni, where St. Paul once +preached. And at noon the tourists returned to the hotel hungry but +enthusiastic, in time for the table-d'-hote luncheon.<a name="Page_326" id="Page_326"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX</h2> + +<h3>TATO WINS</h3> + + +<p>"This is funny!" cried Patsy, appearing before Uncle John with a white +and startled face. "I can't find Tato anywhere."</p> + +<p>"And her new trunk is gone from her room, as well as her gowns and +everything she owns," continued Beth's clear voice, over her cousin's +shoulder.</p> + +<p>Uncle John stared at them bewildered. Then an expression of anxiety +crept over his kindly face.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"There can't be a mistake, Uncle. She's just <i>gone</i>."</p> + +<p>"None of you has offended, or annoyed the child, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Uncle. She kissed us all very sweetly when we left her this +morning."</p> + +<p>"I can't understand it."<a name="Page_327" id="Page_327"></a></p> + +<p>"Nor can we."</p> + +<p>"Could her father have come for her, do you think?" suggested Mr. +Merrick, after a moment's thought.</p> + +<p>"I can't imagine her so ungrateful as to leave us without a word," said +Patsy. "I know Tato well, Uncle, and the dear child would not hurt our +feelings for the world. She loves us dearly."</p> + +<p>"But she's a queer thing," added Louise, "and I don't trust her +altogether. Sometimes I've surprised a look in her eyes that wasn't as +innocent and demure as she would have us imagine her."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Louise!"</p> + +<p>"And there's another reason."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"She reformed too suddenly."</p> + +<p>Uncle John slapped his forehead a mighty blow as a suspicious and +dreadful thought flashed across his mind. But next instant he drew a +long breath and smiled again.</p> + +<p>"It was lucky I lost that key to the trunk," he observed, still a little +ashamed of his temporary lack of confidence in Tato. "It's been <a name="Page_328" id="Page_328"></a>locked +ever since we left Taormina, so the child couldn't be tempted by that."</p> + +<p>"She wouldn't touch your money for the world!" said Patsy, indignantly. +"Tato is no thief!"</p> + +<p>"She comes of a race of thieves, though," Beth reminded her.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if Arthur's money is still safe," remarked Louise, following +the line of thought suggested.</p> + +<p>As if with one accord they moved down the hall to the door of the young +man's room.</p> + +<p>"Are you in, Arthur?" asked Uncle John, knocking briskly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>He opened his door at once, and saw with surprise the little group of +anxious faces outside.</p> + +<p>"Is your money safe?" asked Uncle John.</p> + +<p>Weldon gave them a startled glance and then ran to his dresser and +pulled open a drawer. After a moment's fumbling he turned with a smile.</p> + +<p>"All safe, sir."<a name="Page_329" id="Page_329"></a></p> + +<p>Uncle John and his nieces were visibly relieved.</p> + +<p>"You see," continued Arthur, "I've invented a clever hiding-place, +because the satchel could not be left alone and I didn't wish to lug it +with me every step I took. So I placed the packages of bills inside the +leg of a pair of trousers, and put them in a drawer with some other +clothing at top and bottom. A dozen people might rummage in that drawer +without suspecting the fact that money is hidden there. I've come to +believe the place is as good as a bank; but you startled me for a +minute, with your question. What's wrong?"</p> + +<p>"Tato's gone."</p> + +<p>"Gone!"</p> + +<p>"Departed bag and baggage."</p> + +<p>"But your fifty thousand, sir. Is it safe?"</p> + +<p>"It has to be," answered Uncle John. "It is in a steel-bound, +double-locked trunk, to which I've lost the key. No bank can beat that, +my boy."</p> + +<p>"Then why did the child run away?"</p> + +<p>They could not answer that.<a name="Page_330" id="Page_330"></a></p> + +<p>"It's a mystery," said Patsy, almost ready to weep. "But I'll bet it's +that cruel, wicked father of hers. Perhaps he came while we were out and +wouldn't wait a minute."</p> + +<p>"What does the hall porter say?" asked Kenneth, who had joined the group +in time to overhear the last speech and guess what had happened.</p> + +<p>"Stupid!" cried Uncle John. "We never thought of the hall-porter. Come +back to our sitting room, and we'll have him up in a jiffy."</p> + +<p>The portiere answered his bell with alacrity. The Americans were liberal +guests.</p> + +<p>The young lady? Ah, she had driven away soon after they had themselves +gone. A thin-faced, dark-eyed man had called for her and taken her away, +placing her baggage on the box of the carriage. Yes, she had paid her +bill and tipped the servants liberally.</p> + +<p>"Just as I suspected!" cried Patsy. "That horrid duke has forced her to +leave us. Perhaps he was jealous, and feared we would want to keep her +always. Was she weeping and miserable, porter?"<a name="Page_331" id="Page_331"></a></p> + +<p>"No, signorina. She laughed and was very merry. And—but I had +forgotten! There is a letter which she left for the Signorina D'Oyle."</p> + +<p>"Where?"</p> + +<p>"In the office. I will bring it at once."</p> + +<p>He ran away and quickly returned, placing a rather bulky parcel in the +girl's hands.</p> + +<p>"You read it, Uncle John," she said. "There can't be anything private in +Tato's letter, and perhaps she has explained everything."</p> + +<p>He put on his glasses and then took the missive and deliberately opened +it. Tato wrote a fine, delicate hand, and although the English words +were badly spelled she expressed herself quite well in the foreign +tongue. With the spelling and lack of punctuation corrected, her letter +was as follows:</p> + +<p>"Dear, innocent, foolish Patsy: How astonished you will be to find I +have vanished from your life forever; and what angry and indignant words +you will hurl after poor Tato! But they will not reach me, because you +will not know in which direction to send them, and I will not care +whether you are angry or not.<a name="Page_332" id="Page_332"></a></p> + +<p>"You have been good to me, Patsy, and I really love you—fully as much +as I have fear of that shrewd and pretty cousin of yours, whose cold +eyes have made me tremble more than once. But tell Beth I forgive her, +because she is the only clever one of the lot of you. Louise thinks she +is clever, but her actions remind me of the juggler who explained his +tricks before he did them, so that the audience would know how skillful +he was."</p> + +<p>"But oh, Patsy, what simpletons you all are! And because you have been +too stupid to guess the truth I must bother to write it all down. For it +would spoil much of my satisfaction and enjoyment if you did not know +how completely I have fooled you.</p> + +<p>"You tricked us that day in the mountain glen, and for the first time an +Alcanta brigand lost his prisoners and his ransom money through being +outwitted. But did you think that was the end? If so you failed to +appreciate us.</p> + +<p>"Look you, my dear, we could have done without the money, for our family +has been robbing and accumulating for ages, with little need <a name="Page_333" id="Page_333"></a>to expend +much from year to year. It is all in the Bank of Italy, too, and drawing +the interest, for my father is a wise man of business. That four hundred +thousand lira was to have been our last ransom, and after we had fairly +earned it you tricked us and did not pay.</p> + +<p>"So my father and I determined to get even with you, as much through +revenge as cupidity. We were obliged to desert the valley at once, +because we were getting so rich that the government officials became +uneasy and warned us to go or be arrested. So we consulted together and +decided upon our little plot, which was so simple that it has worked +perfectly. We came to you with our sad story, and you thought we had +reformed, and kindly adopted me as one of your party. It was so easy +that I almost laughed in your foolish faces. But I didn't, for I can +act. I played the child very nicely, I think, and you quite forgot I was +a brigand's daughter, with the wild, free blood of many brave outlaws +coursing in my veins. Ah, I am more proud of that than of my acting.</p> + +<p>"Innocent as I seemed, I watched you all care<a name="Page_334" id="Page_334"></a>fully, and knew from +almost the first hour where the money had been put. I stole the key to +Uncle John's trunk on the train, while we were going from Taormina to +Syracuse; but I did not take the money from it because I had no better +place to keep it, and the only danger was that he would force the lock +some day. But Ferralti's money—I call him Ferralti because it is a +prettier name than Weldon—bothered me for a long time. At the first he +would not let that little satchel out of his sight, and when he finally +did he had removed the money to some other place. I searched his room +many times, but could not find his hiding place until last night. While +he was at dinner I discovered the bills in one of the drawers of his +dresser.</p> + +<p>"But for this difficulty I should have left your charming society +before, as my father has been secretly waiting for me for three days. +Having located Ferralti's money I waited until this morning and when you +had all left me I signalled to my father from my window and prepared to +disappear. It took but a few minutes to get the money from Uncle John's +trunk and<a name="Page_335" id="Page_335"></a> Arthur's trouser-leg. Much obliged for it, I'm sure. Then I +packed up all my pretty dresses in my new trunk—for part of our plot +was to use your good taste in fitting me out properly—and now I am +writing this loving epistle before I leave.</p> + +<p>"We shall go to Paris or Vienna or Cairo or London—guess which! We +shall have other names—very beautiful ones—and be rich and dignified +and respected. When I grow older I think I shall marry a prince and +become a princess; but that will not interest you much, for you will not +know that the great princess is your own little Tato.</p> + +<p>"Tell Uncle John I have left the key to his trunk on the mantel, behind +the picture of the madonna. I stuffed papers into Arthur's trouser leg +to deceive him if he came back before I had a chance to escape. But I +hoped you would discover nothing until you read this letter, for I +wanted to surprise you. Have I? Then I am content. You tricked me once; +but I have tricked you at the last, and the final triumph is mine.<a name="Page_336" id="Page_336"></a></p> + + +<p>"In spite of all, Patsy dear, I love you; for you are sweet and good, +and although I would not be like you for the world I can appreciate your +excellent qualities. Remember this when your anger is gone. I won't be +able to visit you in America, but I shall always think of you in a more +kindly way than I fear you will think of <a name="Page_337" id="Page_337"></a>the Sicilian tomboy, +<span class="smcap">Tato</span>."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX</h2> + +<h3>A WAY TO FORGET</h3> + + +<p>The faces of the group, as Uncle John finished reading, were worth +studying. Arthur Weldon was white with anger, and his eyes blazed. Silas +Watson stared blankly at his old friend, wondering if it was because he +was growing old that he had been so easily hoodwinked by this saucy +child. Beth was biting her lip to keep back the tears of humiliation +that longed to trickle down her cheeks. Louise frowned because she +remembered the hard things Tato had said of her. Patsy was softly crying +at the loss of her friend.</p> + +<p>Then Kenneth laughed, and the sound sent a nervous shiver through the +group.</p> + +<p>"Tato's a brick!" announced the boy, audaciously. "Can't you see, you +stupids, that the thing is a good joke on us all? Or are you too thin +skinned to laugh at your own expense?"<a name="Page_338" id="Page_338"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, we can laugh," responded Uncle John, gravely. "But if Tato's a +brick it's because she is hard and insensible. The loss of the money +doesn't hurt me, but to think the wicked little lass made me love her +when she didn't deserve it is the hardest blow I have ever received."</p> + +<p>That made Patsy sob outright, while Louise ejaculated, with scorn: "The +little wretch!"</p> + +<p>"It serves us right for having confidence in a child reared to crime and +murder from the cradle," said Arthur, rather savagely. "I don't know how +much money I am worth, but I'd gladly spend another thirty thousand to +bring this wretched creature to justice."</p> + +<p>"Money won't do it," declared the lawyer, shaking his head regretfully. +"The rascals are too clever to be caught in Europe. It would be +different at home."</p> + +<p>"Well, the best thing to do is to grin and bear it, and forget the +unpleasant incident as soon as possible," said Uncle John. "I feel as if +I'd had my pocket picked by my best friend, but it isn't nearly as +disgraceful as being obliged to assist the thief by paying ransom +money.<a name="Page_339" id="Page_339"></a> The loss amounts to nothing to either of us, and such treachery, +thank goodness, is rare in the world. We can't afford to let the thing +make us unhappy, my friends; so cheer up, all of you, and don't dwell +upon it any more than you can help."</p> + +<p>They left Syracuse a rather solemn group, in spite of this wise advice, +and journeyed back to Naples and thence to Rome. There was much to see +here, and they saw it so energetically that when they boarded the train +for Florence they were all fagged out and could remember nothing clearly +except the Coliseum and the Baths of Carracalla.</p> + +<p>Florence was just now a bower of roses and very beautiful. But Kenneth +lugged them to the galleries day after day until Uncle John declared he +hated to look an "old master" in the face.</p> + +<p>"After all, they're only daubs," he declared. "Any ten-year-old boy in +America can paint better pictures."</p> + +<p>"Don't let anyone hear you say that, dear," cautioned Patsy. "They'd +think you don't know good art."<a name="Page_340" id="Page_340"></a></p> + +<p>"But I do," he protested. "If any of those pictures by old masters was +used in a street-car 'ad' at home it would be money wasted, for no one +would look at them. The people wouldn't stand for it a minute."</p> + +<p>"They are wonderful for the age in which they were painted," said +Kenneth, soberly. "You must remember that we have had centuries in which +to improve our art, since then."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I've a proper respect for old age, I hope," replied Uncle John; +"but to fall down and worship a thing because it's gray-haired and +out-of-date isn't just my style. All of these 'Oh!'s' and 'Ahs!' over +the old masters are rank humbug, and I'm ashamed of the people that +don't know better."</p> + +<p>And now Arthur Weldon was obliged to bid good-bye to Louise and her +friends and take a train directly to Paris to catch the steamer for +home. His attorney advised him that business demanded his immediate +presence, and he was obliged to return, however reluctantly.</p> + +<p>Kenneth and Mr. Watson also left the party at Florence, as the boy +artist wished to remain <a name="Page_341" id="Page_341"></a>there for a time to study the pictures that +Uncle John so bitterly denounced. The others went on to Venice, which +naturally proved to the nieces one of the most delightful places they +had yet seen. Mr. Merrick loved it because he could ride in a gondola +and rest his stubby legs, which had become weary with tramping through +galleries and cathedrals. These last monuments, by the way, had grown to +become a sort of nightmare to the little gentleman. The girls were +enthusiastic over cathedrals, and allowed none to escape a visit. For a +time Uncle John had borne up bravely, but the day of rebellion was soon +coming.</p> + +<p>"No cathedrals in Venice, I hope?" he had said on their arrival.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, dear; the loveliest one in the world! St. Mark's is here, you +know."</p> + +<p>"But no St. Paul's or St. Peter's?"</p> + +<p>"No, Uncle. There's the Saluta, and the—"</p> + +<p>"Never mind. We'll do that first one, and then quit. What they build so +many churches for I can't imagine. Nobody goes to 'em but tourists, that +I can see."<a name="Page_342" id="Page_342"></a></p> + +<p>He developed a streak of extravagance in Venice, and purchased Venetian +lace and Venetian glassware to such an extent that the nieces had to +assure him they were all supplied with enough to last them and their +friends for all time to come. Major Doyle had asked for a meerschaum +pipe and a Florentine leather pocket book; so Uncle John made a +collection of thirty-seven pipes of all shapes and sizes, and bought so +many pocketbooks that Patsy declared her father could use a different +one every day in the month.</p> + +<p>"But they're handy things to have," said her uncle, "and we may not get +to Europe again in a hurry."</p> + +<p>This was his excuse for purchasing many things, and it was only by +reminding him of the duty he would have to pay in New York that the +girls could induce him to desist.</p> + +<p>This customs tax worried the old gentleman at times. Before this trip he +had always believed in a protective tariff, but now he referred to the +United States customs as a species of brigandage worse than that of Il +Duca himself.<a name="Page_343" id="Page_343"></a></p> + +<p>They stopped at Milan to visit the great cathedral, and then raced +through Switzerland and made a dash from Luzerne to Paris.</p> + +<p>"Thank heaven," said Uncle John, "there are no cathedrals in gay Paree, +at any rate."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes there are," they assured him. "We must see Notre Dame, anyway; +and there are a dozen other famous cathedrals."</p> + +<p>Here is where Uncle John balked.</p> + +<p>"See here, my dears," he announced, "Not a cathedral will I visit from +this time on! You can take a guide and go by yourselves if you feel you +can't let any get away from you. Go and find another of Mike Angelo's +last work; every church has got one. For my part, I've always been +religiously inclined, but I've been to church enough lately to last me +the rest of my natural life, and I've fully determined not to darken the +doors of another cathedral again. They're like circuses, anyhow; when +you've seen one, you've seen 'em all."</p> + +<p>No argument would induce him to abandon this position; so the girls +accepted his proposal and visited their beloved cathedrals in charge of +<a name="Page_344" id="Page_344"></a>a guide, whose well of information was practically inexhaustible if not +remarkable for its clarity.</p> + +<p>The opera suited Uncle John better, and he freely revelled in the shops, +purchasing the most useless and preposterous things in spite of that +growing bugbear of the customs duties.</p> + +<p>But finally this joyous holiday came to an end, as all good things will, +and they sailed from Cherbourg for New York.</p> + +<p>Uncle John had six extra trunks, Patsy carried a French poodle that was +as much trouble as an infant in arms, and Louise engineered several +hat-boxes that could not be packed at the last minute. But the girls +embarked gay and rosy-cheeked and animated, and in spite of all the +excitement and pleasure that had attended their trip, not one of the +party was really sorry when the return voyage began.<a name="Page_345" id="Page_345"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXI</h2> + +<h3>SAFE HOME</h3> + + +<p>"To me," said Uncle John, as he stood on the deck and pointed proudly to +the statue of Liberty in New York harbor, "that is the prettiest sight +I've seen since I left home."</p> + +<p>"Prettier than the old masters, Uncle?" asked Patsy, mischievously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, or the cathedrals!" he retorted.</p> + +<p>When they reached the dock there was the Major waiting to receive Patsy +in a new checked suit with a big flower in his button-hole and a broad +smile on his jolly face.</p> + +<p>And there was Mrs. Merrick, too, with Arthur Weldon beside her, which +proved to Louise that he had succeeded in making his peace with her +mother. Also there were the stern-featured custom-house officials in +their uniforms, and the sight of them sent the cold chills flying down +Uncle John's spine.<a name="Page_346" id="Page_346"></a></p> + +<p>There was no one present to receive Beth, but her uncle tucked her arm +underneath his own with a proud gesture and kept her close beside him. +For the girl had quite won his loving old heart on this trip, and she +seemed to him more mature and far sweeter than when they had left home.</p> + +<p>But the greetings and the "brigandage" were soon over, and in good time +they were all assembled in the Doyle flat, where the joyous Major had +prepared an elaborate dinner to celebrate the return of the wanderers.</p> + +<p>"We've a million pipes and pocket-books for you, daddy," whispered +Patsy, hugging him for the twentieth time; "and I've got a thousand +things to tell you about our adventures in strange lands."</p> + +<p>"Save 'em till we're alone," said the Major; "they're too good to waste +on a crowd."</p> + +<p>Mr. Merrick was placed at the head of the table to make a speech. It was +brief and to the point.</p> + +<p>"I promised these young ladies to give them <a name="Page_347" id="Page_347"></a>time of their lives," he +said, "Did I do it, girls?"</p> + +<p>And in a lively chorus they answered:</p> + +<p>"You did, Uncle John!"</p> + + + +<div class='bbox'> +<p>This story is one of the delightful "Aunt Jane Series" in which are +chronicled the many interesting adventures in the lives of those +fascinating girls and dear old "Uncle John." The other volumes can be +bought wherever books are sold. A complete list of titles, which is +added to from time to time, is given on page <a href="#Page_x"><b>2</b></a> of this book.</p> + +<p class='center'>(<i>Complete catalog sent free on request.</i>)</p></div> + + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> + +<h3><i>Exhilarating Books for Girls of Today</i></h3> + +<p><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353"></a></p> + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>The Flying Girl Series</h2> + + +<h3><i>By</i> EDITH VAN DYNE</h3> + +<p class='center'><i>Author of "Aunt Jane's Nieces" Series</i></p> + +<p>Capital up-to-the-minute stories for girls and young +people, in which the author is at her very best. Thrilling +and full of adventure, but of that wholesome type parents +are glad to put in the hands of their daughters. Two +titles:</p> + +<div class="figleft"> +<img src="./images/flyingirl.png" alt="The Flying Girl" title="The Flying Girl" /> +</div> + + + +<p><big>The Flying Girl</big></p> + +<p>Orissa Kane, self-reliant +and full of sparkling +good nature, under-study +for her brother, prospective +inventor and aviator +whose experiments put +the Kane family into +great difficulties, in the +crisis proves resourceful +and plucky, and saves +the day in a most thrilling +manner.</p> + + +<p><big>The Flying Girl</big><br /> +<big>and Her Chum</big></p> + +<p>This story takes Orissa +and her friend Sybil +through further adventures that test these two clever girls +to the limit. A remarkably well told story.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>12mo. Bound in extra cloth with design stamping +on cover and fancy jacket. Printed on high +grade paper. Illustrated in black and white</i>.</p></div> + +<p class='center'><i>Price 60 cents each. Postage 12 cents</i>.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> + + +<p><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354"></a></p> + + +<h2>The</h2> +<h2>Captain Becky Series</h2> + +<h4><i>By</i></h4> + +<h3>MARGARET LOVE SANDERSON</h3> + +<p>Resourceful, self-reliant, sunny-natured +Captain Becky will find many +friends among girl readers. The Captain +Becky Series is a noteworthy contribution to +books for girls—distinctive and individual +in every detail, inside and out.</p> + +<p>Two very much alive stories of a girl +who makes things happen—who is a <i>doer</i>. +Whether she is on cruise on the picturesque +Indian River in Florida or in laughable +masquerade among the old homesteads of +New Hampshire, her experiences are worth +writing about—and worth reading. Two +titles:</p> + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Captain Becky Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>Captain Becky's Winter Cruise.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Captain Becky's Masquerade.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + + +<div class="center"><i>Attractive binding; cover inlay in full color. Frontispiece +for each by Norman Hall. Price 60 cents.</i></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355"></a></p> + +<h3><i>Books for Older Children by L. Frank Baum</i></h3> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + +<h2>The Daring Twins Series</h2> + +<h3><i>By</i> L. FRANK BAUM</h3> + +<div class="figright"> +<img src="./images/daretwins.png" alt="The Daring Twins" title="The Daring Twins" /> +</div> + + +<p>In writing "The Daring +Twins Series" Mr. Baum +yielded to the hundreds of +requests that have been +made of him by youngsters, +both boys and girls, who in +their early childhood read +and loved his famous "Oz" +books, to write a story for +young folk of the ages between +twelve and eighteen.</p> + +<div class="center"><b>A story of the real<br /> +life of real boys and<br /> +girls in a real family<br /> +under real conditions</b></div> + +<p class='center'><i>Two Titles</i>:</p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Daring Twins"> +<tr><td align='left'>The Daring Twins</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Phoebe Daring</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>While preparing these books Mr. Baum lived with +his characters. They have every element of the +drama of life as it begins within the lives of children. +The two stories are a mixture of the sublime and +the ridiculous; the foibles and fancies of childhood, +interspersed with humor and pathos.</p> + +<p class='center'><i>Price, $1.00 each</i></p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356"></a></p> + + +<h2>Azalea</h2> + +<h3><i>By</i> ELIA W. PEATTIE</h3> + +<p><b>The first book of the "Blue Ridge" Series</b></p> + +<p>Azalea is the heroine of a good, wholesome +story that will appeal to every mother as the +sort of book she would like her daughter to read. +In the homy McBirneys of Mt. Tennyson, down in +the Blue Ridge country, +and their hearty mountain +neighbors, girl +readers will find new +friends they will be glad +to make old friends.</p> + +<p>This book marks a +distinct advance in the +quality of books offered +for girls. No lack of +action—no sacrifice of +charm.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Four half-tone illustrations +from drawings by Hazel +Roberts. Attractive cover +design, $1.00.</i></p></div> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="./images/azalea.png" alt="Azalea" title="Azalea" /></div> + + +<p class='center'><b>The second title in THE BLUE RIDGE SERIES +will be published in 1913</b></p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357"></a></p> + + +<h2>ANNABEL</h2> + +<h3><i>By</i> SUSANNE METCALF</h3> + +<div class="figright"><img src="./images/annabel.png" alt="Annabel" title="Annabel" /></div> + +<p>A girls' book with a clever, quick-moving +plot is unusual. ANNABEL is +that kind. The heroine is a lovable girl, +but one with plenty of snap—her red hair +testifies to that. Her friend, Will Carden, +too, is a boy of unusual +qualities, as is apparent +in everything he does. +He and Annabel make +an excellent team.</p> + + +<p>The two, the best of +chums, retrieve the fortunes +of the Carden +family in a way that +makes some exciting +situations. The secret +of the mysterious Mr. +Jordan is surprised by +Annabel, while Will, in +a trip to England with an unexpected climax, +finds the real fortune of the Cardens.</p> + +<p>ANNABEL is a book whose make-up is +in keeping with the high quality of the story.</p> + +<p class='center'><i>Beautiful cover and jacket in colors, 12 mo. Illustrated +by Joseph Pierre Nuyttens. Price 60 cents</i></p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358"></a></p> + +<h3><i>A Novelty Every Girl Wants</i></h3> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + +<h2>The Girl Graduate</h2> + +<h3>HER OWN BOOK</h3> + +<p>In which to keep the happy record of +her last year at school or college—a book +she will keep and prize always.</p> + +<p>There is a place for everything dear to +the girl graduate's heart and memory—class +flower, color, yell, motto, photographs, +jokes and frolics.</p> + +<p>Departments for social events, officers, +teachers, invitations, baccalaureate sermon, +programmes, presents, press notices, class +prophecy and various "doings."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Girl Graduate</span> is equally appropriate +for young girls leaving grade or high +schools and their older sisters who have +"finished" at college or boarding school. It +makes a suitable present at any season of +the year.</p> + +<p class='center'><i>FIFTEENTH EDITION. Revised and Improved</i></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Dainty designs in delicate colorings on pearl gray stationery. +Cover to match, with a trellis of roses in tints +and decorations in gold.</p> + + +<p><i>8vo. 200 pages. Decorated on every page. Each book +put up in an attractive gray box. Price $1.50. Swiss +velvet ooze, price $2.50. Full leather, gold edges, De +Luxe edition, price $3.00. Commencement edition, +crushed levant, price $6.00.</i></p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359"></a></p> + +<h3><i>A Memory Book for Younger Girls</i></h3> + + + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h2>School-Girl Days</h2> + +<p class='center'><i>Designed by</i></p> + +<h3>CLARA POWERS WILSON</h3> + + +<p>A school memory book appropriate for +girls of the upper grammar grades +through high school, private school and +normal school. New and exquisite illustrations, +printed in two colors on specially made +tinted paper, having a good writing surface.</p> + +<p class='center'> +<b>Cloth Edition</b><br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bound in fancy cloth with fetching cover +design in five colors and gold. Large 8vo. +192 pages. In beautiful box. Price $1.25</i></p></div> + + +<p class='center'> +<b>Classmates Edition</b><br /> +<br /> +<i>Swiss Velvet Ooze. Silk Marker. Special Box. Price $2.00</i><br /> +</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360"></a></p> + +<h3><i>An Ideal Book for Young Travelers</i></h3> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + +<h2>Travel Notes Abroad</h2> + +<h3>MY OWN RECORD</h3> + +<p class='center'><i>Arranged by</i></p> + +<h3>CLARA POWERS WILSON</h3> + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="./images/travel.png" alt="Travel Notes Abroad" title="Travel Notes Abroad" /></div> + +<p>It would be hard to imagine a girl who does not want +a real record of the ecstatic joys of her first glimpses of +foreign lands. This very attractive book is the first of its +kind, and will be found to provide for every kind of an +experience that comes to young American travelers.</p> + +<p>There are departments for recording the itinerary, the +events of the trip across, friends met, autographs, expenses, +different general divisions for the various countries, places +to keep a memorandum of hotels where the travelers stayed, +also of restaurants, shops, galleries, and purchases, the +return trip, etc., etc.</p> + +<p class='center'><i>TRAVEL NOTES ABROAD is profusely illustrated<br /> +and decorated in two colors with striking cover design, and<br /> +inclosed in a box. Price, cloth, $1.50; leather, $3.00.</i></p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361"></a></p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="The Boys Big Game Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><h2>The</h2> +<h2>Boys'</h2> +<h2>Big</h2> +<h2>Game</h2> +<h2>Series</h2></td> + +<td align='left'><div class="figright"> +<img src="./images/biggame.png" alt="The Boys Big Game Series" title="The Boys Big Game Series" /> +</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p class="hangindent"><b>THE GIANT MOOSE.</b> The monarch of the big Northwest; a story told +over camp fires in the reek of cedar smoke and the silence of the barrens.</p> + +<p class="hangindent"><b>THE WHITE TIGER OF NEPAL.</b> The weird story of the man-killer +of the foothills. Tinged with the mysticism of India, dramatic and stirring.</p> + +<p class="hangindent"><b>THE BLIND LION OF THE CONGO.</b> A story of the least +known part of the earth and its most feared beast. A gripping tale of the +land of the white pigmies.</p> + +<p class="hangindent"><b>THE KING BEAR OF KADIAK ISLAND.</b> A tale of the +bully of the Frozen North and his mysterious guardian. A game-and-man-story +that makes a good boy-story.</p> + + +<p class='center'> +<i>The topnotch of production in boys' books. Remarkable<br /> +covers and four-color jackets. Illustrations and<br /> +cover designs by Dan Sayre Grosbeck.</i><br /> +<br /> +Price, 60 cents each<br /> +<br /> +<big><b>The REILLY & BRITTON CO.</b></big><br /> +PUBLISHERS, CHICAGO<br /> +</p><p><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>The</h2> +<h2>Boy Scouts</h2> +<h2>of the Air Books</h2> + +<h3><i>By</i> GORDON STUART</h3> + +<div class="figright"> +<img src="./images/bsair.png" alt="The Boy Scouts of the Air Series" title="The Boy Scouts of the Air Series" /> +</div> + +<p>Are stirring stories of adventure +in which real boys, clean-cut +and wide-awake, do the +things other wide-awake boys +like to read about.</p> + +<p class='center'> +<i>Four titles,<br /> +per volume,<br /> +60 cents</i><br /> +</p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Boy Scouts of the Air Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR AT EAGLE CAMP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR AT GREENWOOD SCHOOL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR IN INDIAN LAND</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR IN NORTHERN WILDS</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p class='center'> +<i>Splendid Illustrations by Norman Hall</i><br /> +</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363"></a></p> + +<h3><i>The Best Aviation Stories for Boys</i></h3> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Aeroplane Boys"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class="figleft"> +<a href="./images/aero2.png"><img src="./images/aero1-tb.png" alt="WHEN SCOUT MEETS SCOUT" title="WHEN SCOUT MEETS SCOUT" /> +</a></div></td> +<td align='left'><h2>The</h2> +<h2>Aeroplane</h2> +<h2>Boys</h2> +<h2>Series</h2> +<p class='center'><i>By</i><br /> +ASHTON LAMAR</p> +</td> +<td align='left'><div class="figright"> +<a href="./images/aero2.png"><img src="./images/aero2-tb.png" alt="BATTLING THE BIGHORN" title="BATTLING THE BIGHORN" /> +</a></div> +</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p class='center'>These are the newest and most exciting<br /> +books of aeroplane adventure. A special<br /> +point is the correctness of the aviation details.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Aeroplane Boys"> +<tr><td align='left'><i>1. IN THE CLOUDS FOR UNCLE SAM</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Or, Morey Marshall of the Signal Corps</i></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><i>2. THE STOLEN AEROPLANE</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Or, How Bud Wilson Made Good</i></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><i>3. THE AEROPLANE EXPRESS</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Or, The Boy Aeronaut's Grit</i></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><i>4. THE BOY AERONAUTS' CLUB</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Or, Flying for Fun</i></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><i>5. A CRUISE IN THE SKY</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Or, The Legend of the Great Pink Pearl</i></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><i>6. BATTLING THE BIGHORN</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies</i></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><i>7. WHEN SCOUT MEETS SCOUT</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Or, The Aeroplane Spy</i></span></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr style='width: 15%;' /> + +<p class='center'> +<i>Fully illustrated. Colored frontispiece.<br /> +Cloth, 12mo. 60 cents each.</i><br /> +</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago</div> + +<p><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364"></a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="./images/airship.png" alt="The Famous Airship Boys" title="The Famous Airship Boys" /></div> + + +<h3><i>By</i> H.L. SAYLER</h3> + +<h3><i>SEVEN TITLES</i></h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Airship Boys"> +<tr><td align='left'>1. THE AIRSHIP BOYS Or, The Quest of the Aztec Treasure</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>2. THE AIRSHIP BOYS ADRIFT Or, Saved by an Aeroplane</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>3. THE AIRSHIP BOYS DUE NORTH Or, By Balloon to the Pole</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>4. THE AIRSHIP BOYS IN THE BARREN LANDS Or, The Secret ofthe White Eskimos</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>5. THE AIRSHIP BOYS IN FINANCE Or, The Flight of the Flying Cow</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>6. THE AIRSHIP BOYS' OCEAN FLYER Or, New York to London in Twelve Hours</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>7. THE AIRSHIP BOYS AS DETECTIVES Or, On Secret Service in Cloudland</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p>Fascinating stories of that wonderful region of +invention where imagination and reality so nearly +meet. There is no more interesting field for stories +for wide-awake boys. Mr. Sayler combines a remarkable +narrative ability with a degree of technical +knowledge that makes these books correct in all +airship details. Full of adventure without being +sensational.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The make-up of these books is strictly up-to-date +and fetching. The covers are emblematic, +and the jackets are showy and in colors. +The illustrations are full of dash and vim. +Standard novel size, 12mo. Price $1.00 each.</i></p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago<br /><br /></div> + + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES ABROAD***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 16566-h.txt or 16566-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/5/6/16566">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/5/6/16566</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad + + +Author: Edith Van Dyne + + + +Release Date: August 21, 2005 [eBook #16566] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES ABROAD*** + + +E-text prepared by Afra Ullah, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg Online +Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/) + + + +AUNT JANE'S NIECES ABROAD + +by + +EDITH VAN DYNE + +Author of +"Aunt Jane's Nieces," "Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville," +"Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society," etc. + + +Publishers +The Reilly & Britton Co. +Chicago + +1906 + + + + + + * * * * * + + +The Aunt Jane's Nieces Series + +BOOKS FOR GIRLS + +By EDITH VAN DYNE + +[Illustration] + +SEVEN TITLES + + + _Aunt Jane's Nieces_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John_ + _Aunt Jane's Nieces on Vacation_ + + + * * * * * + + Distinctly girls' books and yet stories that will appeal to + _brother_ as well--and to older folk. Real and + vital--rousing stories of the experiences and exploits of + three real girls who do things. Without being sensational, + Mrs. Van Dyne has succeeded in writing a series of stories + that have the tug and stir of fresh young blood in them. + Each story is complete in itself. + + Illustrated 12mo. Uniform cloth binding, stamped in colors, + with beautiful colored inlay. Fancy colored jackets. Price + 60 cents each + + * * * * * + + + + +LIST OF CHAPTERS + + +CHAPTER PAGE + + I. THE DOYLES ARE ASTONISHED 1 + + II. UNCLE JOHN MAKES PLANS 12 + + III. "ALL ASHORE!" 24 + + IV. SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES AND A WARNING 36 + + V. VESUVIUS RAMPANT 54 + + VI. UNDER A CLOUD 57 + + VII. A FRIEND IN NEED 69 + + VIII. ACROSS THE BAY 76 + + IX. COUNT FERRALTI 85 + + X. THE ROAD TO AMALFI 94 + + XI. THE EAGLE SCREAMS 110 + + XII. MOVING ON 120 + + XIII. "IL DUCA" 137 + + XIV. UNCLE JOHN DISAPPEARS 153 + + XV. DAYS OF ANXIETY 169 + + XVI. TATO 180 + + XVII. THE HIDDEN VALLEY 189 + + XVIII. THE GUESTS OF THE BRIGAND 202 + + XIX. A DIFFICULT POSITION 217 + + XX. UNCLE JOHN PLAYS EAVESDROPPER 228 + + XXI. THE PIT 241 + + XXII. NEWS AT LAST 250 + + XXIII. BETH BEGINS TO PLOT 263 + + XXIV. PATSY'S NEW FRIEND 272 + + XXV. TURNING THE TABLES 283 + + XXVI. THE COUNT UNMASKS 292 + + XXVII. TATO IS ADOPTED 304 + +XXVIII. DREAMS AND DRESS-MAKING 312 + + XXIX. TATO WINS 326 + + XXX. A WAY TO FORGET 337 + + XXXI. SAFE HOME 345 + + +[Illustration] + +PREFATORY: + + +The author is pleased to be able to present a sequel to "Aunt Jane's +Nieces," the book which was received with so much favor last year. Yet +it is not necessary one should have read the first book to fully +understand the present volume, the characters being taken to entirely +new scenes. + +The various foreign localities are accurately described, so that those +who have visited them will recognize them at once, while those who have +not been so fortunate may acquire a clear conception of them. It was my +good fortune to be an eye witness of the recent great eruption of +Vesuvius. + +Lest I be accused of undue sensationalism in relating the somewhat +dramatic Sicilian incident, I will assure my reader that the story does +not exaggerate present conditions in various parts of the island. In +fact, Il Duca and Tato are drawn from life, although they did not have +their mountain lair so near to Taormina as I have ventured to locate +it. Except that I have adapted their clever system of brigandage to the +exigencies of this story, their history is truly related. Many who have +travelled somewhat outside the beaten tracks in Sicily will frankly +vouch for this statement. + +Italy is doing its best to suppress the Mafia and to eliminate +brigandage from the beautiful islands it controls, but so few of the +inhabitants are Italians or in sympathy with the government that the +work of reformation is necessarily slow. Americans, especially, must +exercise caution in travelling in any part of Sicily; yet with proper +care not to tempt the irresponsible natives, they are as safe in Sicily +as they are at home. + +Aunt Jane's nieces are shown to be as frankly adventurous as the average +clear headed American girl, but their experiences amid the environments +of an ancient and still primitive civilization are in no wise +extraordinary. + + EDITH VAN DYNE. + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +THE DOYLES ARE ASTONISHED + + +It was Sunday afternoon in Miss Patricia Doyle's pretty flat at 3708 +Willing Square. In the small drawing room Patricia--or Patsy, as she +preferred to be called--was seated at the piano softly playing the one +"piece" the music teacher had succeeded in drilling into her flighty +head by virtue of much patience and perseverance. In a thick cushioned +morris-chair reclined the motionless form of Uncle John, a chubby little +man in a gray suit, whose features were temporarily eclipsed by the +newspaper that was spread carefully over them. Occasionally a gasp or a +snore from beneath the paper suggested that the little man was +"snoozing" as he sometimes gravely called it, instead of listening to +the music. + +Major Doyle sat opposite, stiffly erect, with his admiring eyes full +upon Patsy. At times he drummed upon the arms of his chair in unison +with the music, nodding his grizzled head to mark the time as well as to +emphasize his evident approbation. Patsy had played this same piece from +start to finish seven times since dinner, because it was the only one +she knew; but the Major could have listened to it seven hundred times +without the flicker of an eyelash. It was not that he admired so much +the "piece" the girl was playing as the girl who was playing the +"piece." His pride in Patsy was unbounded. That she should have +succeeded at all in mastering that imposing looking instrument--making +it actually "play chunes"--was surely a thing to wonder at. But then, +Patsy could do anything, if she but tried. + +Suddenly Uncle John gave a dreadful snort and sat bolt upright, gazing +at his companions with a startled look that melted into one of benign +complacency as he observed his surroundings and realized where he was. +The interruption gave Patsy an opportunity to stop playing the tune. She +swung around on the stool and looked with amusement at her newly +awakened uncle. + +"You've been asleep," she said. + +"No, indeed; quite a mistake," replied the little man, seriously. "I've +only been thinking." + +"An' such _beaut_chiful thoughts," observed the Major, testily, for he +resented the interruption of his Sunday afternoon treat. "You thought +'em aloud, sir, and the sound of it was a bad imithation of a bullfrog +in a marsh. You'll have to give up eating the salad, sir." + +"Bah! don't I know?" asked Uncle John, indignantly. + +"Well, if your knowledge is better than our hearing, I suppose you do," +retorted the Major. "But to an ignorant individual like meself the +impression conveyed was that you snored like a man that has forgotten +his manners an' gone to sleep in the prisence of a lady." + +"Then no one has a better right to do that," declared Patsy, soothingly; +"and I'm sure our dear Uncle John's thoughts were just the most +beautiful dreams in the world. Tell us of them, sir, and we'll prove the +Major utterly wrong." + +Even her father smiled at the girl's diplomacy, and Uncle John, who was +on the verge of unreasonable anger, beamed upon her gratefully. + +"I'm going to Europe," he said. + +The Major gave an involuntary start, and then turned to look at him +curiously. + +"And I'm going to take Patsy along," he continued, with a mischievous +grin. + +The Major frowned. + +"Conthrol yourself, sir, until you are fully awake," said he. "You're +dreaming again." + +Patsy swung her feet from side to side, for she was such a little thing +that the stool raised her entirely off the floor. There was a thoughtful +look on her round, freckled face, and a wistful one in her great blue +eyes as the full meaning of Uncle John's abrupt avowal became apparent. + +The Major was still frowning, but a half frightened expression had +replaced the one of scornful raillery. For he, too, knew that his +eccentric brother-in-law was likely to propose any preposterous thing, +and then carry it out in spite of all opposition. But to take Patsy to +Europe would be like pulling the Major's eye teeth or amputating his +good right arm. Worse; far worse! It would mean taking the sunshine out +of her old father's sky altogether, and painting it a grim, despairing +gray. + +But he resolved not to submit without a struggle. + +"Sir," said he, sternly--he always called his brother-in-law "sir" when +he was in a sarcastic or reproachful mood--"I've had an idea for some +time that you were plotting mischief. You haven't looked me straight in +the eye for a week, and you've twice been late to dinner. I will ask you +to explain to us, sir, the brutal suggestion you have just advanced." + +Uncle John laughed. In the days when Major Doyle had thought him a poor +man and in need of a helping hand, the grizzled old Irishman had been as +tender toward him as a woman and studiously avoided any speech or +epithet that by chance might injure the feelings of his dead wife's +only brother. But the Major's invariable courtesy to the poor or +unfortunate was no longer in evidence when he found that John Merrick +was a multi-millionaire with a strongly defined habit of doing good to +others and striving in obscure and unconventional ways to make everybody +around him happy. His affection for the little man increased mightily, +but his respectful attitude promptly changed, and a chance to reprove or +discomfit his absurdly rich brother-in-law was one of his most +satisfactory diversions. Uncle John appreciated this, and holding the +dignified Major in loving regard was glad to cross swords with him now +and then to add variety to their pleasant relations. + +"It's this way, Major Doyle," he now remarked, coolly. "I've been +worried to death, lately, over business matters; and I need a change." + +"Phoo! All your business is attended to by Isham, Marvin & Co. You've no +worry at all. Why, we've just made you a quarter of a million in C.H. & +D's." + +The "we" is explained by stating that the Major held an important +position in the great banking house--a position Mr. Merrick had secured +for him some months previously. + +"That's it!" said Uncle John. "You've made me a quarter of a million +that I don't want. The C.H. & D. stocks were going to pieces when I +bought them, and I had reason to hope I'd lose a good round sum on them. +But the confounded luck turned, and the result is an accumulation of all +this dreadful money. So, my dear Major, before I'm tempted to do +some-other foolish thing I've determined to run away, where business +can't follow me, and where by industry and perseverance I can scatter +some of my ill-gotten gains." + +The Major smiled grimly. + +"That's Europe, right enough," he said. "And I don't object, John, to +your going there whenever you please. You're disgracefully countryfied +and uninformed for a man of means, and Europe'll open your eyes and +prove to you how insignificant you really are. I advise you to visit +Ireland, sor, which I'm reliably informed is the centhral jewel in +Europe's crown of beauty. Go; and go whinever you please, sor; but +forbear the wickedness of putting foolish thoughts into our Patsy's +sweet head. She can't go a step, and you know it. It's positive cruelty +to her, sir, to suggest such a thing!" + +The Major's speech had a touch of the brogue when he became excited, but +recovered when he calmed down. + +"Why, you selfish old humbug!" cried Uncle John, indignantly. "Why can't +she go, when there's money and time to spare? Would you keep her here to +cuddle and spoil a vigorous man like yourself, when she can run away and +see the world and be happy?" + +"It's a great happiness to cuddle the Major," said Patsy, softly; "and +the poor man needs it as much as he does his slippers or his oatmeal for +breakfast." + +"And Patsy has the house to look after," added the Major, complacently. + +Uncle John gave a snort of contempt. + +"For an unreasonable man, show me an Irishman," he remarked. "Here +you've been telling me how Europe is an education and a delight, and in +the next breath you deliberately deprive your little daughter, whom you +pretend to love, of the advantages she might gain by a trip abroad! And +why? Just because you want her yourself, and might be a bit lonesome +without her. But I'll settle that foolishness, sir, in short order. You +shall go with us." + +"Impossible!" ejaculated the Major. "It's the time of year I'm most +needed in the office, and Mr. Marvin has been so kind and considerate +that I won't play him a dirty trick by leaving him in the lurch." + +Patsy nodded approval. + +"That's right, daddy," she said. + +Uncle John lay back in the chair and put the newspaper over his face +again. Patsy and her father stared at one another with grave intentness. +Then the Major drew out his handkerchief and mopped his brow. + +"You'd like to go, mavourneen?" he asked, softly. + +"Yes, daddy; but I won't, of course." + +"Tut-tut! don't you go putting yourself against your old father's will, +Patsy. It's not so far to Europe," he continued, thoughtfully, "and you +won't be away much longer than you were when you went to Elmhurst after +Aunt Jane's money--which you didn't get. Mary takes fine care of our +little rooms, and doubtless I shall be so busy that I won't miss you at +all, at all." + +"Daddy!" + +She was in his lap, now, her chubby arms clasped around his neck and her +soft cheek laid close beside his rough and ruddy one. + +"And when ye get back, Patsy darlin'," he whispered, tenderly stroking +her hair, "the joy of the meeting will make up for all that we've +suffered. It's the way of life, mavourneen. Unless a couple happens to +be Siamese twins, they're bound to get separated in the course of +events, more or less, if not frequently." + +"I won't go, daddy." + +"Oh, yes you will. It's not like you to be breakin' my heart by stayin' +home. Next week, said that wicked old uncle--he remoinds me of the one +that tried to desthroy the Babes in the Woods, Patsy dear. You must try +to reclaim him to humanity, for I'm hopin' there's a bit of good in the +old rascal yet." And he looked affectionately at the round little man +under the newspaper. + +Uncle John emerged again. It was wonderful how well he understood the +Doyle family. His face was now smiling and wore a look of supreme +satisfaction. + +"Your selfishness, my dear Major," said he, "is like the husk on a +cocoanut. When you crack it there's plenty of milk within--and in your +case it's the milk of human kindness. Come! let's talk over the trip." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +UNCLE JOHN MAKES PLANS + + +"The thought came to me a long time ago," Uncle John resumed; "but it +was only yesterday that I got all the details fixed and settled in my +mind. I've been a rough old duffer, Patsy, and in all my hard working +life never thought of such a thing as travelling or enjoying myself +until I fell in with you, and you taught me how pleasant it is to +scatter sunshine in the hearts of others. For to make others happy means +a lot of joy for yourself--a secret you were trying to keep from me, you +crafty young woman, until I discovered it by accident. Now, here I am +with three nieces on my hands--" + +"You may say two, sir," interrupted the Major. "Patsy can take care of +herself." + +"Hold your tongue," said Uncle John. "I say I've got three nieces--as +fine a trio of intelligent, sweet and attractive young women as you'll +run across in a month of Sundays. I dare you to deny it, sir. And they +are all at an age when an European trip will do them a world of good. So +off we go, a week from Tuesday, in the first-class steamer 'Princess +Irene,' bound from New York for the Bay of Naples!" + +Patsy's eyes showed her delight. They fairly danced. + +"Have you told Beth and Louise?" she asked. + +His face fell. + +"Not yet," he said. "I'd forgotten to mention it to them." + +"For my part," continued the girl, "I can get ready in a week, easily. +But Beth is way out in Ohio, and we don't know whether she can go or +not." + +"I'll telegraph her, and find out," said Uncle John. + +"Do it to-day," suggested the Major. + +"I will." + +"And to-morrow you must see Louise," added Patsy. "I'm not sure she'll +want to go, dear. She's such a social butterfly, you know, that her +engagements may keep her at home." + +"Do you mean to say she's engaged?" asked Mr. Merrick, aghast. + +"Only for the parties and receptions, Uncle. But it wouldn't surprise me +if she was married soon. She's older than Beth or me, and has a host of +admirers." + +"Perhaps she's old enough to be sensible," suggested the Major. + +"Well, I'll see her and her mother to-morrow morning," decided Uncle +John, "and if she can't find time for a trip to Europe at my expense, +you and Beth shall go anyhow--and we'll bring Louise a wedding present." + +With this declaration he took his hat and walking stick and started for +the telegraph station, leaving Patsy and her father to canvass the +unexpected situation. + +John Merrick was sixty years old, but as hale and rugged as a boy of +twenty. He had made his vast fortune on the Pacific Coast and during his +years of busy activity had been practically forgotten by the Eastern +members of his family, who never had credited him with sufficient +ability to earn more than a precarious livelihood. But the man was +shrewd enough in a business way, although simple almost to childishness +in many other matters. When he returned, quite unheralded, to end his +days "at home" and employ his ample wealth to the best advantage, he for +a time kept his success a secret, and so learned much of the +dispositions and personal characteristics of his three nieces. + +They were at that time visiting his unmarried sister, Jane, at her +estate at Elmhurst, whither they had been invited for the first time; +and in the race for Aunt Jane's fortune he watched the three girls +carefully and found much to admire in each one of them. Patsy Doyle, +however, proved exceptionally frank and genuine, and when Aunt Jane at +last died and it was found she had no estate to bequeath, Patsy proved +the one bright star in the firmament of disappointment. Supposing Uncle +John to be poor, she insisted upon carrying him to New York with her and +sharing with him the humble tenement room in which she lived with her +father--a retired veteran who helped pay the family expenses by keeping +books for a mercantile firm, while Patsy worked in a hair-dresser's +shop. + +It was now that Uncle John proved a modern fairy godfather to Aunt +Jane's nieces--who were likewise his own nieces. The three girls had +little in common except their poverty, Elizabeth De Graf being the +daughter of a music teacher, in Cloverton, Ohio, while Louise Merrick +lived with her widowed mother in a social atmosphere of the second class +in New York, where the two women frankly intrigued to ensnare for Louise +a husband who had sufficient means to ensure both mother and daughter a +comfortable home. In spite of this worldly and unlovely ambition, which +their circumstances might partially excuse, Louise, who was but +seventeen, had many good and womanly qualities, could they have been +developed in an atmosphere uninfluenced by the schemes of her vain and +selfish mother. + +Uncle John, casting aside the mask of poverty, came to the relief of all +three girls. He settled the incomes of substantial sums of money upon +both Beth and Louise, making them practically independent. For Patsy he +bought a handsome modern flat building located at 3708 Willing Square, +and installed her and the Major in its cosiest apartment, the rents of +the remaining flats giving the Doyles an adequate income for all time to +come. Here Uncle John, believing himself cordially welcome, as indeed he +was, made his own home, and it required no shrewd guessing to arrive at +the conclusion that little Patsy was destined to inherit some day all +his millions. + +The great banking and brokerage firm of Isham, Marvin & Co. had long +managed successfully John Merrick's vast fortune, and at his +solicitation it gave Major Doyle a responsible position in its main +office, with a salary that rendered him independent of his daughter's +suddenly acquired wealth and made him proud and self-respecting. + +Money had no power to change the nature of the Doyles. The Major +remained the same simple, honest, courteous yet brusque old warrior who +had won Uncle John's love as a hard working book-keeper; and Patsy's +bright and sunny disposition had certain power to cheer any home, +whether located in a palace or a hovel. + +Never before in his life had Uncle John been so supremely happy, and +never before had Aunt Jane's three nieces had so many advantages and +pleasures. It was to confer still further benefits upon these girls that +their eccentric uncle had planned this unexpected European trip. + +His telegram to Elizabeth was characteristic: + +"Patsy, Louise and I sail for Europe next Tuesday. Will you join us as +my guest? If so, take first train to New York, where I will look after +your outfit. Answer immediately." + +That was a message likely to surprise a country girl, but it did not +strike John Merrick as in any way extraordinary. He thought he could +depend upon Beth. She would be as eager to go as he was to have her, and +when he had paid for the telegram he dismissed the matter from further +thought. + +Next morning Patsy reminded him that instead of going down town he must +personally notify Louise Merrick of the proposed trip; so he took a +cross-town line and arrived at the Merrick's home at nine o'clock. + +Mrs. Merrick was in a morning wrapper, sipping her coffee in an upper +room. But she could not deny herself to Uncle John, her dead husband's +brother and her only daughter's benefactor (which meant indirectly her +own benefactor), so she ordered the maid to show him up at once. + +"Louise is still sweetly sleeping," she said, "and won't waken for hours +yet." + +"Is anything wrong with her?" he asked, anxiously. + +"Oh, dear, no! but everyone does not get up with the milkman, as you do, +John; and the dear child was at the opera last night, which made her +late in getting home." + +"Doesn't the opera let out before midnight, the same as the theatres?" +he asked. + +"I believe so; but there is the supper, afterward, you know." + +"Ah, yes," he returned, thoughtfully. "I've always noticed that the +opera makes folks desperately hungry, for they flock to the restaurants +as soon as they can get away. Singular, isn't it?" + +"Why, I never thought of it in that light." + +"But Louise is well?" + +"Quite well, thank you." + +"That's a great relief, for I'm going to take her to Europe with me next +week," he said. + +Mrs. Merrick was so astonished that she nearly dropped her coffee-cup +and could make no better reply than to stare blankly at her +brother-in-law. + +"We sail Tuesday," continued Uncle John, "and you must have my niece +ready in time and deliver her on board the 'Princess Irene' at Hoboken +at nine o'clock, sharp." + +"But John--John!" gasped Mrs. Merrick, feebly, "it will take a month, at +least, to make her gowns, and--" + +"Stuff and rubbish!" he growled. "That shows, Martha, how little you +know about European trips. No one makes gowns to go abroad with; you buy +'em in Paris to bring home." + +"Ah, yes; to be sure," she muttered. "Perhaps, then, it can be done, if +Louise, has no other engagements." + +"Just what Patsy said. See here, Martha, do you imagine that any girl +who is half human could have engagements that would keep her from +Europe?" + +"But the requirements of society--" + +"You'll get me riled, pretty soon, Martha; and if you do you'll wish you +hadn't." + +This speech frightened the woman. It wouldn't do to provoke Uncle John, +however unreasonable he happened to be. So she said, meekly: + +"I've no doubt Louise will be delighted to go, and so will I." + +"You!" + +"Why--why--whom do you intend taking?" + +"Just the three girls--Aunt Jane's three nieces. Also mine." + +"But you'll want a chaperone for them." + +"Why so?" + +"Propriety requires it; and so does ordinary prudence. Louise, I know, +will be discreet, for it is her nature; but Patsy is such a little +flyaway and Beth so deep and demure, that without a chaperone they might +cause you a lot of trouble." + +Uncle John grew red and his eyes flashed. + +"A chaperone!" he cried, contemptuously; "not any in mine, Martha +Merrick. Either we young folks go alone, without any death's head to +perpetually glower at us, or we don't go at all! Three better girls +never lived, and I'll trust 'em anywhere. Besides that, we aren't going +to any of your confounded social functions; we're going on a reg'lar +picnic, and if I don't give those girls the time of their lives my name +ain't John Merrick. A chaperone, indeed!" + +Mrs. Merrick held up her hands in horror. + +"I'm not sure, John," she gasped, "that I ought to trust my dear child +with an uncle who disregards so openly the proprieties." + +"Well, I'm sure; and the thing's settled," he said, more calmly. "Don't +worry, ma'am. I'll look after Patsy and Beth, and Louise will look after +all of us--just as she does after you--because she's so discreet. Talk +about your being a chaperone! Why, you don't dare say your soul's your +own when Louise is awake. That chaperone business is all +humbuggery--unless an old uncle like me can be a chaperone. Anyhow, I'm +the only one that's going to be appointed. I won't wait for Louise to +wake up. Just tell her the news and help her to get ready on time. And +now, I'm off. Good morning, Martha." + +She really had no words of protest ready at hand, and it was long after +queer old John Merrick had gone away that she remembered a dozen +effective speeches that she might have delivered. + +"After all," she sighed, taking up her cup again, "it may be the best +thing in the world for Louise. We don't know whether that young Weldon, +who is paying her attentions just now, is going to inherit his father's +money or not. He's been a bit wild, I've heard, and it is just as well +to postpone any engagement until we find out the facts. I can do that +nicely while my sweet child is in Europe with Uncle John, and away from +all danger of entanglements. Really, it's an ill wind that blows no +good! I'll go talk with Louise." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +"ALL ASHORE" + + +Beth De Graf was a puzzle to all who knew her. She was a puzzle even to +herself, and was wont to say, indifferently, that the problem was not +worth a solution. For this beautiful girl of fifteen was somewhat bitter +and misanthropic, a condition perhaps due to the uncongenial atmosphere +in which she had been reared. She was of dark complexion and her big +brown eyes held a sombre and unfathomable expression. Once she had +secretly studied their reflection in a mirror, and the eyes awed and +frightened her, and made her uneasy. She had analyzed them much as if +they belonged to someone else, and wondered what lay behind their mask, +and what their capabilities might be. + +But this morbid condition mostly affected her when she was at home, +listening to the unpleasant bickerings of her father and mother, who +quarrelled constantly over trifles that Beth completely ignored. Her +parents seemed like two ill tempered animals confined in the same cage, +she thought, and their snarls had long since ceased to interest her. + +This condition had, of course, been infinitely worse in all those +dreadful years when they were poverty stricken. Since Uncle John had +settled a comfortable income on his niece the grocer was paid promptly +and Mrs. De Graf wore a silk dress on Sundays and held her chin a little +higher than any other of the Cloverton ladies dared do. The Professor, +no longer harrassed by debts, devoted less time to the drudgery of +teaching and began the composition of an oratorio that he firmly +believed would render his name famous. So, there being less to quarrel +about, Beth's parents indulged more moderately in that pastime; but +their natures were discordant, and harmony in the De Graf household was +impossible. + +When away from home Beth's disposition softened. Some of her +school-friends had seen her smile--a wonderful and charming phenomenon, +during which her expression grew sweet and bewitchingly animated and her +brown eyes radiant with mirthful light. It was not the same Beth at all. + +Sometimes, when the nieces were all at Aunt Jane's, Beth had snuggled in +the arms of her cousin Louise, who had a way of rendering herself +agreeable to all with whom she came in contact, and tried hard to win +the affection of the frankly antagonistic girl. At such times the +gentleness of Elizabeth, her almost passionate desire to be loved and +fondled, completely transformed her for the moment. Louise, shrewd at +reading others, told herself that Beth possessed a reserve force of +tenderness, amiability and fond devotion that would render her adorable +if she ever allowed those qualities full expression. But she did not +tell Beth that. The girl was so accustomed to despise herself and so +suspicious of any creditable impulses that at times unexpectedly +obtruded themselves, that she would have dismissed such a suggestion as +arrant flattery, and Louise was clever enough not to wish to arouse her +cousin to a full consciousness of her own possibilities. + +The trained if not native indifference of this strange girl of fifteen +was demonstrated by her reception of Uncle John's telegram. She quietly +handed it to her mother and said, as calmly as if it were an invitation +to a church picnic: + +"I think I shall go." + +"Nothing like that ever happened to me," remarked Mrs. De Graf, +enviously. "If John Merrick had an atom of common sense he'd have taken +me to Europe instead of a troop of stupid school girls. But John always +was a fool, and always will be. When will you start, Beth?" + +"To-morrow morning. There's nothing to keep me. I'll go to Patsy and +stay with her until we sail." + +"Are you glad?" asked her mother, looking into the expressionless face +half curiously. + +"Yes," returned Beth, as if considering her reply; "a change is always +interesting, and I have never travelled except to visit Aunt Jane at +Elmhurst. So I think I am pleased to go to Europe." + +Mrs. De Graf sighed. There was little in common between mother and +daughter; but that, to a grave extent, was the woman's fault. She had +never tried to understand her child's complex nature, and somewhat +resented Beth's youth and good looks, which she considered contrasted +unfavorably with her own deepening wrinkles and graying hair. For Mrs. +De Graf was vain and self-important, and still thought herself +attractive and even girlish. It would really be a relief to have Beth +out of the way for a few months. + +The girl packed her own trunk and arranged for it to be taken to the +station. In the morning she entered the music room to bid the Professor +good-bye. He frowned at the interruption, for the oratorio was +especially engrossing at the time. Mrs. De Graf kissed her daughter +lightly upon the lips and said in a perfunctory way that she hoped Beth +would have a good time. + +The girl had no thought of resenting the lack of affection displayed by +her parents. It was what she had always been accustomed to, and she had +no reason to expect anything different. + +Patsy met her at the train in New York and embraced her rapturously. +Patsy was really fond of Beth; but it was her nature to be fond of +everyone, and her cousin, escaping from her smacking and enthusiastic +kisses, told herself that Patsy would have embraced a cat with the same +spontaneous ecstacy. That was not strictly true, but there was nothing +half hearted or halfway about Miss Doyle. If she loved you, there would +never be an occasion for you to doubt the fact. It was Patsy's way. + +Uncle John also was cordial in his greetings. He was very proud of his +pretty niece, and discerning enough to realize there was a broad strata +of womanliness somewhere in Elizabeth's undemonstrative character. He +had promised himself to "dig it out" some day, and perhaps the European +trip would give him his opportunity. + +Patsy and Elizabeth shopped for the next few days most strenuously and +delightfully. Sometimes their dainty cousin Louise joined them, and the +three girls canvassed gravely their requirements for a trip that was as +new to them as a flight to the moon. Naturally, they bought much that +was unnecessary and forgot many things that would have been useful. You +have to go twice to Europe to know what to take along. + +Louise needed less than the others, for her wardrobe was more extensive +and she already possessed all that a young girl could possibly make use +of. This niece, the eldest of Uncle John's trio, was vastly more +experienced in the ways of the world than the others, although as a +traveller she had no advantage of them. Urged thereto by her worldly +mother, she led a sort of trivial, butterfly existence, and her +character was decidedly superficial to any close observer. Indeed, her +very suavity and sweetness of manner was assumed, because it was so much +more comfortable and effective to be agreeable than otherwise. She was +now past seventeen years of age, tall and well formed, with a delicate +and attractive face which, without being beautiful, was considered +pleasant and winning. Her eyes were good, though a bit too shrewd, and +her light brown hair was fluffy as spun silk. Graceful of carriage, +gracious of manner, yet affecting a languor unsuited to her years, +Louise Merrick was a girl calculated to draw from the passing throng +glances of admiration and approval, and to convey the impression of good +breeding and feminine cleverness. + +All this, however, was outward. Neither Patsy nor Beth displayed any +undue affection for their cousin, although all of the girls exhibited a +fair amount of cousinly friendship for one another. They had once been +thrown together under trying circumstances, when various qualities of +temperament not altogether admirable were liable to assert themselves. +Those events were too recent to be already forgotten, yet the girls were +generous enough to be considerate of each others' failings, and had +resolved to entertain no sentiment other than good will on the eve of +their departure for such a charming outing as Uncle John had planned for +them. + +Mr. Merrick being a man, saw nothing radically wrong in the dispositions +of any of his nieces. Their youth and girlishness appealed to him +strongly, and he loved to have them by his side. It is true that he +secretly regretted Louise was not more genuine, that Beth was so +cynical and frank, and that Patsy was not more diplomatic. But he +reflected that he had had no hand in molding their characters, although +he might be instrumental in improving them; so he accepted the girls as +they were, thankful that their faults were not glaring, and happy to +have found three such interesting nieces to cheer his old age. + +At last the preparations were complete. Tuesday arrived, and Uncle John +"corralled his females," as he expressed it, and delivered them safely +on board the staunch and comfortable ocean greyhound known as the +"Princess Irene," together with their bags and baggage, their flowers +and fruits and candy boxes and all those other useless accessories to a +voyage so eagerly thrust upon the departing travellers by their +affectionate but ill-advised friends. + +Mrs. Merrick undertook the exertion of going to Hoboken to see her +daughter off, and whispered in the ear of Louise many worldly +admonitions and such bits of practical advice as she could call to mind +on the spur of the moment. + +Major Gregory Doyle was there, pompous and straight of form and wearing +an assumed smile that was meant to assure Patsy he was delighted at her +going, but which had the effect of scaring the girl because she at first +thought the dreadful expression was due to convulsions. + +The Major had no admonitions for Patsy, but she had plenty for him, and +gave him a long list of directions that would, as he said, cause him to +"walk mighty sthraight" if by good luck he managed to remember them all. + +Having made up his mind to let the child go to Europe, the old fellow +allowed no wails or bemoanings to reach Patsy's ears to deprive her of a +moment's joyful anticipation of the delights in store for her. He +laughed and joked perpetually during that last day, and promised the +girl that he would take a vacation while she was gone and visit his old +colonel in Virginia, which she knew was the rarest pleasure he could +enjoy. And now he stood upon the deck amusing them all with his quaint +sayings and appearing so outwardly jolly and unaffected that only Patsy +herself suspected the deep grief that was gripping his kindly old +heart. + +Uncle John guessed, perhaps, for he hugged the Major in a tight embrace, +whispering that Patsy should be now, as ever, the apple of his eye and +the subject of his most loving care. + +"An' don't be forgetting to bring me the meerschaum pipe from Sicily an' +the leathern pocket-book from Florence," the Major said to Patsy, +impressively. "It's little enough for ye to remember if ye go that way, +an' to tell the truth I'm sending ye abroad just for to get them. An' +don't be gettin' off the boat till it stops at a station; an' remember +that Uncle John is full of rheumatics an' can't walk more n' thirty mile +an hour, an'--" + +"It's a slander," said Uncle John, stoutly. "I never had rheumatics in +my life." + +"Major," observed Patsy, her blue eyes full of tears but her lips trying +to smile, "do have the tailor sponge your vest every Saturday. It's full +of spots even now, and I've been too busy lately to look after you +properly. You're--you're--just disgraceful, Major!" + +"All ashore!" called a loud voice. + +The Major gathered Patsy into an embrace that threatened to crush her, +and then tossed her into Uncle John's arms and hurried away. Mrs. +Merrick followed, with good wishes for all for a pleasant journey; and +then the four voyagers pressed to the rail and waved their handkerchiefs +frantically to those upon the dock while the band played vociferously +and the sailors ran here and there in sudden excitement and the great +ship left her moorings and moved with proud deliberation down the bay to +begin her long voyage to Gibraltar and the blue waters of the +Mediterranean. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES, AND A WARNING + + +For an inexperienced tourist Uncle John managed their arrangements most +admirably. He knew nothing at all about ocean travel or what was the +proper method to secure comfortable accommodations; but while most of +the passengers were writing hurried letters in the second deck gallery, +which were to be sent back by the pilot, Mr. Merrick took occasion to +interview the chief steward and the deck steward and whatever other +official he could find, and purchased their good will so liberally that +the effect of his astute diplomacy was immediately apparent. + +His nieces found that the sunniest deck chairs bore their names; the +most desirable seats in the dining hall were theirs when, half famished +because breakfast had been disregarded, they trooped in to luncheon; the +best waiters on the ship attended to their wants, and afterward their +cabins were found to be cosily arranged with every comfort the heart of +maid could wish for. + +At luncheon it was found that the steward had placed a letter before +Uncle John's plate. The handwriting of the address Louise, who sat next +her uncle, at once recognized as that of her mother; but she said +nothing. + +Mr. Merrick was amazed at the contents of the communication, especially +as he had so recently parted with the lady who had written it. + +It said: "I must warn you, John, that my daughter has just escaped a +serious entanglement, and I am therefore more grateful than I can +express that you are taking her far from home for a few weeks. A young +man named Arthur Weldon--a son of the big railroad president, you +know--has been paying Louise marked attentions lately; but I cautioned +her not to encourage him because a rumor had reached me that he has +quarrelled with his father and been disinherited. My informant also +asserted that the young man is wild and headstrong and cannot be +controlled by his parent; but he always seemed gentlemanly enough at +our house, and my greatest objection to him is that he is not likely to +inherit a dollar of his father's money. Louise and I decided to keep him +dangling until we could learn the truth of this matter, for you can +easily understand that with her exceptional attractions there is no +object in Louise throwing herself away upon a poor man, or one who +cannot give her a prominent position in society. Imagine my horror, +John, when I discovered last evening that my only child, whom I have so +fondly cherished, has ungratefully deceived me. Carried away by the +impetuous avowals of this young scapegrace, whom his own father disowns, +she has confessed her love for him--love for a pauper!--and only by the +most stringent exercise of my authority have I been able to exact from +Louise a promise that she will not become formally engaged to Arthur +Weldon, or even correspond with him, until she has returned home. By +that time I shall have learned more of his history and prospects, when I +can better decide whether to allow the affair to go on. Of course I have +hopes that in case my fears are proven to have been well founded, I can +arouse Louise to a proper spirit and induce her to throw the fellow +over. Meantime, I implore you, as my daughter's temporary guardian, not +to allow Louise to speak of or dwell upon this young man, but try to +interest her in other gentlemen whom you may meet and lead her to +forget, if possible, her miserable entanglement. Consider a loving +mother's feelings, John. Try to help me in this emergency, and I shall +be forever deeply grateful." + +"It's from mother, isn't it?" asked Louise, when he had finished reading +the letter. + +"Yes," he answered gruffly, as he crumpled the missive and stuffed it +into his pocket. + +"What does she say, Uncle?" + +"Nothing but rubbish and nonsense. Eat your soup, my dear; it's getting +cold." + +The girl's sweet, low laughter sounded very pleasant, and served to calm +his irritation. From her demure yet amused expression Uncle John guessed +that Louise knew the tenor of her mother's letter as well as if she had +read it over his shoulder, and it comforted him that she could take the +matter so lightly. Perhaps the poor child was not so deeply in love as +her mother had declared. + +He was greatly annoyed at the confidence Mrs. Merrick had seen fit to +repose in him, and felt she had no right to burden him with any +knowledge of such an absurd condition of affairs just as he was starting +for a holiday. Whatever might be the truth of the girl's +"entanglement,"--and he judged that it was not all conveyed in Martha +Merrick's subtle letter--Louise would surely be free and unhampered by +either love or maternal diplomacy for some time to come. When she +returned home her mother might conduct the affair to suit herself. He +would have nothing to do with it in any way. + +As soon as luncheon was finished they rushed for the deck, and you may +imagine that chubby little Uncle John, with his rosy, smiling face and +kindly eyes, surrounded by three eager and attractive girls of from +fifteen to seventeen years of age, was a sight to compel the attention +of every passenger aboard the ship. + +It was found easy to make the acquaintance of the interesting group, +and many took advantage of that fact; for Uncle John chatted brightly +with every man and Patsy required no excuse of a formal introduction to +confide to every woman that John Merrick was taking his three nieces to +Europe to "see the sights and have the time of their lives." + +Many of the business men knew well the millionaire's name, and accorded +him great respect because he was so enormously wealthy and successful. +But the little man was so genuinely human and unaffected and so openly +scorned all toadyism that they soon forgot his greatness in the +financial world and accepted him simply as a good fellow and an +invariably cheerful comrade. + +The weather was somewhat rough for the latter part of March--they had +sailed the twenty-seventh--but the "Irene" was so staunch and rode the +waves so gracefully that none of the party except Louise was at all +affected by the motion. The eldest cousin, however, claimed to be +indisposed for the first few days out, and so Beth and Patsy and Uncle +John sat in a row in their steamer chairs, with the rugs tucked up to +their waists, and kept themselves and everyone around them merry and +light hearted. + +Next to Patsy reclined a dark complexioned man of about thirty-five, +with a long, thin face and intensely black, grave eyes. He was +carelessly dressed and wore a flannel shirt, but there was an odd look +of mingled refinement and barbarity about him that arrested the girl's +attention. He sat very quietly in his chair, reserved both in speech and +in manner; but when she forced him to talk he spoke impetuously and with +almost savage emphasis, in a broken dialect that amused her immensely. + +"You can't be American," she said. + +"I am Sicilian," was the proud answer. + +"That's what I thought; Sicilian or Italian or Spanish; but I'm glad +it's Sicilian, which is the same as Italian. I can't speak your lingo +myself," she continued, "although I am studying it hard; but you manage +the English pretty well, so we shall get along famously together." + +He did not answer for a moment, but searched her unconscious face with +his keen eyes. Then he demanded, brusquely: + +"Where do you go?" + +"Why, to Europe," she replied, as if surprised. + +"Europe? Pah! It is no answer at all," he responded, angrily. "Europe is +big. To what part do you journey?" + +Patsy hesitated. The magic word "Europe" had seemed to sum up their +destination very effectively, and she had heretofore accepted it as +sufficient, for the time being, at least. Uncle John had bought an +armful of guide books and Baedeckers, but in the hurry of departure she +had never glanced inside them. To go to Europe had been enough to +satisfy her so far, but perhaps she should have more definite knowledge +concerning their trip. So she turned to Uncle John and said: + +"Uncle, dear, to what part of Europe are we going?" + +"What part?" he answered. "Why, it tells on the ticket, Patsy. I can't +remember the name just now. It's where the ship stops, of course." + +"That is Napoli," said the thin faced man, with a scarcely veiled sneer. +"And then?" + +"And then?" repeated Patsy, turning to her Uncle. + +"Then? Oh, some confounded place or other that I can't think of. I'm not +a time-table, Patsy; but the trip is all arranged, in beautiful style, +by a friend of mine who has always wanted to go abroad, and so has the +whole programme mapped out in his head." + +"Is it in his head yet?" enquired Patsy, anxiously. + +"No, dear; it's in the left hand pocket of my blue coat, all written +down clearly. So what's the use of bothering? We aren't there yet. By +and bye we'll get to Eu-rope an' do it up brown. Whatever happens, and +wherever we go, it's got to be a spree and a jolly good time; so take it +easy, Patsy dear, and don't worry." + +"That's all right, Uncle," she rejoined, with a laugh. "I'm not worrying +the least mite. But when folks ask us where we're going, what shall we +say?" + +"Eu-rope." + +"And then?" mischievously. + +"And then home again, of course. It's as plain as the nose on your face, +Patsy Doyle, and a good bit straighter." + +That made her laugh again, and the strange Italian, who was listening, +growled a word in his native language. He wasn't at all a pleasant +companion, but for that very reason Patsy determined to make him talk +and "be sociable." By degrees he seemed to appreciate her attention, and +always brightened when she came to sit beside him. + +"You'll have to tell me your name, you know," she said to him; "because +I can't be calling you 'Sir' every minute." + +He glanced nervously around. Then he answered, slowly: + +"I am called Valdi--Victor Valdi." + +"Oh, that's a pretty name, Mr. Valdi--or should I say Signor?" + +"You should." + +"Do I pronounce it right?" + +"No." + +"Well, never mind if I don't; you'll know what I mean, and that I +intend to be proper and polite," she responded, sweetly. + +Beth, while she made fewer acquaintances than Patsy, seemed to have cast +off her sullen reserve when she boarded the ship. In truth, the girl was +really happy for the first time in her life, and it softened her so +wonderfully and made her so attractive that she soon formed a select +circle around her. A young lady from Cleveland, who had two big +brothers, was impelled to introduce herself to Beth because of the young +men's intense admiration for the girl's beautiful face. When it was +found that they were all from Ohio, they formed a friendly alliance at +once. Marion Horton was so frank and agreeable that she managed to draw +out all that was best in Beth's nature, and the stalwart young Hortons +were so shyly enthusiastic over this, their first trip abroad, that they +inspired the girl with a like ardor, which resulted in the most cordial +relations between them. + +And it so happened that several other young men who chanced to be aboard +the "Princess Irene" marked the Hortons' intimacy with Beth and +insisted on being introduced by them, so that by the time Louise had +conquered her _mal-de-mer_ and appeared on deck, she found an admiring +group around her cousin that included most of the desirable young +fellows on the ship. Beth sat enthroned like a queen, listening to her +courtiers and smiling encouragement now and then, but taking little part +in the conversation herself because of her inexperience. Such adoration +was new to the little country girl, and she really enjoyed it. Nor did +the young men resent her silence. All that they wanted her to do, as Tom +Horton tersely expressed it, was to "sit still and look pretty." + +As for Uncle John, he was so delighted with Beth's social success that +he adopted all the boys on the spot, and made them a part of what he +called his family circle. + +Louise, discovering this state of affairs, gave an amused laugh and +joined the group. She was a little provoked that she had isolated +herself so long in her cabin when there was interesting sport on deck; +but having lost some valuable time she straightway applied herself to +redeem the situation. + +In the brilliance of her conversation, in her studied glances, in a +thousand pretty ways that were skillfully rendered effective, she had a +decided advantage over her more beautiful cousin. When Louise really +desired to please she was indeed a charming companion, and young men are +not likely to detect insincerity in a girl who tries to captivate them. + +The result was astonishing to Uncle John and somewhat humiliating to +Beth; for a new queen was presently crowned, and Louise by some magnetic +power assembled the court around herself. Only the youngest Horton boy, +in whose susceptible heart Beth's image was firmly enshrined, refused to +change his allegiance; but in truth the girl enjoyed herself more +genuinely in the society of one loyal cavalier than when so many were +clamoring for her favors. The two would walk the deck together for hours +without exchanging a single word, or sit together silently listening to +the band or watching the waves, without the need, as Tom expressed it, +of "jabbering every blessed minute" in order to be happy. + +Patsy was indignant at the artfulness of Louise until she noticed that +Beth was quite content; then she laughed softly and watched matters take +their course, feeling a little sorry for the boys because she knew +Louise was only playing with them. + +The trip across the Atlantic was all too short. On the fifth of April +they passed the Azores, running close to the islands of Fayal and San +Jorge so that the passengers might admire the zigzag rows of white +houses that reached from the shore far up the steep hillsides. On the +sixth day they sighted Gibraltar and passed between the Moorish and +Spanish lighthouses into the lovely waters of the Mediterranean. The +world-famed rock was now disclosed to their eyes, and when the ship +anchored opposite it Uncle John assisted his nieces aboard the lighter +and took them for a brief excursion ashore. + +Of course they rode to the fortress and wandered through its gloomy, +impressive galleries, seeing little of the armament because visitors are +barred from the real fortifications. The fortress did not seem +especially impregnable and was, taken altogether, a distinct +disappointment to them; but the ride through the town in the low basket +phaetons was wholly delightful. The quaint, narrow streets and stone +arches, the beautiful vistas of sea and mountain, the swarthy, dark-eyed +Moors whose presence lent to the town an oriental atmosphere, and the +queer market-places crowded with Spaniards, Frenchmen, Jews and +red-coated English soldiers, altogether made up a panorama that was +fascinating in the extreme. + +But their stay was short, and after a rush of sightseeing that almost +bewildered them they returned to the ship breathless but elated at +having "seen an' done," as Uncle John declared, their first foreign +port. + +And now through waters so brightly blue and transparent that they +aroused the girls' wonder and admiration, the good ship plowed her way +toward the port of Naples, passing to the east of Sardinia and Corsica, +which they viewed with eager interest because these places had always +seemed so far away to them, and had now suddenly appeared as if by +magic directly before their eyes. + +Patsy and the big whiskered captain had become such good friends that he +always welcomed the girl on his own exclusive deck, and this afternoon +she sat beside him and watched the rugged panorama slip by. + +"When will we get to Naples?" she asked. + +"To-morrow evening, probably," answered the captain. "See, it is over in +that direction, where the gray cloud appears in the sky." + +"And what is the gray cloud, Captain?" + +"I do not know," said he, gravely. "Perhaps smoke from Vesuvius. At +Gibraltar we heard that the volcano is in an ugly mood, I hope it will +cause you no inconvenience." + +"Wouldn't it be fine if we could see an eruption!" exclaimed the girl. + +The captain shook his head. + +"Interesting, perhaps," he admitted; "but no great calamity that causes +thousands of people to suffer can be called 'fine.'" + +"Ah, that is true!" she said, quickly. "I had forgotten the suffering." + +Next morning all the sky was thick with smoke, and the sun was hidden. +The waters turned gray, too, and as they approached the Italian coast +the gloom perceptibly increased. A feeling of uneasiness seemed to +pervade the ship, and even the captain had so many things to consider +that he had no time to converse with his little friend. + +Signor Valdi forsook his deck chair for the first time and stood at the +rail which overlooked the steerage with his eyes glued to the grim skies +ahead. When Uncle John asked him what he saw he answered, eagerly: + +"Death and destruction, and a loss of millions of lira to the bankrupt +government. I know; for I have studied Etna for years, and Vesuvio is a +second cousin to Etna." + +"Hm," said Uncle John. "You seem pleased with the idea of an eruption." + +The thin faced man threw a shrewd look from his dark eyes and smiled. +Uncle John frowned at the look and stumped away. He was not at all easy +in his own mind. He had brought three nieces for a holiday to this +foreign shore, and here at the outset they were confronted by an +intangible danger that was more fearful because it was not understood. +It was enough to make his round face serious, although he had so strong +an objection to unnecessary worry. + +Afternoon tea was served on deck amidst an unusual quiet. People soberly +canvassed the situation and remarked upon the fact that the darkness +increased visibly as they neared the Bay of Naples. Beth couldn't drink +her tea, for tiny black atoms fell through the air and floated upon the +surface of the liquid. Louise retired to her stateroom with a headache, +and found her white serge gown peppered with particles of lava dust +which had fallen from the skies. + +The pilot guided the ship cautiously past Capri and into the bay. The +air was now black with volcanic dross and a gloom as of midnight +surrounded them on every side. The shore, the mountain and the water of +the bay itself were alike invisible. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +VESUVIUS RAMPANT + + +It was Saturday night, the seventh day of April, nineteen hundred and +six--a night never to be forgotten by those aboard the ship; a night +which has its place in history. + +At dinner the captain announced that he had dropped anchor at the +Immacollatella Nuova, but at a safe distance from the shore, and that no +passengers would be landed under any circumstances until the fall of +ashes ceased and he could put his people ashore in a proper manner. + +A spirit of unrest fell upon them all. Big Tom Horton whispered to Beth +that he did not intend to leave her side until all danger was over. The +deck was deserted, all the passengers crowding into the smoking room and +saloons to escape the lava dust. + +Few kept their rooms or ventured to sleep. At intervals a loud +detonation from the volcano shook the air, and the mystery and awe of +the enveloping gloom were so palpable as almost to be felt. + +Toward midnight the wind changed, driving the cloud of ashes to the +southward and sufficiently clearing the atmosphere to allow the angry +glow of the crater to be distinctly seen. Now it shot a pillar of fire +thousands of feet straight into the heavens; then it would darken and +roll skyward great clouds that were illumined by the showers of sparks +accompanying them. + +The windows of every cabin facing the volcano were filled with eager +faces, and in the smoking room Uncle John clasped Beth around the waist +with one arm and Patsy with the other and watched the wonderful +exhibition through the window with a grave and anxious face. Tom Horton +had taken a position at one side of them and the dark Italian at the +other. The latter assured Patsy they were in no danger whatever. Tom +secretly hoped they were, and laid brave plans for rescuing Beth or +perishing at her side. Louise chose to lie in her berth and await +events with calm resignation. If they escaped she would not look haggard +and hollow-eyed when morning came. If a catastrophy was pending she +would have no power to prevent it. + +It was four o'clock on Sunday morning when Vesuvius finally reached the +climax of her travail. With a deep groan of anguish the mountain burst +asunder, and from its side rolled a great stream of molten lava that +slowly spread down the slope, consuming trees, vineyards and dwellings +in its path and overwhelming the fated city of Bosco-Trecase. + +Our friends marked the course of destruction by watching the thread of +fire slowly wander down the mountain slope. They did not know of the +desolation it was causing, but the sight was terrible enough to inspire +awe in every breast. + +The volcano was easier after that final outburst, but the black clouds +formed thicker than ever, and soon obscured the sky again. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +UNDER A CLOUD + + +"After all," said Uncle John, next morning, "we may consider ourselves +very lucky. Your parents might have come to Naples a hundred times, my +dears, and your children may come a hundred times more, and yet never +see the sights that have greeted us on our arrival. If the confounded +old hill was bound to spout, it did the fair thing by spouting when we +were around. Eh, Patsy?" + +"I quite agree with you," said the girl. "I wouldn't have missed it for +anything--if it really had to behave so." + +"But you'll pay for it!" growled Signor Valdi, who had overheard these +remarks. "You will pay for it with a thousand discomforts--and I'm glad +that is so. Vesuvio is hell let loose; and it amuses you. Hundreds are +lying dead and crushed; and you are lucky to be here. Listen," he +dropped his voice to a whisper: "if these Neapolitans could see the +rejoicing in my heart, they would kill me. And you? Pah! you are no +better. You also rejoice--and they will welcome you to Naples. I have +advice. Do not go on shore. It is useless." + +They were all startled by this strange speech, and the reproof it +conveyed made them a trifle uncomfortable; but Uncle John whispered that +the man was mad, and to pay no attention to him. + +Although ashes still fell softly upon the ship the day had somewhat +lightened the gloom and they could see from deck the dim outlines of the +shore. A crowd of boats presently swarmed around them, their occupants +eagerly clamoring for passengers to go ashore, or offering fruits, +flowers and souvenirs to any who might be induced to purchase. Their +indifference to their own and their city's danger was astonishing. It +was their custom to greet arriving steamers in this way, for by this +means they gained a livelihood. Nothing short of absolute destruction +seemed able to interfere with their established occupations. + +A steam tender also came alongside, and after a cordial farewell to the +ship's officers and their travelling acquaintances, Uncle John placed +his nieces and their baggage aboard the tender, which shortly deposited +them safely upon the dock. + +Perhaps a lot of passengers more dismal looking never before landed on +the beautiful shores of Naples--beautiful no longer, but presenting an +appearance gray and grewsome. Ashes were ankle deep in the streets--a +fine, flour-like dust that clung to your clothing, filled your eyes and +lungs and seemed to penetrate everywhere. The foliage of the trees and +shrubbery drooped under its load and had turned from green to the +all-pervading gray. The grass was covered; the cornices and balconies of +the houses were banked with ashes. + +"Bless me!" said Uncle John. "It's as bad as Pompey, or whatever that +city was called that was buried in the Bible days." + +"Oh, not quite, Uncle," answered Patsy, in her cheery voice; "but it may +be, before Vesuvius is satisfied." + +"It is certainly bad enough," observed Louise, pouting as she marked the +destruction of her pretty cloak by the grimy deposit that was fast +changing its color and texture. + +"Well, let us get under shelter as soon as possible," said Uncle John. + +The outlines of a carriage were visible a short distance away. He walked +up to the driver and said: + +"We want to go to a hotel." + +The man paid no attention. + +"Ask him how much he charges, Uncle. You know you mustn't take a cab in +Naples without bargaining." + +"Why not?" + +"The driver will swindle you." + +"I'll risk that," he answered. "Just now we're lucky if we get a +carriage at all." He reached up and prodded the jehu in the ribs with +his cane. "How much to the Hotel Vesuvius?" he demanded, loudly. + +The man woke up and flourished his whip, at the same time bursting into +a flood of Italian. + +The girls listened carefully. They had been trying to study Italian +from a small book Beth had bought entitled "Italian in Three Weeks +without a Master," but not a word the driver of the carriage said seemed +to have occurred in the vocabulary of the book. He repeated "Vesuvio" +many times, however, with scornful, angry or imploring intonations, and +Louise finally said: + +"He thinks you want to go to the volcano, Uncle. The hotel is the +Vesuve, not the Vesuvius." + +"What's the difference?" + +"I don't know." + +"All right; you girls just hop in, and leave the rest to me." + +He tumbled them all into the vehicle, bag and baggage, and then said +sternly to the driver: + +"Ho-tel Ve-suve--Ve-suve--ho-tel Ve-suve! Drive there darned quick, or +I'll break your confounded neck." + +The carriage started. It plowed its way jerkily through the dust-laden +streets and finally stopped at an imposing looking structure. The day +was growing darker, and an electric lamp burned before the entrance. +But no one came out to receive them. + +Uncle John climbed out and read the sign. "Hotel du Vesuve." It was the +establishment he had been advised to stop at while in Naples. He +compared the sign with a card which he drew from his pocket, and knew +that he had made no mistake. + +Entering the spacious lobby, he found it deserted. In the office a man +was hastily making a package of some books and papers and did not +respond or even look up when spoken to. At the concierge's desk a big, +whiskered man sat staring straight ahead of him with a look of abject +terror in his eyes. + +"Good morning," said Uncle John. "Fine day, isn't it?" + +"Did you hear it?" whispered the concierge, as a dull boom, like that of +a distant cannon, made the windows rattle in their casements. + +"Of course," replied Mr. Merrick, carelessly. "Old Vesuve seems on a +rampage. But never mind that now. We've just come from America, where +the mountains are more polite, and we're going to stop at your hotel." + +The concierge's eyes wandered from the man to the three girls who had +entered and grouped themselves behind him. Then they fell upon the +driver of the carriage, who burst into a torrent of vociferous but +wholly unintelligible exclamations which Uncle John declared "must be an +excuse--and a mighty poor one--for talking." + +The whiskered man, whose cap was elaborately embroidered in gold with +the words "Hotel du Vesuve," seemed to understand the driver. He sighed +drearily and said to Mr. Merrick: + +"You must pay him thirty lira." + +"How much is that?" + +"Six dollars." + +"Not by a jugfull!" + +"You made no bargain." + +"I couldn't. He can't talk." + +"He claims it is you who cannot talk." + +"What!" + +"And prices are advanced during these awful days. What does it matter? +Your money will do you no good when we are all buried deep in ash and +scoria." + +The big man shuddered at this gloomy picture, and added, listlessly: +"You'll have to pay." + +Uncle John paid, but the driver wouldn't accept American money. The +disconsolate concierge would, though. He unlocked a drawer, put the six +dollars into one section and drew from another two ten-lira notes. The +driver took them, bowed respectfully to the whiskered man, shot a +broadside of invective Italian at the unconscious Americans, and left +the hotel. + +"How about rooms?" asked Uncle John. + +"Take any you please," answered the concierge. "All our guests are gone +but two--two mad Americans like yourselves. The servants are also gone; +the chef has gone; the elevator conductors are gone. If you stay you'll +have to walk up." + +"Where have they all gone?" asked Uncle John, wonderingly. + +"Fled, sir; fled to escape destruction. They remember Pompeii. Only +Signor Floriano, the proprietor, and myself are left. We stick to the +last. We are brave." + +"So I see. Now, look here, my manly hero. It's possible we shall all +live through it; I'll bet you a thousand to ten that we do. And then +you'll be glad to realize you've pocketed a little more American money. +Come out of that box and show us some rooms, and I'll help to build up +your fortune." + +The concierge obeyed. Even the horrors of the situation could not +eliminate from his carefully trained nature that desire to accumulate +which is the prime qualification of his profession. The Americans walked +up one flight and found spacious rooms on the first floor, of which they +immediately took possession. + +"Send for our trunks," said Mr. Merrick; and the man consented to do so +provided he could secure a proper vehicle. + +"You will be obliged to pay high for it," he warned; "but that will not +matter. To witness the destruction of our beautiful Naples is an unusual +sight. It will be worth your money." + +"We'll settle that in the dim hereafter," replied Uncle John. "You get +the trunks, and I'll take care of the finances." + +When the concierge had retired the girls began to stuff newspapers into +the cracks of the windows of their sitting room, where the fine ash was +sifting in and forming little drifts several inches in thickness. Also +the atmosphere of the room was filled with impalpable particles of dust, +which rendered breathing oppressive and unpleasant. + +Uncle John watched them for a time, and his brow clouded. + +"See here, girls," he exclaimed; "let's hold a council of war. Do you +suppose we are in any real danger?" + +They grouped around him with eager interest. + +"It's something new to be in danger, and rather exciting, don't you +think?" said Beth. "But perhaps we're as safe as we would be at home." + +"Once," said Louise, slowly, "there was a great eruption of Vesuvius +which destroyed the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Many of the +inhabitants were buried alive. Perhaps they thought there was no real +danger." + +Uncle John scratched his head reflectively. + +"I take it," he observed, "that the moral of your story is to light out +while we have the chance." + +"Not necessarily," observed the girl, smiling at his perplexity. "It is +likewise true that many other eruptions have occurred, when little +damage was done." + +"Forewarned is forearmed," declared Patsy. "Naples isn't buried more +than six inches in ashes, as yet, and it will take days for them to +reach to our windows, provided they're falling at the same rate they do +now. I don't see any use of getting scared before to-morrow, anyhow." + +"It's a big hill," said Uncle John, gravely, "and I've no right to take +foolish chances with three girls on my hands." + +"I'm not frightened, Uncle John." + +"Nor I." + +"Nor I, the least bit." + +"Everyone has left the hotel but ourselves," said he. + +"How sorry they will be, afterward," remarked Beth. + +He looked at them admiringly, and kissed each one. + +"You stay in this room and don't move a peg till I get back," he +enjoined them; "I'm going out to look over the situation." + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A FRIEND IN NEED + + +Some of Mr. Merrick's business friends in New York, hearing of his +proposed trip, had given him letters of introduction to people in +various European cities. He had accepted them--quite a bunch, +altogether--but had firmly resolved not to use them. Neither he nor the +nieces cared to make superficial acquaintances during their wanderings. +Yet Uncle John chanced to remember that one of these letters was to a +certain Colonel Angeli of the Twelfth Italian Regiment, occupying the +barracks on the Pizzofalcone hill at Naples. This introduction, tendered +by a relative of the Colonel's American wife, was now reposing in Mr. +Merrick's pocket, and he promptly decided to make use of it in order to +obtain expert advice as to the wisdom of remaining in the stricken city. + +Enquiring his way from the still dazed concierge, he found that the +Pizzofalcone barracks were just behind the hotel but several hundred +feet above it; so he turned up the Strada St. Lucia and soon came upon +the narrow lane that wound upward to the fortifications. It was a long +and tedious climb in the semi-darkness caused by the steady fall of +ashes, and at intervals the detonations from Vesuvius shook the huge +rock and made its massive bulk seem insecure. But the little man +persevered, and finally with sweating brow arrived at the barracks. + +A soldier carried in the letter to his colonel and presently returned to +usher Uncle John through the vast building, up a flight of steps, and so +to a large covered balcony suspended many hundred feet above the Via +Partenope, where the hotel was situated. + +Here was seated a group of officers, watching intently the cloud that +marked the location of the volcano. Colonel Angeli, big and bluff, his +uniform gorgeous, his dark, heavy moustaches carefully waxed, his +handsome face as ingenuous and merry as a schoolboy's, greeted the +American with a gracious courtesy that made Uncle John feel quite at +his ease. When he heard of the nieces the Italian made a grimace and +then laughed. + +"I am despairing, signore," said he, in English sufficiently +strangulated to be amusing but nevertheless quite comprehensible, "that +you and the sweet signorini are to see our lovely Naples under +tribulations so very great. But yesterday, in all the world is no city +so enchanting, so brilliant, so gay. To-day--look! is it not horrible? +Vesuvio is sick, and Naples mourns until the tyrant is well again." + +"But the danger," said Uncle John. "What do you think of the wisdom of +our staying here? Is it safe to keep my girls in Naples during this +eruption?" + +"Ah! Why not? This very morning the mountain asunder burst, and we who +love our people dread the news of devastation we shall hear. From the +observatory, where His Majesty's faithful servant still remains, come +telegrams that the great pebbles--what we call scoria--have ruined +Ottajano and San Guiseppe. Perhaps they are overwhelmed. But the beast +has vomited; he will feel better now, and ever become more quiet." + +"I suppose," remarked Mr. Merrick, thoughtfully, "that no one knows +exactly what the blamed hill may do next. I don't like to take chances +with three girls on my hands. They are a valuable lot, Colonel, and +worth saving." + +The boyish Italian instantly looked grave. Then he led Uncle John away +from the others, although doubtless he was the only officer present able +to speak or understand English, and said to him: + +"Where are you living?" + +"At the hotel named after your sick mountain--the Vesuve." + +"Very good. In the bay, not distant from your hotel, lies a government +launch that is under my command. At my home in the Viala Elena are a +wife and two children, who, should danger that is serious arise, will be +put by my soldiers on the launch, to carry them to safety. Admirable, is +it not?" + +"Very good arrangement," said Uncle John. + +"It renders me content to know that in any difficulty they cannot be +hurt. I am not scare, myself, but it is pleasant to know I have what you +call the side that is safe. From my American wife I have many of your +excellent speech figures. But now! The launch is big. Remain happy in +Naples--happy as Vesuvio will let you--and watch his vast, his gigantic +exhibition. If danger come, you all enter my launch and be saved. If no +danger, you have a marvelous experience." The serious look glided from +his face, and was replaced by a smile as bright as before. + +"Thank you very much," responded Uncle John, gratefully. "I shall go +back to the girls well satisfied." + +"Make the signorini stay in to-day," warned the colonel. "It is bad, +just now, and so black one can nothing at all observe. To-morrow it will +be better, and all can go without. I will see you myself, then, and tell +you what to do." + +Then he insisted that Uncle John clear his parched throat with a glass +of vermouth--a harmless drink of which all Italians are very fond--and +sent him away much refreshed in body and mind. + +He made his way through the ashy rain back to the hotel. People were +holding umbrellas over their heads and plodding through the dust with +seeming unconcern. At one corner a street singer was warbling, stopping +frequently to cough the lava dust from his throat or shake it from his +beloved mandolin. A procession of peasants passed, chanting slowly and +solemnly a religious hymn. At the head of the column was borne aloft a +gilded statuette of the Virgin, and although Uncle John did not know it, +these simple folks were trusting in the sacred image to avert further +disaster from the angry mountain. + +On arriving home Mr. Merrick told the girls with great elation of his +new friend, and how they were to be taken aboard the launch in case of +emergency. + +"But how will we know when danger threatens?" asked Louise. + +While Uncle John tried to think of an answer to this puzzling query +someone knocked upon the door. The concierge was standing in the +passage and beside him was a soldier in uniform, a natty cock's plume +upon his beaver hat and a short carbine over his arm. + +"A guard from Colonel Angeli, Signor," said the concierge, +respectfully--the first respectful tone he had yet employed. + +The soldier took off his hat with a flourish, and bowed low. + +"He is to remain in the hotel, sir, yet will not disturb you in any +way," continued the whiskered one. "But should he approach you at any +time and beckon you to follow him, do so at once, and without +hesitation. It is Colonel Angeli's wish. You are in the charge of this +brave man, who will watch over your welfare." + +"That settles it, my dears," said Uncle John, cheerfully, when the +soldier and the concierge had withdrawn. "This Italian friend doesn't do +things by halves, and I take it we are perfectly safe from this time +on." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +ACROSS THE BAY + + +Tom Horton called an hour later. He was in despair because his party had +decided to leave Naples for Rome, and he feared Beth would be engulfed +by the volcano unless he was present to protect her. + +"Mr. Merrick," said the boy, earnestly, "you'll take good care of Miss +De Graf, sir, won't you? We both live in Ohio, you know, and we've just +got acquainted; and--and I'd like to see her again, some time, if she +escapes." + +Uncle John's eyes twinkled, but he drew a long face. + +"My dear Tom," he said, "don't ask me to take care of anyone--please +don't! I brought these girls along to take care of _me_--three of 'em, +sir--and they've got to do their duty. Don't you worry about the girls; +just you worry about _me_." + +That was not much consolation for the poor fellow, but he could do +nothing more than wring their hands--Beth's twice, by mistake--and wish +them good luck before he hurried away to rejoin his family. + +"I'm sorry to see him go," said Beth, honestly. "Tom is a nice boy." + +"Quite right," agreed Uncle John. "I hope we shall meet no worse fellows +than Tom Horton." + +At noon they were served a modest luncheon in their rooms, for Signor +Floriano, having sent his important papers to a place of safety, had +resolved to stick to his hotel and do his duty by any guests that chose +to remain with him in defiance of the existent conditions. He had +succeeded in retaining a few servants who had more courage than those +that had stampeded at the first alarm, and while the hotel service for +the next few days was very inadequate, no one was liable to suffer any +great privation. + +During the afternoon the gloom grew denser than before, while thicker +than ever fell the rain of ashes. This was the worst day Naples +experienced during the great eruption, and Uncle John and his nieces +were content to keep their rooms and live in the glare of electric +lights. Owing to their wise precautions to keep out the heavily laden +air they breathed as little lava dust into their lungs as any people, +perhaps, in the city; but to escape all was impossible. Their eyes and +throats became more or less inflamed by the floating atoms, and the +girls declared they felt as if they were sealed up in a tomb. + +"Well, my chickens, how do you like being abroad, and actually in +Europe?" enquired Uncle John, cheerfully. + +Beth and Patsy smiled at him, but Louise looked up from the Baedecker +she was studying and replied: + +"It's simply delightful, Uncle, and I'm glad we happened here during +this splendid eruption of Vesuvius. Only--only--" + +"Only what, my dear?" + +"Only it is such hard work to keep clean," answered his dainty niece. +"Even the water is full of lava, and I'm sure my face looks like a +chimney-sweep's." + +"And you, Beth?" + +"I don't like it, Uncle. I'm sure I'd prefer Naples in sunshine, +although this is an experience we can brag about when we get home." + +"That is the idea, exactly," said Louise, "and the only thing that +reconciles me to the discomforts. Thousands see Naples in sunshine, but +few can boast seeing Vesuvius in eruption. It will give us considerable +prestige when we return home." + +"Ah, that is why I selected this time to bring you here," declared Uncle +John, with a comical wink. "I ordered the eruption before I left home, +and I must say they've been very prompt about it, and done the thing up +brown. Eh, Patsy?" + +"Right you are, Uncle. But you might tell 'em to turn off the eruption +now, because we've had enough." + +"Don't like Eu-rope, eh?" + +"Why, if I thought all Europe was surrounded by volcanoes, I'd go home +at once, if I had to walk. But the geographies don't mention many of +these spouters, so we may as well stick out our present experience and +hope the rest of the continent will behave better. The Major'll be +worried to death when he hears of this." + +"I've sent him a cable," said Uncle John. + +"What did you say?" asked Patsy, eagerly. + +"'All safe and well and enjoying the fireworks.'" + +"I'm glad you did that," replied the girl, deeply grateful at this +evidence of thoughtfulness. "It's bad enough for the Major to have me +away, without making him worry, into the bargain." + +"Well, no one is likely to worry about me," said Beth, philosophically. + +"Mother seldom reads the papers, except to get the society news," +remarked Louise. "I doubt if she'll hear of the eruption, unless the +Major happens to tell her." + +"I've cabled them all," said Uncle John. "They're entitled to know that +their kidiwinkles are in good shape." + +The evening was a tedious one, although they tried to enliven it with a +game of bridge, in which Uncle John and Louise were quite proficient +and the others dreadfully incompetent. Once in a while the volcano +thundered a deep detonation that caused the windows to shiver, but the +Americans were getting used to the sound and paid little heed to it. + +In the morning the wind had shifted, and although the air was still full +of dust all near-by objects were clearly visible and even the outline of +Vesuvius could be seen sending skyward its pillar of black smoke. + +Colonel Angeli appeared soon after breakfast, his uniform fresh and +bright and his boyish face beaming as pleasantly as ever. + +"Vesuvio is better," said he, "but the rascal has badly acted and done +much harm to our poor people. Like Herculaneum, our Boscatrecase is +covered with lava; like Pompeii our Ottajano is buried in ashes. Let me +advise you. To-day go to Sorrento, and there stay for a time, until we +can the dust brush from our streets and prepare to welcome you with the +comfort more serene. I must myself ride to the villages that are +suffering. My men are already gone, with the Red-Cross corps, to succor +whom they can. I will send to you word when you may return. Just now, +should you stay, you will be able to see nothing at all." + +"I believe that is wise counsel," replied Uncle John. + +"Sorrento has no ashes," continued the Colonel, "and from there you may +watch the volcano better than from Naples. To-day come the Duke and +Duchess d'Aosta to render assistance to the homeless and hungry; +to-morrow His Majesty the King will be here to discover what damage has +been caused. Alas! we have no sackcloth, but we are in ashes. I trust +you will pardon my poor Naples for her present inhospitality." + +"Sure thing," said Uncle John. "The city may be under a cloud, but her +people are the right stuff, and we are greatly obliged to you for all +your kindness to us." + +"But that is so little!" said the colonel, deprecatingly. + +They decided to leave their heavy baggage at the Hotel du Vesuve, and +carried only their suit-cases and light luggage aboard the little +steamer that was bound across the bay for Sorrento. The decks were +thronged with people as eager to get away from the stricken city as were +our friends, and Uncle John was only enabled to secure seats for his +girls by bribing a steward so heavily that even that modern brigand was +amazed at his good fortune. + +The ride was short but very interesting, for they passed under the +shadow of the smoking mountain and came into a fresh, sweet atmosphere +that was guiltless of a speck of the disagreeable lava dust that had so +long annoyed them. The high bluffs of Sorrento, with their picturesque +villas and big hotels, seemed traced in burnished silver by the strong +sunshine, and every member of Uncle John's party was glad that Colonel +Angeli had suggested this pleasant change of condition. + +Small boats took them ashore and an elevator carried them swiftly to the +top of the cliff and deposited them on the terrace of the Victoria, a +beautiful inn that nestled in a garden brilliant with splendid flowers +and shrubbery. Here they speedily established themselves, preparing to +enjoy their first real experience of "Sunny Italy." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +COUNT FERRALTI + + +At dinner it was announced that the famous Tarantella would be danced in +the lower hall of the hotel at nine o'clock, and the girls told Uncle +John that they must not miss this famous sight, which is one of the most +unique in Sorrento, or indeed in all Italy. + +As they entered the pretty, circular hall devoted to the dance Louise +gave a start of surprise. A goodly audience had already assembled in the +room, and among them the girl seemed to recognize an acquaintance, for +after a brief hesitation she advanced and placed her hand in that of a +gentleman who had risen on her entrance and hastened toward her. + +He was a nice looking young fellow, Beth thought, and had a foreign and +quite distinguished air. + +Presently Louise turned with cheeks somewhat flushed and brought the +gentleman to her party, introducing him to Uncle John and her cousins as +Count Ferralti, whom she had once met in New York while he was on a +visit to America. + +The Count twirled his small and slender moustaches in a way that Patsy +thought affected, and said in excellent English: + +"It delights me to meet Mr. Merrick and the young ladies. May I express +a hope that you are pleased with my beautiful country?" + +"Are you Italian?" asked Uncle John, regarding the young man critically. + +"Surely, Mr. Merrick. But I have resided much in New York, and may well +claim to be an adopted son of your great city." + +"New York adopts a good many," said Uncle John, drily. "It has even been +thoughtless enough to adopt me." + +The dancers entered at that moment and the Americans were forced to seat +themselves hastily so as not to obstruct the view of others. Count +Ferralti found a place beside Louise, but seemed to have little to say +to her during the course of the entertainment. + +The dances were unique and graceful, being executed by a troup of +laughing peasants dressed in native costume, who seemed very proud of +their accomplishment and anxious to please the throng of tourists +present. The Tarantella originated in Ischia, but Sorrento and Capri +have the best dancers. + +Afterward Uncle John and his nieces stood upon the terrace and watched +the volcano rolling its dense clouds, mingled with sparks of red-hot +scoria, toward the sky. The Count clung to Louise's side, but also tried +to make himself agreeable to her cousins. In their rooms that night +Patsy told Beth that the young foreigner was "too highfalutin' to suit +her," and Beth replied that his manners were so like those of their +Cousin Louise that the two ought to get along nicely together. + +Uncle John liked his nieces to make friends, and encouraged young men +generally to meet them; but there was something in the appearance of +this callow Italian nobleman that stamped his character as artificial +and insincere. He resolved to find out something about his antecedents +before he permitted the young fellow to establish friendly relations +with his girls. + +Next morning after breakfast he wandered through the lobby and paused at +the little office, where he discovered that the proprietor of this hotel +was a brother of that Floriano who managed the Hotel du Vesuve. That +gave him an excuse to talk with the man, who spoke very good English and +was exceedingly courteous to his guests--especially when they were +American. + +"I see you have Count Ferralti with you," remarked Uncle John. + +"Whom, sir?" + +"Ferralti--Count Ferralti. The young man standing by the window, +yonder." + +"I--I did not know," he said, hesitatingly. "The gentleman arrived last +evening, and I had not yet learned his name. Let me see," he turned to +his list of guests, who register by card and not in a book, and +continued: "Ah, yes; he has given his name as Ferralti, but added no +title. A count, did you say?" + +"Yes," replied Uncle John. + +The proprietor looked curiously toward the young man, whose back only +was visible. Then he remarked that the eruption of Vesuvius was waning +and the trouble nearly over for this time. + +"Are the Ferraltis a good family?" asked Uncle John, abruptly. + +"That I cannot tell you, Signor Merrick." + +"Oh. Perhaps you know little about the nobility of your country." + +"I! I know little of the nobility!" answered Floriano, indignantly. "My +dear signor, there is no man better posted as to our nobility in all +Italy." + +"Yet you say you don't know the Ferralti family." + +The proprietor reached for a book that lay above his desk. + +"Observe, signor. Here is our record of nobility. It is the same as the +'Blue Book' or the 'Peerage' of England. Either fortunately or +unfortunately--I cannot say--you have no need of such a book in +America." + +He turned the pages and ran his finger down the line of "Fs." + +"Find me, if you can, a Count Ferralti in the list." + +Uncle John looked. He put on his glasses and looked again. The name of +Ferralti was no place in the record. + +"Then there is no such count, Signor Floriano." + +"And no such noble family, Signor Merrick." + +Uncle John whistled softly and walked away to the window. The young man +greeted him with a smile and a bow. + +"I misunderstood your name last evening," he said. "I thought you were +Count Ferralti." + +"And that is right, sir," was the prompt reply. "Allow me to offer you +my card." + +Uncle John took the card and read: + + "CONTE LEONARDI FERRALTI, + Milano, Italia." + +He carefully placed the card in his pocket-book. + +"Thank you," said he. "It's a fine morning, Count." + +"Charming, Mr. Merrick." + +Uncle John walked away. He was glad that he had not suspected the young +man unjustly. When an imposture is unmasked it is no longer dangerous. + +He joined his nieces, who were all busily engaged in writing letters +home, and remarked, casually: + +"You've been deceived in your Italian friend, Louise. He is neither a +count nor of noble family, although I suppose when you met him in New +York he had an object in posing as a titled aristocrat." + +The girl paused, examining the point of her pen thoughtfully. + +"Are you sure, Uncle John?" + +"Quite sure, my dear. I've just been through the list of Italian counts, +and his name is not there. Floriano, the proprietor, who knows every +aristocrat in Italy, has never before heard of him." + +"How singular!" exclaimed Louise. "I wonder why he has tried to deceive +us." + +"Oh, the world is full of impostors; but when you are on to their game +they are quite harmless. Of course we won't encourage this young man in +any way. It will be better to avoid him." + +"He--he seems very nice and gentlemanly," said Louise with hesitation. + +The other girls exchanged glances, but made no remark. Uncle John hardly +knew what to say further. He felt he was in an awkward position, for +Louise was the most experienced in worldly ways of his three nieces and +he had no desire to pose as a stern guardian or to deprive his girls of +any passing pleasure they might enjoy. Moreover, Louise being in love +with that young Weldon her mother so strongly objected to, she would not +be likely to care much for this Italian fellow, and Mrs. Merrick had +enjoined him to keep her daughter's mind from dwelling on her +"entanglement." + +"Oh, well, my dear," he said to her, "you must act as you see fit. I do +not imagine we shall see much of this young man, in any event, and now +that you are well aware of the fact that he is sailing under false +colors, you will know how to handle him better than I can advise you." + +"I shall be very careful," said Louise slowly, as she resumed her +writing. + +"Well then, girls, what do you say to a stroll around the village?" +asked their uncle. "I'm told it's a proper place to buy silk stockings +and inlaid wood-work. They come assorted, I suppose." + +Beth and Patsy jumped up with alacrity, but Louise pleaded that she had +several more letters to write; so the others left her and passed the +rest of the forenoon in rummaging among the quaint shops of Sorrento, +staring at the statue of Tasso, and enjoying the street scenes so +vividly opposed to those of America. It was almost their first glimpse +of foreign manners and customs. In Naples they had as yet seen nothing +but darkness and falling ashes. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE ROAD TO AMALFI + + +The Hotel Victoria faces the bay of Naples. Back of it are the famous +gardens, and as you emerge from these you find yourself upon the narrow +main street of Sorrento, not far from the Square of Tasso. + +As our little party entered this street they were immediately espied by +the vetturini, or cabmen, who rushed toward them with loud cries while +they waved their whips frantically to attract attention. One tall fellow +was dressed in a most imposing uniform of blue and gold, with a high hat +bearing a cockade _a la Inglese_ and shiny top boots. His long legs +enabled him to outstrip the others, and in an almost breathless voice he +begged Uncle John to choose his carriage: "the besta carrozza ina town!" + +"We don't want to ride," was the answer. + +The cabman implored. Certainly they must make the Amalfi drive, or to +Massa Lubrense or Saint' Agata or at least Il Deserto! The others stood +by to listen silently to the discussion, yielding first place to the +victor in the race. + +Uncle John was obdurate. + +"All we want to-day is to see the town," he declared, "We're not going +to ride, but walk." + +"Ah, but the Amalfi road, signore! Surely you will see that." + +"To-morrow, perhaps; not now." + +"To-morrow, signore! It is good. At what hour, to-morrow, +illustrissimo?" + +"Oh, don't bother me." + +"We may as well drive to Amalfi to-morrow," suggested Beth. "It is the +proper thing to do, Uncle." + +"All right; we'll go, then." + +"You take my carrozza, signore?" begged the cabman. "It is besta ina +town." + +"Let us see it." + +Instantly the crowd scampered back to the square, followed more +leisurely by Uncle John and the girls. There the uniformed vetturio +stood beside the one modern carriage in the group. It was new; it was +glossy; it had beautiful, carefully brushed cushions; it was drawn by a +pair of splendid looking horses. + +"Is not bellissima, signore?" asked the man, proudly. + +"All right," announced Uncle John, nodding approval. "Be ready to start +at nine o'clock to-morrow morning." + +The man promised, whereat his confreres lost all interest in the matter +and the strangers were allowed to proceed without further interruption. + +They found out all about the Amalfi drive that evening, and were glad +indeed they had decided to go. Even Louise was pleased at the +arrangement and as eager as the others to make the trip. It is one of +the most famous drives in the world, along a road built upon the rocky +cliff that overhangs the sea and continually winds in and out as it +follows the outlines of the crags. + +They had an early breakfast and were ready at nine o'clock; but when +they came to the gate of the garden they found only a dilapidated +carriage standing before it. + +"Do you know where my rig is?" Uncle John asked the driver, at the same +time peering up and down the road. + +"It is me, sir signore. I am engage by you. Is it not so?" + +Mr. Merrick looked at the driver carefully. It was long-legs, sure +enough, but shorn of his beautiful regalia. + +"Where's your uniform?" he asked. + +"Ah, I have leave it home. The road is dusty, very; I must not ruin a +nice dress when I work," answered the man, smiling unabashed. + +"But the carriage. What has become of the fine carriage and the good +horses, sir?" + +"Ah, it is dreadful; it is horrible, signore. I find me the carrozza is +not easy; it is not perfect; it do not remain good for a long ride. So I +leave him home, for I am kind. I do not wish the signorini bella to tire +and weep. But see the fine vetture you now have! Is he not easy like +feathers, an' strong, an' molto buena?" + +"It may be a bird, but it don't look it," said Uncle John, doubtfully. +"I rented the best looking rig in town, and you bring me the worst." + +"Only try, signore! Others may look; it is only you who must ride. You +will be much please when we return." + +"Well, I suppose we may as well take it," said the little man, in a +resigned tone. "Hop in, my dears." + +They entered the crazy looking vehicle and found the seats ample and +comfortable despite the appearance of dilapidation everywhere prevalent. +The driver mounted the box, cracked his whip, and the lean nags ambled +away at a fair pace. + +They passed near to the square, where the first thing that attracted +Uncle John's attention was the beautiful turnout he had hired yesterday. +It was standing just as it had before, and beside it was another man +dressed in the splendid uniform his driver had claimed that he had left +at home. + +"Here--stop! Stop, I say!" he yelled at the man, angrily. But the fellow +seemed suddenly deaf, and paid no heed. He cracked his whip and rattled +away through the streets without a glance behind him. The girls laughed +and Uncle John stopped waving his arms and settled into his seat with a +groan. + +"We've been swindled, my dears," he said; "swindled most beautifully. +But I suppose we may as well make the best of it." + +"Better," agreed Patsy. "This rig is all right, Uncle. It may not be as +pretty as the other, but I expect that one is only kept to make +engagements with. When it comes to actual use, we don't get it." + +"That's true enough," he returned. "But I'll get even with this rascal +before I've done with him, never fear." + +It was a cold, raw morning, but the portiere at the Victoria had told +them the sun would be out presently and the day become more genial. +Indeed, the sun did come out, but only to give a discouraged look at the +landscape and retire again. During this one day in which they rode to +Amalfi and back, Uncle John afterward declared that they experienced +seven different kinds of weather. They had sunshine, rain, hail, snow +and a tornado; and then rain again and more sunshine. "Sunny Italy" +seemed a misnomer that day, as indeed it does many days in winter and +spring, when the climate is little better than that prevailing in the +eastern and central portions of the United States. And perhaps one +suffers more in Italy than in America, owing to the general lack of +means to keep warm on cold days. The Italian, shivering and blue, will +tell you it is not cold at all, for he will permit no reproach to lie on +his beloved land; but the traveller frequently becomes discouraged, and +the American contingent, especially, blames those misleading English +writers who, finding relief from their own bleak island in Italian +climes, exaggerated the conditions by apostrophizing the country as +"Sunny Italy" and for more than a century uttered such rhapsodies in its +praise that the whole world credited them--until it acquired personal +experience of the matter. + +Italy is beautiful; it is charming and delightful; but seldom is this +true in winter or early spring. + +The horses went along at a spanking pace that was astonishing. They +passed through the picturesque lanes of Sorrento, climbed the further +slope, and brought the carriage to the other side of the peninsula, +where the girls obtained their first view of the Gulf of Salerno, with +the lovely Isles of the Sirens lying just beneath them. + +And now they were on the great road that skirts the coast as far as +Salerno, and has no duplicate in all the known world. For it is cut from +the solid rock of precipitous cliffs rising straight from the sea, which +the highway overhangs at an average height of five hundred feet, the +traveller being protected only by a low stone parapet from the vast gulf +that yawns beneath. And on the other side of the road the cliffs +continue to ascend a like distance toward the sky, their irregular +surfaces dotted with wonderful houses that cling to the slopes, and +vineyards that look as though they might slip down at any moment upon +the heads of timorous pilgrims. + +When it rained they put up the carriage top, which afforded but partial +shelter. The shower was brief, but was shortly followed by hail as big +as peas, which threatened to dash in the frail roof of their _carrozza_. +While they shrank huddled beneath the blankets, the sun came out +suddenly, and the driver shed his leathern apron, cracked his whip, and +began singing merrily as the vehicle rolled over the smooth road. + +Our travellers breathed again, and prepared to enjoy once more the +wonderful vistas that were unfolded at every turn of the winding way. +Sometimes they skirted a little cove where, hundreds of feet below, the +fishermen sat before their tiny huts busily mending their nets. From +that distance the boats drawn upon the sheltered beach seemed like mere +toys. Then they would span a chasm on a narrow stone bridge, or plunge +through an arch dividing the solid mountain. But ever the road returned +in a brief space to the edge of the sea-cliff, and everywhere it was +solid as the hills themselves, and seemingly as secure. + +They had just sighted the ancient town of Positano and were circling a +gigantic point of rock, when the great adventure of the day overtook +them. Without warning the wind came whistling around them in a great +gale, which speedily increased in fury until it drove the blinded horses +reeling against the low parapet and pushed upon the carriage as if +determined to dash it over the precipice. + +As it collided against the stone wall the vehicle tipped dangerously, +hurling the driver from his seat to dive headforemost into the space +beneath. But the man clung to the reins desperately, and they arrested +his fall, leaving him dangling at the end of them while the maddened +horses, jerked at the bits by the weight of the man, reared and plunged +as if they would in any instant tumble themselves and the carriage over +the cliff. + +At this critical moment a mounted horseman, who unobserved had been +following the party, dashed to their rescue. The rider caught the +plunging steeds by their heads and tried to restrain their terror, at +his own eminent peril, while the carriage lay wedged against the wall +and the driver screamed pitifully from his dangerous position midway +between sea and sky. + +Then Beth slipped from her seat to the flat top of the parapet, stepped +boldly to where the reins were pulling upon the terrified horses, and +seized them in her strong grasp. + +"Hold fast," she called calmly to the driver, and began dragging him +upward, inch by inch. + +He understood instantly the task she had undertaken, and in a moment his +courage returned and he managed to get his foot in a crack of the rock +and assist her by relieving her of part of his weight. Just above was a +slight ledge; he could reach it now; and then she had him by the arm, so +that another instant found him clinging to the parapet and drawing +himself into a position of safety. + +The wind had died away as suddenly as it came upon them. The horses, as +soon as the strain upon their bits was relaxed, were easily quieted. +Before those in the carriage had quite realized what had occurred the +adventure was accomplished, the peril was past, and all was well again. + +Uncle John leaped from the carriage, followed by Louise and Patsy. The +young horseman who had come to their assistance so opportunely was none +other than Count Ferralti, whom they had such good reason to distrust. +He was sitting upon his horse and staring with amazement at Beth, at +whose feet the driver was grovelling while tears flowed down his bronzed +cheeks and he protested in an absurd mixture of English and Italian, by +every saint in the calendar, that the girl had saved him from a +frightful death and he would devote his future life to her service. + +"It is wonderful!" murmured Ferralti. "However could such a slip of a +girl do so great a deed?" + +"Why, it's nothing at all," returned Beth, flushing; "we're trained to +do such things in the gymnasium at Cloverton, and I'm much stronger than +I appear to be." + +"'Twas her head, mostly," said Patsy, giving her cousin an admiring hug; +"she kept her wits while the rest of us were scared to death." + +Uncle John had been observing the Count. One of the young man's hands +hung limp and helpless. + +"Are you hurt, sir?" he asked. + +Ferralti smiled, and his eyes rested upon Louise. + +"A little, perhaps, Mr. Merrick; but it is unimportant. The horses were +frantic at the time and wrenched my wrist viciously as I tried to hold +them. I felt something snap; a small bone, perhaps. But I am sure it is +nothing of moment." + +"We'd better get back to Sorrento," said Uncle John, abruptly. + +"Not on my account, I beg of you," returned Ferralti, quickly. "We are +half way to Amalfi now, and you may as well go on. For my part, if the +wrist troubles me, I will see a surgeon at Amalfi--that is, if you +permit me to accompany you." + +He said this with a defferent bow and a glance of inquiry. + +Uncle John could not well refuse. The young fellow might be a sham +count, but the manliness and courage he had displayed in their grave +emergency surely entitled him to their grateful consideration. + +"You are quite welcome to join us," said Uncle John. + +The driver had by now repaired a broken strap and found his equippage +otherwise uninjured. + +The horses stood meekly quiescent, as if they had never known a moment's +fear in their lives. So the girls and their uncle climbed into the +vehicle again and the driver mounted the box and cracked his whip with +his usual vigor. + +The wind had subsided as suddenly as it had arisen, and as they passed +through Positano--which is four hundred feet high, the houses all up and +down the side of a cliff like swallows' nests--big flakes of snow were +gently falling around them. + +Count Ferralti rode at the side of the carriage but did not attempt much +conversation. His lips were tight set and the girls, slyly observing his +face, were sure his wrist was hurting him much more than he cared to +acknowledge. + +Circling around the cliff beyond Positano the sun greeted them, shining +from out a blue sky, and they wondered what had become of the bad +weather they had so lately experienced. + +From now on, past Prajano and into Amalfi, the day was brilliant and the +temperature delightful. It was full noon by the time they alighted at +the little gate-house of the ancient Cappuccini-Convento, now a hotel +much favored by the tourist. Count Ferralti promised to join them later +and rode on to the town to find a surgeon to look after his injured +hand, while the others slowly mounted the long inclines leading in a +zigzag fashion up to the old monastery, which was founded in the year +1212. + +From the arbored veranda of this charming retreat is obtained one of the +finest views in Europe, and while the girls sat enjoying it Uncle John +arranged with a pleasant faced woman (who had once lived in America) for +their luncheon. + +An hour later, and just as they were sitting down to the meal, Count +Ferralti rejoined them. His hand was bandaged and supported by a sling, +and in answer to Louise's gentle inquiries he said, simply: + +"It was as I had feared: a small bone snapped. But my surgeon is +skillful, and says time will mend the wrist as good as new." + +In spite of his courage he could eat no luncheon, but merely sipped a +glass of wine; so Uncle John, alarmed at his pallor, insisted that he +take a seat in the carriage on the return journey. Beth wanted to ride +the Count's horse home, but there was no side saddle to be had, so they +led the animal by a halter fastened behind the ricketty carriage, and +Beth mounted the box and rode beside her friend the driver. + +The pleasant weather lasted until they neared Sorrento, when another +shower of rain came up. They reached their hotel damp and bedraggled, +but enthusiastic over their wonderful trip and the interesting adventure +it had incidentally developed. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE EAGLE SCREAMS + + +Despite the glories of the Amalfi road our tourists decided it was more +pleasant to loiter around Sorrento for a time than to undertake further +excursions. The mornings and evenings were chill, but during the middle +of the day the air was warm and delicious; so the girls carried their +books and fancy-work into the beautiful gardens or wandered lazily +through the high-walled lanes that shut in the villas and orange groves. +Sometimes they found a gate open, and were welcomed to the orchards and +permitted to pluck freely the fragrant and rich flavored fruit, which is +excelled in no other section of the south country. Also Uncle John, with +Beth and Patsy, frequented the shops of the wood-workers and watched +their delicate and busy fingers inlaying the various colored woods; but +Louise mostly kept to the garden, where Count Ferralti, being a +semi-invalid, was content to sit by her side and amuse her. + +In spite of her uncle's discovery of the false position assumed by this +young man, Louise seemed to like his attentions and to approve his +evident admiration for her. His ways might be affected and effeminate +and his conversational powers indifferent; but his bandaged wrist was a +constant reminder to all the nieces that he possessed courage and ready +wit, and it was but natural that he became more interesting to them +because just now he was to an extent helpless, and his crippled hand had +been acquired in their service. + +Uncle John watched the young fellow shrewdly, but could discover little +harm in him except his attempt to deceive them in regard to his name and +position. Yet in his mature eyes there was not much about Ferralti to +arouse admiration, and the little man considered his girls too sensible +to be greatly impressed by this youthful Italian's personality. So he +allowed him to sit with his nieces in the gardens as much as he +pleased, believing it would be ungrateful to deprive the count of that +harmless recreation. + +"A reg'lar chaperone might think differently," he reflected; "but thank +goodness there are no dragons swimming in our cup of happiness." + +One day they devoted to Capri and the Blue Grotto, and afterward they +lunched at the Quisisana and passed the afternoon in the town. But the +charms of Sorrento were too great for Capri to win their allegiance, and +they were glad to get back to their quaint town and delightful gardens +again. + +The week passed all too swiftly, and then came a letter from Colonel +Angeli telling them to return to Naples and witness the results of the +eruption. This they decided to do, and bidding good-bye to Signor +Floriano and his excellent hotel they steamed across the bay and found +the "Vesuve" a vastly different hostelry from the dismal place they had +left in their flight from Naples. It was now teeming with life, for, all +danger being past, the tourists had flocked to the city in droves. The +town was still covered with ashes, but under the brilliant sunshine it +did not look as gloomy as one might imagine, and already thousands of +carts were busily gathering the dust from the streets and dumping it in +the waters of the bay. It would require months of hard work, though, +before Naples could regain a semblance of its former beauty. + +Their friend the Colonel personally accompanied them to the towns that +had suffered the most from the eruption. At Boscatrecasa they walked +over the great beds of lava that had demolished the town--banks of +cinders looking like lumps of pumice stone and massed from twenty to +thirty feet in thickness throughout the valley. The lava was still so +hot that it was liable to blister the soles of their feet unless they +kept constantly moving. It would be many more days before the interior +of the mass became cold. + +Through the forlorn, dust-covered vineyards they drove to San Guiseppe, +where a church roof had fallen in and killed one hundred and forty +people, maiming many more. The Red-Cross tents were pitched in the +streets and the whole town was one vast hospital. Ottajano, a little +nearer to the volcano, had been buried in scoria, and nine-tenths of +the roofs had fallen in, rendering the dwellings untenable. + +From here a clear view of Mt. Vesuvius could be obtained. The shape of +the mountain had greatly altered and the cone had lost sixty-five feet +of its altitude. But when one gazed upon the enormous bulk of volcanic +deposit that littered the country for miles around, it seemed to equal a +dozen mountains the size of Vesuvius. The marvel was that so much ashes +and cinders could come from a single crater in so short a period. + +Naples was cleaning house, but slowly and listlessly. The people seemed +as cheerful and light-hearted as ever. The volcano was one of their +crosses, and they bore it patiently. The theatres would remain closed +for some weeks to come, but the great Museo Nationale was open, and +Uncle John and his nieces were much interested in the bronze and marble +statuary that here form the greatest single collection in all the world. + +It was at the Museum that Mr. Merrick was arrested for the first time +in his life, an experience he never afterward forgot. + +Bad money is so common in Naples that Uncle John never accepted any +change from anyone, but obtained all his silver coins and notes directly +from the Banca Commerciale Italiana, a government institution. One +morning he drove with the girls to the museum and paid the cabman a +lira, but before he could ascend the steps the man was after him and +holding out a leaden coin, claiming that his fare had given him bad +money and must exchange it for good. This is so common a method of +swindling that Uncle John paid no heed to the demands of the cabman +until one of the Guard Municipale, in his uniform of dark blue with +yellow buttons and cap, placed a restraining hand upon the American's +shoulder. + +Uncle John angrily shook him off, but the man persisted, and an +interpreter employed by the museum stepped forward and explained that +unless the cabman was given a good coin in exchange for the bad one the +guarde would be obliged to take him before a commissionaire, or +magistrate. + +"But I gave him a good coin--a lira direct from the bank," declared +Uncle John. + +"He exhibits a bad one," returned the interpreter, calmly. + +"He's a swindler!" + +"He is a citizen of Naples, and entitled to a just payment," said the +other, shrugging his shoulders. + +"You are all leagued together," said Uncle John, indignantly. "But you +will get no more money out of me, I promise you." + +The result was that the stubborn American was placed under arrest. +Leaving the girls at the museum in charge of Ferralti, who had made no +attempt to interfere in the dispute but implored Uncle John to pay and +avoid trouble, the angry prisoner was placed in the same cab he had +arrived in and, with the officer seated beside him, was publicly driven +to the office of the magistrate. + +This official understood no English, but he glowered and frowned +fiercely when the American was brought before him. The guarde and the +cabman stood with bared bowed heads and in low tones preferred the +charge against the prisoner; but Uncle John swaggered up to the desk and +pounded his clinched fist upon it while he roared a defiance of Italian +injustice and threatened to "bring over a few war-ships and blow Naples +into kingdom come!" + +The magistrate was startled, and ordered the prisoner searched for +concealed weapons. Uncle John doubled his fists and dared the guarde to +touch him. + +Then the cabman was dispatched for someone who could speak English, and +when an interpreter arrived the American told him to send for the United +States consul and also to inform the magistrate that nothing but war +between America and Italy could wipe out the affront that had been +thrust upon him. + +The magistrate was disturbed, and preferred not to send for the consul. +He offered to release Uncle John if he would give the cabman a good lira +in exchange for the bad one. The official fee would be five lira--or say +three lira--or even two. Uncle John flatly refused to pay anything to +anybody. Only war could settle this international complication--bloody +and bitter war. The consul must cable at once for war-ships and troops. +He would insist upon it. All compromise was now impossible! + +The magistrate was frightened. The guarde's eyes bulged with horror and +he trembled visibly. It was evident they had made a grave mistake in +arresting this mad American, who was evidently a personage of great +importance and able to declare war at a moment's notice. The cabman, the +magistrate, the guarde and the interpreter put their heads together and +chattered voluble Italian--all speaking at once in excited tones--while +Uncle John continued to warn them at the top of his lungs that their +country was doomed to sudden annihilation and they were the culprits +responsible for the coming calamity. + +As a result they bundled the irate American into the carriage again and +drove him poste haste back to the museum, where they deposited him upon +the steps. Then in a flash the guarde and the cabman disappeared from +sight and were seen no more. + +The victor smiled proudly as his nieces rushed toward him. + +"Did you have to pay another lira, Uncle?" asked Patsy, anxiously. + +"Not on your life, my dear," mopping his brow vigorously. "They're a lot +of cutthroats and assassins--policemen, magistrates and all--but when +the eagle screams they're wise enough to duck." + +The girls laughed. + +"And did the eagle scream, then?" Patsy enquired. + +"Just a little, my dear; but if it whispered it would sound mighty loud +in this mummified old world. But we've lost enough time for one day. +Come; let's go see 'Narcissus' and the 'Dancing Faun.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +MOVING ON + + +"Here's a letter from my dear old friend Silas Watson," said Uncle John, +delightedly. "It's from Palermo, where he has been staying with his +ward--and your friend, girls--Kenneth Forbes, and he wants me to lug you +all over to Sicily at once." + +"That's jolly," said Patsy, with a bright smile. "I'd like to see +Kenneth again." + +"I suppose he is a great artist, by this time," said Beth, musingly. + +"How singular!" exclaimed Louise. "Count Ferralti told me only this +morning that he had decided to go to Palermo." + +"Really?" said Uncle John. + +"Yes, Uncle. Isn't it a coincidence?" + +"Why, as for that," he answered, slowly, "I'm afraid it will prevent our +seeing the dear count--or whatever he is--again, at least for some +time. For Mr. Watson and Kenneth are just leaving Palermo, and he asks +us to meet him in another place altogether, a town called--called--let +me see; Tormenti, or Terminal, or something." + +"Give me the letter, dear," said Patsy. "I don't believe it's Terminal +at all. Of course not," consulting the pages, "it's Taormina." + +"Is that in Sicily?" he asked. + +"Yes. Listen to what Mr. Watson says: 'I'm told it is the most beautiful +spot in the world, which is the same thing you hear about most beautiful +places. It is eight hundred feet above the Mediterranean and nestles +peacefully in the shadow of Mount Etna.'" + +"Etna!" cried Uncle John, with a start. "Isn't that another volcano?" + +"To be sure," said Beth, the geographer. "Etna is the biggest volcano in +the world." + +"Does it spout?" he asked, anxiously. + +"All the time, they say. But it is not usually dangerous." + +"The proper thing, when you go to Eu-rope," declared Uncle John, +positively, "is to do Venice, where the turpentine comes from, and +Switzerland, where they make chocolate and goat's milk, and Paris and +Monte Carlo, where they kick high and melt pearls in champagne. +Everybody knows that. That's what goin' to Eu-rope really means. But +Sicily isn't on the programme, that I ever heard of. So we'll just tell +Silas Watson that we'll see him later--which means when we get home +again." + +"But Sicily is beautiful," protested Patsy. "I'd as soon go there as +anywhere." + +"It's a very romantic place," added Louise, reflectively. + +"Everybody goes to France and Switzerland," remarked Beth. "But it's +because they don't know any better. Let's be original, Uncle, and keep +out of the beaten track of travel." + +"But the volcano!" exclaimed Mr. Merrick. "Is it necessary to stick to +volcanoes to be original?" + +"Etna won't hurt us, I'm sure," said Patsy. + +"Isn't there a Greek theatre at Taormina?" asked Louise. + +"I've never heard of it; but I suppose the Greeks have, if it's there," +he replied. "But why not wait till we get home, and then go to Kieth's +or Hammerstein's?" + +"You don't understand, dear. This theatre is very ancient." + +"Playing minstrel shows in it yet, I suppose. Well, girls, if you say +Sicily, Sicily it is. All I'm after is to give you a good time, and if +you get the volcano habit it isn't my fault." + +"It is possible the Count said Taormina, instead of Palermo," remarked +Louise, plaintively. "I wasn't paying much attention at the time. I'll +ask him." + +The others ignored this suggestion. Said Patsy to her uncle: + +"When do we go, sir?" + +"Whenever you like, my dears." + +"Then I vote to move on at once," decided the girl. "We've got the best +out of Naples, and it's pretty grimey here yet." + +The other nieces agreed with her, so Uncle John went out to enquire the +best way to get to Sicily, and to make their arrangements. + +The steamer "Victor Emmanuel" of the Navigazione General Italiana line +was due to leave Naples for Messina the next evening, arriving at its +destination the following morning. Uncle John promptly booked places. +The intervening day was spent in packing and preparing for the journey, +and like all travellers the girls were full of eager excitement at the +prospect of seeing something new. + +"I'm told Sicily is an island," grumbled Uncle John. "Here we are, on a +trip to Eu-rope, and emigrating to an island the first thing we do." + +"Sicily is Europe, all right, Uncle," answered Patsy. "At least, it +isn't Asia or Africa." + +That assertion seemed to console him a little, and he grew cheerful +again. + +The evening was beautiful as they embarked, but soon after leaving the +bay the little, tub-shaped steamer began to tumble and toss vigorously, +so that all the passengers aboard speedily sought their berths. + +Uncle John found himself in a stuffy little cabin that smelled of tar +and various other flavors that were too mixed to be recognizable. As a +result he passed one of the most miserable nights of his life. + +Toward morning he rolled out and dressed himself, preferring the deck to +his bed, and the first breath of salt air did much to restore him. Day +was just breaking, and to the right he could see a tongue of fire +flaming against the dark sky. + +"What is that, sir?" he enquired of an officer who passed. + +"That is Stromboli, signor, the great volcano of Lipari. It is always in +eruption." + +Uncle John groaned. + +"Volcanoes to right of us, volcanoes to left of us volleyed and +thundered," he muttered dismally, as he fell back in his chair. + +The sky brightened, and the breath of the breeze changed and came to him +laden with delicious fragrance. + +"See, signore!" called the officer, passing again; "before us is mighty +Etna--you can see it clearly from the bow." + +"Volcanoes in front of us, volcanoes behind us!" wailed the little man. +But he walked to the bow and saw the shores of Sicily looming in +advance, with the outline of the stately mountain rising above and +dominating it. + +Then the sun burst forth, flooding all with a golden radiance that was +magical in its gorgeous effects. Patsy came on deck and stood beside her +uncle, lost in rapturous admiration. Beth soon followed her. + +Before long they entered the Straits of Messina and passed between the +classic rock of Scylla on the Calabrian coast, and the whirlpool of +Charybdis at the point of the promontory of Faro, which forms the end of +the famous "Golden Sickle" enclosing the Bay of Messina. + +"If this is really Eu-rope, I'm glad we came," said Uncle John, drawing +a long breath as the ship came to anchor opposite the Palazzo +Municipale. "I don't remember seeing anything prettier since we left New +York." + +Presently they had loaded their trunks and hand baggage, and +incidentally themselves, into the boat of the Hotel Trinacria which came +alongside in charge of a sleepy porter. After a brief examination at the +custom-house, where Uncle John denied having either sugar, tobacco or +perfumery, they followed on foot the truck laden with their worldly +possessions, and soon reached the hotel. + +A pleasant breakfast followed, which they ate before a window +overlooking the busy marina, and then they drove about the town for a +time to see in a casual way the "sights." In the afternoon they took the +train for Taormina. Messina seemed a delightful place, but if they were +going to settle in Taormina for a time it would not pay them to unpack +or linger on the way. + +So they rolled along the coast for a couple of hours in a quaint, +old-fashioned railway carriage, and were then deposited upon the +platform of the little station at Giardini. + +"I'm afraid there has been a mistake," said the little man, gazing +around him anxiously. "There's no town here, and I told the guard to put +us off at Taormina--not this forlorn place." + +Just then Beth discovered a line of carriages drawn up back of the +station. The drivers were mostly asleep inside them, although several +stood in a group arguing in fluent Italian the grave question as to +whether Signora Gani's cow had a black patch over its left shoulder, or +not. + +Some of the carriages bore signs: "Hotel Timeo;" "Grand Hotel San +Domenico;" "Hotel Castello-a-Mare;" "Grand Hotel Metropole," and so +forth. In that of the Castello-a-Mare the man was awakening and rubbing +his eyes. Uncle John said to him: + +"Good morning. Had a nice rest?" + +"I thank you, signore, I am well refreshed," was the reply. + +"By the way, can you tell us where the town of Taormina is? I hate to +trouble you; but we'd like to know." + +The man waved an arm upward, and following the motion with their eyes +they saw a line of precipitous cliffs that seemed impossible to scale. + +"Do you desire to go to the Grand Hotel Castello-a-Mare?" enquired the +driver, politely. + +"Is it in Taormina?" + +"Most certainly, signore." + +"And you will take us?" + +"With pleasure, signore." + +"Oh; I didn't know. I supposed you were going to sleep again." + +The man looked at him reproachfully. + +"It is my business, signore. I am very attentive to my duties. If you +permit me to drive you to our splendide--our magnifico hotel--you will +confer a favor." + +"How about the baggage?" + +"The trunks, signor, we will send for later. There is really no hurry +about them. The small baggage will accompany us. You will remark how +excellent is my English. I am Frascatti Vietri; perhaps you have heard +of me in America?" + +"If I have it has escaped my memory," said Uncle John, gravely. + +"Have you been to America?" asked Beth. + +"Surely, signorina. I lived in Chicago, which, as you are aware, is +America. My uncle had a fruit shop in South Water, a via which is +Chicago. Is it not so? You will find few in Taormina who can the English +speak, and none at all who can so perfectly speak it as Frascatti +Vietri." + +"You are wonderful," said Patsy, delighted with him. But Uncle John +grew impatient to be off. + +"I hate to interrupt you, Mr. Vietri," he hinted; "but if you can spare +the time we may as well make a start." + +The driver consented. He gracefully swung the suit-cases and travelling +bags to the top of the vehicle and held the door open while his fares +entered. Then he mounted to his seat, took the reins, and spoke to the +horses. Some of the other drivers nodded at him cheerfully, but more as +if they were sorry he must exert himself than with any resentment at his +success in getting the only tourists who had alighted from the train. + +As they moved away Uncle John said: "Observe the difference between the +cab-drivers here and those at home. In America they fight like beasts to +get a job; here they seem anxious to avoid earning an honest penny. If +there could be a happy medium somewhere, I'd like it." + +"Are we going to the best hotel?" asked Louise, who had seemed a trifle +disconsolate because she had not seen Count Ferralti since leaving +Naples. + +"I don't know, my dear. It wasn't a question of choice, but of +necessity. No other hotel seemed willing to receive us." + +They were now winding upward over a wonderful road cut in the solid +rock. It was broad and smooth and protected by a parapet of dressed +limestone. Now and then they passed pleasant villas set in orchards of +golden oranges or groves of olives and almonds; but there was no sign of +life on any side. + +The road was zigzag, making a long ascent across the face of the cape, +then turning abruptly to wind back again, but always creeping upward +until an open space showed the station far below and a rambling stone +building at the edge of the cliff far above. + +"Behold!" cried Frascatti, pointing up, "the Grand Hotel +Castello-a-Mare; is it not the excellenza location?" + +"Has it a roof?" asked Uncle John, critically. + +"Of a certainty, signore! But it does not show from below," was the +grave reply. + +At times Frascatti stopped his horses to allow them to rest, and then he +would turn in his seat to address his passengers in the open victoria +and descant upon the beauties of the panorama each turn unfolded. + +"This road is new," said he, "because we are very progressive and the +old road was most difficulty. Then it was three hours from the bottom to +the top. Now it is but a short hour, for our energy climbs the three +miles in that brief time. Shall I stop here for the sunset, or will your +excellenzi hasten on?" + +"If your energy approves, we will hasten," returned Uncle John. "We love +a sunset, because it's bound to set anyway, and we may as well make the +best of it; but we have likewise an objection to being out after dark. +Any brigands around here?" + +"Brigands! Ah; the signor is merry. Never, since the days of Naxos, have +brigands infested our fair country." + +"When were the days of Naxos?" + +"Some centuries before Christ, signor," bowing his head and making the +sign of the cross. + +"Very good. The brigands of those days must, of course, be dead by this +time. Now, sir, when you have leisure, let us hasten." + +The horses started and crept slowly upward again. None of the party was +in a hurry. Such beautiful glimpses of scenery were constantly visible +from the bends of the road that the girls were enraptured, and could +have ridden for hours in this glorious fairyland. + +But suddenly the horses broke into a trot and dragged the carriage +rapidly forward over the last incline. A moment later they dashed into +the court of the hotel and the driver with a loud cry of "Oo-ah!" and a +crack of his whip drew up before the entrance. + +The portiere and the padrone, or landlord--the latter being also the +proprietaire--came out to greet them, extending to their guests a +courteous welcome. The house was very full. All of the cheaper rooms +were taken; but of course the Signor Americain would wish only the best +and be glad to pay. + +Uncle John requested them to rob him as modestly as possible without +conflicting with their sense of duty, and they assured him they would do +so. + +The rooms were adorable. They faced the sea and had little balconies +that gave one a view of the blue Mediterranean far beneath, with lovely +Isola Bella and the Capo San Andrea nestling on its bosom. To the right +towered the majestic peak of Etna, its crest just now golden red in the +dying sunset. + +The girls drew in deep breaths and stood silent in a very ecstacy of +delight. At their feet was a terraced garden, running downward two +hundred feet to where the crag fell sheer to the sea. It was glorious +with blooming flowers of every sort that grows, and the people on the +balconies imagined at the moment they had been transferred to an earthly +paradise too fair and sweet for ordinary mortals. And then the glow of +the sun faded softly and twilight took its place. Far down the winding +road could be seen the train of carriages returning from the station, +the vetturini singing their native songs as the horses slowly ascended +the slope. An unseen organ somewhere in the distance ground out a +Neapolitan folk song, and fresh and youthful voices sang a clear, high +toned accompaniment. + +Even practical Uncle John stood absorbed and admiring until the soft +voice of the facchino called to ask if he wanted hot water in which to +bathe before dinner. + +"It's no use," said Patsy, smiling at him from the next balcony with +tears in her eyes; "There's not another Taormina on earth. Here we are, +and here we stay until we have to go home again." + +"But, my dear, think of Paris, of Venice, of--" + +"I'll think of nothing but this, Uncle John. Unless you settle down with +us here I'll turn milkmaid and live all my days in Sicily!" + +Beth laughed, and drew her into their room. + +"Don't be silly, Patsy dear," she said, calmly, although almost as +greatly affected as her cousin. "There are no cows here, so you can't be +a milkmaid." + +"Can't I milk the goats, then?" + +"Why, the men seem to do that, dear. But cheer up. We've only seen the +romance of Taormina yet; doubtless it will be commonplace enough +to-morrow." + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +IL DUCA + + +Beth's prediction, however, did not come true. The morning discovered +nothing commonplace about Taormina. Their hotel was outside the walls, +but a brief walk took them to the Messina Gate, a quaint archway through +which they passed into the narrow streets of one of the oldest towns in +Sicily. Doorways and windows of Saracen or Norman construction faced +them on every side, and every inch of the ancient buildings was +picturesque and charming. + +Some of the houses had been turned into shops, mostly for the sale of +curios. Uncle John and his nieces had scarcely passed a hundred yards +into the town when one of these shops arrested their attention. It was +full of antique jewelry, antique furniture, antique laces and antique +pottery--all of the most fascinating description. The jewelry was +tarnished and broken, the lace had holes in it and the furniture was +decrepit and unsteady; but the proprietor cared nothing for such +defects. All was very old, and he knew the tourist was eager to buy. So +he scattered his wares inside and outside his salesroom, much as the +spider spreads his web for the unwary, and waited for the inevitable +tourist with a desire to acquire something ancient and useless. + +The girls could not be induced to pass the shop. They entered the +square, low room and flooded the shopman with eager questions. +Notwithstanding Frascatti's assertion that few in Taormina could speak +English, this man was quite intelligible and fixed his prices according +to the impression his wares made upon the artistic sense of the young +American ladies. + +It was while they were intently inspecting some laces that the +proprietor suddenly paused in his chatter, removed his hat and bowed +almost to the floor, his face assuming at the same time a serious and +most humble expression. + +Turning around they saw standing outside the door a man whom they +recognized at once as their fellow passenger aboard the "Princess +Irene." + +"Oh, Signor Valdi!" cried Patsy, running toward him, "how strange to +find you again in this out-of-the-way place." + +The Italian frowned, but in a dignified manner took the hand of all +three girls in turn and then bowed a greeting to Mr. Merrick. + +Uncle John thought the fellow had improved in appearance. Instead of the +flannel shirt and Prince Albert coat he had affected on shipboard he now +wore a native costume of faded velvet, while a cloak of thin but +voluminous cloth swung from his shoulders, and a soft felt hat shaded +his dark eyes. + +His appearance was entirely in keeping with the place, and the American +noticed that the villagers who passed doffed their hats most +respectfully to this seemingly well-known individual. But mingled with +their polite deference was a shyness half fearful, and none stopped to +speak but hurried silently on. + +"And how do we happen to find you here, Signor Valdi?" Patsy was +saying. "Do you live in Taormina?" + +"I am of this district, but not of Taormina," he replied. "It is chance +that you see me here. Eh, Signor Bruggi, is it not so?" casting one of +his characteristic fierce glances at the shopkeeper. + +"It is so, your excellency." + +"But I am glad you have come to the shadow of Etna," he continued, +addressing the Americans with slow deliberation. "Here the grandeur of +the world centers, and life keeps time with Nature. You will like it? +You will stay?" + +"Oh, for a time, anyway," said Patsy. + +"We expect to meet some friends here," explained Uncle John. "They are +coming down from Palermo, but must have been delayed somewhere on the +way." + +"Who are they?" asked Valdi, brusquely. + +"Americans, of course; Silas Watson and Kenneth Forbes. Do you know of +them?" + +"No," said the other. He cast an uneasy glance up and down the street. +"I will meet you again, signorini," he added. "Which is your hotel?" + +"The Castello-a-Mare. It is delightful," said Beth. + +He nodded, as if pleased. Then, folding his cloak about him, he murmured +"adios!" and stalked away without another word or look. + +"Queer fellow," remarked Uncle John. + +The shopkeeper drew a long breath and seemed relieved. + +"Il Duca is unusual, signore," he replied. + +"Duke!" cried the girls, in one voice. + +The man seemed startled. + +"I--I thought you knew him; you seemed friends," he stammered. + +"We met Signor Valdi on shipboard," said Uncle John. + +"Valdi? Ah, yes; of course; the duke has been to America." + +"Isn't his name Valdi?" asked Beth, looking the man straight in the +eyes. "Has he another name here, where he lives?" + +The shopman hesitated. + +"Who knows?" was the evasive reply. "Il Duca has many names, but we do +not speak them. When it is necessary to mention him we use his +title--the duke." + +"Why?" asked the girl. + +"Why, signorina? Why? Perhaps because he does not like to be talked +about. Yes; that is it, I am sure." + +"Where does he live?" asked Patsy. + +The man seemed uneasy under so much questioning. + +"Somewhere in the mountains," he said, briefly. "His estates are there. +He is said to be very rich and powerful. I know nothing more, +signorini." + +Realizing that little additional information could be gleaned from this +source they soon left the shop and wandered into the Piazzo Vittorio +Emanuele, and from thence by the narrow lane to the famous Teatro Greco. + +For a time they admired this fascinating ruin, which has the best +preserved stage of any Greek theatre now in existence. From the top of +the hill is one of the most magnificent views in Sicily, and here our +travellers sat in contemplative awe until Uncle John declared it was +time to return to their hotel for luncheon. + +As they passed the portiere's desk Mr. Merrick paused to ask that +important official: + +"Tell me, if you please, who is Signor Victor Valdi?" + +"Valdi, signore?" + +"Yes; the Duke di Valdi, I suppose you call him." + +"I have never heard of him," replied the man. + +"But every one seems to know him in Taormina." + +"Is it so? We have but one duke near to us, and he--. But never mind. I +do not know this Valdi." + +"A thin faced man, with black eyes. We met him on the steamer coming +from America." + +The portiere dropped his eyes and turned toward his desk. + +"Luncheon is served, signore," he remarked. "Also, here is a letter for +you, which arrived this morning." + +Uncle John took the letter and walked on to rejoin the girls. + +"It seems hard work to find out anything about this Valdi," he said. +"Either the folks here do not know him, or they won't acknowledge his +acquaintance. We may as well follow suit, and avoid him." + +"I don't like his looks a bit," observed Beth. "He seems afraid and +defiant at the same time, and his temper is dreadful. It was only with +great difficulty he could bring himself to be polite to us." + +"Oh, I always got along with him all right," said Patsy. "I'm sure +Signor Valdi isn't as bad as he appears. And he's a duke, too, girls--a +real duke!" + +"So it seems," Uncle John rejoined; "yet there is something queer about +the fellow, I agree with Beth; I don't like him." + +"Did Mr. Watson say when he would join us here?" enquired Louise, when +they were seated at the little round table. + +"No; but here's a letter from him. I'd quite forgotten it." + +He tore open the envelope and carefully read the enclosure. + +"Too bad," said he. "We might have stayed a few days in Messina. Watson +says he and Kenneth have stopped at Girgenti--wherever that is--to study +the temples. Wonder if they're Solomon's? They won't get to Taormina +before Saturday." + +"It won't matter," declared Patsy, "so long as they arrive then. And I'd +a good deal rather be here than in Messina, or any other place. Of +course we'll all be glad to see Kenneth." + +"Mr. Watson wants us to be very careful while we are in Sicily," +continued Uncle John, referring to the letter. "Listen to this: 'Don't +let the girls wear jewelry in public places, or display their watches +openly; and take care, all of you, not to show much money. If you buy +anything, have it sent to your hotel to be paid for by the hall porter. +And it is wise not to let anyone know who you are or how long you intend +to remain in any one place. This may strike you as an absurd precaution; +but you must remember that you are not in America, but in an isolated +Italian province, where government control is inefficient. The truth is +that the terrible Mafia is still all powerful on this island, and +brigandage is by no means confined to the neighborhood of +Castrogiovanni, as the guide books would have you believe. The people +seem simple and harmless enough, but Kenneth and I always keep our +revolvers handy, and believe it is a reasonable precaution. I don't want +to frighten you, John; merely to warn you. Sicily is full of tourists, +and few are ever molested; but if you are aware of the conditions +underlying the public serenity you are not so liable to run yourself and +your nieces into needless dangers.' How's that for a hair-curler, +girls?" + +"It sounds very romantic," said Louise, smiling. "Mr. Watson is such a +cautious man!" + +"But it's all rubbish about there being danger in Taormina," declared +Patsy, indignantly. "Mr. Watson has been in the wilds of the interior, +which Baedecker admits is infested with brigands. Here everyone smiles +at us in the friendliest way possible." + +"Except the duke," added Beth, with a laugh. + +"Oh, the duke is sour by nature," Patsy answered; "but if there really +was danger, I'm sure he'd protect us, for he lives here and knows the +country." + +"You are sure of a lot of things, dear," said her cousin, smiling. "But +it will do no harm to heed the advice, and be careful." + +They all agreed to that, and Uncle John was glad to remember he had two +brand new revolvers in the bottom of his trunk, which he could use in an +emergency if he could manage to find the cartridges to load them with. + +He got them out next morning, and warned his nieces not to touch the +dangerous things when they entered his room. But Patsy laughed at him, +saying: + +"You are behind the times, Uncle. Beth has carried a revolver ever since +we started." + +"Beth!" he cried, horrified. + +"Just as a precaution," said that young lady, demurely. + +"But you're only a child!" + +"Even so, Uncle, I have been taught to shoot in Cloverton, as a part of +my education. Once I won a medal--think of that! So I brought my pet +revolver along, although I may never have need to use it." + +Uncle John looked thoughtful. + +"It doesn't seem like a girlish accomplishment, exactly," he mused. +"When I was young and went into the West, the times were a bit +unsettled, and I used to carry a popgun myself. But I never shot at a +human being in my life. There were women in the camps that could shoot, +too; but the safest place was always in front of them. If Beth has won a +medal, though, she might hit something." + +"Don't try, Beth," said Louise; "you ought to make a hit without +shooting." + +"Thank you, dear." + +As they left their hotel for a walk they came upon Count Ferralti, who +was standing in the court calmly smoking a cigarette. His right hand was +still in a sling. + +No one was greatly surprised at his appearance, but Uncle John uttered +an exclamation of impatience. It annoyed him that this fellow, whose +antecedents were decidedly cloudy, should be "chasing around" after one +of his nieces, Beth and Patsy smiled at each other significantly as the +young man was discovered, but Louise, with a slight blush, advanced to +greet Ferralti in her usual pleasant and cordial way. + +There was no use resenting the intrusion. They owed a certain +consideration to this boyish Italian for his assistance on the Amalfi +road. But Uncle John almost wished he had left them to escape as best +they might, for the obligation was getting to be decidedly onerous. + +While Ferralti was expressing his astonishment at so "unexpectedly" +meeting again his American friends, Uncle John discovered their English +speaking cocchiere, Frascatti Vietri, lolling half asleep on the box of +his victoria. + +"Would your energy like to drive us this morning?" he asked. + +"It is my duty, signore, if you wish to go," was the reply. + +"Then you are engaged. Come, girls; hop in, if you want to ride." + +The three nieces and Uncle John just filled the victoria. The count was +disconsolate at being so cleverly dropped from the party, but could +only flourish his hat and wish them a pleasant drive. + +They descended the winding road to the coast, where Frascatti took the +highway to Sant' Alessio, a charming drive leading to the Taormina Pass. + +"By the way," Uncle John asked the driver, "do you know of a duke that +lives in this neighborhood?" + +The laughing face of the Sicilian suddenly turned grave. + +"No, signore. There is the Prince di Scaletta; but no duke on this side +the town." + +"But on the other side?" + +"Oh; in the mountains? To be sure there are noblemen there; old estates +almost forgotten in our great civilization of to-day. We are very +progressive in Taormina, signore. There will be a fountain of the ice +cream soda established next summer. Quite metropolitan, _ne c'e_?" + +"Quite. But, tell me, Frascatti, have you a duke in the mountains back +of Taormina?" + +"Signore, I beg you to pay no attention to the foolish stories you may +hear from our peasants. There has been no brigandage here for +centuries. I assure you the country is perfectionly safe--especial if +you stay within the town or take me on your drives. They know me, +signore, and even Il Duca dares not trifle with my friends." + +"Why should he, Frascatti, if there is no brigandage? Is it the Mafia?" + +"Ah, I have heard that Mafia spoken of, but mostly when I lived in +America, which is Chicago. Here we do not know of the Mafia." + +"But you advise us to be careful?" + +"Everywhere, illustrissimo signore, it is well to be what you call the +circumspection. I remember that in the State street of Chicago, which is +America, peaceful citizens were often killed by bandits. Eh, is it not +so?" + +"Quite probable," said Uncle John, soberly. + +"Then, what will you? Are we worse than Americans, that you fear us? +Never mind Il Duca, or the tales they foolishly whisper of him. Here you +may be as safe and happy as in Chicago--which is America." + +He turned to his horses and urged them up a slope. The girls and Uncle +John eyed one another enquiringly. + +"Our duke seems to bear no good reputation," said Beth, in a tone so low +that Frascatti could not overhear. "Everyone fears to speak of him." + +"Singular," said Uncle John, "that Patsy's friend turns out to be a +mystery, even in his own home. I wonder if he is a leader of the Mafia, +or just a common brigand?" + +"In either case," said Patsy, "he will not care to injure us, I am sure. +We all treated him very nicely, and I just made him talk and be +sociable, whether he wanted to or not. That ought to count for something +in our favor. But my opinion is that he's just a gruff old nobleman who +lives in the hills and makes few friends." + +"And hasn't a name, any more than Louise's count has. Is it customary, +my dear, for all Italian noblemen to conceal their identity?" + +"I do not know, Uncle," answered Louise, casting down her eyes. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +UNCLE JOHN DISAPPEARS + + +Uncle John grew to love Taormina. Its wildness and ruggedness somehow +reminded him of the Rockies in the old pioneer days, and he wandered +through all the lanes of the quaint old town until he knew every cornice +and cobblestone familiarly, and the women who sat weaving or mending +before their squalid but picturesque hovels all nodded a greeting to the +cheery little American as he passed by. + +He climbed Malo, too, a high peak crowned by a ruined castle; and also +Mt. Venere, on the plateau of which an ancient city had once stood. His +walking tours did him good, and frequently while the girls lay stretched +upon the grass that lined the theatre enclosure, to idle the time or +read or write enthusiastic letters home, Uncle John, scorning such +laziness, would take his stick and climb mountains, or follow the rough +paths that diverged from the highway just beyond the Catania Gate. + +The tax gatherer whose tiny office was just inside the gate came to know +the little gentleman very well, and although he could speak no English +he would bob his grizzled head and murmur: "_Buon giorno, signore!_" as +the stranger passed out on his daily stroll. + +One afternoon Mr. Merrick went down the hill path leading from the +Castello-a-Mare to Capo di San Andrea, and as he passed around a narrow +ledge of rock came full upon two men seated upon a flat stone. One was +Valdi and the other Ferralti, and they seemed engaged in earnest +conversation when he interrupted them. The Count smiled frankly and +doffed his hat; the Duke frowned grimly, but also nodded. + +Uncle John passed on. The path was wild and little frequented. He felt +in his side pocket and grasped the handle of his revolver; but there was +no attempt to follow or molest him. Nevertheless, when he returned from +the beach he came up the longer winding roadway and was glad of the +company of a ragged goatherd who, having no English, entertained "Il +Signore" by singing ditties as he drove his goats before him. + +The misgivings Uncle John had originally conceived concerning Count +Ferralti returned in full force with this incident; but he resolved to +say nothing of it to his nieces. Silas Watson would be with them in a +couple of days more and he would consult the shrewd lawyer before he +took any decisive action. + +Next morning after breakfast he left his nieces in the garden and said +he would take a walk through the town and along the highway west, toward +Kaggi. + +"I'll be back in an hour or so," he remarked, "for I have some letters +to write and I want them to catch the noon mail." + +So the girls sat on the terrace overlooking the sea and Etna, and +breathed the sweet air and enjoyed the caressing sunshine, until they +noticed the portiere coming hastily toward them. + +"Pardon, signorini," he said, breathlessly, "but it will be to oblige me +greatly if you will tell me where Signor Ferralti is." + +"He is not of our party," answered Patsy, promptly; but Louise looked up +as if startled, and said: "I have been expecting him to join us here." + +"Then you do not know?" exclaimed the portiere, in an anxious tone. + +"Know what, sir?" asked the girl. + +"That Signor Ferralti is gone. He has not been seen by any after last +evening. He did not occupy his room. But worse, far worse, will I break +you the news gently--his baggage is gone with him!" + +"His baggage gone!" echoed Louise, greatly disturbed. "And he did not +tell you? You did not see him go?" + +"Alas, no, signorina. His bill is still unsettled. He possessed two +large travelling cases, which must have been carried out at the side +entrance with stealth most deplorable. The padrone is worried. Signor +Ferralti is American, and Americans seldom treat us wrongfully." + +"Signor Ferralti is Italian," answered Louise, stiffly. + +"The name is Italian, perhaps; but he speaks only the English," declared +the portiere. + +"He is not a rogue, however. Assure your master of that fact. When Mr. +Merrick returns he will settle Count Ferralti's bill." + +"Oh, Louise!" gasped Patsy. + +"I don't understand it in the least," continued Louise, looking at her +cousins as if she were really bewildered. "I left him in the courtyard +last evening to finish his cigar, and he said he would meet us in the +garden after breakfast. I am sure he had no intention of going away. And +for the honor of American travellers his account here must be taken care +of." + +"One thing is singular," observed Beth, calmly. "There has been no train +since last you saw him. If Count Ferralti has left the hotel, where +could he be?" + +The portiere brightened. + +"_Gia s'intende!_" he exclaimed, "he must still be in +Taormina--doubtless at some other hotel." + +"Will you send and find out?" asked Louise. + +"I will go myself, and at once," he answered. "And thank you, +signorina, for the kind assurance regarding the account. It will relieve +the padrone very much." + +He hurried away again, and an uneasy silence fell upon the nieces. + +"Do you care for this young man. Louise?" asked Beth, pointedly, after +the pause had become awkward. + +"He is very attentive and gentlemanly, and I feel you have all wronged +him by your unjust suspicions," she replied, with spirit. + +"That does not answer my question, dear," persisted her cousin. "Are you +especially fond of him?" + +"What right have you to question me in this way, Beth?" + +"No right at all, dear. I am only trying to figure out our doubtful +position in regard to this young man--a stranger to all of us but you." + +"It is really none of our business," observed Patsy, quickly. "We're +just a lot of gossips to be figuring on Count Ferralti at all. And +although this sudden disappearance looks queer, on the face of it, the +gentleman may simply have changed his boarding place." + +"I do not think so," said Louise. "He liked this hotel very much." + +"And he may have liked some of its guests," added Patsy, smiling. "Well, +Uncle John will soon be back, and then we will talk it over with him." + +Uncle John was late. The portiere returned first. He had been to every +hotel in the little town, but none of them had received a guest since +the afternoon train of yesterday. Count Ferralti had disappeared as if +by magic, and no one could account for it. + +Noon arrived, but no Uncle John. The girls became dispirited and +anxious, for the little man was usually very prompt in keeping his +engagements, and always had returned at the set time. + +They waited until the last moment and then entered the _salle a manger_ +and ate their luncheon in gloomy silence, hoping every moment to hear +the sound of their uncle's familiar tread. + +After luncheon they held a hurried consultation and decided to go into +town and search for him. So away they trooped, asking eager questions +in their uncertain Italian but receiving no satisfactory reply until +they reached the little office of the tax gatherer at the Catania Gate. + +"_Ah, si, signorini mia_," he answered, cheerfully, "_il poco signore +passato da stamattini._" + +But he had not returned? + +Not yet. + +They looked at one another blankly. + +"See here," said Patsy; "Uncle John must have lost his way or met with +an accident. You go back to the hotel, Louise, and wait there in case he +returns home another way. Beth and I will follow some of these paths and +see if we can find him." + +"He may have sprained an ankle, and be unable to walk," suggested Beth. +"I think Patsy's advice is good." + +So Louise returned through the town and the other girls began exploring +the paths that led into the mountains from every turn of the highway. +But although they searched eagerly and followed each path a mile or more +of its length, no sign of life did they encounter--much less a sight of +their missing uncle. The paths were wild and unfrequented, only on the +Catania road itself a peasant now and then being found patiently +trudging along or driving before him a donkey laden with panniers of +oranges or lemons for the markets of Taormina. + +On some of the solitary rocky paths they called to Uncle John by name, +hoping that their voices might reach him; but only the echoes replied. +Finally they grew discouraged. + +"It will be sunset before we get back, even if we start this minute," +said Beth, finally. "Let us return, and get some one to help us." + +Patsy burst into tears. + +"Oh, I'm sure he's lost, or murdered, or kidnapped!" she wailed. "Dear, +dear Uncle John! Whatever shall we do, Beth?" + +"Why, he may be at home, waiting for us to get back. Don't give way, +Patsy; it will do no good, you know." + +They were thoroughly tired when, just at sunset, they reached the hotel. +Louise came to meet them, and by the question in her eyes they knew +their uncle had not returned. + +"Something must be done, and at once," said Beth, decidedly. She was the +younger of the three girls, but in this emergency took the lead because +of her calm and unruffled disposition and native good sense. "Is +Frascatti in the courtyard?" + +Patsy ran to see, and soon brought the vetturino into their sitting +room. He could speak English and knew the neighborhood thoroughly. He +ought to be able to advise them. + +Frascatti listened intently to their story. He was very evidently +impressed. + +"Tell me, then, signorini," he said, thoughtfully; "is Senor Merreek +very rich?" + +"Why do you ask?" returned Beth, suspiciously. She remembered the +warning conveyed in Mr. Watson's letter. + +"Of course, I know that all the Americans who travel are rich," +continued Frascatti. "I have myself been in Chicago, which is America. +But is Signor Merreek a very rich and well acquainted man in his own +country? Believe me, it is well that you answer truly." + +"I think he is." + +The man looked cautiously around, and then came nearer and dropped his +voice to a whisper. + +"Are you aware that Il Duca knows this?" he asked. + +Beth thought a moment. + +"We met the man you call Il Duca, but who told us he was Signor Victor +Valdi, on board the ship, where many of the passengers knew my uncle +well. If he listened to their conversation he would soon know all about +John Merrick, of course." + +Frascatti wagged his head solemnly. + +"Then, signorina," he said, still speaking very softly, "I assure you +there is no need to worry over your uncle's safety." + +"What do you mean?" demanded Beth. + +"People do not lose their way in our mountains," he replied. "The paths +are straight, and lead all to the highways. And there is little danger +of falling or of being injured. But--I regret to say it, signorini--it +is a reflection upon our advanced civilization and the good name of our +people--but sometimes a man who is rich disappears for a time, and no +one knows how it is, or where he may be. He always returns; but then he +is not so rich." + +"I understand. My uncle is captured by brigands, you think." + +"There are no brigands, signorina." + +"Or the Mafia, then." + +"I do not know the Mafia. All I know is that the very rich should keep +their riches secret when they travel. In Chicago, which is America, they +will knock you upon the head for a few miserable dollars; here my +countrymen scorn to attack or to rob the common people. But when a man +is so very rich that he does not need all of his money, there are, I +regret to say, some lawless ones in Sicily who insist that he divide +with them. But the prisoner is always well treated, and when he pays he +is sent away very happy." + +"Suppose he does not pay?" + +"Ah, signorina, will not a drowning man clutch the raft that floats by? +And the lawless ones do not take his all--merely a part." + +The girls looked at one another helplessly. + +"What must we do, Frascatti?" asked Patsy. + +"Wait. In a day--two days, perhaps--you will hear from your uncle. He +will tell you how to send money to the lawless ones. You will follow his +instructions, and he will come home with smiles and singing. I know. It +is very regrettable, but it is so." + +"It will not be so in this case," said Beth, indignantly. "I will see +the American consul--" + +"I am sorry, but there is none here." + +"I will telegraph to Messina for the military. They will search the +mountains, and bring your brigands to justice." + +Frascatti smiled sadly. + +"Oh, yes; perhaps they will come. But the military is Italian--not +Sicilian--and has no experience in these parts. The search will find +nothing, except perhaps a dead body thrown upon the rocks to defy +justice. It is very regrettable, signorina; but it is so." + +Patsy was wringing her hands, frantic with terror. Louise was white and +staring. Beth puckered her pretty brow in a frown and tried to think. + +"Ferralti is also gone," murmured Louise, in a hoarse voice. "They will +rob or murder him with Uncle John!" + +"I am quite convinced," said Beth, coldly, "that your false count is a +fellow conspirator of the brigand called Il Duca. He has been following +us around to get a chance to ensnare Uncle John." + +"Oh, no, no, Beth! It is not so! I know better than that." + +"He would lie to you, of course," returned the girl bitterly. "As soon +as the trap was set he disappeared, bag and baggage, and left the simple +girl he had fooled to her own devices." + +"You do not know what you are saying," retorted Louise, turning her back +to Beth and walking to a window. From where they stood they could hear +her sobbing miserably. + +"Whether Frascatti is right or not," said Patsy, drying her eyes and +trying to be brave, "we ought to search for Uncle John at once." + +"I think so, too," agreed Beth. Then, turning to the Sicilian, she said: +"Will you get together as many men as possible and search the hills, +with lanterns, for my uncle? You shall be well paid for all you do." + +"Most certainly, signorina, if it will please you," he replied. "How +long do you wish us to search?" + +"Until you find him." + +"Then must we grow old in your service. _Non fa niente!_ It is +regrettable, but--" + +"Will you go at once?" stamping her foot angrily. + +"Most certainly, signorina." + +"Then lose no time. I will go with you and see you start." + +She followed the man out, and kept at his side until he had secured +several servants with lanterns for the search. The promise of high +_caparra_ or earnest money made all eager to join the band, but the +padrone could only allow a half dozen to leave their stations at the +hotel. In the town, however, whither Beth accompanied them, a score of +sleepy looking fellows were speedily secured, and under the command of +Frascatti, who had resolved to earn his money by energy and good will +because there was no chance of success, they marched out of the Catania +Gate and scattered along the mountain paths. + +"If you find Uncle John before morning I will give you a thousand lira +additional," promised Beth. + +"We will search faithfully," replied her captain, "but the signorina +must not be disappointed if the lawless ones evade us. They have a way +of hiding close in the caves, where none may find them. It is +regrettable, very; but it is so." + +Then he followed his men to the mountains, and as the last glimmer from +his lantern died away the girl sighed heavily and returned alone through +the deserted streets to the hotel. + +Clouds hid the moon and the night was black and forbidding; but it did +not occur to her to be afraid. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +DAYS OF ANXIETY + + +Uncle John's nieces passed a miserable night. Patsy stole into his room +and prayed fervently beside his bed that her dear uncle might be +preserved and restored to them in health and safety. Beth, meantime, +paced the room she shared with Patsy with knitted brows and flashing +eyes, the flush in her cheeks growing deeper as her anger increased. An +ungovernable temper was the girl's worst failing; the abductors of her +uncle were arousing in her the most violent passions of which she was +capable, and might lead her to adopt desperate measures. She was only a +country girl, and little experienced in life, yet Beth might be expected +to undertake extraordinary things if, as she expressed it, if she "got +good and mad!" + +No sound was heard during the night from the room occupied by Louise, +but the morning disclosed a white, drawn face and reddened eyelids as +proof that she had rested as little as her cousins. + +Yet, singularly enough, Louise was the most composed of the three when +they gathered in the little sitting room at daybreak, and tried +earnestly to cheer the spirits of her cousins. Louise never conveyed the +impression of being especially sincere, but the pleasant words and +manners she habitually assumed rendered her an agreeable companion, and +this faculty of masking her real feelings now stood her in good stead +and served to relieve the weight of anxiety that oppressed them all. + +Frascatti came limping back with his tired followers in the early dawn, +and reported that no trace of the missing man had been observed. There +were no brigands and no Mafia; on that point all his fellow townsmen +agreed with him fully. But it was barely possible some lawless ones who +were all unknown to the honest Taorminians had made the rich American a +prisoner. + +Il Duca? Oh, no, signorini! A thousand times, no. Il Duca was queer and +unsociable, but not lawless. He was of noble family and a native of the +district. It would be very wrong and foolish to question Il Duca's +integrity. + +With this assertion Frascatti went to bed. He had not shirked the +search, because he was paid for it, and he and his men had tramped the +mountains faithfully all night, well knowing it would result in nothing +but earning their money. + +On the morning train from Catania arrived Silas Watson and his young +ward Kenneth Forbes, the boy who had so unexpectedly inherited Aunt +Jane's fine estate of Elmhurst on her death. The discovery of a will +which gave to Kenneth all the property their aunt had intended for her +nieces had not caused the slightest estrangement between the young +folks, then or afterward. On the contrary, the girls were all glad that +the gloomy, neglected boy, with his artistic, high-strung temperament, +would be so well provided for. Without the inheritance he would have +been an outcast; now he was able to travel with his guardian, the kindly +old Elmhurst lawyer, and fit himself for his future important position +in the world. More than all this, however, Kenneth had resolved to be a +great landscape painter, and Italy and Sicily had done much, in the past +year, to prepare him for this career. + +The boy greeted his old friends with eager delight, not noticing for the +moment their anxious faces and perturbed demeanor. But the lawyer's +sharp eyes saw at once that something was wrong. + +"Where is John Merrick?" he asked. + +"Oh, I'm so glad you've come!" cried Patsy, clinging to his hand. + +"We are in sore straits, indeed, Mr. Watson," said Louise. + +"Uncle John is lost," explained Beth, "and we're afraid he is in the +hands of brigands." + +Then she related as calmly as she could all that had happened. The +relation was clear and concise. She told of their meeting with Valdi on +the ship, of Count Ferralti's persistence in attaching himself to their +party, and of Uncle John's discovery that the young man was posing under +an assumed name. She did not fail to mention Ferralti's timely +assistance on the Amalfi drive, or his subsequent devoted attentions to +Louise; but the latter Beth considered merely as an excuse for following +them around. + +"In my opinion," said she, "we have been watched ever since we left +America, by these two spies, who had resolved to get Uncle John into +some unfrequented place and then rob him. If they succeed in their vile +plot, Mr. Watson, we shall be humiliated and disgraced forever." + +"Tut-tut," said he; "don't think of that. Let us consider John Merrick, +and nothing else." + +Louise protested that Beth had not been fair in her conclusions. The +Count was an honorable man; she would vouch for his character herself. + +But Mr. Watson did not heed this defense. The matter was very +serious--how serious he alone realized--and his face was grave indeed as +he listened to the descriptions of that terrible Il Duca whom the +natives all shrank from and refused to discuss. + +When he had learned all the nieces had to tell he hastened into the town +and telegraphed the American consul at Messina. Then he found the +questura, or police office, and was assured by the officer in attendance +that the disappearance of Mr. Merrick was already known to the +authorities and every effort was being made to find him. + +"Do you think he has been abducted by brigands?" asked the lawyer. + +"Brigands, signore?" was the astonished reply. "There are no brigands in +this district at all. We drove them out many years ago." + +"How about Il Duca?" + +"And who is that, signore?" + +"Don't you know?" + +"I assure you we have no official knowledge of such a person. There are +dukes in Sicily, to be sure; but 'Il Duca' means nothing. Perhaps you +can tell me to whom you refer?" + +"See here," said the lawyer, brusquely; "I know your methods, _questore +mia_, but they won't prove effective in this case. If you think an +American is helpless in this country you are very much mistaken. But, to +save time, I am willing to submit to your official requirements. I will +pay you well for the rescue of my friend." + +"All shall be done that is possible." + +"But if you do not find him at once, and return him to us unharmed, I +will have a regiment of soldiers in Taormina to search your mountains +and break up the bands of brigands that infest them. When I prove that +brigands are here and that you were not aware of them, you will be +disgraced and deposed from your office." + +The official shrugged his shoulders, a gesture in which the Sicilian is +as expert as the Frenchman. + +"I will welcome the soldiery," said he; "but you will be able to prove +nothing. The offer of a reward may accomplish more--if it is great +enough to be interesting." + +"How great is that?" + +"Can I value your friend? You must name the reward yourself. But even +then I can promise nothing. In the course of our duty every effort is +now being made to find the missing American. But we work in the dark, as +you know. Your friend may be a suicide; he may have lost his mind and +wandered into the wilderness; he may have committed some crime and +absconded. How do I know? You say he is missing, but that is no reason +the brigands have him, even did brigands exist, which I doubt. Rest +assured, signore, that rigid search will be made. It is my boast that I +leave no duty unfulfilled." + +Mr. Watson walked back to the telegraph office and found an answer to +his message. The American consul was ill and had gone to Naples for +treatment. When he returned, his clerk stated, the matter of the +disappearance of John Merrick would immediately be investigated. + +Feeling extremely helpless and more fearful for his friend than before, +the lawyer returned to the hotel for a conference with the nieces. + +"How much of a reward shall I offer?" he asked. "That seems to be the +only thing that can be depended upon to secure results." + +"Give them a million--Uncle John won't mind," cried Patsy, earnestly. + +"Don't give them a penny, sir," said Beth. "If they are holding him for +a ransom Uncle is in no personal danger, and we have no right to assist +in robbing him." + +"But you don't understand, my dear," asserted the lawyer. "These +brigands never let a victim go free unless they are well paid. That is +why they are so often successful. If John Merrick is not ransomed he +will never again be heard of." + +"But this is not a ransom, sir. You propose to offer a reward to the +police." + +"Let me explain. The ways of the Italian police are very intricate. They +know of no brigandage here, and cannot find a brigand. But if the reward +is great enough to divide, they know where to offer a share of it, in +lieu of a ransom, and will force the brigands to accept it. In that way +the police gets the glory of a rescue and a share of the spoils. If we +offer no reward, or an insignificant one, the brigands will be allowed +to act as they please." + +"That is outrageous!" exclaimed Beth. + +"Yes. The Italian government deplores it. It is trying hard to break up +a system that has existed for centuries, but has not yet succeeded." + +"Then I'd prefer to deal directly with the brigands." + +"So would I, if--" + +"If what, sir?" + +"If we were sure your uncle is in their hands. Do you think the party +you sent out last night searched thoroughly?" + +"I hope so." + +"I will send out more men at once. They shall search the hills in every +direction. Should they find nothing our worst fears will be confirmed, +and then--" + +"Well, Mr. Watson?" + +"Then we must wait for the brigands to dictate the terms of a ransom, +and make the best bargain we can." + +"That seems sensible," said Kenneth, and both Patsy and Louise agreed +with him, although it would be tedious waiting. + +But Beth only bit her lip and frowned. + +Mr. Watson's searching party was maintained all day--for two days, and +three; but without result. Then they waited for the brigands to act. +But a week dragged painfully by and no word of John Merrick's +whereabouts reached the ears of the weary watchers. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +TATO + + +When Uncle John passed through the west gate for a tramp along the +mountain paths he was feeling in an especially happy and contented mood. +The day was bright and balmy, the air bracing, the scenery unfolded step +by step magnificent and appealing. To be in this little corner of the +old world, amid ruins antedating the Christian era, and able to wholly +forget those awful stock and market reports of Wall street, was a +privilege the old gentleman greatly appreciated. + +So away he trudged, exploring this path or that leading amongst the +rugged cliffs, until finally he began to take note of his erratic +wanderings and wonder where he was. Climbing an elevated rock near the +path he poised himself upon its peak and studied the landscape spread +out beneath him. + +There was a patch of sea, with the dim Calabrian coast standing sentry +behind it. The nearer coast was hidden from view, but away at the left +was a dull white streak marking the old wall of Taormina, and above this +the ruined citadel and the ancient castle of Mola--each on its separate +peak. + +"I must be getting back," he thought, and sliding down the surface of +the rock he presently returned to the path from whence he had climbed. + +To his surprise he found a boy standing there and looking at him with +soft brown eyes that were both beautiful and intelligent. Uncle John was +as short as he was stout, but the boy scarcely reached to his shoulder. +He was slender and agile, and clothed in a grey corduroy suit that was +better in texture than the American had seen other Sicilian youths wear. +As a rule the apparel of the children in this country seemed sadly +neglected. + +Yet the most attractive thing about this child was his face, which was +delicate of contour, richly tinted to harmonize with his magnificent +brown eyes, and so sensitive and expressive that it seemed able to +convey the most subtle shades of emotion. He seemed ten or twelve years +of age, but might have been much older. + +As soon as the American had returned to the path the boy came toward him +in an eager, excited way, and exclaimed: + +"Is it not Signor Merrick?" + +The English was fluent, and only rendered softer by the foreign +intonation. + +"It is," said Uncle John, cheerfully. "Where did you drop from, my lad? +I thought these hills were deserted, until now." + +"I am sent by a friend," answered the boy, speaking rapidly and +regarding the man with appealing glances. "He is in much trouble, +signore, and asks your aid." + +"A friend? Who is it?" + +"The name he gave me is Ferralti, signore. He is near to this place, in +the hills yonder, and unable to return to the town without assistance." + +"Ferralti. H-m-m. Is he hurt?" + +"Badly, signore; from a fall on the rocks." + +"And he sent for me?" + +"Yes, signore. I know you by sight--who does not?--and as I hurried +along I saw you standing on the rock. It is most fortunate. Will you +hasten to your friend, then? I will lead you to him." + +Uncle John hesitated. He ought to be getting home, instead of +penetrating still farther into these rocky fastnesses. And Ferralti was +no especial friend, to claim his assistance. But then the thought +occurred that this young Italian had befriended both him and his nieces +in an extremity, and was therefore entitled to consideration when +trouble in turn overtook himself. The natural impulse of this thought +was to go to his assistance. + +"All right, my lad," said he. "Lead on, and I'll see what can be done +for Ferralti. Is it far?" + +"Not far, signore." + +With nervous, impatient steps the child started up the narrow path and +Uncle John followed--not slowly, but scarcely fast enough to satisfy his +zealous guide. + +"What is your name, little one?" + +"Tato, signore." + +"Where do you live?" + +"Near by, signore." + +"And how did you happen to find Ferralti?" + +"By chance, signore." + +Uncle John saved his remaining breath for the climb. He could ask +questions afterward. + +The path was in a crevasse where the rocks seemed once to have split. It +was narrow and steep, and before long ended in a _cul de sac_. The +little man thought they had reached their destination, then; but without +hesitation the boy climbed over a boulder and dropped into another path +on the opposite side, holding out a hand to assist the American. + +Uncle John laughed at the necessity, but promptly slid his stout body +over the boulder and then paused to mop his brow. + +"Much farther, Tato?" + +"Just a step, signore." + +"It is lucky you found Ferralti, or he might have died in these wilds +without a soul knowing he was here." + +"That is true, signore." + +"Well, is this the path?" + +"Yes, signore. Follow me, please." + +The cliffs were precipitous on both sides of them. It was another +crevasse, but not a long one. Presently the child came to a halt because +the way ended and they could proceed no farther. He leaned against the +rock and in a high-pitched, sweet voice sang part of a Sicilian ditty, +neither starting the verse nor ending it, but merely trilling out a +fragment. + +Uncle John regarded him wonderingly; and then, with a sudden suspicion, +he demanded: + +"You are not playing me false, Tato?" + +"I, signore?" smiling frankly into the man's eyes; "you need never fear +Tato, signore. To be your friend, and Signor Ferralti's friend, makes me +very proud." + +The rock he leaned against fell inward, noiselessly, and disclosed a +passage. It was short, for there was light at the other end. + +The strange child darted in at once. + +"This way, signore. He is here!" + +Uncle John drew back. He had forgotten until now that these mountains +are dangerous. And something strange in the present proceedings, the +loneliness of the place and the elfish character of his guide, suddenly +warned him to be cautious. + +"See here, my lad," he called: "I'll go no farther." + +Instantly Tato was at his side again, grasping the man's hand in his +tiny brown one and searching his face with pleading eyes. + +"Ah, signore, you will not fail your friend, when he is so near you and +in such great trouble? See! I who am a stranger and not even his +countryman, even I weep for the poor young man, and long to comfort him. +Do you, his friend, refuse him aid because you have fear of the wild +mountains and a poor peasant boy?" + +Tears really stood in the beautiful brown eyes. They rolled down his +cheeks, as with both hands he pressed that of Uncle John and urged him +gently forward. + +"Oh, well; lead on, Tato. I'll see the other side of your tunnel, +anyhow. But if you play me tricks, my lad--" + +He paused, for a wonderful vision had opened before him. Coming through +the short passage hewn in the rocks the American stood upon a ledge +facing a most beautiful valley, that was hemmed in by precipitous cliffs +on every side. From these stern barriers of the outside world the ground +sloped gradually toward the center, where a pretty brook flowed, its +waters sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight as it tumbled over its +rocky bed. Groves of oranges and of olive, lemon and almond trees +occupied much of the vale, and on a higher point at the right, its back +to the wall of rock that towered behind it, stood a substantial yet +picturesque mansion of stone, with several outbuildings scattered on +either side. + +The valley seemed, indeed, a toy kingdom sequestered from the great +outside world, yet so rich and productive within itself that it was +independent of all else. + +Uncle John gazed with amazement. Who could have guessed this delightful +spot was hidden safe within the heart of the bleak, bare mountain +surrounding it? But suddenly he bethought himself. + +"What place is this, Tato?" he asked; "and where is our friend +Ferralti, who needs me?" + +There was no reply. + +He turned around to find the boy had disappeared. Moreover, the passage +had disappeared. Only a wall of rock was behind him, and although his +eyes anxiously searched the rifts and cracks of its rough surface, no +indication of the opening through which he had passed could be +discovered. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE HIDDEN VALLEY + + +Uncle John's first inspiration was to sit down upon a stone to think. He +drew out his pipe and lighted it, to assist his meditations. + +These were none too pleasant. That he had been cleverly entrapped, and +that by a child scarcely in its teens, was too evident to need +reflection. And what a secure trap it was! The mountains ranged all +around the valley were impossible to scale, even by an Alpine climber, +and to one who was not informed of its location the existence of the +valley itself was unimaginable. + +"I had not believed Ferralti was so shrewd," he muttered, wonderingly. +"That something was wrong about the fellow I knew, of course; but I had +not suspected such a thing as this. Now, then, first of all let me mark +this spot, so that I will remember it. Just back of where I now stand is +the entrance or outlet to the tunnel through the wall. It is closed, I +suppose, by a swinging stone, like the one on the opposite side. I saw +that one opened--opened by some person concealed from view, as soon as +the boy sang his bit of song which was the signal agreed upon. And I was +fool enough, after that warning, to walk straight through the tunnel! +You're getting old, John Merrick; that's the only way I can account for +your folly. But Ferralti hasn't won the odd trick yet, and if I keep my +wits about me he isn't likely to win." + +Thus ruminating, Uncle John searched the rocky wall carefully and +believed he would know the place again, although which of the rough +stones of its surface formed the doorway to the tunnel he could not +guess. + +A ledge of rock served as a path leading to right and left around this +end of the valley, or "pocket" in the mountain, as it could more +properly be called. Uncle John turned to the right, striding along with +his usual deliberation, smoking his pipe and swinging his cane as he +approached the stone dwelling that formed the center of the little +settlement. As yet no sign of human life had he observed since Tato had +disappeared, although a few cows were standing in a green meadow and +some goats scrambled among the loose rocks at the further end of the +enclosure. + +Around the house the grounds had been laid out in gardens, with flowers +and shrubbery, hedges and shade trees scattered about. Chickens clucked +and strutted along the paths and an air of restfulness and peace brooded +over all. + +Uncle John was plainly mystified until he drew quite close to the +dwelling, which had many verandas and balconies and bore every evidence +of habitation. Then, to his astonishment, he beheld the form of a man +stretched lazily in a wicker chair beside the entrance, and while he +paused, hesitating, the man sat up and bowed politely to him. + +"Good morning, Signor Merreek." + +It was Victor Valdi, or, ignoring the fictitious name, the mysterious +personage known as "Il Duca." + +"Behold my delight, Signor Merreek, to receive you in my poor home," +continued the man. "Will you not be seated, _caro amico_?" + +The words were soft and fair, but the dark eyes gleamed with triumph and +a sneer curled the thin lips. + +"Thank you," said Uncle John; "I believe I will." + +He stepped upon the veranda and sat down opposite his host. + +"I came to see Count Ferralti, who is hurt, I understand," he continued. + +"It is true, signore, but not badly. The poor count is injured mostly in +his mind. Presently you shall see him." + +"No hurry," observed Uncle John. "Pleasant place you have here, Duke." + +"It is very good of you to praise it, signore. It is my most ancient +patrimony, and quite retired and exclusive." + +"So I see." + +"The house you have honored by your presence, signore, was erected some +three hundred and thirty years ago, by an ancestor who loved +retirement. It has been in my family ever since. We all love +retirement." + +"Very desirable spot for a brigand, I'm sure," remarked the American, +puffing his pipe composedly. + +"Brigand? Ah, it pleases you to have humor, signore, mia. Brigand! But I +will be frank. It is no dishonor to admit that my great ancestors of +past centuries were truly brigands, and from this quiet haven sallied +forth to do mighty deeds. They were quite famous, I am told, those olden +Dukes d'Alcanta." + +"I do not question it." + +"Our legends tell of how my great ancestors demanded tribute of the rich +who passed through their domain--for all this end of Sicily was given to +us by Peter of Aragon, and remained in our possession until the second +Ferdinand robbed us of it. Those times were somewhat wild and barbarous, +signore, and a gentleman who protected his estates and asked tribute of +strangers was termed a brigand, and became highly respected. But now it +is different. We are civilized and meek, and ruled most lovingly by +Italy. They will tell you there is no brigandage in all Sicily." + +"So I understand." + +"To-day I am nobody. My very name is forgotten. Those around this +mountain know nothing of my little estate, and I am content. I desire +not glory: I desire not prominence; to live my life in seclusion, with +the occasional visit of a friend like yourself, is enough to satisfy +me." + +"You seem well known in Taormina." + +"Quite a mistake, signore." + +"And the natives must have climbed these peaks at times and looked down +into your secluded kingdom." + +"If so, they have forgotten it." + +"I see." + +"I give to the churches and the poor, but in secret. If I have an enemy, +he disappears--I do not know how; no one knows." + +"Of course not. You are an improvement on your ancestors, Duke. Instead +of being a brigand you belong to the Mafia, and perform your robberies +and murders in security. Very clever, indeed." + +"But again you are wrong, signore," replied the Duke, with a frown. "I +have never known of this Mafia, of which you speak, nor do I believe it +exists. For myself, I am no robber, but a peaceful merchant." + +"A merchant?" returned Uncle John, surprised by the statement. + +"To be sure. I have some ancient and very valuable relics in my +possession, treasured most carefully from the mediaeval days. These I +sell to my friends--who are fortunately all foreigners like yourself and +can appreciate such treasures--and so obtain for myself and my family a +modest livelihood." + +"And you expect to sell something to me?" asked Uncle John, +understanding very well the Sicilian's meaning. + +"It is my earnest hope, signore." + +The American fell silent, thinking upon the situation. The fierce +looking brigand beside him was absurd enough, in his way, but doubtless +a dangerous man to deal with. Uncle John was greatly interested in the +adventure. It was such a sharp contrast to the hum-drum, unromantic +American life he had latterly known that he derived a certain enjoyment +from the novel experience. If the girls did not worry over his absence +he would not much regret his visit to Il Duca's secluded valley. + +It was already midday, and his nieces would be expecting him to +luncheon. When he did not appear they would make enquiries, and try to +find him. It occurred to him how futile all such attempts must prove. +Even to one acquainted with the mountain paths the entrance to the +duke's domain was doubtless a secret, and the brigand had plainly hinted +that the native Sicilians were too cautious to spy upon him or molest +him in any way. + +So far, the only person he had seen was Il Duca himself. The child who +had decoyed him was, of course, somewhere about, and so also was +Ferralti. How many servants or followers the brigand might have was as +yet a mystery to the new arrival. + +In the side pocket of Uncle John's loose coat lay a loaded revolver, +which he had carried ever since he had received Mr. Watson's warning +letter. He had never imagined a condition of danger where he could not +use this weapon to defend himself, and as long as it remained by him he +had feared nothing. But he had been made a prisoner in so deft a manner +that he had no opportunity to expostulate or offer any sort of +resistance. Later there might be a chance to fight for his liberty, and +the only sensible action was to wait and bide his time. + +"For example," the Duke was saying, in his labored, broken English, "I +have here a priceless treasure--very antique, very beautiful. It was in +one time owned by Robert the Norman, who presented it to my greatest +ancestor." + +He drew an odd-shaped ring from his pocket and handed it to the +American. It was of dull gold and set with a half dozen flat-cut +garnets. Perhaps antique; perhaps not; but of little intrinsic value. + +"This ring I have decided to sell, and it shall be yours, Signor +Merreek, at a price far less than is represented by its historic worth. +I am sure you will be glad to buy it." + +"For how much?" asked Uncle John, curiously. + +"A trifle; a mere hundred thousand lira." + +"Twenty thousand dollars!" + +"The ring of King Roger. How cheap! But, nevertheless, you shall have it +for that sum." + +Uncle John smiled. + +"My dear Duke," he replied, "you have made a sad mistake. I am a +comparatively poor man. My fortune is very modest." + +The brigand lay back in his chair and lighted a fresh cigarette. + +"I fear you undervalue yourself, my dear guest," he said. "Recently have +I returned from America, where I was told much of the wealth of Signor +John Merreek, who is many times a millionaire. See," drawing a paper +from his pocket, "here is a list of the stocks and securities you own. +Also of government and railway bonds, of real estate and of manufactures +controlled by your money. I will read, and you will correct me if an +error occurs." + +Uncle John listened and was amazed. The schedule was complete, and its +total was many millions. It was a better list of holdings than Uncle +John possessed himself. + +"You foreigners make queer mistakes, Duke," said he, taking another +tack. "This property belongs to another John Merrick. It is a common +name, and that is doubtless why you mistook me for the rich John +Merrick." + +"I have noticed," returned the Duke, coldly, "that this strange delusion +of mind is apt to overtake my guests. But do not be alarmed; it will +pass away presently, and then you will realize that you are yourself. +Remember that I crossed the Atlantic on your steamship, signore. Many +people there on board spoke of you and pointed you out to me as the +great man of finance. Your own niece that is called Patsy, she also told +me much about you, and of your kindness to her and the other young +signorini. Before I left New York a banker of much dignity informed me +you would sail on the ship 'Princess Irene.' If a mistake has been made, +signore, it is yours, and not mine. Is your memory clearer now?" + +Uncle John laughed frankly. The rascal was too clever for him to dispute +with. + +"Whoever I am," said he, "I will not buy your ring." + +"I am pained," replied the brigand, lightly. "But there is ample time +for you to reflect upon the matter. Do not decide hastily, I implore +you. I may have been too liberal in making my offer, and time may assist +me in fixing a just price for the relic. But we have had enough of +business just now. It is time for our midday collation. Oblige me by +joining us, signore." + +He blew a shrill whistle, and a man stepped out of a doorway. He was an +enormous Sicilian, tall, sinewy and with a countenance as dark and +fierce as his master's. In his belt was a long knife, such as is known +as a stilleto. + +"Tommaso," said the Duke, "kindly show Signor Merreek to his room, and +ask Guido if luncheon is ready to be served." + +"_Va bene, padrone_," growled the man, and turned obediently to escort +the American. + +Uncle John entered the house, traversed a broad and cool passage, +mounted to the second floor and found himself in a pleasant room with a +balcony overlooking the valley. It was comfortably furnished, and with +a bow that was not without a certain grim respect the man left him alone +and tramped down the stairs again. There had been no attempt to restrain +his liberty or molest him in any way, yet he was not slow to recognize +the fact that he was a prisoner. Not in the house, perhaps, but in the +valley. There was no need to confine him more closely. He could not +escape. + +He bathed his hands and face, dried them on a fresh towel, and found his +toilet table well supplied with conveniences. In the next room some one +was pacing the floor like a caged beast, growling and muttering angrily +at every step. + +Uncle John listened. "The brigand seems to have more than one guest," he +thought, and smiled at the other's foolish outbursts. + +Then he caught a word or two of English that made him start. He went to +the door between the two rooms and threw it open, finding himself face +to face with Count Ferralti. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +GUESTS OF THE BRIGAND + + +"Good morning, Count," said Uncle John, cheerfully. + +The other stared at him astonished. + +"Good heavens! Have they got you, too?" he exclaimed. + +"Why, I'm visiting his excellency, Il Duca, if that's what you mean," +replied Mr. Merrick. "But whether he's got me, or I've got him, I +haven't yet decided." + +The young man's jaw was tied in a bandage and one of his eyes was black +and discolored. He looked agitated and miserable. + +"Sir, you are in grave danger; we are both in grave danger," he +announced, "unless we choose to submit to being robbed by this rascally +brigand." + +"Then," observed Uncle John, "let's submit." + +"Never! Not in a thousand years!" cried Ferralti, wildly. And then this +singular young man sank into a chair and burst into tears. + +Uncle John was puzzled. The slender youth--for he was but a youth in +spite of his thin moustaches--exhibited a queer combination of courage +and weakness; but somehow Uncle John liked him better at that moment +than he ever had before. Perhaps because he now realized he had unjustly +suspected him. + +"You seem to have been hurt, Count," he remarked. + +"Why, I was foolish enough to struggle, and that brute Tommaso pounded +me," was the reply. "You were wise to offer no resistance, sir." + +"As for that, I hadn't a choice," said Uncle John, smiling. "When did +they get you, Ferralti?" + +"Last evening. I walked in the garden of the hotel and they threw a sack +over my head. I resisted and tried to cry out. They beat me until I was +insensible and then brought me here, together with my travelling cases, +which they removed from my room to convey the impression that I had gone +away voluntarily. When I awakened from my swoon I was in this room, +with the doctor bending over me." + +"The doctor?" + +"Oh, they have a doctor in this accursed den, as well as a priest and a +lawyer. The Duke entreated my pardon. He will punish his men for abusing +me. But he holds me a safe prisoner, just the same." + +"Why?" + +"He wants a ransom. He will force me to purchase an ancient brass +candlestick for fifty thousand lira." + +Uncle John looked at his companion thoughtfully. + +"Tell me, Count Ferralti," he said, "who you really are. I had believed +you were Il Duca's accomplice, until now. But if he has trapped you, and +demands a ransom, it is because you are a person of some consequence, +and able to pay. May I not know as much about your position in life as +does this brigand duke?" + +The young man hesitated. Then he spread out his hands with an appealing +gesture and said: + +"Not yet, Mr. Merrick! Do not press me now, I implore you. Perhaps I +have done wrong to try to deceive you, but in good time I will explain +everything, and then you will understand me better." + +"You are no count." + +"That is true, Mr. Merrick." + +"You are not even an Italian." + +"That is but partly true, sir." + +"You have seen fit to deceive us by--" + +Tommaso threw wide the door. + +"_Il dejune e servito_," he said gruffly. + +"What does that mean?" asked Uncle John. + +"Luncheon is ready. Shall we go down?" + +"Yes; I'm hungry." + +They followed the man to the lower floor, where he ushered them into a +low, cool room where a long table was set. The walls were whitewashed +and bore some religious prints, gaudily colored. A white cloth covered +the table, which was well furnished with modern crockery and glass, and +antique silverware. + +At the head of the table were two throne-like chairs, one slightly +larger and more elevated than the other. In the more important seat was +a withered old woman with a face like that of a mummy, except that it +was supplied with two small but piercing jet eyes that seemed very much +alive as they turned shrewdly upon the strangers. She was the only one +of the company they found seated. The Duke stood behind the smaller +chair beside her, and motioned the Americans to occupy two places at the +side of the table next him. Opposite them, in the places adjoining the +elevated dais, were two remarkable individuals whom Uncle John saw for +the first time. One was a Cappuccin monk, with shaven crown and coarse +cassock fastened at the waist by a cord. He was blind in one eye and the +lid of the other drooped so as to expose only a thin slit. Fat, awkward +and unkempt, he stood holding to the back of his chair and swaying +slightly from side to side. Next to him was a dandified appearing man +who was very slight and thin of form but affected the dress and manners +of extreme youth. Ferralti whispered to Uncle John that this was the +doctor. + +The table dropped a step in heighth from these places, and the balance +of its length was occupied by several stalwart Sicilians, clothed in +ordinary peasant costume, and a few silent, heavy-featured women. Tato +was not present. + +"Signori," said the Duke to the Americans, "allow me to present you to +my mother, the head of our illustrious family; one who is known, admired +and feared throughout Sicily as her Excellenza la Duchessa d'Alcanta." + +With the words the Duke bowed low to the old woman. Uncle John and +Ferralti also bowed low. The lines of servitors humbly bent themselves +double. But the Duchessa made no acknowledgment. Her bead like eyes +searched the faces of the "guests" with disconcerting boldness, and then +dropped to her plate. + +At this signal the fat priest mumbled a blessing upon the food, the Duke +waved his hand, and all the company became seated. + +Uncle John felt as if he were taking part in a comic opera, and enjoyed +the scene immensely. But now his attention was distracted by the +stewards bringing in steaming platters of macaroni and stewed mutton, +from which they first served the Duchessa, and then the Duke, and +afterward the guests. The servants waited hungry-eyed until these +formalities were completed, and then swept the platters clean and ate +ravenously. + +Uncle John plied his knife and fork busily and found the food +excellently prepared. Ferralti seemed to have little appetite. Some of +his teeth had been knocked out and his broken wrist, which had but +partially healed, had been wrenched in the scrimmage of the night before +so that it caused him considerable pain. + +The Duke attempted little conversation, doubtless through deference to +the aged Duchessa, who remained absolutely silent and unresponsive to +her surroundings. He praised his wine, however, which he said was from +their own vineyards, and pressed the Americans to drink freely. + +When she had finished her meal the Duchessa raised a hand, and at the +signal the whole company arose and stood at their places while two of +the women assisted her to retire. She leaned upon their shoulders, being +taller than her son, but displayed surprising vigor for one so advanced +in years. + +When she had gone the others finished at their leisure, and the +conversation became general, the servants babbling in their voluble +Italian without any restraint whatever. + +Then the Duke led his prisoners to the veranda and offered them cigars. +These were brought by Tato, who then sat in the duke's lap and curled up +affectionately in his embrace, while the brigand's expression softened +and he stroked the boy's head with a tender motion. + +Uncle John watched the little scene approvingly. It was the first time +he had seen Tato since the child had lured him through the tunnel. + +"Your son, Duke?" he asked. + +"Yes, signore; my only child. The heir to my modest estate." + +"And a very good brigand, already, for his years," added Mr. Merrick. +"Ah, Tato, Tato," shaking his head at the child, "how could you be so +cruel as to fool an innocent old chap like me?" + +Tato laughed. + +"I did not deceive you, signore. You but misunderstood me. I said +Signor Ferralti was hurt, and so he was." + +"But you said he needed my assistance." + +"Does he not, signore?" + +"How do you speak such good English?" + +"Father Antoine taught me." + +"The monk?" + +"Yes, signore." + +"My child is a linguist," remarked the Duke, complacently. "Sh--he has +been taught English, German and French, even from the days of infancy. +It is very good for me, for now Tato can entertain my guests." + +"Have you no Italian guests, then?" asked Uncle John. + +"No, since Italy owns Sicily, and I am a loyal subject. Neither have I +many Germans or Frenchmen, although a few wander my way, now and then. +But the Americans I love, and often they visit me. There were three last +year, and now here are two more to honor me with their presence." + +"The Americans make easier victims, I suppose." + +"Oh, the Americans are very rich, and they purchase my wares liberally. +By the way, Signor Ferralti," turning to the young man, "have you +decided yet the little matter of your own purchase?" + +"I will not buy your candlestick, if that is what you refer to," was the +response. + +"No?" + +"By no means. Fifty thousand lira, for a miserable bit of brass!" + +"But I forgot to tell you, signore; the candlestick is no longer for +sale," observed the Duke, with an evil smile. "Instead, I offer you a +magnificent bracelet which is a hundred years old." + +"Thank you. What's the price?" + +"A hundred thousand lira, signore." + +Ferralti started. Then in turn he smiled at his captor. + +"That is absurd," said he. "I have no wealth at all, sir, but live on a +small allowance that barely supplies my needs. I cannot pay." + +"I will take that risk, signore," said the brigand, coolly. "You have +but to draw me an order on Mr. Edward Leighton, of New York, for one +hundred thousand lira--or say twenty thousand dollars--and the bracelet +is yours." + +"Edward Leighton! My father's attorney! How did you know of him, sir?" + +"I have an agent in New York," answered the Duke, "and lately I have +been in your city myself." + +"Then, if you know so much, you scoundrelly thief, you know that my +father will not honor a draft for such a sum as you demand. I doubt if +my father would pay a single dollar to save me from assassination." + +"We will not discuss that, signore, for I regret to say that your father +is no longer able to honor drafts. However, your attorney can do so, and +will, without question." + +Ferralti stared at him blankly. + +"What do you mean by that?" he demanded. + +The Duke shook the ashes from his cigar and examined the glowing end +with interest. + +"Your father," was the deliberate reply, "was killed in a railway +accident, four days ago. I have just been notified of the fact by a +cable from America." + +Ferralti sat trembling and regarding the man with silent horror. + +"Is this true, sir?" asked Uncle John, quickly; "or is it only a part of +your cursed game?" + +"It is quite true, signore, I regret being obliged to break the ill news +so abruptly; but this gentleman thought himself too poor to purchase my +little bracelet, and it was necessary to inform him that he is suddenly +made wealthy--not yet so great a Croesus as yourself, Signor Merreek, +but still a very rich man." + +Ferralti ceased trembling, but the horror still clung to his eyes. + +"A railway wreck!" he muttered, hoarsely. "Where was it, sir? Tell me, I +beseech you! And are you sure my father is dead?" + +"Very sure, signore. My informant is absolutely reliable. But the +details of the wreck I do not know. I am only informed of the fact of +your father's death, and that his will leaves you his entire fortune." + +Ferralti arose and staggered away to his room, and Uncle John watched +him go pityingly, but knew no way to comfort him. When he had gone he +asked gently: + +"His father was an American, Duke?" + +"Yes, signore." + +"And wealthy, you say?" + +"Exceedingly wealthy, signore." + +"What was his name?" + +"Ah; about that ring, my dear guest. Do you think a hundred and fifty +thousand lira too much for it?" + +"You said a hundred thousand." + +"That was this morning, signore. The ring has increased in value since. +To-morrow, without doubt, it will be worth two hundred thousand." + +Tato laughed at the rueful expression on the victim's face, and, a +moment after, Uncle John joined in his laughter. + +"Very good, duke," he said. "I don't wish to rob you. Let us wait until +to-morrow." + +The brigand seemed puzzled. + +"May I ask why, Signor Merreek--since you are warned?" he enquired. + +"Why, it's this way, Duke. I'm just a simple, common-place American, +and have lived a rather stupid existence for some time. We have no +brigands at home, nor any hidden valleys or protected criminals like +yourself. The romance of my surroundings interests me; your methods are +unique and worth studying; if I am so rich as you think me a few extra +hundred thousand lira will be a cheap price to pay for this experience. +Is it not so?" + +The Duke frowned. + +"Do you play with me?" he asked, menacingly. + +"By no means. I'm just the spectator. I expect you to make the +entertainment. I'm sure it will be a good show, although the price is +rather high." + +Il Duca glared, but made no reply at the moment. Instead, he sat +stroking Tato's hair and glowering evilly at the American. + +The child whispered something in Italian, and the man nodded. + +"Very well, signore," he said, more quietly. "To-morrow, then, if it so +pleases you." + +Then, taking Tato's hand, he slowly arose and left the veranda. + +For a moment the American looked after them with a puzzled expression. +Then he said to himself, with a smile: "Ah, I have solved one mystery, +at any rate. Tato is a girl!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A DIFFICULT POSITION + + +And now Uncle John, finding himself left alone, took his walkingstick +and started out to explore the valley. + +He felt very sorry for young Ferralti, but believed his sympathy could +in no way lighten the blow caused by the abrupt news of his parent's +death. He would wish to be alone with his grief for a time. By and by +Mr. Merrick intended to question his fellow prisoner and try to find out +something of his history. + +The dale was very beautiful as it lay basking in the afternoon sun. Near +the house was a large vegetable garden, which, being now shaded by the +overhanging cliffs, was being tended by a sour-visaged Sicilian. Uncle +John watched him for a time, but the fellow paid no heed to him. Every +servant connected with the duke's establishment seemed surly and morose, +and this was the more remarkable because the country folk and villagers +Uncle John had met were usually merry and light-hearted. + +Down by the brook were green meadows and groves of fruit trees. The +little gentleman followed the stream for some distance, and finally came +upon a man seated on the bank above a broad pool, intently engaged in +fishing. It proved to be the dandified old doctor, who wore gloves to +protect his hands and a broad-rimmed straw hat to shade his face. + +Uncle John stood beside the motionless figure for a moment, watching the +line. Then, forgetting he was in a foreign country, he asked carelessly: + +"Any luck?" + +"Not yet," was the quiet reply, in clear English. "It is too early to +interest the fishes. An hour later they will bite." + +"Then why did you come so soon?" + +"To escape that hell-hole yonder," nodding his head toward the house. + +Uncle John was surprised. + +"But you are not a prisoner, doctor," he ventured to say. + +"Except through the necessity of earning a livelihood. Il Duca pays +well--or rather the Duchessa does, for she is the head of this +household. I am skillful, and worth my price, and they know it." + +"You say the Duchessa is the head of the house?" + +"Assuredly, signore. Il Duca is her slave. She plans and directs +everything, and her son but obeys her will." + +"Did she send him to America?" + +"I think so. But do not misunderstand me. The Duke is clever on his own +account, and almost as wicked as his old mother. And between them they +are training the child to be as bad as they are. It is dreadful." + +"Have you been here long?" + +"For seven years, signore." + +"But you can resign whenever you please?" + +"Why not? But the doubt makes me uneasy, sometimes. In another year I +would like to go to Venice, and retire from professional life. I am a +Venetian, you observe; no dastardly brigand of a Sicilian. And in +another year I shall have sufficient means to retire and end my days in +peace. Here I save every centessimo I make, for I can spend nothing." + +Uncle John sat down upon the bank beside the confiding Venetian. + +"Doctor," said he, "I am somewhat puzzled by this man you call Il Duca, +as well as by my audacious capture and the methods employed to rob me. +I'd like your advice. What shall I do?" + +"The only possible thing, signore. Submit." + +"Why is it the only possible thing?" + +"Have you not yet discovered? Unless you pay, your friends will never +hear from you again. Il Duca, by his mother's favor, is king here. He +will murder you if you oppose his demands." + +"Really?" + +"It is quite certain, signore. He has murdered several obstinate people +since I have been here, and the outside world will never know their +fate. It is folly to oppose the king. Were you not rich you would not be +here. Il Duca knows the exact wealth of every American who travels +abroad and is likely to visit Sicily. Many escape him, but a few wander +into his toils, for he is wonderfully sagacious. Mark you: he does not +demand your all; he merely takes tribute, leaving his victims sufficient +to render life desirable to them. If he required their all, many would +as soon forfeit life as make the payment; but a tithe they will spare +for the privilege of living. That is why he is so successful. And that +is why he remains undisturbed. For an American, being robbed so simply, +never tells of his humiliating experience. He goes home, and avoids +Sicily ever after." + +"H-m-m. I understand." + +"But if you do not pay, you are not permitted to leave this place. You +are killed at once, and the incident is over. Il Duca does not love to +murder, but he takes no chances." + +"I see. But suppose I pay, and then make complaint to the Italian +government?" + +"It has been done, signore. But the government is very blind. It does +not know Il Duca d' Alcanta. Its officials are convinced he does not +exist. They investigate carefully, and declare the tale is all a myth." + +"Then there is no way of escape?" + +"Absolutely none. Such a condition is almost inconceivable, is it not? +and in this enlightened age? But it exists, and is only harmful when its +victims are stubborn and rebellious. To be cheerful and pay promptly is +the only sensible way out of your difficulty." + +"Thank you," said Uncle John. "I shall probably pay promptly. But tell +me, to satisfy my curiosity, how does your duke murder his victims?" + +"He does not call it murder, as I do; he says they are suicides, or the +victims of accident. They walk along a path and fall into a pit. It is +deep, and they are killed. The pit is also their tomb. They are +forgotten, and the trap is already set for their successors." + +"Rather a gloomy picture, doctor." + +"Yes. I tell you this because my nature is kind. I abhor all crime, and +much prefer that you should live. But, if you die, my _salario_ +continues. I am employed to guard the health of the Duke's +family--especially the old Duchessa--and have no part in this detestable +business." + +"Isn't that a bite?" + +"No, signore. It is the current. It is not time for the fish to bite." + +Uncle John arose. + +"Good afternoon, doctor." + +"Good afternoon, signore." + +He left the old fellow sitting there and walked on. The valley was about +a half mile long and from a quarter to a third of a mile in width. It +resembled a huge amphitheatre in shape. + +The American tramped the length of the brook, which disappeared into the +rocky wall at the far end. Then he returned through the orchards to the +house. + +The place was silent and seemed deserted. There was a languor in the +atmosphere that invited sleep. Uncle John sought his room and lay down +for an afternoon nap, soon falling into a sound slumber. + +When he awoke he found Ferralti seated beside his bed. The young man was +pale, but composed. + +"Mr. Merrick," said he, "what have you decided to do?" + +Uncle John rubbed his eyes and sat up. + +"I'm going to purchase that ring," he answered, "at the best price the +Duke will make me." + +"I am disappointed," returned Ferralti, stiffly. "I do not intend to +allow myself to be robbed in this way." + +"Then write a farewell letter, and I'll take it to your friends." + +"It may not be necessary, sir." + +Uncle John regarded him thoughtfully. + +"What can you do?" he asked. + +Ferralti leaned forward and whispered, softly: "I have a stout +pocket-knife, with a very long blade. I shall try to kill the Duke. Once +he is dead his people will not dare to oppose us, but will fly in +terror. It is only Il Duca's audacity and genius that enables this +robber's den to exist." + +"You would rather attempt this than pay?" + +"Sir, I could not bear the infamy of letting this scoundrel triumph over +me." + +"Well, Ferralti, you are attempting a delicate and dangerous task, but +so far as I can, I will help you." + +He took the revolver from his pocket and handed it to his companion. + +"It's loaded in every chamber," he whispered. "Perhaps it will serve +your purpose better than a knife." + +Ferralti's eyes sparkled. + +"Good!" he exclaimed, concealing the weapon. "I shall watch for my +opportunity, so as to make no mistake. Meantime, do you bargain with the +Duke, but postpone any agreement to pay." + +"All right, my lad. I'll wait to see what happens. It may add a good +deal to the cost of that ring, if you fail; but I'll take the chances of +that for the sake of the game." + +He paused a moment, and then added: + +"Is your father really dead, Count?" + +"Yes; the Duke has sent me the cablegram he received from his agent. I +cannot doubt his authority. My father and I have not been friendly, of +late years. He was a severe man, cold and unsympathetic, but I am sorry +we could not have been reconciled before this awful fate overtook him. +However, it is now too late for vain regrets. I tried not to disobey or +antagonize my one parent, but he did not understand my nature, and +perhaps I failed to understand his." + +He sighed, and rising from his chair walked to the window to conceal his +emotion. + +Uncle John remained silent, and presently Tommaso entered to notify them +that dinner would be served in a half hour, and the Duke expected them +to join him at the table. + +The next morning Mr. Merrick bargained pleasantly with his jailer, who +seemed not averse to discussing the matter at length; but no conclusion +was reached. Ferralti took no part in the conversation, but remained +sullen and silent, and the Duke did not press him. + +The day after, however, he insisted that he had dallied long enough, +although after much argument on the part of his enforced guests he +agreed to give them three days to decide, with the understanding that +each day they delayed would add a goodly sum to their ransom. If at the +end of the three days the Americans remained obdurate, he would invite +them to take a little walk, and the affair would be terminated. + +Ferralti hugged his revolver and awaited his opportunity. It seemed to +Uncle John that he might have had a hundred chances to shoot the +brigand, who merited no better fate than assassination at their hands; +but although Ferralti was resolved upon the deed he constantly hesitated +to accomplish it in cold blood, and the fact that he had three days +grace induced him to put off the matter as long as possible. + +He came to regret most bitterly his indecision; for something in the +young man's eyes must have put the brigand on his guard. When they awoke +on the third morning, which was the fifth since their imprisonment, some +one had searched their rooms thoroughly. The revolver and the knife were +both gone, and the loss rendered them absolutely helpless. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +UNCLE JOHN PLAYS EAVESDROPPER + + +It now seemed to Uncle John that further resistance to the demands of Il +Duca was as useless as it was dangerous. He resented the necessity of +paying a ransom as much as any man could; but imprisoned as he was in a +veritable "robbers' den," without means of communicating with the +authorities or the outside world, and powerless to protect his life from +the vengeance of the unprincipled scoundrel who held him, the only safe +and sane mode of procedure was to give in as gracefully as possible. + +He formed this conclusion during a long walk around the valley, during +which he once more noted the absolute seclusion of the place and the +impossibility of escape by scaling the cliffs. The doctor was fishing +again by the brook, but paid no heed when Uncle John tramped by. The +sight of the dapper little man gave Mr. Merrick a thought, and +presently he turned back and sat down beside the fisherman. + +"I want to get out of this," he said, bluntly. "It was fun, at first, +and rather interesting; but I've had enough of it." + +The physician kept his eye on the line and made no reply. + +"I want you to tell me how to escape," continued Uncle John. "It's no +use saying that it can't be done, for nothing is impossible to a clever +man, such as I believe you to be." + +Still no reply. + +"You spoke, the other day, of earning enough money to go home and live +in peace for the rest of your days. Here, sir, is your opportunity to +improve upon that ambition. The brigand is trying to exact a large +ransom from me; I'll give it to you willingly--every penny--if you'll +show me how to escape." + +"Why should you do that?" enquired the doctor, still intent upon his +line. "Does it matter to you who gets your money?" + +"Of course," was the prompt reply. "In one case I pay it for a service +rendered, and do it gladly. On the other hand, I am robbed, and that +goes against the grain. Il Duca has finally decided to demand fifty +thousand dollars. It shall be yours, instead, if you give me your +assistance." + +"Signore," said the other, calmly, "I would like this money, and I +regret that it is impossible for me to earn it. But there is no means of +escape from this place except by the passage through the rocks, which +passage only three people know the secret of opening--Il Duca himself, +the child Tato, and the old Duchessa. Perhaps Tommaso also knows; I am +not certain; but he will not admit he has such knowledge. You see, +signore, I am as much a prisoner as yourself." + +"There ought to be some way to climb these cliffs; some secret path or +underground tunnel," remarked Uncle John, musingly. + +"It is more than a hundred years since this valley was made secure by a +brigand ancestor of our Duchessa," was the reply. "It may be two or +three centuries ago, for all I know. And ever since it has been used for +just this purpose: to hold a prisoner until he was ransomed--and no +such man has ever left the place alive unless he paid the price." + +"Then you cannot help me?" asked Uncle John, who was weary of hearing +these pessimistic declarations. + +"I cannot even help myself; for I may not resign my position here unless +the Duke is willing I should go." + +"Good morning, doctor." + +The prisoner returned slowly toward the dwelling, with its group of +outhouses. By chance he found a path leading to the rear of these which +he had not traversed before, and followed it until he came to a hedge of +thickly set trees of some variety of cactus, which seemed to have been +planted to form an enclosure. Cautiously pushing aside the branches +bordering a small gap in this hedge, Uncle John discovered a charming +garden lying beyond, so he quickly squeezed himself through the opening +and entered. + +The garden was rudely but not badly kept. There was even some attempt at +ornamentation, and many of the shrubs and flowers were rare and +beautiful. Narrow walks traversed the masses of foliage, and several +leafy bowers invited one to escape the heat of the midday sun in their +shelter. It was not a large place, and struck one as being overcrowded +because so many of the plants were taller than a man's head. + +Uncle John turned down one path which, after several curves and turns, +came to an abrupt ending beneath the spreading branches of an acacia +tree which had been converted into a bower by a thick, climbing vine, +whose matted leaves and purple blossoms effectually screened off the +garden beyond. + +While he stood gazing around him to find a way out without retracing his +steps, a clear voice within a few feet of him caused him to start. The +voice spoke in vehement Italian, and came from the other side of the +screen of vines. It was sharp and garrulous in tone, and although Uncle +John did not understand the words he recognized their dominating accent. + +The Duke replied, slowly and sullenly, and whatever he said had the +effect of rousing the first speaker to fierce anger. + +The American became curious. He found a place where the leaves were +thinner than elsewhere, and carefully pressing them apart looked through +the opening. Beyond was a clear space, well shaded and furnished with +comfortable settles, tables and chairs. It adjoined a wing of the +dwelling, which stood but a few paces away and was evidently occupied by +the women of the household. The old Duchessa, her face still like a +death mask but her eyes glittering with the brightness of a serpent's, +sat enthroned within a large chair in the center of a family group. It +was her sharp voice that had first aroused the American's attention. +Opposite her sat the Duke, his thin face wearing an expression of gloom +and dissatisfaction. The child Tato occupied a stool at her father's +feet, and in the background were three serving women, sewing or +embroidering. Near the Duke stood the tall brigand known as Pietro. + +Answering the old woman's fierce tirade, Tato said: + +"It is foolish to quarrel in Italian. The servants are listening." + +"Let us then speak in English," returned the Duchessa. "These are +matters the servants should not gossip about." + +The Duke nodded assent. Both Tato and her grandmother spoke easily the +foreign tongue; the Duke was more uncertain in his English, but +understood it perfectly. + +"I am still the head of this family," resumed the Duchessa, in a more +moderate tone. "I insist that my will be obeyed." + +"Your dignity I have the respect for," replied the Duke, laboredly; "but +you grow old and foolish." + +"Foolish! I?" + +"Yes; you are absurd. You live in past centuries. You think to-day we +must do all that your ancestors did." + +"Can you do better?" + +"Yes; the world has change. It has progress. With it I advance, but you +do not. You would murder, rob, torture to-day as the great Duke, your +grandfather, did. You think we still are of the world independent. You +think we are powerful and great. Bah! we are nothing--we are as a speck +of dust. But still we are the outlaws and the outcasts of Sicily, and +some day Italy will crush us and we will be forgotten." + +"I dare them to molest us!" + +"Because you are imbecile. The world you do not know. I have travel; I +see many countries; and I am wise." + +"But you are still my vassal, my slave; and I alone rule here. Always +have you rebelled and wanted to escape. Only my iron will has kept you +here and made you do your duty." + +"Since you my brother Ridolfo killed, I have little stomach for the +trade of brigand. It is true. But no longer is this trade necessary. We +are rich. Had I a son to inherit your business, a different thought +might prevail; but I have only Tato, and a girl cannot be a successful +brigand." + +"Why not?" cried the old Duchessa, contemptuously. "It is the +girl--always the girl--you make excuses for. But have I not ruled our +domain--I, who am a woman?" + +Tato herself answered, in a quiet voice. + +"And what have you become, nonna, more than an outcast?" she enquired. +"What use to you is money, or a power that the world would sneer at, did +the world even suspect that you exist? You are a failure in life, my +nonna, and I will not be like you." + +The Duchessa screamed an epithet and glared at the child as if she would +annihilate her; but no fitting words to reply could she find. + +Uncle John smiled delightedly. He felt no sense of humiliation or revolt +at eavesdropping in this den of thieves, and to be able to gain so fair +a revelation of the inner life of this remarkable family was a diversion +not lightly to be foregone. + +"So far, we have managed to escape the law," resumed the Duke. "But +always it may not be our fortune to do this, if we continue this life. +It is now a good time to stop. Of one American we will gain a quarter of +a million lira--a fortune--and of the other one hundred and fifty +thousand lira. With what we already have it is enough and more. Quietly +we will disband our men and go away. In another land we live the +respectable life, in peace with all, and Tato shall be the fine lady, +and forget she once was a brigand's daughter." + +The child sprang up in glee, and clasping her father's neck with both +arms kissed him with passionate earnestness. + +Silently the Duchessa watched the scene. Her face was as pallid and +immobile as ever; even the eyes seemed to have lost expression. But the +next words showed that she was still unconquered. + +"You shall take the money of the fat pig of an American; it is well to +do so. But the youth who boldly calls himself Ferralti shall make no +tribute to this family. He shall die as I have declared." + +"I will not take the risk," asserted the Duke, sourly. + +"Have the others who lie in the pit told tales?" she demanded. + +"No; but they died alone. Here are two Americans our prisoners, and +they have many and powerful friends, both at Taormina and at Naples. The +man Merrick, when he goes, will tell that Ferralti is here. To obtain +his person, alive or dead, the soldiers will come here and destroy us +all. It is folly, and shows you are old and imbecile." + +"Then go!" she cried, fiercely. "Go, you and Tato; take your money and +escape. And leave me my valley, and the youth Ferralti, and my revenge. +Then, if I die, if the soldiers destroy me, it is my own doing." + +"In this new world, of which you know nothing, escape is not possible," +replied the duke, after a moment's thought. "Ferralti must be accounted +for, and because I captured him they would accuse me of his death, and +even Tato might be made to suffer. No, madame. Both the Americans must +be killed, or both set free for ransom." + +Uncle John gave a start of dismay. Here was a development he had not +expected. + +"Then," said the old woman, positively, "let them both die." + +"Oh, no!" exclaimed Tato. "Not that, grandmother!" + +"Certainly not so," agreed the Duke. "We want their money." + +"You are already rich," said the Duchessa. "You have yourself said so, +and I know it is truth." + +"This new world," explained the Duke, "contains of luxuries many that +you have no understanding of. To be rich to-day requires more money than +in your days, madre mia. With these ransoms, which already we have won, +we shall have enough. Without this money my Tato would lack much that I +desire for her. So of new murders I will take no risk, for the bambina's +sake." + +"And my revenge?" + +"Bah, of what use is it? Because the boy's father married my sister +Bianca, and ill-treated her, must we kill their offspring?" + +"He is his father's son. The father, you say, is dead, and so also is my +child Bianca. Then my hatred falls upon the son Arturo, and he must die +to avenge the wrong to our race." + +"More proof that you are imbecile," said the Duke, calmly. "He shall not +die. He is nothing to us except a mine from whence to get gold." + +"He is my grandson. I have a right to kill him." + +"He is my nephew. He shall live." + +"Do you defy me?" + +"With certainty. I defy you. The new world permits no crazy nonna to +rule a family. That is my privilege. If you persist, it is you who shall +go to the pit. If you have reason, you shall remain in your garden in +peace. Come, Tato; we will retire." + +He arose and took the child's hand. The old woman sat staring at them in +silence, but with an evil glint in her glistening eyes. + +Uncle John turned around and softly made his retreat from the garden. +His face wore a startled and horrified expression and on his forehead +stood great beads of sweat that the sultriness of the day did not +account for. + +But he thought better of Il Duca. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE PIT + + +They met an hour later at luncheon, all but the Duchessa, who sulked in +her garden. Tato was bright and smiling, filled with a suppressed joy +which bubbled up in spite of the little one's effort to be dignified and +sedate. When her hand stole under the table to find and press that of +her father, Uncle John beamed upon her approvingly; for he knew what had +occurred and could sympathize with her delight. + +The Duke, however, was more sombre than usual. He had defied his mother, +successfully, so far; but he feared the terrible old woman more than did +Tato, because he knew more of her history and of the bold and wicked +deeds she had perpetrated in years gone by. Only once had a proposed +victim escaped her, and that was when her own daughter Bianca had fallen +in love with an American held for ransom and spirited him away from the +valley through knowledge of the secret passage. It was well Bianca had +fled with her lover; otherwise her mother would surely have killed her. +But afterward, when the girl returned to die in the old home, all was +forgiven, and only the hatred of her foreign husband, whose cruelty had +driven her back to Sicily, remained to rankle in the old Duchessa's +wicked heart. + +No one knew her evil nature better than her son. He entertained a +suspicion that he had not conquered her by his recent opposition to her +will. Indeed, he would never have dared to brave her anger except for +Tato's sake. Tato was his idol, and in her defense the cowardly brigand +had for the moment become bold. + +Tato laughed and chatted with Uncle John all through the meal, even +trying at times to cheer the doleful Ferralti, who was nearly as glum +and unsociable as her father. The servants and brigands at the lower end +of the table looked upon the little one admiringly. It was evident she +was a general favorite. + +On the porch, after luncheon, the Duke broached the subject of the +ransoms again, still maintaining the fable of selling his antique +jewelry. + +"Sir," said Uncle John, "I'm going to submit gracefully, but upon one +condition." + +The Duke scowled. + +"I allow no conditions," he said. + +"You'd better allow this one," Uncle John replied, "because it will make +it easier for all of us. Of my own free will and accord I will make a +present to Tato of fifty thousand dollars, and she shall have it for her +dowry when she marries." + +Tato clapped her hands. + +"How did you know I am a girl, when I wear boys' clothes?" she asked. + +Even the duke smiled, at that, but the next moment he shook his head +solemnly. + +"It will not do, signore," he declared, answering Uncle John's +proposition. "This is a business affair altogether. You must purchase +the ring, and at once." + +The little American sighed. It had been his last hope. + +"Very well," he said; "have your own way." + +"You will send to your friends for the money?" + +"Whenever you say, Duke. You've got me in a hole, and I must wiggle out +the best way I can." + +The brigand turned to Ferralti. + +"And you, signore?" he asked. + +"I do not know whether I can get the money you demand." + +"But you will make the attempt, as I shall direct?" + +"Yes." + +"Then, signori, it is all finished. In a brief time you will leave my +hospitable roof." + +"The sooner the better," declared Ferralti. + +They sat for a time in silence, each busy with his thoughts. + +"Go to your grandmother, Tato," said the Duke, "and try to make your +peace with her. If she is too angry, do not remain. To-morrow you must +go into town with letters from these gentlemen to their friends." + +The child kissed him and went obediently to do his will. Then the +brigand spoke to Tommaso, who brought writing material from the house +and placed it upon a small table. + +Uncle John, without further demur, sat down to write. The Duke dictated +what he should say, although he was allowed to express the words in his +own characteristic style, and he followed his instructions implicitly, +secretly admiring the shrewdness of the brigand's methods. + +It was now Ferralti's turn. He had just seated himself at the table and +taken the pen when they were startled by a shrill scream from the rear +of the house. It was followed by another, and another, in quick +succession. + +It was Tato's voice, and the duke gave an answering cry and sprang from +the veranda to dart quickly around the corner of the house. Uncle John +followed him, nearly as fearful as the child's father. + +Tommaso seized a short rifle that stood near and ran around the house in +the other direction, when Ferralti, who for a moment had seemed dazed by +the interruption, followed Tommaso rather than the others. + +As they came to the rear they were amazed to see the old Duchessa, whom +they had known to be feeble and dependent upon her women, rush through +the garden hedge with the agility of a man, bearing in her arms the +struggling form of little Tato. + +The child screamed pitifully, but the woman glared upon Tommaso and +Ferralti, as she passed them, with the ferocity of a tiger. + +"She is mad!" cried Ferralti. "Quick, Tommaso; let us follow her." + +The brigand bounded forward, with the young man scarce a pace behind +him. The woman, running with wonderful speed in spite of her burden, +began to ascend a narrow path leading up the face of a rugged cliff. + +A yell of anguish from behind for a moment arrested Ferralti's rapid +pursuit. Glancing back he saw the Duke running frantically toward them, +at the same time waving his arms high above his head. + +"The pit!" he shouted. "She is making for the pit. Stop her, for the +love of God!" + +Ferralti understood, and dashed forward again at full speed. Tommaso +also understood, for his face was white and he muttered terrible oaths +as he pressed on. Yet run as they might, the mad duchessa was inspired +with a strength so superhuman that she kept well in advance. + +But the narrow path ended half way up the cliff. It ended at a deep +chasm in the rocks, the edge of which was protected by a large flat +stone, like the curb of a well. + +With a final leap the old woman gained this stone, and while the +dreadful pit yawned at her feet she turned, and with a demoniacal laugh +faced her pursuers, hugging the child close to her breast. + +Tommaso and Ferralti, who were nearest, paused instinctively. It was now +impossible for them to prevent the tragedy about to be enacted. The +Duke, spurred on by fear, was yet twenty paces in their rear, and in a +moment he also stopped, clasping his hands in a gesture of vain +entreaty. + +"Listen, Lugui!" his mother called to him, in a dear, high voice. "This +is the child that has come between us and turned you from a man into a +coward. Here alone is the cause of our troubles. Behold! I will remove +it forever from our path." + +With the words she lifted Tato high above her head and turned toward the +pit--that terrible cleft in the rocks which was believed to have no +bottom. + +At her first movement Tommaso had raised his gun, and the Duke, +perceiving this, called to him in an agonized voice to fire. But either +the brigand wavered between his loyalty to the Duke or the Duchessa, or +he feared to injure Tato, for he hesitated to obey and the moments were +precious. + +The child's fate hung in the balance when Ferralti snatched the weapon +from the brigand's hands and fired it so hastily that he scarcely seemed +to take aim. + +A wild cry echoed the shot. The woman collapsed and fell, dropping Tato +at her feet, where they both tottered at the edge of the pit. The child, +however, clung desperately to the outer edge of the flat stone, while +the Duchessa's inert form seemed to hesitate for an instant and then +disappeared from view. + +Tommaso ran forward and caught up the child, returning slowly along the +path to place it in the father's arms. Ferralti was looking vaguely from +the weapon he held to the pit, and then back again, as if not fully +understanding what he had done. + +"Thank you, signore," said the Duke, brokenly, "for saving my precious +child." + +"But I have slain your mother!" cried the young man, horrified. + +"The obligation is even," replied the duke. "She was also your +grandmother." + +Ferralti stood motionless, his face working convulsively, his tongue +refusing to utter a sound. + +"But he did not shoot my grandmother at all," said Tato, who was sobbing +against her father's breast; "for I heard the bullet strike the rock +beside us. My grandmother's strength gave way, and she fainted. It was +that that saved me, padre mia." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +NEWS AT LAST + + +Kenneth Forbes had always been an unusual boy. He had grown up in an +unfriendly atmosphere, unloved and uncared for, and resented this +neglect with all the force of his impetuous nature. He had hated Aunt +Jane, and regarded her as cruel and selfish--a fair estimate of her +character--until Aunt Jane's nieces taught him to be more considerate +and forgiving. Patricia, especially, had exercised a gentler influence +upon the arbitrary youth, and as a consequence they had become staunch +friends. + +When the unexpected inheritance of a fortune changed the boy's condition +from one of dependence to one of importance he found he had no longer +any wrongs to resent; therefore his surly and brusque moods gradually +disappeared, and he became a pleasant companion to those he cared for. +With strangers he still remained reserved and suspicious, and +occasionally the old sullen fits would seize him and it was well to +avoid his society while they lasted. + +On his arrival at Taormina, Kenneth had entered earnestly into the +search for Uncle John, whom he regarded most affectionately; and, having +passed the day tramping over the mountains, he would fill the evening +with discussions and arguments with the nieces concerning the fate of +their missing uncle. + +But as the days dragged wearily away the search slackened and was +finally abandoned. Kenneth set up his easel in the garden and began to +paint old Etna, with its wreath of snow and the soft gray cloud of vapor +that perpetually hovered over it. + +"Anyone with half a soul could paint that!" said Patsy; and as a proof +of her assertion the boy did very well indeed, except that his +uneasiness on Mr. Merrick's account served to distract him more or less. + +Nor was Kenneth the only uneasy one. Mr. Watson, hard-headed man of +resource as he was, grew more and more dejected as he realized the +impossibility of interesting the authorities in the case. The Sicilian +officials were silent and uncommunicative; the Italians wholly +indifferent. If strangers came to Taormina and got into difficulties, +the government was in no way to blame. It was their duty to tolerate +tourists, but those all too energetic foreigners must take care of +themselves. + +Probably Mr. Watson would have cabled the State Department at Washington +for assistance had he not expected each day to put him in communication +with his friend, and in the end he congratulated himself upon his +patience. The close of the week brought a sudden and startling change in +the situation. + +The girls sat on the shaded terrace one afternoon, watching the picture +of Etna grow under Kenneth's deft touches, when they observed a child +approaching them with shy diffidence. It was a beautiful Sicilian boy, +with wonderful brown eyes and a delicate profile. After assuring himself +that the party of young Americans was quite separate from any straggling +guest of the hotel, the child came near enough to say, in a low tone: + +"I have a message from Signor Merrick." + +They crowded around him eagerly then, raining questions from every side; +but the boy shrank away and said, warningly: + +"If we are overheard, signorini mia, it will be very bad. No one must +suspect that I am here." + +"Is my uncle well?" asked Patsy, imploringly. + +"Quite well, mees." + +"And have you also news of Count Ferralti?" anxiously enquired Louise. + +"Oh, Ferralti? He is better. Some teeth are knocked out, but he eats +very well without them," replied the child, with an amused laugh. + +"Where are our friends, my lad?" Kenneth asked. + +"I cannot describe the place, signore; but here are letters to explain +all." The child produced a bulky package, and after a glance at each, in +turn, placed it in Patsy's hands. "Read very secretly, signorini, and +decide your course of action. To-morrow I will come for your answer. In +the meantime, confide in no one but yourselves. If you are indiscreet, +you alone will become the murderers of Signor Merrick and the sad young +Ferralti." + +"Who are you?" asked Beth, examining the child closely. + +"I am called Tato, signorina mia." + +"Where do you live?" + +"It is all explained in the letters, believe me." + +Beth glanced at Patricia, who was examining the package, and now all +crowded around for a glimpse of Uncle John's well-known handwriting. The +wrapper was inscribed: + + _"To Miss Doyle, Miss De Graf and Miss Merrick,_ + _Hotel Castello-a-Mare, Taormina._ + _By the safe hands of Tato."_ + +Inside were two letters, one addressed to Louise personally. She seized +this and ran a little distance away, while Beth took Uncle John's letter +from Patsy's trembling hands, and having opened it read aloud in a +clear and composed voice the following: + + "My dear Nieces: (and also my dear friends, Silas Watson and + Kenneth Forbes, if they are with you) Greeting! You have + perhaps been wondering at my absence, which I will explain + by saying that I am visiting a noble acquaintance in a very + cozy and comfortable retreat which I am sure would look + better from a distance. My spirits and health are A No. 1 + and it is my intention to return to you as soon as you have + executed a little commission for me, which I want you to do + exactly as I hereby instruct you. In other words, if you + don't execute the commission you will probably execute me. + + "I have decided to purchase a valuable antique ring from my + host, at a price of fifty thousand dollars, which trifling + sum I must have at once to complete the transaction, for + until full payment is made I cannot rejoin you. Therefore + you must hasten to raise the dough. Here's the programme, my + dear girls: One of you must go by first train to Messina and + cable Isham, Marvin & Co. to deposit with the New York + correspondents of the Banca Commerciale Italiana fifty + thousand dollars, and have instructions cabled to the + Messina branch of that bank to pay the sum to the written + order of John Merrick. This should all be accomplished + within twenty-four hours. Present the enclosed order, + together with my letter of credit and passport, which will + identify my signature, and draw the money in cash. Return + with it to Taormina and give it secretly to the boy Tato, + who will bring it to me. I will rejoin you within three + hours after I have paid for the ring. + + "This may seem a strange proceeding to you, my dears, but + you must not hesitate to accomplish it--if you love me. + Should my old friend Silas Watson be now with you, as I + expect him to be, he will assist you to do my bidding, for + he will be able to realize, better than I can now explain, + how important it is to me. + + "Also I beg you to do a like service for Count Ferralti, who + is entrusting his personal commission, to Louise. He also + must conclude an important purchase before he can return to + Taormina. + + "More than this I am not permitted to say in this letter. + Confide in no stranger, or official of any sort, and act as + secretly and quietly as possible. I hope soon to be with + you. + + "Very affectionately, UNCLE JOHN." + +"What does it all mean?" asked Patsy, bewildered, when Beth had finished +reading. + +"Why, it is clear enough, I'm sure," said Kenneth. "Uncle John is +imprisoned by brigands, and the money he requires is his ransom. We must +get it as soon as possible, you know, and luckily he is so rich that he +won't miss this little draft at all." + +Beth sat silent, angrily staring at the letter. + +"I suppose," said Patsy, hesitating, "the robbers will do the dear uncle +some mischief, if he doesn't pay." + +"Just knock him on the head, that's all," said the boy. "But there's no +need to worry. We can get the money easily." + +Suddenly Beth jumped up. + +"Where's that girl?" she demanded, sharply. + +"What girl?" + +"Tato." + +"Tato, my dear coz, is a boy," answered Kenneth; "and he disappeared +ages ago." + +"You must be blind," said Beth, scornfully, "not to recognize a girl +when you see one. A boy, indeed!" + +"Why, he dressed like a boy," replied Kenneth, hesitatingly. + +"So much the more disgraceful," sniffed Beth. "She belongs to those +brigands, I suppose." + +"Looks something like Victor Valdi," said Patsy, thoughtfully. + +"Il Duca? Of course! I see it myself, now. Patricia, it is that wicked +duke who has captured Uncle John." + +"I had guessed that," declared Patsy, smiling. + +"He must be a handsome rascal," observed Kenneth, "for the child is +pretty as a picture." + +"He isn't handsome at all," replied Beth; "but there is a look about the +child's eyes that reminds me of him." + +"That's it, exactly," agreed Patsy. + +Louise now approached them with a white, frightened face. + +"Isn't it dreadful!" she moaned. "They are going to kill Ferralti unless +he gives them thirty thousand dollars." + +"And I don't believe he can raise thirty cents," said Patsy, calmly. + +"Oh, yes, he can," answered Louise, beginning to cry. "Hi--his--father +is d--dead, and has left him--a--fortune." + +"Don't blubber, Lou," said the boy, chidingly; "in that case your dago +friend is as well off as need be. But I suppose you're afraid the +no-account Count won't figure his life is worth thirty thousand dollars. +It does seem like an awful price to pay for a foreigner." + +"It isn't that," said Louise, striving to control her emotion. "He says +he hates to be robbed. He wouldn't pay a penny if he could help it." + +"Good for the Count! I don't blame him a bit," exclaimed Beth. "It is a +beastly shame that free born Americans should be enslaved by a crew of +thieving Sicilians, and obliged to purchase their freedom!" + +"True for you," said Kenneth, nodding. "But what are we going to do +about it?" + +"Pay, of course," decided Patsy, promptly. "Our Uncle John is too +precious to be sacrificed for all the money in the world. Come; let's go +and find Mr. Watson. We ought not to lose a moment's time." + +The lawyer read Uncle John's letter carefully, as well as the one from +Count Ferralti, which Louise confided to him with the request that he +keep the young man's identity a secret for a time, until he could reveal +it to her cousins in person. + +"The only thing to be done," announced Mr. Watson, "is to carry out +these instructions faithfully. We can send the cable messages from here, +and in the morning Louise and I will take the train for Messina and +remain there until we get the money." + +"It's an outrage!" cried Beth. + +"Of course, my dear. But it can't be helped. And your uncle is wise to +take the matter so cheerfully. After all, it is little enough to pay +for one's life and liberty, and our friend is so wealthy that he will +never feel the loss at all." + +"It isn't that; it's the principle of the thing that I object to," said +the girl. "It's downright disgraceful to be robbed so easily." + +"To be sure; but the disgrace is Italy's, not ours. Object all you want +to, Beth, dear," continued the old lawyer, smiling at her; "but +nevertheless we'll pay as soon as possible, and have done with it. What +we want now is your Uncle John, and we want him mighty badly." + +"Really, the pirates didn't charge enough for him," added Patsy. + +So Mr. Watson sent the cables to John Merrick's bankers and Count +Ferralti's attorney, and the next morning went with Louise to Messina. + +Frascatti drove all the party down the road to the station at Giardini, +and as the train pulled out, Beth, who had remained seated in the +victoria with Patricia and Kenneth, suddenly stood up to pull the +_vetturino's_ sleeve. + +"Tell me, Frascatti," she whispered, "isn't that Il Duca's child? +Look--that little one standing in the corner?" + +"Why, yes; it is really Tato," answered the man, before he thought to +deny it. + +"Very well; you may now drive us home," returned Beth, a shade of +triumph in her voice. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +BETH BEGINS TO PLOT + + +Once back in their sitting-room behind closed doors, Beth, Patsy and +Kenneth got their three heads together and began eagerly to discuss a +plot which Beth had hinted of on the way home and now unfolded in +detail. And while they still whispered together a knock at the door +startled them and made them look rather guilty until the boy answered +the call and admitted little Tato. + +The child's beautiful face wore a smile of demure satisfaction as Tato +bowed respectfully to the young Americans. + +Kenneth winked at Beth from behind the visitor's back. + +"As you have a guest," he remarked, with a yawn that was somewhat rude, +"I shall now go and take my nap." + +"What, do you sleep so early in the day, you lazy-bones?" asked Patsy, +brightly. + +"Any time, my dear, is good enough for an overworked artist," he +replied. "Au revoir, my cousins. See you at luncheon." + +With this he strolled away, and when he had gone Beth said to Tato: + +"Won't you sit down, signorina?" + +"Do you mean me?" asked the child, as if surprised. + +"Yes; I can see plainly that you are a girl." + +"And a pretty one, too, my dear," added Patsy. + +Tato blushed as if embarrassed, but in a moment smiled upon the American +girls. + +"Do you think me immodest, then?" she asked, anxiously. + +"By no means, my dear," Beth assured her. "I suppose you have an +excellent reason for wearing boys' clothes." + +"So I have, signorina. I live in the mountains, where dresses catch in +the crags, and bother a girl. And my father has always been heart-broken +because he had no son, and likes to see me in this attire. He has many +errands for me, too, where a boy may go unnoticed, yet a girl would +attract too much attention. This is one of the errands, signorini. But +now tell me, if you please, how have you decided to answer the letters +of Signor Merrick and Signor Ferralti?" + +"Oh, there was but one way to answer them, Tato," replied Beth, +composedly. "We have sent Mr. Watson and our cousin Louise Merrick to +Messina to get the money. If our friends in America act promptly Mr. +Watson and Louise will return by to-morrow afternoon's train, and be +prepared to make the payment." + +"That is well, signorina," responded Tato. + +"We are to give the money to you, I suppose?" said Patsy. + +"Yes; I will return for it to-morrow afternoon," answered the child, +with business-like gravity. Then she looked earnestly from one to the +other of the two girls. "You must act discreetly, in the meantime, you +know. You must not talk to anyone, or do anything to imperil your +uncle's safety." + +"Of course not, Tato." + +"I beg you not, signorini. The uncle is a good man, and brave. I do not +wish him to be injured." + +"Nor do we, Tato." + +"And the young man is not a coward, either. He has been kind to me. But +he is sad, and not so pleasant to talk with as the uncle." + +"True enough, Tato," said Beth. + +Patsy had been examining the child with curious intentness. The little +one was so lovely and graceful, and her voice sounded so soft and +womanly, that Patsy longed to take her in her arms and hug her. + +"How old are you, dear?" she asked. + +Tato saw the friendly look, and answered with a smile. + +"Perhaps as old as you, signorina, although I am so much smaller. I +shall be fifteen in a month." + +"So old!" + +Tato laughed merrily. + +"Ah, you might well say 'so young,' amico mia! To be grown up is much +nicer; do you not think so? And then I shall not look such a baby as +now, and have people scold me when I get in the way, as they do little +bambini." + +"But when you are grown you cannot wear boys' clothing, either." + +Tato sighed. + +"We have a saying in Sicily that 'each year has its sunshine and rain,' +which means its sorrow and its joy," she answered. "Perhaps I sometimes +think more of the tears than of the laughter, although I know that is +wrong. Not always shall I be a mountaineer, and then the soft dresses of +the young girls shall be my portion. Will I like them better? I do not +know. But I must go now, instead of chattering here. Farewell, +signorini, until to-morrow." + +"Will you not remain with us?" + +"Oh, no; although you are kind. I am expected home. But to-morrow I will +come for the money. You will be silent?" + +"Surely, Tato." + +The child smiled upon them pleasantly. It was a relief to deal with two +tender girls instead of cold and resentful men, such as she had +sometimes met. At the door she blew a kiss to them, and darted away. + +In the courtyard Frascatti saw her gliding out and discreetly turned his +head the other way. + +Tato took the old road, circling around the theatre and through the +narrow, winding streets of the lower town to the Catania Gate. She +looked back one or twice, but no one noticed her. If any of the +villagers saw her approaching they slipped out of her path. + +Once on the highway, however, Tato became lost in reflection. Her +mission being successfully accomplished, it required no further thought; +but the sweet young American girls had made a strong impression upon the +lonely Sicilian maid, and she dreamed of their pretty gowns and ribbons, +their fresh and comely faces, and the gentleness of their demeanor. + +Tato was not gentle. She was wild and free and boyish, and had no pretty +gowns whatever. But what then? She must help her father to get his +fortune, and then he had promised her that some day they would go to +Paris or Cairo and live in the world, and be brigands no longer. + +She would like that, she thought, as she clambered up the steep paths; +and perhaps she would meet these American girls again, or others like +them, and make them her friends. She had never known a girl friend, as +yet. + +These ambitions would yesterday have seemed far in the dim future; but +now that her stern old grandmother was gone it was possible her father +would soon fulfill his promises. While the Duchessa lived she ruled them +all, and she was a brigand to the backbone. Now her father's will +prevailed, and he could refuse his child nothing. + +Kenneth was not an expert detective, but he had managed to keep Tato in +sight without being suspected by her. He had concealed himself near the +Catania Gate, through which he knew she must pass, and by good luck she +had never looked around once, so intent were her musings. + +When she came to the end of the path and leaned against the rock to sing +the broken refrain which was the "open sesame" to the valley, the boy +was hidden snug behind a boulder where he could watch her every +movement. + +Then the rock opened; Tato passed in, and the opening closed behind her. + +Kenneth found a foothold and climbed up the wall of rock, higher and +higher, until at last he crept upon a high ridge and looked over. + +The hidden valley lay spread before him in all its beauty, but the +precipice at his feet formed a sheer drop of a hundred feet or more, and +he drew back with a shudder. + +Then he took courage to look again, and observed the house, on the porch +of which stood Tato engaged in earnest conversation with a tall, dark +Sicilian. Uncle John was nowhere to be seen, but the boy understood that +he was there, nevertheless, and realized that his prison was so secure +that escape was impossible. + +And now he climbed down again, a much more difficult feat than getting +up. But although he was forced to risk his life several times, he was +agile and clear-headed, and finally dropped to the path that led to the +secret door of the passage. + +His next thought was to mark the exact location of the place, so that he +could find it again; and as he returned slowly along the paths through +the rocky fissures he took mental note of every curve and communication, +and believed he could now find his way to the retreat of the brigands at +any time he chose. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +PATSY'S NEW FRIEND + + +"I must say that I don't like the job," said Patsy, the next morning, as +she stood by the window and faced Beth and Kenneth. "Suppose we fail?" + +"In the bright lexicon of youth--" + +"Shut up, Ken. If we fail," said Beth, "we will be no worse off than +before." + +"And if we win," added the boy, "they'll think twice before they try to +rob Americans again." + +"Well, I'm with you, anyhow," declared Patricia. "I can see it's risky, +all right; but as you say, no great harm will be done if we slip up." + +"You," announced Beth, gravely, "must be the captain." + +"It isn't in me, dear. You figured the thing out, and Ken and I will +follow your lead." + +"No," said Beth, decidedly; "I'm not quick enough, either in thought or +action, to be a leader, Patsy. And there's a bit of deception required +that I couldn't manage. That clever little thing, Tato, would know at +once I was up to some mischief; but she would never suspect you." + +"I like that compliment," replied Patricia. "I may deserve it, of +course; but it strikes me Louise is the one best fitted for such work." + +"We can't let Louise into this plot," said the boy, positively; "she'd +spoil it all." + +"Don't be silly, Patsy," said Beth. "You're genuine and frank, and the +child likes you. I could see that yesterday. All you have to do is to be +nice to her and win her confidence; and then, when the climax comes, you +must be the spokesman and talk straight out from the shoulder. You can +do that all right." + +"I'll bet on her," cried Kenneth, with an admiring look at the girl. + +"Then," said Patsy, "it is all arranged, and I'm the captain. And is it +agreed that we won't lisp a word to Mr. Watson or Louise?" + +"Not a word." + +"Here," said Kenneth, drawing a revolver from his pocket, "is Uncle +John's pop-gun. It's the only one I could find in his room, so he must +have taken the other with him. Be careful of it, Patsy, for it's loaded +all 'round. Can you shoot?" + +"No; but I suppose the pistol can. I know enough to pull the trigger." + +"And when you do, remember to point it away from your friends. Now hide +it, my dear, and be careful of it." + +Patsy concealed the weapon in the bosom of her dress, not without making +a wry face and shivering a bit. + +"Have you got your revolver, Beth?" asked the boy. + +"Yes." + +"And she can shoot just wonderfully!" exclaimed Patsy. "Yesterday she +picked an orange off a tree with a bullet. You should have seen her." + +"I know," said Ken, nodding. "I've seen Beth shoot before, and she's our +main reliance in this conspiracy. For my part, I can hit a mark +sometimes, and sometimes I can't. See here." He exhibited a beautiful +pearl and silver-mounted weapon which he drew from his pocket. "Mr. +Watson and I have carried revolvers ever since we came to Sicily, but +we've never had occasion to use them. I can hardly believe, even now, +that this beautiful place harbors brigands. It's such a romantic +incident in our prosaic world of to-day. And now, young ladies, we are +armed to the teeth and can defy an army. Eh, Captain Pat?" + +"If you're not more respectful," said the girl, "I'll have you +court-marshalled and drummed out of camp." + +On the afternoon train came Louise and Mr. Watson from Messina. The +American agents had responded promptly, and the bank had honored the +orders and delivered the money without delay. + +"It is all safe in my satchel," said the lawyer, as they rode together +to the hotel; "and our dear friends are as good as rescued already. It's +pretty bulky, Kenneth--four hundred thousand lira--but it is all in +notes on the Banca d'Italia, for we couldn't manage gold." + +"Quite a haul for the brigand," observed Kenneth, thoughtfully. + +"True; but little enough for the lives of two men. That is the way I +look at the transaction. And, since our friends can afford the loss, we +must be as cheerful over the thing as possible. It might have been a +tragedy, you know." + +Louise shivered. + +"I'm glad it is all over," she said, gratefully. + +The conspirators looked at one another and smiled, but held their peace. + +Arriving at the hotel, Beth and Kenneth at once disappeared, saying they +were going to town, as they would not be needed longer. Patsy +accompanied their cousin and the lawyer to the sitting-room, where +presently Tato came to them. + +"Well, little one," said the lawyer, pleasantly, "We have secured the +money required to enable Mr. Merrick to purchase the ring, and +Mr.--er--Count Ferralti to buy his bracelet. Will you count it?" + +"Yes, signore, if you please," replied Tato, with a sober face. + +Mr. Watson drew out two packages of bank notes and placed them upon the +table. The child, realizing the importance of the occasion, carefully +counted each bundle, and then replaced the wrappers. + +"The amounts are correct, signore," she said. "I thank you for making my +task so easy. And now I will go." + +The lawyer brought a newspaper and wrapped the money in it once again. + +"It is always dangerous to carry so much money," said he; "but now no +one will be likely to suspect the contents of your package." + +Tato smiled. + +"No one would care to molest me," she said; "for they fear those that +protect me. Good afternoon, signore. Your friends will be with you in +time to dine in your company. Good afternoon, signorini," turning to +Patsy and Louise. + +"I'll walk a little way with you; may I?" asked Patsy, smiling into +Tato's splendid eyes. + +"To be sure, signorina," was the quick response. + +Patricia caught up a sunshade and followed the child out at the side +entrance, which was little used. Tato took the way along the old road, +and Patsy walked beside her, chatting brightly of the catacombs, the +Norman villa that showed its checkered tower above the trees and the +ancient wall that still hemmed in the little village. + +"I love Taormina," she said, earnestly, "and shall be sorry to leave it. +You must be very happy, Tato, to be able to live here always." + +"It is my birthplace," she said; "but I long to get away from it and see +other countries. The view is fine, they say; but it tires me. The air is +sweet and pure; but it oppresses me. The climate is glorious; but I have +had enough of it. In other places there is novelty, and many things that +Sicily knows nothing of." + +"That is true," replied Patsy, tucking the little one's arm underneath +her own, with a sympathetic gesture. "I know just how you feel, Tato. +You must come to America some day, and visit me. I will make you very +welcome, dear, and you shall be my friend." + +The child looked into her face earnestly. + +"You do not hate me, signorina, because--because--" + +"Because why?" + +"Because my errand to you has been so lawless and--and--unfriendly?" + +"Ah, Tato, you do not choose this life, do you?" + +"No, signorina." + +"It is forced on you by circumstances, is it not?" + +"Truly, signorina." + +"I know. You would not long so wistfully to change your condition if you +enjoyed being a little brigand. But nothing that has passed must +interfere with our friendship, dear. If I were in your place, you see, I +would do just as you have done. It is not a very honest life, Tato, nor +one to be proud of; but I'm not going to blame you one bit." + +They had passed the Catania Gate and reached the foot of one of the +mountain paths. Tato paused, hesitatingly. + +"Oh, I'll go a little farther," said Patsy, promptly. "No one will +notice two girls, you know. Shall I carry your parcel for a time?" + +"No," replied the child, hugging it close with her disengaged arm. But +she offered no objection when Patsy continued to walk by her side. + +"Have you any brothers or sisters, Tato?" + +"No, signorina." + +"Have you a mother?" + +"No, signorina. My father and I are alone." + +"I know him well, Tato. We were on the ship together, crossing the +ocean. He was gruff and disagreeable, but I made him talk to me and +smile." + +"I know; he has told me of the Signorina Patsy. He is fond of you." + +"Yet he robbed my uncle." + +The child flushed, and drew away her arm. + +"That is it. That is why you should hate me," she replied, bitterly. "I +know it is robbery, and brigandage, although my father masks it by +saying he sells antiques. Until now I have seen nothing wrong in this +life, signorina; but you have made me ashamed." + +"Why, dear?" + +"Because you are so good and gentle, and so forgiving." + +Patsy laughed. + +"In reality, Tato, I am resentful and unforgiving. You will find out, +soon, that I am a very human girl, and then I will not make you ashamed. +But your father's business is shameful, nevertheless." + +Tato was plainly puzzled, and knew not what to reply. But just then they +reached the end of the crevasse, and the child said: + +"You must return now, Signorina Patsy." + +"But why cannot I go on with you, and come back with my uncle?" + +Tato hesitated. Accustomed as she was to duplicity and acting, in her +capacity as lure for her thieving father, the child was just now +softened by Patsy's kindly manner and the successful accomplishment of +her mission. She had no thought of any treachery or deception on the +part of the American girl, and the request seemed to her natural +enough. + +"If you like," she decided, "you may come as far as the barrier, and +there wait for your uncle. It will not be long." + +"Very well, dear." + +Tato clambered over the dividing rock and dropped into the path beyond. +Patsy sprang lightly after her. A short distance farther and they +reached the barrier. + +"This is the place, signorina. You will sit upon that stone, and wait +until your uncle appears." She hesitated, and then added, softly: "I may +not see you again. But you will not forget me?" + +"Never, Tato. And if you come to America you must not forget to visit +me. Remember, whatever happens, that we are friends, and must always +remain so." + +The child nodded, gratefully. Then, leaning against the face of the +cliff, she raised her voice and warbled clearly the bit of song that +served as the signal to her father. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +TURNING THE TABLES + + +No sooner had the notes ceased than Kenneth sprang from behind a rock +that had concealed him and grasped the child in his strong arms, trying +to cover her mouth at the same time to prevent her from crying out. + +Tato developed surprising strength. The adventure of yesterday had so +thoroughly frightened her that when she found herself again seized she +struggled madly. The boy found that he could scarcely hold her, so he +enfolded her in both his arms and, letting her scream as she might, +picked up her tiny form and mounted the slope of the hill, leaping from +rock to rock until he came to a broad boulder twenty feet or more above +the path. Here he paused, panting, and awaited results. + +The rock doors had opened promptly. Even while Kenneth struggled with +the brigand's daughter Patsy could see straight through the tunnel and +into the valley beyond. The child had dropped her bundle in the effort +to escape, and while Kenneth was leaping with her up the crags Patsy ran +forward and secured the money, returning quickly to her position facing +the tunnel. + +And now they heard shouts and the sound of hastening feet as Il Duca ran +from the tunnel, followed closely by two of his brigands. They paused a +moment at the entrance, as if bewildered, but when the father saw his +child in the grasp of a stranger and heard her screams he answered with +a roar of fury and prepared to scramble up the rock to rescue her. + +That was where Patsy showed her mettle. She hastily covered the brigand +with her revolver and shouted warningly: + +"Stop, or you are a dead man!" + +It was wonderfully dramatic and effective. + +Il Duca shrank back, scowling, for he had no weapon at hand. Leaning +against the entrance to his valley he glared around to determine the +number of his foes and the probable chance of defeating them. + +Kenneth laughed boyishly at his discomfiture. Kneeling down, the youth +grasped Tato by both wrists and lowered her body over the edge of the +rock so that her feet just touched a little ledge beneath. He continued +to hold fast to her wrists, though, and there she remained, stretched +against the face of the rock fronting the path, in full view of all, but +still unable to move. + +From this exasperating sight Il Duca glanced at Patsy. She was holding +the revolver rigidly extended, and her blue eyes blazed with the +excitement of the moment. It was a wonder she did not pull the trigger +inadvertently, and the thought that she might do so caused the brigand +to shudder. + +Turning half around he beheld a third enemy quietly seated upon the +rocks directly across the path from Kenneth, her pose unconcerned as she +rested her chin lightly upon her left hand. It was Beth, who held her +revolver nonchalantly and gazed upon the scene below her with calm +interest. + +The Duke gave a cough to clear his throat. His men hung back of him, +silent and motionless, for they did not like this absolute and dangerous +defiance of their chief. + +"Tell me, then, Tato," he called in English, "what is the cause of this +trouble?" + +"I do not know, my father, except that these are friends of Signor +Merrick who have secretly followed me here." + +The carefully arranged programme gave Patsy a speech at this point, but +she had entirely forgotten it. + +"Let me explain," said Beth, coldly. "You have dared to detain in your +robbers' den the persons of Mr. Merrick and Count Ferralti. You have +also demanded a ransom for their release. That is brigandage, which is +denounced by the laws of Sicily. We have appealed to the authorities, +but they are helpless to assist us. Therefore, being Americans, we have +decided to assist ourselves. We command you to deliver to us on this +spot, safe and uninjured, the persons of our friends, and that without +any unnecessary delay." + +The Duke listened with a sneer. + +"And if we refuse, signorina?" + +"If you refuse--if you do not obey at once--I swear that I will shoot +your child, Tato, whose body yonder awaits my bullet. And afterward I +shall kill you." + +As she spoke she levelled the revolver and aimed it carefully at the +exposed body of the child. + +The brigand paled, and grasped the rock to steady himself. + +"Bah! No girl can shoot from that distance," he exclaimed, scornfully. + +"Indeed! Take care of your finger," called Beth, and a shot echoed +sharply along the mountain side. + +The brigand jumped and uttered a yell, at the same time whipping his +right hand underneath his left arm; for Beth's bullet had struck one of +his fingers and then flattened itself against the cliff. + +That settled all argument, as far as Il Duca was concerned; for he now +had ample evidence that the stern-eyed girl above him could shoot, and +was not to be trifled with. All his life he had ruled by the terror of +his threats; to-day he was suddenly vanquished by a determination he +dared not withstand. + +"Enough!" he cried. "Have your way." + +He spoke to his men in Italian, and they hastened through the tunnel, +glad to escape. + +Following their departure there was a brief silence, during which all +stood alert. Then, Tato, still half suspended against the cliff, said in +a clear, soft voice: + +"Father, if you think you can escape, let them shoot me, and keep your +prisoners. The money for their ransom I brought to this place, and they +will pay it even yet to save their friends from your vengeance. Do not +let these wild Americans defeat us, I beg of you. I am not afraid. Save +yourself, and let them shoot me, if they will!" + +Kenneth afterward declared that he thought "the jig was up" then, for +they had no intention whatever of harming Tato. It was all merely a bit +of American "bluff," and it succeeded because the brigand was a coward, +and dared not emulate his daughter's courage. + +"No, no, Tato!" cried the Duke, brokenly, as he wrung his hands in +anguish. "There is more money to be had, but I have only one child. They +shall not harm a hair of your head, my pretty one!" + +Patsy wanted to yell "bravo!" but wisely refrained. Her eyes were full +of tears, though, and her resolution at ebb tide. + +Fortunately the men had made haste. They returned with surprising +promptness, pushing the amazed prisoners before them. + +Uncle John, as he emerged from the tunnel, looked around upon the tragic +scene and gasped: + +"Well, I declare!" + +Count Ferralti was more composed, if equally surprised. He lifted his +hat politely to Beth and Patsy, and smiled with great satisfaction. + +"You are free," said Il Duca, harshly. "Go!" + +They lost no time in getting the brigands between themselves and the +mouth of the tunnel, and then Kenneth gently drew Tato to a place beside +him and assisted her to clamber down the path. + +"Good bye, little one," he said, pleasantly; "you're what we call a +'brick' in our country. I like you, and I'm proud of you." + +Tato did not reply. With streaming eyes she was examining her father's +shattered hand, and sobbing at sight of the blood that dripped upon the +rocks at his feet. + +"Get inside!" called Beth, sharply; "and close up that rock. Lively, +now!" + +The "girl who could shoot" still sat toying with her revolver, and the +mountaineers obeyed her injunction. The rock promptly closed, and the +group of Americans was left alone. + +Then Beth came slowly down to where Patsy was hugging Uncle John in a +wild frenzy of delight, and Count Ferralti was shaking Kenneth's hand +with a face eloquent of emotion. + +"Come," said she, her voice sounding faint and weary, "let us get away +from here. It was a pretty game, while it lasted, but I'll feel safer +when we are home again. Where's the money?" + +"I've got it," said Kenneth, holding up the package. + +"What! didn't you pay?" demanded Uncle John, astounded. + +"Of course not, dear," said Patsy, gleefully. "Did you think your nieces +would let you be robbed by a bunch of dagoes?" + +Ferralti caught hold of Beth's swaying form. + +"Look after your cousin," he said, sharply. "I think she has fainted!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +THE COUNT UNMASKS + + +"And now," said Uncle John, as he sat in their cosy sitting-room, +propped in an easy chair with his feet upon a stool, "it's about time +for you to give an account of yourselves, you young rascals." + +They had eaten a late but very satisfactory dinner at the +Castello-a-Mare, where the return of the missing ones was hailed with +joy by the proprietor and his assistants. Even the little bewhiskered +head-waiter, who resembled a jack-in-the-box more than he did a man, +strove to celebrate the occasion by putting every good thing the house +afforded before the returned guests. For, although they dared not +interfere to protect the victims of the terrible Il Duca, the hotel +people fully recognized the fact that brigandage was not a good +advertisement for Taormina, and hoped the "little incident" would not +become generally known. + +Old Silas Watson, dignified lawyer as he was, actually danced a hornpipe +when he beheld his old friend safe and sound. But he shook his head +reproachfully when he learned of the adventure his ward and the two +girls had undertaken with such temerity but marvelous success. + +Beth had quickly recovered from her weakness, although Kenneth had +insisted on keeping her arm all the way home. But the girl had been +silent and thoughtful, and would eat nothing at dinner. + +When they had gathered in their room to talk it all over the lawyer +thought his young friends deserved a reproof. + +"The money wasn't worth the risk, you crazy lunatics!" he said. + +"It wasn't the money at all," replied Patsy, demurely. + +"No?" + +"It was the principle of the thing. And wasn't Beth just wonderful, +though?" + +"Shucks!" said Kenneth. "She had to go and faint, like a ninny, and she +cried all the way home, because she had hurt the brigand's finger." + +The girl's eyes were still red, but she answered the boy's scornful +remark by saying, gravely: + +"I am sorry it had to be done. I'll never touch a revolver again as long +as I live." + +Uncle John gathered his brave niece into an ample embrace. + +"I'm very proud of you, my dear," he said, stroking her hair lovingly, +"and you mustn't pay any attention to that silly boy. I've always known +you were true blue, Beth, and now you have proved it to everyone. It may +have been a reckless thing to do, as Mr. Watson says, but you did it +like a major, and saved our self-esteem as well as our money." + +"Hurrah for Beth!" yelled the boy, changing his colors without a blush. + +"If you don't shut up, I'll box your ears," said his guardian, sternly. + +Uncle John and young Ferralti were the heroes of the evening. The little +old gentleman smoked a big cigar and beamed upon his nieces and friends +with intense satisfaction, while Ferralti sat glum and silent beside +Louise until an abrupt challenge from Mr. Merrick effectually aroused +him. + +"I've only one fault to find with this young man," was the observation +referred to: "that he made our acquaintance under false pretenses. When +a fairly decent fellow becomes an impostor there is usually reason for +it, and I would like Count Ferralti--or whatever his name is--to give us +that reason and make a clean breast of his deception." + +Ferralti bowed, with a serious face, but looked significantly toward the +other members of the company. + +"Whatever you have to say should be heard by all," declared Uncle John, +answering the look. + +"Perhaps you are right, Mr. Merrick, and all present are entitled to an +explanation," answered the young man, slowly. "I may have been foolish, +but I believe I have done nothing that I need be ashamed of. +Fortunately, there is now no further reason for concealment on my part, +and in listening to my explanation I hope you will be as considerate as +possible." + +They were attentive enough, by this time, and every eye was turned, not +unkindly, upon the youth who had so long been an enigma to them +all--except, perhaps, to Louise. + +"I am an American by birth, and my name is Arthur Weldon." + +In the pause that followed Uncle John gave a soft whistle and Patsy +laughed outright, to the undisguised indignation of Louise. + +"Years ago," resumed the youth, "my father, who was a rich man, made a +trip to Sicily and, although I did not know this until recently, was +seized by brigands and imprisoned in the hidden valley we have just +left. There he fell in love with a beautiful girl who was the daughter +of the female brigand known as the Duchess of Alcanta, and who assisted +him to escape and then married him. It was a pretty romance at the time, +but when my father had taken his bride home to New York and became +immersed in the details of his business, his love grew cold and he began +to neglect his wife cruelly. He became a railway president and amassed +a great fortune, but was not so successful a husband as he was a +financier. The result was that the Sicilian girl, after some years of +unhappiness and suffering, deserted him and returned to her own country, +leaving her child, then three years old, behind her. To be frank with +you, it was said at the time that my mother's mind had become +unbalanced, or she would not have abandoned me to the care of a loveless +father, but I prefer to think that she had come to hate her husband so +bitterly that she could have no love for his child or else she feared +that her terrible mother would kill me if I came into her power. Her +flight mattered little to my father, except that it made him more stern +and tyrannical toward me. He saw me very seldom and confided my +education to servants. So I grew up practically unloved and uncared for, +and when the proper time arrived I was sent to college. My father now +gave me an ample allowance, and at the close of my college career called +me into his office and ordered me to enter the employ of the railway +company. I objected to this. I did not like the business and had other +plans for my future. But he was stubborn and dictatorial, and when I +continued unsubmissive he threatened to cast me off entirely and leave +his fortune to charity, since he had no other near relatives. He must +have thought better of this decision afterward, for he gave me a year to +decide whether or not I would obey him. At the end of that time, he +declared, I would become either a pauper or his heir, at my option. + +"It was during this year that I formed the acquaintance of your niece, +Miss Merrick, and grew to love her devotedly. Louise returned my +affection, but her mother, learning of my quarrel with my father, +refused to sanction our engagement until I was acknowledged his heir. I +was forbidden her house, but naturally we met elsewhere, and when I knew +she was going to Europe with you, sir, who had never seen me, we hit +upon what we thought was a happy and innocent plan to avoid the long +separation. I decided to go to Europe also, and without you or your +other nieces suspecting, my identity, attach myself to your party and +enjoy the society of Louise while she remained abroad. So I followed +you on the next ship and met you at Sorrento, where I introduced myself +as Count Ferralti--a name we had agreed I should assume before we parted +in America. + +"The rest of my story you know. My father was killed in an accident on +his own railroad, and I received the news while we were prisoners of the +brigand, whom I discovered to be my uncle, but who had no mercy upon me +because of the relationship. To-night, on my return here, I found a +letter from my father's attorney, forwarded from my bankers in Paris. +Through my father's sudden death I have inherited all his wealth, as he +had no time to alter his will. Therefore Mrs. Merrick's objection to me +is now removed, and Louise has never cared whether I had a penny or +not." + +He halted, as if not knowing what more to say, and the little group of +listeners remained quiet because it seemed that no remark from them was +necessary. Young Weldon, however, was ill at ease, and after hitching +nervously in his chair he addressed Uncle John in these words: + +"Sir, you are the young lady's guardian for the present, as she is in +your charge. I therefore ask your consent to our formal engagement." + +"Not any," said Uncle John, decidedly. "I'll sanction no engagement of +any children on this trip. You are wrong in supposing I am Louise's +guardian--I'm just her chum and uncle. It's like cradle-snatching to +want to marry a girl of sixteen, and you ought to be ashamed of +yourself, for you can't be much more than twenty-one yourself. While +Louise is in my care I won't have any entanglements of any sort, so +you'll have to wait till you get home and settle the business with her +mother." + +"Very wise and proper, sir," said Mr. Watson, nodding gravely. + +Louise's cheeks were flaming. + +"Do you intend to drive Arthur away, Uncle?" she asked. + +"Why should I, my dear? except that you've both taken me for a blind old +idiot and tried to deceive me. Let the boy stay with us, if he wants +to, but he'll have to cut out all love-making and double-dealing from +this time on--or I'll take you home in double-quick time." + +The young man seemed to resent the indictment. + +"The deception seemed necessary at the time, sir," he said, "and you +must not forget the old adage that 'all's fair in love and war.' But I +beg that you will forgive us both and overlook our fault, if fault it +was. Hereafter it is our desire to be perfectly frank with you in all +things." + +That was a good way to disarm Uncle John's anger, and the result was +immediately apparent. + +"Very good," said the old gentleman; "if you are proper and obedient +children I've no objection to your being together. I rather like you, +Arthur Weldon, and most of your failings are due to the foolishness of +youth. But you've got to acquire dignity now, for you have suddenly +become a man of consequence in the world. Don't think you've got to +marry every girl that attracts you by her pretty face. This devotion to +Louise may be 'puppy-love,' after all, and--" + +"Oh, Uncle!" came a chorus of protest. + +"What, you rascals! are you encouraging this desperate fol-de-rol?" + +"You are too severe, Uncle John," said Patsy, smiling. "The trouble with +you is that you've never been in love yourself." + +"Never been in love!" He beamed upon the three girls with devotion +written all over his round, jolly face. + +"Then you're jealous," said Kenneth. "Give the poor kids a fair show, +Uncle John." + +"All right, I will. Arthur, my lad, join our happy family as one of my +kidlets, and love us all--but no one in particular. Eh? Until we get +home again, you know. We've started out to have the time of our lives, +and we're getting it in chunks--eh, girls?" + +"We certainly are, Uncle John!" Another chorus. + +"Well, what do you say, Arthur Weldon?" + +"Perhaps you are right, sir," answered the young man. "And, anyway, I am +deeply grateful for your kindness. I fear I must return home in a couple +of weeks, to look after business matters; but while I remain with you I +shall try to conduct myself as you wish." + +"That sounds proper. Is it satisfactory to you, Louise?" + +"Yes, Uncle." + +"Then we've settled Cupid--for a time, anyway. And now, my dears, I +think we have all had enough of Taormina. Where shall we go next?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +TATO IS ADOPTED + + +They canvassed the subject of their future travels with considerable +earnestness. Uncle John was bent upon getting to Rome and Venice, and +from there to Paris, and the nieces were willing to go anywhere he +preferred, as they were sure to enjoy every day of their trip in the old +world. But Mr. Watson urged them strongly to visit Syracuse, since they +were not likely to return to Sicily again and the most famous of all the +ancient historic capitals was only a few hours' journey from Taormina. +So it was finally decided to pass a week in Syracuse before returning to +the continent, and preparations were at once begun for their departure. + +Kenneth pleaded for one more day in which to finish his picture of Etna, +and this was allowed him. Uncle John nevertheless confessed to being +uneasy as long as they remained on the scene of his recent exciting +experiences. Mr. Watson advised them all not to stray far from the +hotel, as there was no certainty that Il Duca would not make another +attempt to entrap them, or at least to be revenged for their escape from +his clutches. + +On the afternoon of the next day, however, they were startled by a call +from the Duke in person. He was dressed in his usual faded velvet +costume and came to them leading by the hand a beautiful little girl. + +The nieces gazed at the child in astonishment. + +Tato wore a gray cloth gown, ill-fitting and of coarse material; but no +costume could destroy the fairy-like perfection of her form or the +daintiness of her exquisite features. With downcast eyes and a troubled +expression she stood modestly before them until Patsy caught her +rapturously in her arms and covered her face with kisses. + +"You lovely, lovely thing!" she cried. "I'm _so_ glad to see you again, +Tato darling!" + +The Duke's stern features softened. He sighed heavily and accepted +Uncle John's polite invitation to be seated. + +The little party of Americans was fairly astounded by this unexpected +visit. Kenneth regretted that he had left his revolver upstairs, but the +others remembered that the brigand would not dare to molest them in the +security of the hotel grounds, and were more curious than afraid. + +Il Duca's hand was wrapped in a bandage, but the damaged finger did not +seem to affect him seriously. Beth could not take her eyes off this +dreadful evidence of her late conflict, and stared at it as if the +bandage fascinated her. + +"Signore," said the Duke, addressing Uncle John especially, "I owe to +you my apologies and my excuses for the annoyance I have caused to you +and your friends. I have the explanation, if you will so kindly permit +me." + +"Fire away, Duke," was the response. + +"Signore, I unfortunately come of a race of brigands. For centuries my +family has been lawless and it was natural that by education I, too, +should become a brigand. In my youth my father was killed in an affray +and my mother took his place, seizing many prisoners and exacting from +them ransom. My mother you have seen, and you know of her sudden madness +and of her death. She was always mad, I think, and by nature a fiend. +She urged my elder brother to wicked crimes, and when he rebelled she +herself cast him, in a fit of anger, into the pit. I became duke in his +place, and did my mother's bidding because I feared to oppose her. But +for years I have longed to abandon the life and have done with crime. + +"With me our race ends, for I have no sons. But my one child, whom you +know as Tato, I love dearly. My greatest wish is to see her happy. The +last few days have changed the fortunes of us both. The Duchessa is +gone, and at last I am the master of my own fate. As for Tato, she has +been charmed by the young American signorini, and longs to be like them. +So we come to ask that you forgive the wrong we did you, and that you +will now allow us to be your friends." + +Uncle John was amazed. + +"You have decided to reform, Duke?" he asked. + +"Yes, signore. Not alone for Tato's sake, but because I loathe the life +of brigandage. See; here is my thought. At once I will disband my men +and send them away. My household effects I will sell, and then abandon +the valley forever. Tato and I have some money, enough to live in quiet +in some other land, where we shall be unknown." + +"A very good idea, Duke." + +"But from my respect for you, Signer Merreek, and from my daughter's +love for your nieces--the brave and beautiful signorini--I shall dare to +ask from you a favor. But already I am aware that we do not deserve it." + +"What is it, sir?" + +"That you take my Tato to keep for a few weeks, until I can send away my +men and arrange my affairs here. It would be unpleasant for the child +here, and with you she will be so happy. I would like the sweet +signorini to buy nice dresses, like those they themselves wear, for my +little girl, and to teach her the good manners she could not gain as +the brigand's daughter. Tato has the money to pay for everything but the +kindness, if you will let her stay in your society until I can claim +her. I am aware that I ask too much; but the Signorina Patsy has said to +my child that they would always be friends, whatever might happen, and +as I know you to be generous I have dared to come to you with this +request. I only ask your friendship for my Tato, who is innocent. For +myself, after I have become a good man, then perhaps you will forgive +me, too." + +Uncle John looked thoughtful; the old lawyer was grave and listened +silently. Patsy, her arms still around the shrinking form of the child, +looked pleadingly at her uncle. Beth's eyes were moist and Louise smiled +encouragingly. + +"Well, my dears? The Duke is certainly not entitled to our friendship, +as he truly says; but I have nothing against little Tato. What do you +advise?" + +"Let us keep her, and dress her like the beautiful doll she is, and love +her!" cried Patsy. + +"She shall be our adopted cousin," said Louise. + +"Tato is good stuff!" declared Kenneth. + +"Well, Beth?" + +"It seems to me, Uncle," said the girl, seriously, "that if the Duke +really wishes to reform, we should give him a helping hand. The little +girl has led a bad life only because her father forced her to lure his +victims and then procure the money for their ransoms; but I am sure her +nature is sweet and pure, and she is so young that she will soon forget +the evil things she has learned. So I vote with my cousins. Let us adopt +Tato, and care for her until her father can introduce her into a new and +more proper life." + +"Well argued, Beth," said Uncle John, approvingly. "I couldn't have put +the case better myself. What do you say, Silas Watson?" + +"That you are all quite right," answered the old lawyer. "And the best +part of the whole thing, to me, is the fact that this nest of brigands +will be wiped out of existence, and Taormina be hereafter as safe for +tourists as old Elmhurst itself. I wish I could say as much for the rest +of Sicily." + +Uncle John extended his hand to the Duke, who took it gratefully, +although with a shamefaced expression that was perhaps natural under the +circumstances. + +"Look up, dear," said Patsy to the girl, softly; "look up and kiss me. +You've been adopted, Tato! Are you glad?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +DREAMS AND DRESS-MAKING + + +Tato was now one of the family. They left Taormina the next day, and +Frascatti drove all the girls in his victoria to the station. + +"You must come again, signorini," said he, looking regretful at their +departure. "Next year the fountain of the ice cream soda will be in +operation, like those you have in Chicago, which is America. Our culture +increases with our civilization. It is even hinted that Il Duca is to +abandon our island forever. He has been interesting to us, but not +popular, and you will not miss him when you come again to find he is not +here. If this time he has caused you an inconvenience, I am sorry. It is +regrettable, but,--" + +"But it is so!" said Patsy, laughing. + +Tato was again transformed. Patricia, who was the smallest of the three +nieces, though not especially slim, had quickly altered one of her own +pretty white gowns to fit the child, and as she was deft with her needle +and the others had enthusiastically assisted her, Tato now looked more +like a fairy than ever. + +It was really wonderful what a suitable dress could do for the tiny +Sicilian maid. She had lost her free and boyish manner and become shy +and retiring with strangers, although when in the society of the three +nieces she was as sweet and frank as ever. She wore her new gown +gracefully, too, as if well accustomed to feminine attire all her life. +The only thing now needed, as Patsy said, was time in which to grow her +hair, which had always been cut short, in boyish fashion. + +They were a merry party when they boarded the train for Syracuse, and +Uncle John arranged with the guard to secure two adjoining compartments +all to themselves, that they might have plenty of room. + +"Where did you put the money, Uncle John?" Beth whispered, when at last +they were whirling along and skirting the base of Mt. Etna toward the +Catania side. + +"I've hidden it in my trunk," he replied, in the same confidential tone. +"There is no bank in this neighborhood to receive it, so I decided to +carry it with us." + +"But will it be safe in the trunk?" she enquired. + +"Of course, my dear. Who would think of looking there for fifty thousand +dollars? And no one knows we happen to have so much money with us." + +"What did the Count--I mean, Mr. Weldon--do with his ransom?" + +"Carries it in his satchel, so he can keep it with him and have an eye +on it. It's a great mistake, Beth, to do such a thing as that. It'll +make him uneasy every minute, and he won't dare to let a _facchino_ +handle his grip. But in my case, on the other hand, I know it's +somewhere in the baggage car, so I don't have to worry." + +The journey was a delightful one. The road skirted the coast through the +oldest and most picturesque part of Sicily, and it amazed them to +observe that however far they travelled Etna was always apparently next +door, and within reaching distance. + +At Aci Castello they were pointed out the seven Isles of the Cyclops, +which the blind Polyphemus once hurled after the crafty Ulysses. Then +they came to Catania, which is the second largest city in Sicily, but +has little of historic interest. Here they were really at the nearest +point to the mighty volcano, but did not realize it because it always +seemed to be near them. Eighteen miles farther they passed Leontinoi, +which in ancient days dared to rival Siracusa itself, and an hour later +the train skirted the bay and Capo Santa Panagia and slowly came to a +halt in that city which for centuries dominated all the known world and +was more powerful and magnificent in its prime than Athens +itself--Syracuse. + +The day had become cloudy and gray and the wind whistled around them +with a chill sweep as they left their coach at the station and waited +for Kenneth to find carriages. Afterward they had a mile to drive to +their hotel; for instead of stopping in the modern town Uncle John had +telegraphed for rooms at the Villa Politi, which is located in the +ancient Achradina, at the edge of the Latomia de Cappuccini. By the time +they arrived there they were blue with cold, and were glad to seek the +warm rooms prepared for them and pass the remainder of the afternoon +unpacking and "getting settled." + +"I'm afraid," said Patsy, dolefully, "that we shall miss the bright +sunshine and warmth of Taormina, Tato." + +"Oh, it is not always warm there, nor is it always cold here," replied +the child. "Indeed, signorina, I have heard that the climate of Siracusa +is very delightful." + +"It doesn't look it," returned Patsy; "but it may improve." + +The interior of the hotel was comfortable, though, however bleak the +weather might be outside. A good dinner put them all in a better humor +and they passed the evening watching the strangers assembled in the +parlors and wondering where they had come from and who they were. + +"That money," whispered Uncle John to Beth, as he kissed her good +night, "is still as safe as can be. I've lost the key to my trunk, and +now I can't even get at it myself." + +"Lost it!" she exclaimed. + +"Yes; but that won't matter. It's the big trunk that holds the things I +don't often use, and if I can't unlock it no one else can, that's +certain. So I shall rest easy until I need something out of it, and then +I'll get a locksmith to pick the lock." + +"But I wish you hadn't lost the key," said the girl, thoughtfully. + +"Strikes me it's good luck. Pleasant dreams, my dear. I can fancy Arthur +Weldon lying awake all night with his dreadful thirty thousand tucked +under his pillow. It's a great mistake to carry so much money with you, +Beth, for you're sure to worry about it." + +The next morning when they came down to breakfast they were all amazed +at the gorgeous sunshine and the genial temperature that had followed +the dreary afternoon of their arrival. Syracuse was transformed, and +from every window of the hotel the brilliant glow of countless flowers +invited one to wander in the gardens, which are surpassed by few if any +in the known world. + +The Villa Politi stood so near the edge of a monstrous quarry that it +seemed as if it might topple into the abyss at any moment. Our friends +were on historic ground, indeed, for these quarries--or latomia, as they +are called--supplied all the stone of which the five cities of ancient +Syracuse were built--cities which in our age have nearly, if not quite, +passed out of existence. The walls of the quarry are a hundred feet in +depth, and at the bottom are now acres upon acres of the most delightful +gardens, whose luxuriance is attributable to the fact that they are +shielded from the winds while the sun reaches them nearly all the day. +There are gardens on the level above, and beautiful ones, too; but these +in the deep latomia are the most fascinating. + +The girls could scarcely wait to finish breakfast before rushing out to +descend the flights of iron steps that lead to the bottom of the vast +excavation. And presently they were standing on the ground below and +looking up at the vine covered cliffs that shut out all of the upper +world. + +It was peaceful here, and soothing to tired nerves. Through blooming +shrubbery and along quiet paths they might wander for hours, and at +every step find something new to marvel at and to delight the senses. + +Here were ancient tombs cut from the solid rock--one of them that of an +American midshipman who died in Syracuse and selected this impressive +and lovely vault for his burial place. And there stood the famous statue +of Archimedes, who used in life to wander in this very latomia. + +"Once," said Mr. Watson, musingly, "there were seven thousand Athenian +prisoners confined in this very place, and allowed to perish through +starvation and disease. The citizens of Syracuse--even the fine ladies +and the little children--used to stand on the heights above and mock at +the victims of their king's cruelty." + +"Couldn't they climb out?" asked Patsy, shuddering at the thought that +some of the poor prisoners might have died on the very spot her feet +now trod. + +"No, dear. And it is said the guards constantly patrolled the edge to +slay any who might venture to make the attempt." + +"Wasn't it dreadful!" she exclaimed. "But I'm glad they have made a +flower garden of it now. Somehow, it reminds me of a cemetery." + +But there were other interesting sights to be seen at Syracuse, and they +laid out a systematic programme of the places they would visit each +morning while they remained there. The afternoons were supposed to be +reserved for rest, but the girls were so eager to supply Tato with a +fitting wardrobe that they at once began to devote the afternoons to +shopping and dress-making. + +The child had placed in Uncle John's keeping a liberally supplied purse, +which the Duke wished to be applied to the purchase of whatever his +daughter might need or desire. + +"He wants me to dress as you do," said Tato, simply; "and because you +will know what is fitting my station and will be required in my future +life, he has burdened you with my society. It was selfish in my father, +was it not? But but--I wanted so much to be with you--because you are +good to me!" + +"And we're mighty glad to have you with us," answered Patsy. "It's no +end of fun getting a girl a whole new outfit, from top to toe; and, +aside from that, we already love you as if you were our little sister." + +Beth and Louise equally endorsed this statement; and indeed the child +was so sweet and pretty and so grateful for the least kindness bestowed +upon her that it was a pleasure to assist and counsel her. + +Tato looked even smaller in girls' clothing than in boys', and she +improved so rapidly in her manners by constantly watching the nieces +that it was hard to imagine she had until now been all unused to polite +society. Already they began to dread the day when her father would come +to claim her, and the girls and Uncle John had conceived a clever plan +to induce the Duke to let his daughter travel with them on the continent +and then go for a brief visit to them in America. + +"By that time," declared Louise, "Tato's education will be +accomplished, and she will be as refined and ladylike as any girl of her +age we know. Blood will tell, they say, and the monk who taught her must +have been an intelligent and careful man." + +"She knows more of history and languages than all the rest of us put +together," added Beth. + +"And, having adopted her, we mustn't do the thing by halves," concluded +Patsy; "so our darling little brigandess must tease her papa to let her +stay with us as long as possible." + +Tato smiled and blushed with pleasure. It was very delightful to know +she had such enthusiastic friends. But she was afraid the Duke would not +like to spare her for so long a time as a visit to America would +require. + +"You leave him to me," said Uncle John. "I'll argue the case clearly and +logically, and after that he will have to cave in gracefully." + +Meantime the dainty gowns and pretty costumes were one by one finished +and sent to the hotel, and the girls ransacked the rather inadequate +shops of Syracuse for the smartest things in lingerie that could be +procured. As they were determined to "try everything on" and see how +their protege looked in her finery, Tato was now obliged to dress for +dinner and on every other possible occasion, and she not only astonished +her friends by her loveliness but drew the eye of every stranger as +surely as the magnet attracts the needle. + +Even in Sicily, where the Greek type of beauty to-day exists more +perfectly than in Helene, there were few to compare with Tato, and it +was only natural that the Americans should be very proud of her. + +Kenneth was sketching a bit of the quarry and the old monastery beyond +it, with the blue sea glimmering in the distance. Sometimes he would +join the others in their morning trips to the catacombs, the cathedrals +or the museum; but the afternoons he devoted to his picture, and the +others came to the gardens with him and sat themselves down to sew or +read beside his easel. + +Arthur Weldon was behaving very well indeed; and although a good deal of +the credit belonged to Louise, who managed him with rare diplomatic +ability, Uncle John grew to like the young man better each day, and had +no fault whatever to find with him. + +He was still rather silent and reserved; but that seemed a part of his +nature, inherited doubtless from his father, and when he chose to talk +his conversation was interesting and agreeable. + +Kenneth claimed that Arthur had a bad habit of "making goo-goo eyes" at +Louise; but the young man's manner was always courteous and judicious +when addressing her, and he managed to conceal his love with admirable +discretion--at least when others were present. + +Uncle John's private opinion, confided in secret to his friend Mr. +Watson, was that Louise "really might do worse; that is, if they were +both of the same mind when they grew up." + +And so the days passed pleasantly away, and the time for their departure +from Syracuse drew near. + +On the last morning all of them--with the exception of Tato, who pleaded +a headache--drove to the Latomia del Paradiso to see the celebrated "Ear +of Dionysius"--that vast cavern through which the tyrant is said to +have overheard every whisper uttered by the prisoners who were confined +in that quarry. There is a little room at the top of the cliff, also +built from the rock, where it is claimed Dionysius sat and played +eavesdropper; and it is true that one in that place can hear the +slightest sound uttered in the chamber below. + +Afterward the amphitheatre and the ancient street of the tombs were paid +a final visit, with a stop at San Giovanni, where St. Paul once +preached. And at noon the tourists returned to the hotel hungry but +enthusiastic, in time for the table-d'-hote luncheon. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +TATO WINS + + +"This is funny!" cried Patsy, appearing before Uncle John with a white +and startled face. "I can't find Tato anywhere." + +"And her new trunk is gone from her room, as well as her gowns and +everything she owns," continued Beth's clear voice, over her cousin's +shoulder. + +Uncle John stared at them bewildered. Then an expression of anxiety +crept over his kindly face. + +"Are you sure?" he asked. + +"There can't be a mistake, Uncle. She's just _gone_." + +"None of you has offended, or annoyed the child, I suppose?" + +"Oh, no, Uncle. She kissed us all very sweetly when we left her this +morning." + +"I can't understand it." + +"Nor can we." + +"Could her father have come for her, do you think?" suggested Mr. +Merrick, after a moment's thought. + +"I can't imagine her so ungrateful as to leave us without a word," said +Patsy. "I know Tato well, Uncle, and the dear child would not hurt our +feelings for the world. She loves us dearly." + +"But she's a queer thing," added Louise, "and I don't trust her +altogether. Sometimes I've surprised a look in her eyes that wasn't as +innocent and demure as she would have us imagine her." + +"Oh, Louise!" + +"And there's another reason." + +"What is it?" + +"She reformed too suddenly." + +Uncle John slapped his forehead a mighty blow as a suspicious and +dreadful thought flashed across his mind. But next instant he drew a +long breath and smiled again. + +"It was lucky I lost that key to the trunk," he observed, still a little +ashamed of his temporary lack of confidence in Tato. "It's been locked +ever since we left Taormina, so the child couldn't be tempted by that." + +"She wouldn't touch your money for the world!" said Patsy, indignantly. +"Tato is no thief!" + +"She comes of a race of thieves, though," Beth reminded her. + +"I wonder if Arthur's money is still safe," remarked Louise, following +the line of thought suggested. + +As if with one accord they moved down the hall to the door of the young +man's room. + +"Are you in, Arthur?" asked Uncle John, knocking briskly. + +"Yes, sir." + +He opened his door at once, and saw with surprise the little group of +anxious faces outside. + +"Is your money safe?" asked Uncle John. + +Weldon gave them a startled glance and then ran to his dresser and +pulled open a drawer. After a moment's fumbling he turned with a smile. + +"All safe, sir." + +Uncle John and his nieces were visibly relieved. + +"You see," continued Arthur, "I've invented a clever hiding-place, +because the satchel could not be left alone and I didn't wish to lug it +with me every step I took. So I placed the packages of bills inside the +leg of a pair of trousers, and put them in a drawer with some other +clothing at top and bottom. A dozen people might rummage in that drawer +without suspecting the fact that money is hidden there. I've come to +believe the place is as good as a bank; but you startled me for a +minute, with your question. What's wrong?" + +"Tato's gone." + +"Gone!" + +"Departed bag and baggage." + +"But your fifty thousand, sir. Is it safe?" + +"It has to be," answered Uncle John. "It is in a steel-bound, +double-locked trunk, to which I've lost the key. No bank can beat that, +my boy." + +"Then why did the child run away?" + +They could not answer that. + +"It's a mystery," said Patsy, almost ready to weep. "But I'll bet it's +that cruel, wicked father of hers. Perhaps he came while we were out and +wouldn't wait a minute." + +"What does the hall porter say?" asked Kenneth, who had joined the group +in time to overhear the last speech and guess what had happened. + +"Stupid!" cried Uncle John. "We never thought of the hall-porter. Come +back to our sitting room, and we'll have him up in a jiffy." + +The portiere answered his bell with alacrity. The Americans were liberal +guests. + +The young lady? Ah, she had driven away soon after they had themselves +gone. A thin-faced, dark-eyed man had called for her and taken her away, +placing her baggage on the box of the carriage. Yes, she had paid her +bill and tipped the servants liberally. + +"Just as I suspected!" cried Patsy. "That horrid duke has forced her to +leave us. Perhaps he was jealous, and feared we would want to keep her +always. Was she weeping and miserable, porter?" + +"No, signorina. She laughed and was very merry. And--but I had +forgotten! There is a letter which she left for the Signorina D'Oyle." + +"Where?" + +"In the office. I will bring it at once." + +He ran away and quickly returned, placing a rather bulky parcel in the +girl's hands. + +"You read it, Uncle John," she said. "There can't be anything private in +Tato's letter, and perhaps she has explained everything." + +He put on his glasses and then took the missive and deliberately opened +it. Tato wrote a fine, delicate hand, and although the English words +were badly spelled she expressed herself quite well in the foreign +tongue. With the spelling and lack of punctuation corrected, her letter +was as follows: + +"Dear, innocent, foolish Patsy: How astonished you will be to find I +have vanished from your life forever; and what angry and indignant words +you will hurl after poor Tato! But they will not reach me, because you +will not know in which direction to send them, and I will not care +whether you are angry or not. + +"You have been good to me, Patsy, and I really love you--fully as much +as I have fear of that shrewd and pretty cousin of yours, whose cold +eyes have made me tremble more than once. But tell Beth I forgive her, +because she is the only clever one of the lot of you. Louise thinks she +is clever, but her actions remind me of the juggler who explained his +tricks before he did them, so that the audience would know how skillful +he was." + +"But oh, Patsy, what simpletons you all are! And because you have been +too stupid to guess the truth I must bother to write it all down. For it +would spoil much of my satisfaction and enjoyment if you did not know +how completely I have fooled you. + +"You tricked us that day in the mountain glen, and for the first time an +Alcanta brigand lost his prisoners and his ransom money through being +outwitted. But did you think that was the end? If so you failed to +appreciate us. + +"Look you, my dear, we could have done without the money, for our family +has been robbing and accumulating for ages, with little need to expend +much from year to year. It is all in the Bank of Italy, too, and drawing +the interest, for my father is a wise man of business. That four hundred +thousand lira was to have been our last ransom, and after we had fairly +earned it you tricked us and did not pay. + +"So my father and I determined to get even with you, as much through +revenge as cupidity. We were obliged to desert the valley at once, +because we were getting so rich that the government officials became +uneasy and warned us to go or be arrested. So we consulted together and +decided upon our little plot, which was so simple that it has worked +perfectly. We came to you with our sad story, and you thought we had +reformed, and kindly adopted me as one of your party. It was so easy +that I almost laughed in your foolish faces. But I didn't, for I can +act. I played the child very nicely, I think, and you quite forgot I was +a brigand's daughter, with the wild, free blood of many brave outlaws +coursing in my veins. Ah, I am more proud of that than of my acting. + +"Innocent as I seemed, I watched you all carefully, and knew from +almost the first hour where the money had been put. I stole the key to +Uncle John's trunk on the train, while we were going from Taormina to +Syracuse; but I did not take the money from it because I had no better +place to keep it, and the only danger was that he would force the lock +some day. But Ferralti's money--I call him Ferralti because it is a +prettier name than Weldon--bothered me for a long time. At the first he +would not let that little satchel out of his sight, and when he finally +did he had removed the money to some other place. I searched his room +many times, but could not find his hiding place until last night. While +he was at dinner I discovered the bills in one of the drawers of his +dresser. + +"But for this difficulty I should have left your charming society +before, as my father has been secretly waiting for me for three days. +Having located Ferralti's money I waited until this morning and when you +had all left me I signalled to my father from my window and prepared to +disappear. It took but a few minutes to get the money from Uncle John's +trunk and Arthur's trouser-leg. Much obliged for it, I'm sure. Then I +packed up all my pretty dresses in my new trunk--for part of our plot +was to use your good taste in fitting me out properly--and now I am +writing this loving epistle before I leave. + +"We shall go to Paris or Vienna or Cairo or London--guess which! We +shall have other names--very beautiful ones--and be rich and dignified +and respected. When I grow older I think I shall marry a prince and +become a princess; but that will not interest you much, for you will not +know that the great princess is your own little Tato. + +"Tell Uncle John I have left the key to his trunk on the mantel, behind +the picture of the madonna. I stuffed papers into Arthur's trouser leg +to deceive him if he came back before I had a chance to escape. But I +hoped you would discover nothing until you read this letter, for I +wanted to surprise you. Have I? Then I am content. You tricked me once; +but I have tricked you at the last, and the final triumph is mine. + +"In spite of all, Patsy dear, I love you; for you are sweet and good, +and although I would not be like you for the world I can appreciate your +excellent qualities. Remember this when your anger is gone. I won't be +able to visit you in America, but I shall always think of you in a more +kindly way than I fear you will think of the Sicilian tomboy, TATO." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +A WAY TO FORGET + + +The faces of the group, as Uncle John finished reading, were worth +studying. Arthur Weldon was white with anger, and his eyes blazed. Silas +Watson stared blankly at his old friend, wondering if it was because he +was growing old that he had been so easily hoodwinked by this saucy +child. Beth was biting her lip to keep back the tears of humiliation +that longed to trickle down her cheeks. Louise frowned because she +remembered the hard things Tato had said of her. Patsy was softly crying +at the loss of her friend. + +Then Kenneth laughed, and the sound sent a nervous shiver through the +group. + +"Tato's a brick!" announced the boy, audaciously. "Can't you see, you +stupids, that the thing is a good joke on us all? Or are you too thin +skinned to laugh at your own expense?" + +"Oh, we can laugh," responded Uncle John, gravely. "But if Tato's a +brick it's because she is hard and insensible. The loss of the money +doesn't hurt me, but to think the wicked little lass made me love her +when she didn't deserve it is the hardest blow I have ever received." + +That made Patsy sob outright, while Louise ejaculated, with scorn: "The +little wretch!" + +"It serves us right for having confidence in a child reared to crime and +murder from the cradle," said Arthur, rather savagely. "I don't know how +much money I am worth, but I'd gladly spend another thirty thousand to +bring this wretched creature to justice." + +"Money won't do it," declared the lawyer, shaking his head regretfully. +"The rascals are too clever to be caught in Europe. It would be +different at home." + +"Well, the best thing to do is to grin and bear it, and forget the +unpleasant incident as soon as possible," said Uncle John. "I feel as if +I'd had my pocket picked by my best friend, but it isn't nearly as +disgraceful as being obliged to assist the thief by paying ransom +money. The loss amounts to nothing to either of us, and such treachery, +thank goodness, is rare in the world. We can't afford to let the thing +make us unhappy, my friends; so cheer up, all of you, and don't dwell +upon it any more than you can help." + +They left Syracuse a rather solemn group, in spite of this wise advice, +and journeyed back to Naples and thence to Rome. There was much to see +here, and they saw it so energetically that when they boarded the train +for Florence they were all fagged out and could remember nothing clearly +except the Coliseum and the Baths of Carracalla. + +Florence was just now a bower of roses and very beautiful. But Kenneth +lugged them to the galleries day after day until Uncle John declared he +hated to look an "old master" in the face. + +"After all, they're only daubs," he declared. "Any ten-year-old boy in +America can paint better pictures." + +"Don't let anyone hear you say that, dear," cautioned Patsy. "They'd +think you don't know good art." + +"But I do," he protested. "If any of those pictures by old masters was +used in a street-car 'ad' at home it would be money wasted, for no one +would look at them. The people wouldn't stand for it a minute." + +"They are wonderful for the age in which they were painted," said +Kenneth, soberly. "You must remember that we have had centuries in which +to improve our art, since then." + +"Oh, I've a proper respect for old age, I hope," replied Uncle John; +"but to fall down and worship a thing because it's gray-haired and +out-of-date isn't just my style. All of these 'Oh!'s' and 'Ahs!' over +the old masters are rank humbug, and I'm ashamed of the people that +don't know better." + +And now Arthur Weldon was obliged to bid good-bye to Louise and her +friends and take a train directly to Paris to catch the steamer for +home. His attorney advised him that business demanded his immediate +presence, and he was obliged to return, however reluctantly. + +Kenneth and Mr. Watson also left the party at Florence, as the boy +artist wished to remain there for a time to study the pictures that +Uncle John so bitterly denounced. The others went on to Venice, which +naturally proved to the nieces one of the most delightful places they +had yet seen. Mr. Merrick loved it because he could ride in a gondola +and rest his stubby legs, which had become weary with tramping through +galleries and cathedrals. These last monuments, by the way, had grown to +become a sort of nightmare to the little gentleman. The girls were +enthusiastic over cathedrals, and allowed none to escape a visit. For a +time Uncle John had borne up bravely, but the day of rebellion was soon +coming. + +"No cathedrals in Venice, I hope?" he had said on their arrival. + +"Oh, yes, dear; the loveliest one in the world! St. Mark's is here, you +know." + +"But no St. Paul's or St. Peter's?" + +"No, Uncle. There's the Saluta, and the--" + +"Never mind. We'll do that first one, and then quit. What they build so +many churches for I can't imagine. Nobody goes to 'em but tourists, that +I can see." + +He developed a streak of extravagance in Venice, and purchased Venetian +lace and Venetian glassware to such an extent that the nieces had to +assure him they were all supplied with enough to last them and their +friends for all time to come. Major Doyle had asked for a meerschaum +pipe and a Florentine leather pocket book; so Uncle John made a +collection of thirty-seven pipes of all shapes and sizes, and bought so +many pocketbooks that Patsy declared her father could use a different +one every day in the month. + +"But they're handy things to have," said her uncle, "and we may not get +to Europe again in a hurry." + +This was his excuse for purchasing many things, and it was only by +reminding him of the duty he would have to pay in New York that the +girls could induce him to desist. + +This customs tax worried the old gentleman at times. Before this trip he +had always believed in a protective tariff, but now he referred to the +United States customs as a species of brigandage worse than that of Il +Duca himself. + +They stopped at Milan to visit the great cathedral, and then raced +through Switzerland and made a dash from Luzerne to Paris. + +"Thank heaven," said Uncle John, "there are no cathedrals in gay Paree, +at any rate." + +"Oh, yes there are," they assured him. "We must see Notre Dame, anyway; +and there are a dozen other famous cathedrals." + +Here is where Uncle John balked. + +"See here, my dears," he announced, "Not a cathedral will I visit from +this time on! You can take a guide and go by yourselves if you feel you +can't let any get away from you. Go and find another of Mike Angelo's +last work; every church has got one. For my part, I've always been +religiously inclined, but I've been to church enough lately to last me +the rest of my natural life, and I've fully determined not to darken the +doors of another cathedral again. They're like circuses, anyhow; when +you've seen one, you've seen 'em all." + +No argument would induce him to abandon this position; so the girls +accepted his proposal and visited their beloved cathedrals in charge of +a guide, whose well of information was practically inexhaustible if not +remarkable for its clarity. + +The opera suited Uncle John better, and he freely revelled in the shops, +purchasing the most useless and preposterous things in spite of that +growing bugbear of the customs duties. + +But finally this joyous holiday came to an end, as all good things will, +and they sailed from Cherbourg for New York. + +Uncle John had six extra trunks, Patsy carried a French poodle that was +as much trouble as an infant in arms, and Louise engineered several +hat-boxes that could not be packed at the last minute. But the girls +embarked gay and rosy-cheeked and animated, and in spite of all the +excitement and pleasure that had attended their trip, not one of the +party was really sorry when the return voyage began. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +SAFE HOME + + +"To me," said Uncle John, as he stood on the deck and pointed proudly to +the statue of Liberty in New York harbor, "that is the prettiest sight +I've seen since I left home." + +"Prettier than the old masters, Uncle?" asked Patsy, mischievously. + +"Yes, or the cathedrals!" he retorted. + +When they reached the dock there was the Major waiting to receive Patsy +in a new checked suit with a big flower in his button-hole and a broad +smile on his jolly face. + +And there was Mrs. Merrick, too, with Arthur Weldon beside her, which +proved to Louise that he had succeeded in making his peace with her +mother. Also there were the stern-featured custom-house officials in +their uniforms, and the sight of them sent the cold chills flying down +Uncle John's spine. + +There was no one present to receive Beth, but her uncle tucked her arm +underneath his own with a proud gesture and kept her close beside him. +For the girl had quite won his loving old heart on this trip, and she +seemed to him more mature and far sweeter than when they had left home. + +But the greetings and the "brigandage" were soon over, and in good time +they were all assembled in the Doyle flat, where the joyous Major had +prepared an elaborate dinner to celebrate the return of the wanderers. + +"We've a million pipes and pocket-books for you, daddy," whispered +Patsy, hugging him for the twentieth time; "and I've got a thousand +things to tell you about our adventures in strange lands." + +"Save 'em till we're alone," said the Major; "they're too good to waste +on a crowd." + +Mr. Merrick was placed at the head of the table to make a speech. It was +brief and to the point. + +"I promised these young ladies to give them time of their lives," he +said, "Did I do it, girls?" + +And in a lively chorus they answered: + +"You did, Uncle John!" + + + + + * * * * * + + This story is one of the delightful "Aunt Jane Series" in + which are chronicled the many interesting adventures in the + lives of those fascinating girls and dear old "Uncle John." + The other volumes can be bought wherever books are sold. A + complete list of titles, which is added to from time to + time, is given on page 2 of this book. + + (Complete catalog sent free on request.) + + +Exhilarating Books for Girls of Today + + + + + +The Flying Girl Series + + +_By_ EDITH VAN DYNE + +_Author of "Aunt Jane's Nieces" Series_ + +Capital up-to-the-minute stories for girls and young people, in which +the author is at her very best. Thrilling and full of adventure, but of +that wholesome type parents are glad to put in the hands of their +daughters. Two titles: + +[Illustration] + + +The Flying Girl + +Orissa Kane, self-reliant and full of sparkling good nature, under-study +for her brother, prospective inventor and aviator whose experiments put +the Kane family into great difficulties, in the crisis proves +resourceful and plucky, and saves the day in a most thrilling manner. + + +The Flying Girl and Her Chum + +This story takes Orissa and her friend Sybil through further adventures +that test these two clever girls to the limit. A remarkably well told +story. + + _12mo. Bound in extra cloth with design stamping on cover + and fancy jacket. Printed on high grade paper. Illustrated + in black and white_. + + _Price 60 cents each. Postage 12 cents_. + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + +The Captain Becky Series + +_By_ + +MARGARET LOVE SANDERSON + +Resourceful, self-reliant, sunny-natured Captain Becky will find many +friends among girl readers. The Captain Becky Series is a noteworthy +contribution to books for girls--distinctive and individual in every +detail, inside and out. + +Two very much alive stories of a girl who makes things happen--who is a +_doer_. Whether she is on cruise on the picturesque Indian River in +Florida or in laughable masquerade among the old homesteads of New +Hampshire, her experiences are worth writing about--and worth reading. +Two titles: + +Captain Becky's Winter Cruise. +Captain Becky's Masquerade. + +_Attractive binding; cover inlay in full color. Frontispiece for each by +Norman Hall. Price 60 cents._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_Books for Older Children by L. Frank Baum_ + + + + + +The Daring Twins Series + +_By_ L. FRANK BAUM + +[Illustration] + +In writing "The Daring Twins Series" Mr. Baum yielded to the hundreds of +requests that have been made of him by youngsters, both boys and girls, +who in their early childhood read and loved his famous "Oz" books, to +write a story for young folk of the ages between twelve and eighteen. + +A story of the real life of real boys and girls in a real family under +real conditions + +_Two Titles_: + +The Daring Twins +Phoebe Daring + +While preparing these books Mr. Baum lived with his characters. They +have every element of the drama of life as it begins within the lives of +children. The two stories are a mixture of the sublime and the +ridiculous; the foibles and fancies of childhood, interspersed with +humor and pathos. + +_Price, $1.00 each_ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + +Azalea + +_By_ ELIA W. PEATTIE + +The first book of the "Blue Ridge" Series + +Azalea is the heroine of a good, wholesome story that will appeal to +every mother as the sort of book she would like her daughter to read. In +the homy McBirneys of Mt. Tennyson, down in the Blue Ridge country, and +their hearty mountain neighbors, girl readers will find new friends they +will be glad to make old friends. + +This book marks a distinct advance in the quality of books offered for +girls. No lack of action--no sacrifice of charm. + + _Four half-tone illustrations from drawings by Hazel + Roberts. Attractive cover design, $1.00._ + +[Illustration: Azalea] + +The second title in THE BLUE RIDGE SERIES will be published in 1913 + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + +ANNABEL + +_By_ SUSANNE METCALF + + +A GIRLS' book with a clever, quick-moving plot is unusual. ANNABEL is +that kind. The heroine is a lovable girl, but one with plenty of +snap--her red hair testifies to that. Her friend, Will Carden, too, is a +boy of unusual qualities, as is apparent in everything he does. He and +Annabel make an excellent team. + +[Illustration] + +The two, the best of chums, retrieve the fortunes of the Carden family +in a way that makes some exciting situations. The secret of the +mysterious Mr. Jordan is surprised by Annabel, while Will, in a trip to +England with an unexpected climax, finds the real fortune of the +Cardens. + +ANNABEL is a book whose make-up is in keeping with the high quality of +the story. + +_Beautiful cover and jacket in colors, 12 mo. Illustrated by Joseph +Pierre Nuyttens. Price 60 cents_ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_A Novelty Every Girl Wants_ + + + + +The Girl Graduate + +HER OWN BOOK + +In which to keep the happy record of her last year at school or +college--a book she will keep and prize always. + +There is a place for everything dear to the girl graduate's heart and +memory--class flower, color, yell, motto, photographs, jokes and +frolics. + +Departments for social events, officers, teachers, invitations, +baccalaureate sermon, programmes, presents, press notices, class +prophecy and various "doings." + +THE GIRL GRADUATE is equally appropriate for young girls +leaving grade or high schools and their older sisters who have +"finished" at college or boarding school. It makes a suitable present at +any season of the year. + +_FIFTEENTH EDITION. Revised and Improved_ + +Dainty designs in delicate colorings on pearl gray stationery. Cover to +match, with a trellis of roses in tints and decorations in gold. + +_8vo. 200 pages. Decorated on every page. Each book put up in an +attractive gray box. Price $1.50. Swiss velvet ooze, price $2.50. Full +leather, gold edges, De Luxe edition, price $3.00. Commencement edition, +crushed levant, price $6.00._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_A Memory Book for Younger Girls_ + + + + +School-Girl Days + +_Designed by_ + +CLARA POWERS WILSON + + +A school memory book appropriate for girls of the upper grammar grades +through high school, private school and normal school. New and exquisite +illustrations, printed in two colors on specially made tinted paper, +having a good writing surface. + + Cloth Edition + + _Bound in fancy cloth with fetching cover design in five + colors and gold. Large 8vo. 192 pages. In beautiful box. + Price $1.25_ + + + Classmates Edition + + _Swiss Velvet Ooze. Silk Marker. Special Box. Price $2.00_ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_An Ideal Book for Young Travelers_ + + + + +Travel Notes Abroad + +MY OWN RECORD + +[Illustration] + +_Arranged by_ + +CLARA POWERS WILSON + +It would be hard to imagine a girl who does not want a real record of +the ecstatic joys of her first glimpses of foreign lands. This very +attractive book is the first of its kind, and will be found to provide +for every kind of an experience that comes to young American travelers. + +There are departments for recording the itinerary, the events of the +trip across, friends met, autographs, expenses, different general +divisions for the various countries, places to keep a memorandum of +hotels where the travelers stayed, also of restaurants, shops, +galleries, and purchases, the return trip, etc., etc. + + _TRAVEL NOTES ABROAD is profusely illustrated and decorated + in two colors with striking cover design, and inclosed in a + box. Price, cloth, $1.50; leather, $3.00._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + The + Boys' + Big + Game + Series + +[Illustration] + + +THE GIANT MOOSE. The monarch of the big Northwest; a story told over +camp fires in the reek of cedar smoke and the silence of the barrens. + +THE WHITE TIGER OF NEPAL. The weird story of the man-killer of the +foothills. Tinged with the mysticism of India, dramatic and stirring. + +THE BLIND LION OF THE CONGO. A story of the least known part of the +earth and its most feared beast. A gripping tale of the land of the +white pigmies. + +THE KING BEAR OF KADIAK ISLAND. A tale of the bully of the Frozen +North and his mysterious guardian. A game-and-man-story that makes a +good boy-story. + + + _The topnotch of production in boys' books. Remarkable + covers and four-color jackets. Illustrations and + cover designs by Dan Sayre Grosbeck._ + + Price, 60 cents each + + The REILLY & BRITTON CO. + PUBLISHERS, CHICAGO + + + + The + Boy Scouts + of the Air Books + +_By_ GORDON STUART + +[Illustration] + + Are stirring stories of adventure in which real boys, + clean-cut and wide-awake, do the things other wide-awake + boys like to read about. + + _Four titles, + per volume, + 60 cents_ + + THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR AT EAGLE CAMP + + THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR AT GREENWOOD SCHOOL + + THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR IN INDIAN LAND + + THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR IN NORTHERN WILDS + +_Splendid Illustrations by Norman Hall_ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +_The Best Aviation Stories for Boys_ + + + + + The + Aeroplane + Boys + Series + + _By_ + ASHTON LAMAR + +[Illustration: THE AEROPLANE BOYS SERIES + +WHEN SCOUT MEETS SCOUT + +ASHTON LAMAR] + +[Illustration: THE AEROPLANE BOYS SERIES + +BATTLING THE BIGHORN + +ASHTON LAMAR] + + +These are the newest and most exciting books of aeroplane adventure. A +special point is the correctness of the aviation details. + + +_1. IN THE CLOUDS FOR UNCLE SAM + Or, Morey Marshall of the Signal Corps_ + +_2. THE STOLEN AEROPLANE + Or, How Bud Wilson Made Good_ + +_3. THE AEROPLANE EXPRESS + Or, The Boy Aeronaut's Grit_ + +_4. THE BOY AERONAUTS' CLUB + Or, Flying for Fun_ + +_5. A CRUISE IN THE SKY + Or, The Legend of the Great Pink Pearl_ + +_6. BATTLING THE BIGHORN + Or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies_ + +_7. WHEN SCOUT MEETS SCOUT + Or, The Aeroplane Spy_ + + + _Fully illustrated. Colored frontispiece. + Cloth, 12mo. 60 cents each._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + + + +[Illustration: The Famous AIRSHIP BOYS SERIES] + +_By_ H.L. SAYLER + +_SEVEN TITLES_ + +1. THE AIRSHIP BOYS Or, The Quest of the Aztec Treasure +2. THE AIRSHIP BOYS ADRIFT Or, Saved by an Aeroplane +3. THE AIRSHIP BOYS DUE NORTH Or, By Balloon to the Pole +4. THE AIRSHIP BOYS IN THE BARREN LANDS Or, The Secret of the White + Eskimos +5. THE AIRSHIP BOYS IN FINANCE Or, The Flight of the Flying Cow +6. THE AIRSHIP BOYS' OCEAN FLYER Or, New York to London in Twelve Hours +7. THE AIRSHIP BOYS AS DETECTIVES Or, On Secret Service in Cloudland + +Fascinating stories of that wonderful region of invention where +imagination and reality so nearly meet. There is no more interesting +field for stories for wide-awake boys. Mr. Sayler combines a remarkable +narrative ability with a degree of technical knowledge that makes these +books correct in all airship details. Full of adventure without being +sensational. + + _The make-up of these books is strictly up-to-date and + fetching. The covers are emblematic, and the jackets are + showy and in colors. The illustrations are full of dash and + vim. Standard novel size, 12mo. Price $1.00 each._ + + * * * * * + + Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago + + +[Transcriber's note: The word "to" was inserted into the sentence "Next +him was a dandified appearing man" in Chapter XVIII] + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES ABROAD*** + + +******* This file should be named 16566.txt or 16566.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/5/6/16566 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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