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 J

w reposing in Mr. Merrick's pocket, and he promptly decided to make use of it in

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 int

John through the vast building, up a flight of steps, and so to a large covered balco

uniform gorgeous, his dark, heavy moustaches carefully waxed, his handsome face as ingenuous and merry as a schoolboy's, greeted the American

ou and the sweet signorini are to see our lovely Naples under tribulations so very great. But yesterday, in all the world is no city s

hink of the wisdom of our staying here? Is it saf

the observatory, where His Majesty's faithful servant still remains, come telegrams that the great pebbles-what we call scoria-have ruine

ly what the blamed hill may do next. I don't like to take chances with th

n away from the others, although doubtless he was the only offic

are you

after your sick mo

mand. At my home in the Viala Elena are a wife and two children, who, should danger that is seriou

rangement," s

an 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 d

ncle John, gratefully. "I shall go

, and so black one can nothing at all observe. To-morrow it will be better, a

a glass of vermouth-a harmless drink of which all Italians ar

, 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 c

reat elation of his new friend, and how they were

ow when danger thre

pon the door. The concierge was standing in the passage and beside him was a soldier

said the concierge, respectfully-the fi

his hat with a flou

ut should he approach you at any time and beckon you to follow him, do so at once, and without hesitation

ier and the concierge had withdrawn. "This Italian friend doesn't do th