Part 19 (1/2)

Most boys, perhaps, under these circ.u.mstances, would have asked why, in order that, after hearing their uncle's objections to their plans, they might argue against them. But Rollo knew very well that this would be very bad policy for him.

”If uncle George finds that he has a long argument to maintain against me, every time that he refuses me any thing,” said he to himself, ”he will soon get tired of having me under his care.”

So he acquiesced at once in what he perceived was his uncle's opinion, and resolved to tell Copley, when he saw him, that he could not go to Ostia.

Copley was to have called that evening at Rollo's room, to obtain his answer; but on further reflection, he concluded not to do so.

Indeed, he had a secret feeling that neither Rollo's uncle nor his own brother would approve of the plan of two such boys going alone, in such a country, on an expedition which was entirely outside of the usual range of tourists and travellers. That this expedition _was_ outside the range was evident from the character of the steamboat that the boys had seen, which was evidently not intended for the conveyance of ladies and gentlemen, but of people of the country--and those, moreover, of the lowest cla.s.s.

So Copley concluded that if he were to go at all to Ostia, it would be necessary for him to go by stealth, and he resolved not to say any thing about his plan to his brother or sister. He was very sure, too, that Rollo would fail of obtaining his uncle's consent. So he concluded to say no more to Rollo on the subject, but instead of that, he proposed the plan to another boy of his acquaintance, who lodged with his friends at another hotel.

”The best way will be,” said he, when he made the proposal, ”for us not to tell any body where we are going.”

”Then they'll wonder where we are,” said the boy, ”and be frightened half to death about us.”

”But we can leave word when we go, with the porter of the hotel, or the concierge,” said Copley, ”that we have gone down the river in the steamboat, and shall not be back till night.”

”Good,” said the other boy; ”that's what we'll do.”

Accordingly, the next morning, the two boys left word at their respective hotels where they were going, and set forth. They stole away very secretly, and after running round the corner, they crept along close to the wall of the hotel, until they thought they were at a safe distance. They reached the boat in good season, went on board, and in due time set sail.

About ten o'clock, when the two boys had been gone about an hour, Mr.

William began to miss his brother, and to wonder where he had gone. So he rang the bell, and his courier came into the room.

”Pacifico,” said Mr. William, ”do you know where Copley is?”

”No, sir,” said Pacifico; ”I did not see him from since it was nine o'clock.”

”Go down below,” said Mr. William, ”and inquire of the concierge and the porters if they have seen him, or know where he is.”

Mr. William followed Pacifico as he went out, in order to speak a moment to a friend of his who occupied the next apartment. As he came back he met Pacifico at the head of the stairs, and received his answer there.

The answer was, that Copley had gone down the river to Ostia with another boy.

Mr. William was greatly astonished to hear this. He, however, said nothing to Pacifico, but after pausing a moment, as if reflecting upon what he had heard, he went back into his own apartment.

”Maria,” said he, addressing his young wife, ”where do you think Copley has gone?”

”I cannot imagine,” said Maria.

”He has gone down the Tiber in the steamer to Ostia,” replied Mr.

William.

”Is it possible?” exclaimed Maria, in astonishment.

”Yes,” said William; ”and I am very glad of it.”

”Glad of it?” repeated Maria, surprised more and more.

”Yes,” said Mr. William; ”for it decides me what to do. I shall send him home with his uncle. I have been half inclined to do this for some time, and this settles the question. It destroys all the peace and comfort of our journey to have a boy with us that is determined to have his own way, without regard to the inconvenience or anxiety that he occasions me.”