Part 12 (1/2)
”At one time the United States bought quant.i.ties of lemons from Sicily.
Now the Americans are growing their own.
”There is a volcano on the island called Mt. Etna. Great sulphur mines were made by this volcano, and for years Sicily supplied the world with sulphur. But now the United States also supplies sulphur.
”Another volcano is that of Stromboli. It is an island off the coast of Sicily. For two thousand years this fire island has been like a glowing torch in the water. It is therefore called the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean Sea.
”And while we are speaking of volcanoes, here is the terrible story of Pompeii. I have told you many legends, but this tale is true.
”Hundreds of years ago a beautiful little city called Pompeii nestled at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius.
”Here men, women, and children lived happy, carefree lives. Their houses were small jewels. They feasted and lived in luxury. Pompeii was a pleasure city.
”Then, one day, a frightful thing happened. The volcano, Vesuvius, grew very angry. Black smoke gushed from the hole in her great head. Ashes and hot stones came tumbling down upon Pompeii. The earth rocked.
Thunder roared. Darkness fell upon the town. People fled, groping their way through the streets.
”Next day Pompeii, the jewel city, lay buried beneath the earth.”
Tony felt a chill run up his back. He glanced at the fire-mountain behind the house. Then he looked into the window again. Anna lay very still in her father's arms.
Anna had heard that story many times. Besides, Anna was very young.
She was now asleep!
”Wake up, little sleepy one,” said her father. He smoothed her hair gently.
Anna stirred and rubbed her eyes. She had been dreaming about Tony. Oh, Tony, your secret is in danger!
All at once she sat up straight and looked about in a startled way.
She cried, ”I must go out to Tony, Papa! I promised to bring him a blanket!”
CHAPTER IX
THE BURIED CITY
Tony clutched Tina and started. Anna's father looked at his daughter in a puzzled way.
”Who is Tony and what do you mean?” he asked.
Then poor little Anna's heart sank. She had given away her friend's secret!
Tony balanced himself on his toes, squatting, ready to run. He saw Anna burst into tears, heard her pour out her whole story.
”He is such a poor little boy, Papa!” she wept. ”He is so hungry and cold! But I promised I would not tell and now ... oh....”
She sobbed pitifully. Her father held her close.