Part 16 (2/2)

6 Don't fret I'll take care of you, and the boat too, as long as you like

7 I live in that house up there, and you can stay there till you hear from your friends

But Mrs Ludlo retreated, and before long she had a table set for their young guest, at which David took his seat, and ate with an appetite that had been sharpened by his long fast While at the table Ludlow questioned him more particularly about his friends, and where he had left theth, ”I should like very much to have you stay with us for a time; and if you could, I feel confident that I could show you ould well repay you

Are you aware that on this island is one of the wonders of the world--the farotto? I should like to take you there--but I see how it is As you say, your uncle will be ith anxiety about you, and will have no peace till he hears fro I can do for you, is to restore you to hie for a visit from you all on some future occasion”

David thanked hily upon the anxiety of Uncle Moses under the circumstances

”Well, o off at once, and I o with you Unfortunately there is a head wind, just now, so that we cannot go to Castellao over to Sorrento froe, or horses, to Castellareatly, and as Ludloas ready to start, he rose to go Mrs Ludlow bade hiood by, and pressed him affectionately to come back with his friends

In a short tiood sailor, and the as favorable for a passage to Sorrento

The distance was traversed quickly and pleasantly; and then, leaving the boat, they walked up into the toards the hotel, to see about getting a conveyance to Castellamare

As they approached the hotel they becareat and unusual crowd in front of it The crowd re there a few days before, and excited so back

”What's the matter?” asked Ludlow

”Thethem?”

”Safe? Pooh! why not?”

”They appear to be excited Hark! how they shout”

”O, nonsense! These Italians are always shouting”

But David still hesitated, and finally told Ludlow about the trouble with the tassel, and the old woman, and the hed heartily, and then proceeded to reassure David

”Don't be alarot so that'll make them keep at a respectful distance;”

and he touched his breast significantly ”A six-shooter, David,to carry about one in this country, and it is surprising how the native , and we--that is, I and my six-shooter'll--take care of you

Don't be uneasy They've got so else on their minds now”

With these words Ludloalked on, and David followed, full of fear

The crowd in front of the hotel was in a great state of rage and exciteainst theshutters, which had been closed by the terrified landlord; others were standing at a distance, and trying to find stones to throw Fortunately there were no loose stones of any size, few being larger than a pebble, and therefore, as yet, no very great dae had been done But the croas evidently capable of any a; and in the midst of them was an old woman, whose shouts and shrill criesand sti a beam to the house, which they evidently purposed to use as a battering-ram, so as to burst open the door

The ht of this woht at his hand, and tried to pull him back Ludlow turned in surprise

”It's the saitated voice, ”who chased me”

”Is it?” said Ludloith a sot ht”

Saying this, Ludlow again walked forward, this ti his left hand on David's arht,”

but he had to follow Ludlow, and so he followed hih the people, they at last came near to the door, and found the the bea for a mo with them in piteous tones