But one fears that, in this instance, he judged too hastily.
There is no doubt, fortunately, as to the position of the religious house founded by Cassiodorus; it was in the shadow of Mons Moscius, and quite near to the sea.

I had marked the spot during my drive up the valley, and now saw it again from this far height, but I could not be satisfied with distant views.

Weather and evil quarters making it impossible to remain at Squillace, I decided to drive forthwith to the railway station, see how much time remained to me before the arrival of the train for Reggio, and, if it could be managed, visit in that interval the place that attracted me.
It is my desire to be at peace with all men, and in Italy I have rarely failed to part with casual acquaintances--even innkeepers and cocchieri--on friendly terms; but my host of the _Albergo Nazionale_ made it difficult to preserve good humour.

Not only did he charge thrice the reasonable sum for the meal I could not eat, but his bill for my driver's _colazione_ contained such astonishing items that I had to question the lad as to what he had really consumed.

It proved to be a very ugly case of extortion, and the tone of sullen menace with which my arguments were met did not help to smooth things.