Francesco Carducci was a well-known character in Leghorn; interpreter to the Consulate, and keeper of a sailor's home, an honest, good-hearted, easy-going fellow, who for twenty years had occupied the same position under half a dozen different Consuls.

At that moment, however, there came from the outer office a long-drawn moan.
"Hulloa, what's that ?" I enquired, startled.
"Only a mad stoker off the _Oleander_, signore.

The captain has brought him for you to see.

They want to send him back to his friends at Newcastle." "Oh! a case of madness!" I exclaimed.

"Better get Doctor Ridolfi to see him.