It was a beautiful Sicilian boy, with wonderful brown eyes and a delicate profile.

After assuring himself that the party of young Americans was quite separate from any straggling guest of the hotel, the child came near enough to say, in a low tone: "I have a message from Signor Merrick." They crowded around him eagerly then, raining questions from every side; but the boy shrank away and said, warningly: "If we are overheard, signorini mia, it will be very bad.

No one must suspect that I am here." "Is my uncle well ?" asked Patsy, imploringly.
"Quite well, mees." "And have you also news of Count Ferralti ?" anxiously enquired Louise.
"Oh, Ferralti?
He is better.

Some teeth are knocked out, but he eats very well without them," replied the child, with an amused laugh.
"Where are our friends, my lad ?" Kenneth asked.
"I cannot describe the place, signore; but here are letters to explain all." The child produced a bulky package, and after a glance at each, in turn, placed it in Patsy's hands.

"Read very secretly, signorini, and decide your course of action.