Accordingly they all started, each one of the Americans carrying a gun in one hand, and holding the arm of a bandit with the other. The women went ahead of their own accord, eager to put an end to their fears by getting rid of such dangerous guests. After a walk of about half an hour they came to the public road which ran near to the sea.
"I thought I smelt the sea-air," said Dick.
They had gone by the other side of Vesuvius.
"This is the road to Naples, Signori," said the women.
"Ah! And you won't feel safe till you get the men away. Very well, you may go. We can probably take care of ourselves now."
The women poured forth a torrent of thanks and blessings. The men were then allowed to go, and instantly vanished into the darkness. At first it was quite dark, but after a while the moon arose and they walked merrily along, though very hungry.
Before they reached their hotel it was about one o'clock. Buttons and Dick stared there. As they were all sitting over the repast which they forced the landlord to get for them, Dick suddenly struck his hand on the table.
"Handkerchiefs!" cried Mr. Figgs, ruefully, "why, I forgot to get back my purse."
"Your purse! Well, let's go out to-morrow--"
"Pooh! It's no matter. There were only three piastres in it. I keep my circular bill and larger money elsewhere."
"Well they made something of us after all. Three piastres and five handkerchiefs."
The Senator frowned. "I've a precious good mind to go out there to-morrow and make them disgorge," said he. "I'll think it over."
DOLORES ONCE MORE.--A PLEASANT CONVERSATION.--BUTTONS LEARNS MORE OF HIS YOUNG FRIEND.--AFFECTING FAREWELL.
As the Club intended to leave for Rome almost immediately, the two young men in the Strado di San Bartollo were prepared to settle with their landlord.
When Buttons and Dick packed up their modest valises there was a general excitement in the house; and when they called for their little bill it appeared, and the whole family along with it. The landlord presented it with a neat bow. Behind him stood his wife, his left the big dragoon. And on his right Dolores.
Such was the position which the enemy took up.
Buttons took up the paper and glanced at it.
"Yes," repeated Dolores, waving her little hand at Buttons.