Little Tony of Italy Part 12

"At one time the United States bought quant.i.ties of lemons from Sicily.

Now the Americans are growing their own.

"There is a volcano on the island called Mt. Etna. Great sulphur mines were made by this volcano, and for years Sicily supplied the world with sulphur. But now the United States also supplies sulphur.

"Another volcano is that of Stromboli. It is an island off the coast of Sicily. For two thousand years this fire island has been like a glowing torch in the water. It is therefore called the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean Sea.

"And while we are speaking of volcanoes, here is the terrible story of Pompeii. I have told you many legends, but this tale is true.

"Hundreds of years ago a beautiful little city called Pompeii nestled at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius.

"Here men, women, and children lived happy, carefree lives. Their houses were small jewels. They feasted and lived in luxury. Pompeii was a pleasure city.

"Then, one day, a frightful thing happened. The volcano, Vesuvius, grew very angry. Black smoke gushed from the hole in her great head. Ashes and hot stones came tumbling down upon Pompeii. The earth rocked.

Thunder roared. Darkness fell upon the town. People fled, groping their way through the streets.

"Next day Pompeii, the jewel city, lay buried beneath the earth."

Tony felt a chill run up his back. He glanced at the fire-mountain behind the house. Then he looked into the window again. Anna lay very still in her father's arms.

Anna had heard that story many times. Besides, Anna was very young.

She was now asleep!

"Wake up, little sleepy one," said her father. He smoothed her hair gently.

Anna stirred and rubbed her eyes. She had been dreaming about Tony. Oh, Tony, your secret is in danger!

All at once she sat up straight and looked about in a startled way.

She cried, "I must go out to Tony, Papa! I promised to bring him a blanket!"

CHAPTER IX

THE BURIED CITY

Tony clutched Tina and started. Anna's father looked at his daughter in a puzzled way.

"Who is Tony and what do you mean?" he asked.

Then poor little Anna's heart sank. She had given away her friend's secret!

Tony balanced himself on his toes, squatting, ready to run. He saw Anna burst into tears, heard her pour out her whole story.

"He is such a poor little boy, Papa!" she wept. "He is so hungry and cold! But I promised I would not tell and now ... oh...."

She sobbed pitifully. Her father held her close.

"There, my darling, don't cry," he said. "Tony is a bad boy. Come, let us go out there to him and...."

Tony did not wait to hear more. With Tina clasped tightly he ran. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him, out, on to the main road.

He saw Vesuvius towering above, a terrible giantess puffing on a poisonous pipe! Would she ever again break out in anger?

The wind blew. It had started to rain. The night was so black.

His legs ached. But he must run, run far away from Anna's father. He could never, never go back again. Now he was really a thief. He was running away with Tina!

The little dog began to s.h.i.+ver in his arms. He stopped for a moment, took off his coat, and wrapped it around the animal.

The rain came down harder and harder. Finally, Tony found a haystack, and the boy and dog cuddled down for the night.

Early morning brought a blue sky. The rain was gone. The Bay shone and the smoke from Vesuvius sailed straight up in a thin grey line.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE APPIAN WAY _Photo by Courtesy of Italian Tourist Information Office_]

But Tony awoke in a fever. Tina stood beside him, her tail beating a pleasant tune on the ground. Her sweet, white face smiled down at him.

Why did he not jump up and play with her as he always did in the morning? Why did her little G.o.d lie so still?

Tony's dark eyes sparkled unnaturally. There were red patches on either cheek.

For a moment he could not remember where he was. Then it all came back to him. Anna! Anna's father!

He had stolen Tina! He was a thief!

He sat up suddenly. Perhaps they were already looking for him.

He s.h.i.+vered and put on his coat. It was damp. Tina barked joyfully. They were going for a walk!

It was a long walk! Miles and miles. Hours and hours. Tony's head throbbed. His feet ached. Tina's tongue swept the ground.

At last they reached the buried city of Pompeii. Its ruins are now the most famous in the world. Tourists visit it every day. Tony knew this.

He stood beside a wall and began to beg.

"I die of hunger!" he whined.

[Ill.u.s.tration: POMPEII]

It was a lie. Tony felt too ill to eat. But he wanted to buy food for Tina.

He screwed up his face and added in English, "Poor leetle boy!"