take his place at the board between Paolo and Giovanni, Beppo crying
because he could not have the tumbler next to him also.

There was much to talk about at that meal. They had to describe the
holiday at market, which was a great event for the little family. Then
there were the Tumblers; and the adventure of Gigi and the
Hunchback,--that was the most exciting of all. And how near they came
to losing the bag of silver which they had earned by selling their
vegetables at the market! Giuseppe asked Gigi many questions, not
unkindly, but with a bluntness that made the boy wince. And often
Mother Margherita spoke up for him, with a kind answer. Gigi grew
paler and paler, and his food lay almost untouched on his plate. He
was too tired to eat.

At last, when supper was finished. Mother Margherita rose and lighted
a candle. "Come with me, Gigi," she said, "and I will show you where
you are to sleep this night."

Gigi followed her readily, glad to escape further questioning, and
eager to rest his aching head. The little boys called after him a
hearty good-night. But Giuseppe saw him go without a word, casting
sidewise looks after the retreating figures, and grunting sourly.

There was no room for Gigi in the loft where the family slept. But out
in the stable, beside the oxen, was a fresh pile of straw, a fine bed
for the tired little wanderer. When Mother Margherita had bidden him a
kind good-night and had closed the stable door behind her, Gigi threw
himself upon the straw and was almost Instantly asleep. The oxen
breathed gently beside him, chewing their cud. Everything was still
and peaceful. And the night passed.