Something in the straw of the wagon moved, and the old driver pointed
his whip at a mop of black hair, and laughed.

Beppi was asleep of course. Lucia's strong young arms lifted his
little body out, and hugged and kissed him. Beppi woke up, and at
sight of her he shouted with joy.

It was a happy and excited family that walked through the town and down
to the little white cottage.

Lucia had so much to say, and Nana would not listen nor believe all the
wonderful things she tried to tell her, but at last, from lack of
breath, she stopped exclaiming and crying, and Lucia pushed her gently
onto the green bed, took Beppi on her lap, and began the recital of her
wonderful news in earnest.




CHAPTER XVI

THE KING

"The King! The King!"

"Viva! Viva!" A great cry rose within the walls of Cellino, and
swelled to a mighty cheer, as a gray automobile drove slowly through
the Porto Romano, and stopped in the market-place opposite the town
hall.