the scaffolding he remonstrated, saying:

"Willy, don't do it. Come down."

"Nonsense, Peppo," he said as he began to ascend.

"Willy,----he does not hear me. I wish I had not helped him," sighed
Peppo, as he slipped away to his companions with an uneasy conscience.




CHAPTER II.

Sad Tidings.

A very few moments after Willy with the help of Peppo had climbed the
garden wall the bell called Brother Onufrio to the door. There stood a
stranger. He wore a cap marked with a golden anchor and inquired for
an Irish lad named Willy Brown.

"Yes, Willy is here. You are his father, are you not? For days he has
talked of nothing but your coming. He will be so pleased to see you.
Come in, Captain, I'll announce your arrival to the Father Prefect, and
call Willy."

With these words the Brother showed the Captain into the small
reception-room near the door, and would have left quickly had not the
stranger motioned him to wait.