THE STUDENT'S RETURN.




THE two years had elapsed, when on a bright June afternoon, a weary
pilgrim halted within a grove which overlooked the village of Sorento.
He gazed around for a moment, as if in expectation of some one, and then
sat down upon a mossy stone.

"It was here," said he, "that he bade me wait on my return. And yet--"

"He is with you," said Sartello, leaving the scraggy laurel behind which
he had concealed himself. "What cheer brings thou from Rome, my gallant
lad'? Certes, thy look is loftier and manlier now, whatever fortune thou
hast had."

"Kind friend," replied the youth, "I may say that I have had both good
and ill fortune; though mostly good, if thou dost agree with my opinion.
I bring, through intercession of the pope, a pardon from our king. And
thou and thine, if henceforth ye are pleased to remain at peace, will be
accepted by the law which now holds your lives forfeit."

Sartello grasped with a vice-like pressure the hand which the youth held
out.

"I am well repaid, Gulielmo, for what little I have done in thy behalf,
since thou hast thus brought me my heart's desire. No more will we roam
the land, outlaws from honest men. We will till and toil, and freely