[Illustration: The Master of the House.]




THE CAPTIVE




CHAPTER I

HOME-COMING


Early one morning, Antonio, a noble youth of sixteen, was wandering by
the seashore. He had just come from a high school in Salerno, Italy, and
wished to spend the Easter holidays at his father's ancestral home. The
earth looked gay in all the beauty of spring, and the sea shone in the
rosy light of the morning sun. Antonio's heart glowed with adoration as
he gazed upon the scene, and he thanked the Creator of all these
wonders. With hurried steps he continued his way, thinking of his home
and the reception awaiting him.

His parents were of noble birth. They had lost considerable property and
money; but they desired to give their son every advantage and--what was
worth more than money--an excellent education. From his earliest
childhood, they had taught him to reverence God and respect the laws.
All his talents were being carefully developed. At a great personal