made all the necessary arrangements with a horse-trader,--a friend of
his who had been travelling, for thirty years or more, every autumn, and
knew the way over the mountains that Rico must take. He knew, also, how
the journey could be made without leaving the coach, or sleeping by the
way. He was going there himself, and would take Rico under his charge,
if the lad would go to Bergamo by the early train. The man knew all the
drivers and conductors, also; and would arrange for his and his
companion's return, and recommend them so well that there would be no
trouble or danger.

The Father was convinced that there was no hindrance to Rico's going in
perfect safety, and gave his blessing to the undertaking.

As he stood by the garden-hedge, after saying good-by to Silvio, Mrs.
Menotti, who had accompanied him thus far, detained him for a moment, to
ask again, full of sudden anxiety, "Oh, there will not be any danger to
his life, I hope? Nor that he may lose his way, and go wandering about
in the mountains? You do not think that possible, do you, Father?" But
the good man quieted her fears; and she returned to the house, thinking
of what there remained to do for Rico, who entered the garden at this
moment, and was greeted by such a startling cry of joy from Silvio, that
he reached the bedside in three leaps to find out what it all meant.

"What is the matter? What ails you?" Rico kept asking; and Silvio
repeated, "I will tell you, I will tell you!" until, in real anxiety,
his mother came to his aid. Soon, however, she left the boys to enjoy
their happiness together; and went about her business, which she thought
very important. She fetched a portmanteau, and placed a huge piece of
smoked meat first of all at the bottom, then a half loaf of bread, a big
parcel of preserved plums and figs, and a bottle of wine, carefully