rts of troubles.
The only way to prevent this is to have a very definite and precise
understanding on all these points before we set out. And that is what I
am going to have with Mrs. Gray."

"And suppose she won't come to any agreement," said Rollo. "She'll say,
'La, it's no matter. We shall not quarrel.'"

"Then I won't go with her," said Mr. George.

CHAPTER II.

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS.

In arranging for a journey in Italy with a vetturino, there are three
separate classes of expenditure to be provided for. First, the carriage
and horses; secondly, the board at the hotels by the way; and thirdly,
the _buono manos_.

As to the carriage and horses, the question, in the case of Mr. George's
party, was soon settled. Vittorio said that his regular price was three
napoleons a day for a full party. This is about twelve dollars, and
includes the keeping of the horses, and all the tolls, tariffs, and way
expenses of every kind. Mr. George had ascertained that this was about
the usual price, and he did not ask Vittorio to take any less.

For the board of the party by the way, Vittorio said that they could
themselves call for what they wanted at the hotels, and pay their own
bills, or _he_ would provide for them all the way, on their paying him a
certain sum per day for each person. This last is the usual plan adopted
when travelling in Italy, for the hotel keepers are very apt to charge
too much when the travellers call for and pay the bills themselves.
Whereas, when the vetturino pays, the hotel keepers are much more
reasonable. They are aware that the vetturino knows what the charges
ought to be, and they are afraid, if they overcharge him for his party,
that then he will take his next party to some other hotel.

"And what shall you give us," asked Mr. George, in talking with Vittorio
on this subject, "if you provide for us?"

"In the morning," replied Vittorio, "before we set out, there will be
coffee or tea, and bread and butter, with eggs. Then, when we stop at
noon, you will have a second breakfast of mutton chops, fried potatoes,
fried fish, omelets, and other such things. Then, at night, when the
day's journey is done, you will have dinner."

"Very well," said Mr. George. "I should think that that might do. And
how much must we pay you?"

"It used to be eight francs a day," said Vittorio; "but the price of
every thing is raised, and now we cannot do it well for less than nine
francs. I will do i