alone in the world, I verily believe
that the bitter destruction of my expectations would have rendered me
careless of supporting life; but how could I leave _her_ in misery?"

"But why not try to display your really extraordinary strength and
dexterity under more favorable circumstances? Why do you not offer your
services to some theatrical manager?"

"Hungry people, sir, can not wait. I did not think of resorting to this
method of earning a piece of bread, until I saw my wife ready to perish
for the want of it."

The kind Mr. Salt not only relieved his immediate wants, but offered to
recommend him and his wife to the manager of Astley's Circus, in London.
Gratefully and eagerly did the wanderers accept this offer; and while,
in company with their benefactor, who paid for their places on the
coach, they journeyed toward town, the man related his history. Born at
Padua, the son of a poor barber, and one of fourteen children, Giovanni
Battista Belzoni felt from his earliest youth a longing desire to visit
foreign lands. This "truant disposition" was fostered, if not caused, by
the stories of maritime adventures told him by an old sailor; who was
strongly suspected of having, during many years, practiced the
profession of a pirate.

The reading, or rather devouring, of a translated copy of "Robinson
Crusoe" (and it is a most remarkable circumstance that the book which
has for its avowed purpose the disheartening of restless adventurers,
should have made wanderers and voyagers innumerable), gave form and
fixedness to his purpose of rambling; and, in company with his youngest
brother, the boy set out one fine morning, without any intention but the
somewhat vague one of "traveling to seek their fortune." The young
fugitives walked several miles, without knowing, in the least, whither
they were going, when a peddler, who was riding slowly by in a cart,
accosted them, and asked if they were going to Ferrara. Belzoni,
although he never heard the name before, immediately answered in the
affirmative. The good-natured merchant, pleased with the countenances,
and pitying the tired looks of the children, not only gave them a place
in his vehicle, but shared with them his luncheon of bread, cheese, and
fruit. That night they occupied part of their companion's lodging; but
next day, as his business required him to stop at the village where they
slept, the two boys took leave of him, and pursued their journey. Their
next adventure