to remove some bags of treasure which he knew they
contained. He thus became possessed of considerable wealth, and the
surest means of accomplishing any object he might have in view. As he
partially recovered his strength, he would wander out with my mother or
sisters to the sheltered garden within the walls of the castle, and
afterwards to one which was situated on the outer side of the moat, and
which contained orange and apple, and other productive trees. The time
was approaching when my brother would be compelled to return to his
practice, and I to my studies at the university. Before, however, we
went, our guest was able to accompany me on a short excursion into the
mountains. He seemed to enjoy it, though he was much too fatigued, he
said, again to attempt so long an expedition. This observation led me
to suppose that he had no present intention of quitting the castle. He
expressed his regret at my intended departure, and assured me that he
hoped to return again at some future period to thank me more than he had
hitherto done for the service I had rendered him. A day or two
afterwards, thinking the change would benefit him, I invited him to
accompany me on the water; the sea was calm, the sun shone bright, and
the air was almost as balmy as in summer. I mention the circumstance
for the purpose of introducing the conversation which ensued, as we sat
at the stern of the boat rowed by two sturdy fishermen.

"`So, Signor Paolo,' he said, `I understand that you are studying the
science of medicine--a very important one, though but little understood
in my country.'

"My answers are immaterial, so I will not repeat them.

"`A somewhat dull life, though, you are destined to lead, if you are to
be shut up in one of the smaller cities of Italy, and employed in
tending old dowagers and sick babies. I should have thought that such
an occupation were somewhat derogatory to one with the noble blood which
flows through your veins. Each man to his fancy, Signor Paolo. Now,
were I to recommend, I should advise you to claim your patrimony from
your father, and to wander forth and see the world. Instead of
returning to your college, accompany me to Greece, where I must soon go;
and I will show you some of the glorious sport of war, and introduce you
to the land where the arts and sciences flourished when Italy was but a
desert. When you grow weary you can return to your studies; but I
promise you that you will find