l they were anxious to resume the
journey back, and as Bob seemed refreshed after a rest and a good
repast, Uncle Moses thought they had better set out and go as far
as they could before dark. The driver mentioned Castellamare as a
convenient stopping-place, and it was thereupon decided to drive
on as far as that place, and pass the night there.

They had passed through Castellamare before, when on their way to
Sorrento, and again, when returning from that place, on their way
to Salerno, so that it seemed quite familiar. But on quitting the
carriage and looking out from the windows of the hotel, they were
surprised to find how much the beauty of the place was enhanced by
this new outlook. Before, they looked at it as hasty travellers,
snatching a passing glance; but now they could take a leisurely
survey. Before them was the Bay of Naples; on the right, the city
with its suburbs, extending far along the shore; on the left, the
isle of Capri; in front, the shores of Baiae; while in the rear
was the verdant landscape, with a background of mountains, over
which reigned supreme the gigantic form of Vesuvius, from whose
summit was still floating the wrathful smoke cloud.

It was decided to pass the night here, and go on to Naples early
on the following day. All the party were tired and went to rest at
an early hour. The night was calm, and beautiful, and bright; and
as they went to sleep, they were lulled by the plash of the waters
as they gently rippled upon the pebbled beach.

Frank arose pretty early on the following morning, and found that
David was already up, and had gone forth. The others were still
asleep. Frank thereupon went forth for a walk, and one by one
the others awaked also. They had ordered breakfast at an early
hour, and they were to start immediately after. When Uncle Moses
went down stairs he found breakfast ready, and departed to hunt
up the boys. He found Frank, and Clive, and Bob, watching the
driver groom the horses.

"Boys," said Uncle Moses, "breakfast's ready."

"All right, sir," said Frank; "we'll be along."

Upon this Uncle Moses went back, and after a few moments Frank,
and Clive, and Bob entered.

"Where's David?" asked Uncle Moses.

"I don't know, sir."

"Well," said Uncle Moses, "I suppose he'll be along; so let's sit
down and begin."

They all sat down.

When they were about half through breakfast, Uncle Moses began to
wonder what was keeping David.

"Which way did he go, b