strayed along the shore,
and were coming into the fields and gardens.

When Ludlow explained his gestures to David, and the latter confessed
what interpretation he had put on them, further laughter was elicited
from the fun-loving artist, in which his wife joined, and David
also. Ludlow, as soon as he was in a condition to speak, proceeded
to explain what he really meant. His gestures were all intended by
him to express the following ideas:--

1. I'm an American.
2. I don't live here--I only lodge.
3. I'm an artist.
4. I'm very sorry for you, and I'll take care of you.
5. I'm going out shooting soon.
6. Don't fret. I'll take care of you, and the boat too,
as long as you like.
7. I live in that house up there, and you can stay there
till you hear from your friends.

But Mrs. Ludlow now retreated, and before long she had a table set
for their young guest, at which David took his seat, and ate with
an appetite that had been sharpened by his long fast. While at
the table Ludlow questioned him more particularly about his friends,
and where he had left them.

"Well, David, my lad," said the artist, at length, "I should like
very much to have you stay with us for a time; and if you could,
I feel confident that I could show you what would well repay you.
Are you aware that on this island is one of the wonders of the
world--the famous grotto? I should like to take you there--but I
see how it is. As you say, your uncle will be wild with anxiety
about you, and will have no peace till he hears from you. So I
suppose the best thing I can do for you, is to restore you to him
first of all, and then arrange for a visit from you all on some
future occasion."

David thanked him very earnestly, and dwelt strongly upon the
anxiety of Uncle Moses under the circumstances.

"Well, my lad," said Ludlow, "I think you'd best go off at once,
and I mean to go with you. Unfortunately there is a head wind,
just now, so that we cannot go to Castellamare without taking too
long a time. The best way will be to go over to Sorrento from this
place, and take a carriage, or horses, to Castellamare."

This proposal pleased David, greatly, and as Ludlow was ready to
start, he rose to go. Mrs. Ludlow bade him good by, and pressed
him affectionately to come back with his friends.

In a short time they were in the boat and afloat. Ludlow was a
good sailor, and the wind was favorable for a passage to Sorrento.
The