effected his escape from
the cave, and regaining his vessel, put forth to sea.

Then they went to visit the house in which Tasso was born. They
were not able to enter it, and as it was now dark, they retreated
to their hotel.

Oh the following morning they all set oat without the guide, to
see the town for themselves. A festival of some kind was going on,
which attracted many people, and the cathedral was filled. The
boys, haying nothing else to do, wandered away towards the common
centre of attraction. They soon lost one another in the crowd, and
one by one they worked their way into the interior of the place.
The organ was sounding forth, the priests were intoning service,
on the altar candles were burning, and far on high, through the
lofty vaulted nave, there rolled "the smoke of incense and the wail
of song!"

David found himself a little distance away from a side chapel,
which was evidently the chief attraction to the worshippers within
the sacred edifice. A dense crowd assembled about it, and in front
of it. Through these David managed to make his way, full of curiosity
about the cause of their interest. He at length forced himself far
enough forward to see inside the chapel. He saw a structure, in
the centre of the chapel, covered with drapery, upon which was a
cushion. Lying on this cushion was the image of a child, clothed
in rich attire, and spangled with jewels, and adorned with gold
and silver. Whether it was made of wood or wax he could not tell,
but thought it was the former. The sight of it only tempted his
curiosity the more, and he longed to look at it more closely. It
was evidently considered by the surrounding crowd to be an object
of great sanctity, for they regarded it with the utmost reverence,
and those nearest were on their knees. Upon the altar, at the end
of this chapel, lights were burning, and a priest was engaged in
religious ceremonies.

David's desire to go closer was so strong, that he waited patiently
in this one spot for the opportunity of gratifying his curiosity.
He had to wait for a long time; but at length he had the satisfaction
of seeing a movement among the people, which showed that they were
on the point of dispersing. After this the crowd lessened, and
the people began to take their departure. At length but a few
remained, some of whom were still on their knees around the image.

David now, in a slow and unassuming manner, advanced towards the
image. He could go close