The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-08-15

piercing eyes of his interlocutor were no slow to discover.
 "Why are yos here?" he asked again and pulled the little figure forward intt the clear moon rays. It is close or midnight. Ends so young should be il there own nests ere this"
 The child hung bis head.
 "l have no home" he said simply.
 " No home 70
 The man looked at the delica'e beaut, of the young face, at the tapgle of curls at the slender grace of the little figure No peasants child this, it was clear tc see; but how came it that he was friend less and homeless, and alone in grea city at midnight?
 Where do you come from? Tell mt your story" he said. And speak truth, he added as he saw that the little lad hes itated. could hand you over to the carbiniere as vagrant, you know"
 The child did not know, but that made little difference. He lifted his head with certain proud grace that even fear could not rob.
 always speak truth. told you had no home. My grandfather is dead and have come from beyond Spada. wanted to see Rome"
 "T0 see Rome!" echoed his uues. tioner. But what are you going to do How do you mean to live! You wan, food and shelter, do you not ?"
 "Yes,' said the boy timidly. Bu, when am tired will ask tor them. have money with me :"
 "Oh,' said the man, and his eyes sp2rkied on.inously under their shaggy brows. "you have money That is we'll. You lad best come with nae, l know a good woman who will give you a bed for the night. You can't wander about the s'reets any longer. Besides, the night dews are bad. You will be catching the fever"
 am not afraid" said the little fel- low, and do not wish to come with you
 "Oh nonsense r" said the man pacific ally. You must have some one to look after you. If the police catch you, you will be put into prison. will do you no harm. And have nice home yonder," i" nodding his head in the direction of the Marcellus Theatre; "a nice home, and two wonderful dogs that dance. Would you not like to see them?"
 "Yes," said the little fellow ;"I would like that. You won't harm me?" he questioned doubtfully.
 Harm you-the saints forbid r" cried the man. You shall have merry time, and do just what pleases you"
 " l will pay you, ot course" said the little lad and perhaps you can tell me how to make living, and earn some money"
 Doubtless I will" said the man, as he took the child's hand and led him down the broad, steep stairway. You will get on famously. And now tell me why you ate running away Had you no one no relative did no. the priests offer you shelter2"
 Yes, said the child gro~ing very pale But don't like the priests, and could not bear to be shu. up IS thcy wisaed"
 "Chee-e!" said the man softly, "so that is why you ran away But you should not have come to Rome; 1t is full of them. Your own padre has many friends here, no doubt, and they would s9sn send you back once they koe who you were. my litde illusirissimo. What IS your name p
 DAptiStd ul Ale tOnlerl. Oh, please do not let the priests know he cried out in sudden terror. "I would rather die than go to them"
 Well, am not over-fond of the gentry myself said his companion with harsh laugh; j" so you need not fear 1 shall be- tray you And if you wlll let me cut off those yellow curls and stain that white skin of yours, no one will recognize you at all, and you may wander al your will through Rome. But we gill talk of that tomorrow. Come in here with me a mo nen,."
 He entered tavern as he spoke-a low, dask place, and full of rough and evii-iooking men, some of whom ad- dressed hIm by name.
 He ordered some wine, and made the child drink some also The little fellow was thirsty and faint, and draak it of as he was told. But when he had swallowed il he felt sick and giddy, and the lights, and shadows, and dark figures, and flash ing eyes of the men seemed whirling about him in an odd. confused way He had some faint remembrance of clutch ing at bench as be felt himself sliding down on to the floor. Then his eyes closed, and stupor deeper than sleep stele over him.
 CHAPTER II.