Part 48 (1/2)
The whole thing was plain. One man was chasing the other. At once all the idlers of the Pincian Hill stopped all their avocations and turned to look. The road winds down the Pincian Hill to the Piazza del Popolo, and those on the upper part can look down and see the whole extent. What a place for a race! The quick-eyed Romans saw it all.
”A spy! yes, a Government spy!”
”Chased by an eccentric Englishman!”
A loud shout burst from the Roman crowd. But a number of English and Americans thought differently. They saw a little man chased by a big one. Some cried ”Shame!” Others, thinking it a case of pocket-picking, cried ”Stop thief!” Others cried ”Go it, little fellow! Two to one on the small chap!”
Every body on the Pincian Hill rushed to the edge of the winding road to look down, or to the paved walk that overlooks the Piazza.
Carriages stopped and the occupants looked down. French soldiers, dragoons, guards, officers--all staring.
And away went the Senator. And away ran the terrified spy. Down the long way, and at length they came to the Piazza del Popolo.
A loud shout came from all the people. Above and on all sides they watched the race. The spy darted down the Corso. The Senator after him.
The Romans in the street applauded vociferously. Hundreds of people stopped, and then turned and ran after the Senator. All the windows were crowded with heads. All the balconies were filled with people.
Down along the Corso. Past the column of Antonine. Into a street on the left. The Senator was gaining! At last they came to a square. A great fountain of vast waters bursts forth there. The spy ran to the other side of the square, and just as he was darting into a side alley the Senator's hand clutched his coat-tails!
The Senator took the spy in that way by which one is enabled to make any other do what is called ”Walking Spanish,” and propelled him rapidly toward the reservoir of the fountain.
The Senator raised the spy from the ground and pitched him into the pool.
The air was rent with acclamations and cries of delight.
As the spy emerged, half-drowned, the crowd came forward and would have prolonged the delightful sensation.
Not often did they have a spy in their hands.
[Ill.u.s.tration: d.i.c.k Thinks It Over.]
CHAPTER x.x.xV.
d.i.c.k MAKES ANOTHER EFFORT, AND BEGINS TO FEEL ENCOURAGED.
Pepita's little visit was beneficial to d.i.c.k. It showed him that he was not altogether cut off from her. Before that he had grown to think of her as almost inaccessible; now she seemed to have a will, and, what is better, a heart of her own, which would lead her to do her share toward meeting him again. Would it not be better now to comply with her evident desire, and leave Rome for a little while? He could return again. But how could he tear himself away? Would, it not be far better to remain and seek her? He could not decide. He thought of Padre Liguori. He had grossly insulted that gentleman, and the thought of meeting him again made him feel blank. Yet he was in some way or other a protector of Pepita, a guardian, perhaps, and as such had influence over her fortunes. If he could only disarm hostility from Padre Liguori it would be undoubtedly for his benefit. Perhaps Padre Liguori would become his friend, and try to influence Pepita's family in his favor. So he decided on going to see Padre Liguori.
The new turn which had been given to his feelings by Pepita's visit had benefited him in mind and body. He was quite strong enough for a long walk. Arriving at the church he had no difficulty in finding Liguori. The priest advanced with a look of surprise.
”Before mentioning the object of my visit,” said d.i.c.k, bowing courteously, ”I owe you an humble apology for a gross insult. I hope you will forgive me.”
The priest bowed.
”After I left here I succeeded in my object,” continued d.i.c.k.
”I heard so,” said Liguori, coldly.
”And you have heard also that I met with a terrible punishment for my presumption, or whatever else you may choose to call it.”