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Main > Fairy tale > All authors > Frank Baum > Fairy tale "Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad"

Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad

Silently the Duchessa watched the scene. Her face was as pallid and

immobile as ever; even the eyes seemed to have lost expression. But the

next words showed that she was still unconquered.

"You shall take the money of the fat pig of an American; it is well to

do so. But the youth who boldly calls himself Ferralti shall make no

tribute to this family. He shall die as I have declared."

"I will not take the risk," asserted the Duke, sourly.

"Have the others who lie in the pit told tales?" she demanded.

"No; but they died alone. Here are two Americans our prisoners, and

they have many and powerful friends, both at Taormina and at Naples. The

man Merrick, when he goes, will tell that Ferralti is here. To obtain

his person, alive or dead, the soldiers will come here and destroy us

all. It is folly, and shows you are old and imbecile."

"Then go!" she cried, fiercely. "Go, you and Tato; take your money and

escape. And leave me my valley, and the youth Ferralti, and my revenge.

Then, if I die, if the soldiers destroy me, it is my own doing."

"In this new world, of which you know nothing, escape is not possible,"

replied the duke, after a moment's thought. "Ferralti must be accounted

for, and because I captured him they would accuse me of his death, and

even Tato might be made to suffer. No, madame. Both the Americans must

be killed, or both set free for ransom."

Uncle John gave a start of dismay. Here was a development he had not

expected.

"Then," said the old woman, positively, "let them both die."

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Tato. "Not that, grandmother!"

"Certainly not so," agreed the Duke. "We want their money."

"You are already rich," said the Duchessa. "You have yourself said so,

and I know it is truth."

"This new world," explained the Duke, "contains of luxuries many that

you have no understanding of. To be rich to-day requires more money than

in your days, madre mia. With these ransoms, which already we have won,

we shall have enough. Without this money my Tato would lack much that I

desire for her.

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