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

Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad

Uncle John doubled his fists and dared the guarde to

touch him.

Then the cabman was dispatched for someone who could speak English, and

when an interpreter arrived the American told him to send for the United

States consul and also to inform the magistrate that nothing but war

between America and Italy could wipe out the affront that had been

thrust upon him.

The magistrate was disturbed, and preferred not to send for the consul.

He offered to release Uncle John if he would give the cabman a good lira

in exchange for the bad one. The official fee would be five lira--or say

three lira--or even two. Uncle John flatly refused to pay anything to

anybody. Only war could settle this international complication--bloody

and bitter war. The consul must cable at once for war-ships and troops.

He would insist upon it. All compromise was now impossible!

The magistrate was frightened. The guarde's eyes bulged with horror and

he trembled visibly. It was evident they had made a grave mistake in

arresting this mad American, who was evidently a personage of great

importance and able to declare war at a moment's notice. The cabman, the

magistrate, the guarde and the interpreter put their heads together and

chattered voluble Italian--all speaking at once in excited tones--while

Uncle John continued to warn them at the top of his lungs that their

country was doomed to sudden annihilation and they were the culprits

responsible for the coming calamity.

As a result they bundled the irate American into the carriage again and

drove him poste haste back to the museum, where they deposited him upon

the steps. Then in a flash the guarde and the cabman disappeared from

sight and were seen no more.

The victor smiled proudly as his nieces rushed toward him.

"Did you have to pay another lira, Uncle?" asked Patsy, anxiously.

"Not on your life, my dear," mopping his brow vigorously. "They're a lot

of cutthroats and assassins--policemen, magistrates and all--but when

the eagle screams they're wise enough to duck.

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