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

Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad

" asked Uncle John,

understanding very well the Sicilian's meaning.

"It is my earnest hope, signore."

The American fell silent, thinking upon the situation. The fierce

looking brigand beside him was absurd enough, in his way, but doubtless

a dangerous man to deal with. Uncle John was greatly interested in the

adventure. It was such a sharp contrast to the hum-drum, unromantic

American life he had latterly known that he derived a certain enjoyment

from the novel experience. If the girls did not worry over his absence

he would not much regret his visit to Il Duca's secluded valley.

It was already midday, and his nieces would be expecting him to

luncheon. When he did not appear they would make enquiries, and try to

find him. It occurred to him how futile all such attempts must prove.

Even to one acquainted with the mountain paths the entrance to the

duke's domain was doubtless a secret, and the brigand had plainly hinted

that the native Sicilians were too cautious to spy upon him or molest

him in any way.

So far, the only person he had seen was Il Duca himself. The child who

had decoyed him was, of course, somewhere about, and so also was

Ferralti. How many servants or followers the brigand might have was as

yet a mystery to the new arrival.

In the side pocket of Uncle John's loose coat lay a loaded revolver,

which he had carried ever since he had received Mr. Watson's warning

letter. He had never imagined a condition of danger where he could not

use this weapon to defend himself, and as long as it remained by him he

had feared nothing. But he had been made a prisoner in so deft a manner

that he had no opportunity to expostulate or offer any sort of

resistance. Later there might be a chance to fight for his liberty, and

the only sensible action was to wait and bide his time.

"For example," the Duke was saying, in his labored, broken English, "I

have here a priceless treasure--very antique, very beautiful. It was in

one time owned by Robert the Norman, who presented it to my greatest

ancestor.

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