He seemed ten or twelve years of age, but might have been much older.
As soon as the American had returned to the path the boy came toward him in an eager, excited way, and exclaimed: "Is it not Signor Merrick ?" The English was fluent, and only rendered softer by the foreign intonation.
"It is," said Uncle John, cheerfully.

"Where did you drop from, my lad?
I thought these hills were deserted, until now." "I am sent by a friend," answered the boy, speaking rapidly and regarding the man with appealing glances.

"He is in much trouble, signore, and asks your aid." "A friend?
Who is it ?" "The name he gave me is Ferralti, signore.

He is near to this place, in the hills yonder, and unable to return to the town without assistance." "Ferralti.

H-m-m.