Coming through the short passage hewn in the rocks the American stood upon a ledge facing a most beautiful valley, that was hemmed in by precipitous cliffs on every side.

From these stern barriers of the outside world the ground sloped gradually toward the center, where a pretty brook flowed, its waters sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight as it tumbled over its rocky bed.

Groves of oranges and of olive, lemon and almond trees occupied much of the vale, and on a higher point at the right, its back to the wall of rock that towered behind it, stood a substantial yet picturesque mansion of stone, with several outbuildings scattered on either side.
The valley seemed, indeed, a toy kingdom sequestered from the great outside world, yet so rich and productive within itself that it was independent of all else.
Uncle John gazed with amazement.

Who could have guessed this delightful spot was hidden safe within the heart of the bleak, bare mountain surrounding it?
But suddenly he bethought himself.
"What place is this, Tato ?" he asked; "and where is our friend Ferralti, who needs me ?" There was no reply.
He turned around to find the boy had disappeared.

Moreover, the passage had disappeared.