He had missed the little
light on the head of the Irene during the long, lonely nights on the
river.
"There is a village a couple of miles below," said the officer, "and if
you will slack up a little, I will run ahead and have all you need by
the time you come opposite."
The pontoneer's boat shot away and Paul followed quietly after them.
When he arrived off the village, the boat again pulled out into the
stream with not only the supplies desired, but a most excellent
meal, consisting of boiled eggs and other nutritious edibles, along with
a bottle of fine old Barolo, the sparkling red wine of that country.
While eating the food, Paul, with the boat alongside, drifted slowly
with the current and during that time, he ascertained that the young
officer, who had manifested so much interest in him, was the son of
General Pescetta, Minister of Marine. Shortly before being overtaken by
the friendly Italian, Boyton was beginning to feel terribly fatigued and
had serious thoughts of throwing up the trip; but under the influence of
the hearty meal and the invigorating wine, his courage was renewed and
he felt he could easily complete the journey. All that day he passed
through lonely and miserable looking country. Swampy lands and rice
fields bordered either side of the river.
Pages:
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302