"Yes, uncle George," said Rollo, "let us have them. I should like to be pulled up in that way."
"So should I," said Josie.
"You boys may have strapmen, then," said Mr. George. "I think I can get along without one myself."
Philippe then asked if the party would stop on the way and go down into Herculaneum. Mr. George said that they would. Philippe then went on with his calculation, and when it was finished he presented it to Mr. George. Mr. George wrote a heading to it, and then read it as follows, except that I give the amounts in American money:—
Ascent of Vesuvius.
Estimate of Expenses—Party of Five.
| Carriage to the Hermitage, | $5.00 |
| Fees at Herculaneum, | .25 |
| Portantina to the foot of the cone for madame, | 2.00 |
| Portantina to the summit for mademoiselle, | 6.00 |
| Two mules for the young gentlemen, | 2.00 |
| Two strapmen up the cone, | 1.00 |
| Refreshments, | .50 |
| Mountain guide, | 1.00 |
| Buono manos, | 1.00 |
| Valet de place, | 1.00 |
| ______ | |
| $19.75 |
"Very well," said Mr. George. "That is satisfactory. Now I will give you gold enough to cover that amount. You must get it changed into such a form as you want it, and you must not call upon me or any of the party for any money whatever, from the time that we set out till we get back again to the hotel."