It was a lie. Tony felt too ill to eat. But he wanted to buy food for Tina.
He screwed up his face and added in English, "Poor leetle boy!"
| HOUSE OF THE VETTI: POMPEII |
"Go away from here!" roared a guide. "And take that dog with you!"
Tony scampered. He knew that dogs are not allowed in Pompeii. He crouched beside a fence. When the guide's back was turned, he slipped under the fence.
He was inside the gates. He was in Pompeii. Really inside the gates of Pompeii! Standing upon the long, silent streets, in the shadow of stately ruins.
Columns and statues stood like graceful ghosts. It was a place to impress any child. To Tony, light-headed with fever, it was a wonder and a dream.
A guide came along, leading a party of tourists through the streets. To Tony his voice droned like a swarm of bees.
"It was a city of pleasure and wealth," said the guide. "Tinkling fountains played. Painted chariots clattered over the cobble-stones. Boys and girls laughed and sang."