The man who was driving stopped, and Nana slid down from the straw, right into Lucia's waiting arms. She was so glad to see her, that she could only babble foolishly. All during her long journey, and her stay in strange villages, she had thought of nothing but Lucia in the hands of the enemy, and she was nearly crazy with relief and joy to find her safe again.
At last Lucia quieted her. "Where is Beppino?" she asked, "surely he is with you?"
Something in the straw of the wagon moved, and the old driver pointed his whip at a mop of black hair, and laughed.
Beppi was asleep of course. Lucia's strong young arms lifted his little body out, and hugged and kissed him. Beppi woke up, and at sight of her he shouted with joy.
It was a happy and excited family that walked through the town and down to the little white cottage.
Lucia had so much to say, and Nana would not listen nor believe all the wonderful things she tried to tell her, but at last, from lack of breath, she stopped exclaiming and crying, and Lucia pushed her gently onto the green bed, took Beppi on her lap, and began the recital of her wonderful news in earnest.
CHAPTER XVI
THE KING
"The King! The King!"