IN THE PALACE GARDEN
The little Italians had hardly time to notice the statues and the beautiful plants before they were led into the great garden.
Here were orange-trees loaded with the yellow fruit. There were beds of flowers in bloom, although it was late in November. Beyond, were stone walls over which delicate vines were creeping, and marble statues were half hidden in the niches.
"There is a lizard," cried Arthur. "Don't you see him creeping along that stone wall? He's a little fellow, but, oh, my, he's quick in his motions."
"Listen!" said Beppo, who had forgotten his shyness now. "I will charm him. But you must all keep still."
He gave a long, low whistle. The lizard, which had crept into a hole, raised his head and looked toward the children in delight, as he drew himself to the top of the wall and lay quite still.
Again Beppo whistled in the same way, and the lizard crept nearer. And now he stretched himself at length upon the walk at Beppo's feet.
"I could keep him charmed like that all day long," said the boy. "It is queer, isn't it? Did you ever notice a lizard's feet?"
"What do you mean? The odd way the toes swell out on the edges?" Arthur asked.