—Did you run away from there in that terrible night?
—Yes, we fled just about dawn when the fall of stones was at its worst.
—And how long did this last?
—Fully twenty four hours madam, from ten o'clock on Saturday night, till ten o'clock on Palm Sunday.
A whole day, yes, a whole day. He doesn't lie nor exaggerate. If he did, how could all this ruin be around us?
—Did your house fall down? I inquire.
—Yes, he answers sadly. There it stands on that height yonder. Look at it! look at it! All I possessed is buried there! My bed, my poor furniture, all.
Tears gather in his eyes. At least have you saved your family?
—Yes, he murmurs, they are at Sarno. But I have lost all. I was supporting them, and have lost my wagon and my two mules, for I was a driver.