But
the boat is about ready to start. Let us go on board."
They walked down the pier, and got on the boat a minute before it
started. They did not pass through to the other end, but,
leaning against the side, kept their eyes fixed on the city they
were about to leave. They had not long to wait. The signal was
heard, and the boat started leisurely from the pier. It was but
ten feet distant, when the attention of Paul and Phil was drawn
to a person running down the drop in great haste. He evidently
wanted to catch the boat, but was too late.
Phil clutched at Paul's arm, and pointed to him in evident
excitement.
"It is Pietro," he said.
At that moment Pietro, standing on the brink, caught sight of the
boy he was pursuing, looking back at him from the deck of the
ferry-boat. A look of exultation and disappointment swept over
his face as he saw Phil, but realized that he was out of his
reach. He had a hand-organ with him, and this had doubtless
encumbered him, and prevented his running as fast as he might
otherwise.
"So that is Pietro, is it?" said Paul, regarding him attentively
in order to fix his face in his memory.
"Yes, Paolo," said Phil, his eyes fixed nervously upon his
pursuer, who maintained his place, and was watching him with
equal attention.
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