CATANIA 209 



to six square leagues with a bed of lava in some 

 places thirteen meters thick, and destroyed the homes 

 of twenty-seven thousand persons. " 



' ' Without those brave men who did not hesitate, 

 at the risk of being burnt alive, to go and open a new 

 passage for the stream of fire, Catania would cer- 

 tainly have been lost," remarked Jules. 



" Catania would have been all burnt down, there is 

 no doubt. To-day its calcined ruins would be buried 

 under a bed of cold lava, and there would be nothing 

 left but the name of the large town that had disap- 

 peared. Three or four stout-hearted men revive the 

 courage of the terrified population; they hope that 

 heaven will aid them in their devotion, and, ready 

 to sacrifice their lives, they prevent the frightful dis- 

 aster. Ah ! may God give you grace, my dear child, 

 to imitate them in the time of danger ; for, you see, 

 if man is great through his intelligence, he is still 

 greater through his heart. In my old age, when I 

 hear you spoken of, I shall be more gladdened by the 

 good you may have done than by the knowledge you 

 may have acquired. Knowledge, my little friend, is 

 only a better means of aiding others. Remember 

 that well, and when you are a man bear yourself in 

 danger as did those of Catania. I ask it of you in 

 return for my love and my stories. " 



Jules furtively wiped away a tear. His uncle per- 

 ceived that he had sown his word in good ground. 



