52 BRUNO 



near-by thickets, called hammocks or hum- 

 mocks. The firelight gave fitful glimpses of 

 old-fashioned chairs, tables, etc., and lighted 

 up a number of large gilt-framed paintings 

 which adorned the walls ; in short, it was a 

 complete picture of artistic comfort. Nor was 

 our satisfaction lessened by the fragrant odor of 

 frying ham and hot muffins, wafted to us as we 

 crossed the hall. 



They gave us a ground-floor room in an L 

 opening on one of the side piazzas. This 

 arrangement suited Bruno perfectly, and there- 

 fore it pleased us. There was a small lake 

 behind the house, and the next day Julius pro- 

 posed a row. The boat was quite small, and 

 he was then rather unskilled in the use of oars ; 

 so we coaxed Bruno to sit on the tiny wharf 

 and see us go by. 



He seemed quite willing; so we pushed off. 

 As we floated outward, Bruno lost heart. It 

 was too much like being left behind; so he 

 whined and plunged in after us. 



"It isn't far across," said Julius, "and a 

 swim won't hurt him!' 



So we went on, letting him follow. 



Suddenly he gave a strange cry, and Julius 

 looked around, exclaiming, 



