In the afternoon we went on shore, and set off at once to the scene of our adventure: The fragments of the coach had been removed. Climbing up the lane, we made inquiries at the top--at least Adam, who spoke Italian, did--for any family from the country who might be stopping at a house near at hand. "Oh, you want Signora Faranelli, whose coach was run away with last night by some ragamuffins!" said the master of a small shop where we inquired. "The same," answered Adam. "She and her daughters are staying with Signor Bianconi at the big house, there." Adam led us to the house indicated. "I feel in a great funk," whispered Dicky; "don't you, D'Arcy? What shall we say?" "The truth," said I. "It's the only thing we can say. Tell our tale from beginning to end." We sent in our cards, with a message to say that two naval officers wished to speak to Signora Faranelli. Adam said he should wait outside for us, and told us to make haste. We were speedily requested to walk upstairs, and were ushered into a room full of company, when a very pleasing, kind-looking lady came forward and inquired to what cause she was indebted for the honour of our visit. As I knew Sharpe would make some mistake, I had offered to act as spokesman, and at once told the whole of our tale. "Oh, it was very naughty in the carriage to run away with you," she replied, in a good-natured tone, in somewhat broken English; "and it was very stupid in my servants to leave it standing on the top of the hill, though but natural that you, on a rainy night, should take shelter within it. I had been told that it was purposely sent rolling down the hill by a party of tipsy naval officers, and I was resolved to complain of them; but the frank way in which you have come forward to explain the matter removes all disagreeable feeling on the subject, and I am very happy to make your acquaintance." Dicky Sharpe drew a deep breath, as if some dire forebodings were removed. I don't know what he thought was going to happen to us. "I must now introduce you to Signor Bianconi, and I am sure he will have great pleasure if you can remain and spend the evening with us," continued the lady. "I shall hope also to see you shortly at my house in the country." We thanked Signora Faranelli very much for her kindness, but explained that we had a friend waiting outside for us, who had, however, nothing to do with the carriage affair. Of course Adam Stallman was requested to come in, and, to my surprise, he consented. "I like what you tell me of the people, D'Arcy, and their acquaintance must be worth making," he observed.