Just as the happy band was about to start, Father Somazzo called Peppo
back, for it occurred to him that perhaps the man, who had a few days
previous to this so impudently demanded possession of him, might try to
kidnap him.
"Peppo", he said, addressing Lihu by his Italian nickname, "Peppo, you
know that I mean well by you."
"Yes, Father," answered the boy impatiently, "but please don't keep me
now. We are going to the city and I am to be the leader of the ranks."
"Peppo, not very long ago you said that you were willing to make a
great sacrifice to God, because he saved you from death, and permitted
you to be baptized, and because you are soon to receive your first
communion."
"Yes, Father, I did, and I will willingly make a sacrifice, but let me
go now. Brother Onufrio has already opened the door."
"Peppo, would it not be a beautiful sacrifice for you to give up going
to-night?"
"O Father," stammered the child with tears in his eyes, "no, I don't
want to. I will make a sacrifice, but not to-night. I want to see the
fire-works and the puppet show. And Willy will be at the puppet show,
I want to find him, too.
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