n a tremendous, over-whelming crash of thunder, and the
whole palace fell to gravel and dust--there was not left one stone
standing on the other, save the cross which the children had repaired,
which rose alone in the middle of the garden.

"Then the next day the good man dug away the rubbish by the cross, and
when this was removed, they found a mass of charcoal, and under this the
treasure.

"Then the Signore, grown rich, had, to commemorate this, a beautiful
column built, on which he placed the cross, and this is known to this day
as the Croce al Trebbio, or the Crucifix of the Cross-roads."

* * * * *

If the Croce al Trebbio really commemorates one of the most iniquitous
massacres which ever disgraced even the Church, then to find this tender
and graceful little tale springing up from it, reminds me of what I once
heard of a violet which was found growing in the Far West, and blooming
in an Indian's skull. The conception of the children playing at
worshipping, and yet half-worshipping, is very Italian. I have seen
little boys and girls thus rig up a small chapel in the streets of Rome,
and go through the mass and other ceremonies with intense interest.

It may also be observed that in this, as in many other legends, charcoal
is found over a hidden treasure. The folk-lore of coal in connection
with money is so extensive and varied, that one could write on it a small
book. I believe that the two are synonyms in all canting jargons or
"slanguages."

"Hence probably came," remarks Flaxius, "the saying, 'To haul one over
the coals,' meaning to go over money-accounts with any one who has cause
to dread the ordeal. Truly 'tis but a conjecture, yet I remember that in
my youth it was generally applied to such investigations.

"'And so 'twas held in early Christian time
That glowing coals were a sure test of truth
And holy innocence, as was full proved
By Santa Agnatesis of the Franks,
And fair Lupita of the Irish isle.'"

Since writing the foregoing I have found the whole of the ancient
inscription of the cross, as it was preserved by two chroniclers. This
will be found in another chapter.

THE TWO FAIRIES OF THE WELL
A LEGEND OF THE VIA CALZAIOLI

"When looking down into a well,
You'll see a fairy, so they tell,
Although she constantly appears
With your own face instead of hers;
And if you cry aloud, you'll hear
Her voi