at the foot of the
cone, Mrs. Gray was to decide whether she would let Rosie continue and
go to the top. For herself, she concluded that she would not go, but
after seeing the party commence their ascent, she would go back to the
Hermitage, and wait there till they returned.

"And now, Philippe," said Mr. George, "I wish you to calculate exactly
what the expense will be for the whole expedition, including carriage
hire, guides, bearers, mules, _buono manos_, and every thing. Then I
will give you money enough, before we set out, to pay the whole. I don't
wish to have any thing to do in the way of paying, from the time we
leave the hotel until we get back again."

"Yes, sir," said Philippe; "that is the best way. If you undertake to
pay the men on the mountain yourself, they will never be satisfied. They
clamor continually for more, as long as the party will give any thing. I
know just what is their due."

So Philippe drew his chair up to the table where Mr. George had placed a
sheet of paper and a pen and ink, and began to make out his account.
After writing a few minutes, he looked up from his work, and asked if
the gentlemen wished to have any assistance in going up the cone. "What
assistance _can_ we have?" asked Mr. George.

"There are men who put straps over their shoulders to pull by, and let
you take hold of the end of them. It helps you a great deal."

"Yes, uncle George," said Rollo, "let us have them. I should like to be
pulled up in that way."

"So should I," said Josie.

"You boys may have strapmen, then," said Mr. George. "I think I can get
along without one myself."

Philippe then asked if the party would stop on the way and go down into
Herculaneum. Mr. George said that they would. Philippe then went on with
his calculation, and when it was finished he presented it to Mr. George.
Mr. George wrote a heading to it, and then read it as follows, except
that I give the amounts in American money:--

ASCENT OF VESUVIUS.

_Estimate of Expenses_--_Party of Five._

Carriage to the Hermitage, $5.00
Fees at Herculaneum, .25
Portantina to the foot of the cone for madame, 2.00
Portantina to the summit for mademoiselle, 6.00
Two mules for the young gentlemen, 2.00
Two strapmen up the cone, 1.00
Refreshments, .50
Mountain guide, 1.00