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But to whom did he address this appeal? to men who were

themselves incumbered with the weight of their humble movables,

or, disturbed by the thoughts of what they had been obliged to

leave behind, exposed to the ravages of the destroyer. One drove

his cow before him; another conducted his children, who were also

laden with burdens, his wife perhaps with an infant in her arms.

Some went on their way without replying or looking at him; others

merely said, "Eh, sir, do as you can; you are fortunate in having

no family to think of; help yourself; do the best you can."

"Oh, poor me!" cried Don Abbondio, "oh, what savages! they have

no feeling; they give not a thought to their poor curate!" And he

went again in search of Perpetua.

"Oh, you are come just in time," said she, "where is your money?"

"What shall we do with it?"

"Give it to me; I will bury it in the garden with the plate."

"But--"

"But, but, give it to me; keep a few pence for necessity, and let

me manage the rest."