202 THE LAND OF PLUCK

and Beppo was proud to stand guard, sword in hand, ready
to fight off any enemy that might approach.

But no enemy came; only the good friends health and
strength. And one dark night the duke and the children,
cleverly disguised by Fesco, were driven away in an old
wagon for miles and miles, until at last they came to a
shepherd’s cottage, where the duchess was waiting for
them; and a happier meeting than theirs never took place
on earth.

After that, Beppo’s father and mother went to live, for a
while, in Germany, taking their children with them, while
Fesco stayed at home to look after his master’s posses-
sions. But one fine day, the warfare came to an end, as all
things do soon or late; and, his troubles over, the duke
was free again. He and his family were able to go back
and live in their castle peacefully and happily; and once
more the armor on the old walls tingled with the merry
laughter of Bianca and Beppo.