An hour after I had left Castel-Nuovo, the atmosphere being calm and the sky clear, I perceived on my right, and within ten paces of me, a pyramidal flame about two feet long and four or five feet above the ground.  This apparition surprised me, because it seemed to accompany me.  Anxious to examine it, I endeavoured to get nearer to it, but the more I advanced towards it the further it went from me.  It would stop when I stood still, and when the road along which I was travelling happened to be lined with trees, I no longer saw it, but it was sure to reappear as soon as I reached a portion of the road without trees.  I several times retraced my steps purposely, but, every time I did so, the flame disappeared, and would not shew itself again until I proceeded towards Rome.  This extraordinary beacon left me when daylight chased darkness from the sky.

What a splendid field for ignorant superstition, if there had been any witnesses to that phenomenon, and if I had chanced to make a great name in Rome!  History is full of such trifles, and the world is full of people who attach great importance to them in spite of the so-called light of science.  I must candidly confess that, although somewhat versed in physics, the sight of that small meteor gave me singular ideas.  But I was prudent enough not to mention the circumstance to any one.

When I reached the ancient capital of the world, I possessed only seven paoli, and consequently I did not loiter about.  I paid no attention to the splendid entrance through the gate of the polar trees, which is by mistake pompously called of the people, or to the beautiful square of the same name, or to the portals of the magnificent churches, or to all the stately buildings which generally strike the traveller as he enters the city.  I went straight towards Monte-Magnanopoli, where, according to the address given to me, I was to find the bishop.  There I was informed that he had left Rome ten days before, leaving instructions to send me to Naples free of expense.  A coach was to start for Naples the next day; not caring to see Rome, I went to bed until the time for the departure of the coach.  I travelled with three low fellows to whom I did not address one word through the whole of the journey.  I entered Naples on the 6th day of September.

I went immediately to the address which had been given to me in Rome; the bishop was not there.  I called at the Convent of the Minims, and I found that he had left Naples to proceed to Martorano.  I enquired whether he had left any instructions for me, but all in vain, no one could give me any information.  And there I was, alone in a large city, without a friend, with eight carlini in my pocket, and not knowing what to do!  But never mind; fate calls me to Martorano, and to Martorano I must go.  The distance, after all, is only two hundred miles.

I found several drivers starting for Cosenza, but when they heard that I had no luggage, they refused to take me, unless I paid in advance.  They were quite right, but their prudence placed me under the necessity of going on foot.  Yet I felt I must reach Martorano, and I made up my mind to walk the distance, begging food and lodging like the very reverend Brother Stephano.