Max nodded. "When will the market be open?"


    The lady chuckled to herself. "No need to worry, I know the man by heart. I''ll take you to him."


    Max smiled wide. "Thanks!"


    "No problem. Now get some sleep, and I''ll take you straight to his house in the morning."


    Max was taken back. "You don''t know me, but youre letting me sleep here anyway?"


    "I see kindness in you eyes, child."


    Deep gratitude filled his heart. He finished the last of his supper and went upstairs to his bed. He suddenly stopped, and looked down at her. "How can I repay you?"


    "Just be a good lad for the world, is all I ask."


    Max chuckled to himself. "I will."


    ..........................


    The next morning, Zack and Matthew got up and went down to get a meal. The curly haired boy sighed. "So now what?" He mumbled.


    Zack tsked. "I don''t know really, the only thing we CAN do is wait for Ben''s ship."


    "But Max could''ve met him at Venice!"


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    Zack sighed. "So we''re stranded here."


    Matthew nodded. "Yep."


    When the boys finished their breakfast, they decided to wander the town. Before they walked out the door, the bartender called out for Zack. "Hey, you boy! Come!" He ordered.


    Zack held his breath as he and Matthew walked toward him. The man set his tankard on the counter. "It seems you weren''t too happy about your friend going after the necklace by himself. Why is that? Were you guys meant to do it together?"


    Zack couldn''t believe what he was hearing, he turned to look at a blank face Matthew. Then the blond turned back to the bartender, and decided to play along. "Yes. He IS supposed to be with us, he gets impatient like that. I thought he was better than that!"


    The man nodded in agreement. "Ah yes, I understand." Matthew looked at Zack with confusion. The man turned around and began to clean up. Without looking back at them, he said, "Let me know if you boys need anything in the future."


    Zack then began to ask. "What about a boat? We need to go after him." He looked to see if Matthew would say no, but surprisingly, he DIDN''T!


    The man scratched the back of his neck. "I''m sorry, but I don''t own a boat or a ship."


    "Well I do!" A voice was heard from behind the boys. They whispered around to see Ben standing behind them.


    Matthew laughed in relief. "You''re Ben? Oh thank God! Your brother caused a lot of trouble!"


    "Matthew!" Zack exclaimed.


    "No, no, he''s fine." Ben told him. "I know he does, what did he do THIS time?" He asked Matthew.


    The boys explained their story to him. Ben pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed. "I''m sorry he''s been that way. I thought this trip would be good for him...that''s why he does these errands with me."


    Zack nodded. "He told us about your father."


    Ben sighed again. "He had it rough. Anyway, you guys need to go home? I''ll take you, but I''ll need my brother first....where did he go?"


    Matthew then said it like he can hardly believe it. "He traveled to Venice to get my chain back."


    Ben was surprised. "Wait...are you serious?"


    Matthew shrugged. "I GUESS."