The robbers' cave : $b A tale of Italy

"The Robbers' Cave: A Tale of Italy" by A. L. O. E. is a story based in 19th-century Calabria, Italy, focusing on Horace Cleveland and his mother's risky journey through the untamed lands. It deals with themes of class differences, maturing, and threats from bandits, mainly through Horace’s pride clashing with danger. At the story's beginning, Horace and his mother journey to Calabria mostly because Horace wants adventure, despite his mother's health, and the interactions build a tense mood, showing Horace's proud attitude and his mother's protective feelings. They stop at a run-down inn and meet people, including a singer named Raphael, and mentions of the bandit Matteo. The start is ominous as Horace’s actions take them toward danger, setting up a story of suspense, moral questions, and fighting for survival.