"Yes, Eccellenza," answered Ruggiero turning quickly, cap in hand.
Strange to say, at the sound of the man's voice the alarming symptoms
totally disappeared and Ruggiero was quite himself again.
He remembered also that he had been engaged for the Count, through the
people of the hotel, on condition of approval, and that it would be
contrary to boatman's honour to draw back. After all, too, women in a
boat were always a nuisance at the best, and he liked the Count's face,
and decided that he was not of the type of landsmen who are frightened.
The interview did not last long.
"I shall wish to make excursions in all directions," said San Miniato.
"I do not know anything about the sea, but I dislike people who make
difficulties and talk to me of bad weather when I mean to go anywhere.
Do you understand?"
"We will try to content your excellency," answered Ruggiero quietly.
"Good. We shall see."
So Ruggiero went away to find the Son of the Fool, and the Cripple, and
to engage them for the summer, and to deliver to his brother the message
from the Marchesa di Mola. The reason why Ruggiero did not take
Sebastiano as one of his own crew was a simple one.
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