and we can run the boat into the Pool of San Francesco, and have some
sleep there, if the Signori like. We others generally take a nap
there, and go to work further on in the night. But of course it is as
the Signori prefer."

"They want to keep us out all night to get more pay," said the
Marchesino to Artois, in bad French.

He had divined the suspicion that had suddenly risen up in his friend,
and was resolved to lay it to rest, without, however, abandoning his
purpose, which had become much more ardent with the coming of the
night. The voices of the laughing women were ringing in his ears. He
felt adventurous. The youth in him was rioting, and he was longing to
be gay, as the men with those women were being gay.

"What do you think, Emilio caro?" he asked.

Then before Artois could reply, he said:

"After all, what do a few soldi matter? Who could sleep in a room on
such a night? It might be August, when one bathes at midnight, and
sings canzoni till dawn. Let us do as he says. Let us rest in the--
what is the pool?" he asked of the fishermen, pretending not to know
the name.

"The pool of San Francesco, Signorino Marchesino."

"Pool of San Francesco. I remember now. That is the place where all
the fishermen along the coast towards Nisida go to sleep. I have slept
there many times when I was a boy, and so has Viviano. To-night shall