foot. He examined his hands, and hesitated when he found them soft and
white. "But," said the merchant, speaking in Italian, "there must be
something that you have learned." Antonio thought a moment, and not
wishing to hide anything, said confidently that he could do clerical
work and could write in the Italian and French languages. "Hm, hm," said
the merchant, "that is something, but what else can you do?"

Antonio said, "I understand Latin and Greek."

"Oh, my, such wares we cannot use here. Is there nothing else that you
know?"

"Yes," answered Antonio, "I can sing and play the guitar."

"I wish I had an instrument at hand," said the merchant; "but suppose
you sing a song for me."

Antonio did as the old man wished, and his voice was sweet and clear.

The merchant offered three gold pieces for Antonio, but as the dealers
kept on raising the price, the merchant shrugged his shoulders, turned
and went on.

The pirates called him back and offered him the boy for ten gold pieces.
The merchant paid the price, and the boy belonged to him.

It grieved Antonio to think that he had been bought like a horse or a
dog; but his trust and faith were so steadfast that he knew, in the
fullness of time, some good would result from it.