In order to visit them, permission was necessary, and presently I made my way to the town hall, to speak with the Sindaco (Mayor) and request his aid in this matter.

Without difficulty I was admitted.

In a well-furnished office sat two stout gentlemen, smoking cigars, very much at their ease; the Sindaco bade me take a chair, and scrutinized me with doubtful curiosity as I declared my business.

Yes, to be sure he could admit me to see his own orchard; but why did I wish to see it?
My reply that I had no interest save in the natural beauty of the place did not convince him; he saw in me a speculator of some kind.

That was natural enough.