The landlord looked up and bade me good-day.

I returned his salutation, and ordered some coffee and rolls of bread.

Seating myself carelessly at one of the little tables I turned over the newspaper, while he bustled about in haste to serve me.

As he dusted and rubbed up a cup and saucer for my use, he said, briskly, "You have had a long voyage, amico?
And successful fishing ?" For a moment I was confused and knew not what to answer, but gathering my wits together I smiled and answered readily in the affirmative.
"And you ?" I said, gayly.

"How goes the cholera ?" The landlord shook his head dolefully.
"Holy Joseph! do not speak of it.