There the cliff rises perpendicularly seven hundred feet out of the water, deeply indented at its base with wave-worn caves and hollows, but not affording a fast hold anywhere save on the broad ledge of the single islet of rock from which a high natural arch springs suddenly across the water to the abrupt precipice which forms the mountain's base.
Calmly, as though it were an every-day excursion, Ruggiero lighted a torch and held it out when the boat was alongside of the rocks, showing the dark green crabs that lay by dozens motionless as though paralysed by the strong red glare.

And Bastianello picked them off and tossed them into the kettle at his feet, as fast as he could put out his hands to take them.

Teresina tried, too, but one almost bit her tender fingers and she contented herself with looking on, while San Miniato and Beatrice silently watched the proceedings from their place in the stern.
Little by little Ruggiero made the boat follow the base of the precipice, till she was under the natural arch.
"Pardon, Excellency," he said quietly, "but the foreigners think this is a sight with the torches.

If you will go ashore on the ledge, I will show it you." The proposal seemed very natural under the circumstances, and as the operation of picking crabs off the rocks and dropping them into a caldron loses its interest when repeated many times, Beatrice immediately assented.
The larger boat was slowly following and the tinkle of the mandolin, playing waltz music, rang out through the stillness.

Ruggiero brought the skiff alongside of the ledge where it was lowest.
"Get ashore, Bastianello," he said in the same quiet tone.