They talked loud and with a certain air of boasting, they were rough, indeed, but not strongly built nor naturally easy in their movements as sailors are.

Their eyes were restless and fiery, but the glance was neither keen nor direct.

Altogether they contrasted oddly with Don Antonino, the old boatswain.

This part of Calabria does not breed genuine sea folk.
Antonino took no notice of the boys as they stood outside the door, but went quietly on with his work, measuring quart after quart of wine and pouring it into the barrel.
"If it were a keg, I could carry it for him," said Ruggiero, "but I cannot lift a barrel yet." "We could roll it, together," suggested Sebastiano thoughtfully.
Presently Don Antonino finished his job and bunged the barrel with a cork and a bit of old sailcloth.

Then he looked up and stood still.