The boys were not quite sure whether he was watching them or not, for it was already dusk.

His wife lit a small German petroleum lamp and hung it in the middle of the room, and then went to the fireplace in the dark corner where something was cooking.

One of the guests shouted to Antonino.
"There is a martingane at San Nicola," he bawled.
Antonino turned his head slowly to the speaker and waited for more.
"Bound east," continued the man.

"From Majuri." "What is wrong with her ?" inquired the old host.
Boats going west, that is, towards Naples and Civita Vecchia often put in to the small natural harbours to wait for the night wind.

Those going east never do except for some especial reason.
The man said nothing, but fixed his eyes on Antonino and slowly filled his pipe, evidently intending to convey some secret piece of information by the look and action.