Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 2.djvu/259

248 too, for the fisher Nicolò was as grateful for the saving of it as though he had been crowned with gold. "You will do a thing for me, Colò?" asked Erceldoune, as he arrested the torrent of gratitude.

"I will risk body and soul for you, Signor!"

"I believe you would. I only want you to sell me a fishing-suit such as you wear, and some of your fishing-nets and lines."

"I will sell you nothing, 'Lustrissimo," said the sailor, doggedly, and with a certain wounded pride. "I will give you everything my poor hut holds."

"And I will take it as willingly. Forgive me for using the word of barter!"

The Capriote's eyes beamed with delight at the concession and the comprehension.

"Come within, Eccellenza."

Erceldoune bent his lofty head, and entered the low, square, sea-scented hut, with the half-naked children, handsome as young seraphs running wild, and the yellow gourds, and dried herbs, and onion-ropes hanging from the rafters. As it chanced, there was a suit, unworn except on saints' days, and of full size, for the marinaro was of high stature and powerfully built. In a few moments bis own white yachting-dress was changed for it; he set the scarlet