Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 2).djvu/18

 'Try and think again. Look at this. It strengthens memory marvellously. If you can lead us to any such old places under the ground, this shall be yours.'

This was a broad silver coin—a whole scudo in solid silver!

Zirlo felt as if he were giddy.

'There is no such place,' he stammered; but his accent was unsteady and his eyes fastened on the silver bit glancing in the sun-rays.

'There is such,' said the stranger with insistence, 'and I think you know it very well, and if you will bring us to it this scudo shall be yours. Come, my little lad, you will earn it cheaply.'

Zirlo grew red, grew pale, shuffled his feet on the turf, trembled, longed, feared, denied; then longed again.

'You will not hurt her if I show you?' he said wistfully.

The strangers laughed.

'What should we hurt? We are only travellers, artists, archæologists. We will do no harm, little man; we will only give you that money and as much again if you lead us aright.'

Zirlo was silent in an agony of hesitation.