"Barca! Barca!"
She had reached the steps now near the Savoy Hotel. A happy-looking
boatman, with hazel eyes and a sensitive mouth, hailed her from the
water. It was Fabiano Lari, to whom Artois had once spoken, waiting
for custom in his boat the /Stella del Mare/.
Hermione was attracted to the man, as Artois had been, and she
resolved to find out from him, if possible, where Ruffo's mother
lived. She went down the steps. The man immediately brought his boat
right in.
"No," she said, "I don't want the boat."
Fabiano looked a little disappointed.
"I am looking for some one who lives here, a Sicilian boy called
Ruffo."
"Ruffo Scarla, Signora? The Sicilian?"
"That must be he. Do you know him?"
"Si, Signora, I know Ruffo very well. He was here this morning. But I
don't know where he is now." He looked round. "He may have gone home,
Signora."
"Do you know where he lives?"
"Si, Signora. It is near where I live. It's near the Grotto."
"Could you possibly leave your boat and take me there?"
"Si, Signora! A moment, Signora.
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