"Who is it, then?" said Ruffo.
Moved by an irresistible impulse to interpose, Artois called out:
"Gaspare!"
He saw the two figures start.
"Gaspare!" he repeated, coming up to them.
"Signore! What is it? Has the Signora--"
"I have not heard her. I have not seen her."
"Then what is it, Signore?"
"Good-evening, Ruffo," Artois said, looking at the boy.
"Good-evening, Signore."
Ruffo took off his cap. He was going to put it back on his dark hair,
when Artois held his arm.
"Wait a minute, Ruffo!"
The boy looked surprised, but met fearlessly the eyes that were gazing
into his.
"Va bene, Ruffo."
Artois released his arm, and Ruffo put on his cap.
"I heard you talking of the /fattura della morte/," Artois said.
Ruffo reddened slightly.
"Si, Signore."
"Your mother made it?"
Ruffo did not answer. Gaspare stood by, watching and listening with
deep, half-suspicious attention.
"I heard you say so."
"Si, Signore. My mamma made it."
"And told you to bring it to the island and put it in the house
to-night?"
"Si, Signore.
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