One evening, tired from these boisterous games, they all lay sprawled along the hillside, watching the stars come out and talking about the great men they were going to be.
“I shall be a shepherd,” cried one, “and roam the hills all day.”
“And I shall be a barber, like my father,” shouted another.
“As for me,” cried a third, “I shall be a wine merchant, and sit at my ease.”
But Offero said never a word.
“Offero! Offero!” cried the boys, scrambling up and swarming over him. “What are you going to be?” And they tweaked his long hair.
But Offero held his peace. Then suddenly he sprang up, shaking them off like so many puppies.
“I shall serve,” he thundered. “I shall serve the greatest king in the world.”
The boys stared. “But how will you find him?” they cried.
“I shall walk till I find him,” said Offero, “and I shall know him because he will be afraid of no one.”