"Well, don't then. And I don't believe you have no money; you must have some. Smugglers land here sometimes, and they always pay well."
"Speak loud, of course! Yes, it is true, smugglers often land on the island; but they don't come near my hut, or if they do, they buy fruit and give me salt in exchange. Will you have some salt?"
"You are laughing at me. Well, and such visitors as you have to-night?"
"I don't know whether they are rich or not."
"Ask them for money! Demand it! Don't make a solemn face! You must get money somehow; don't try to take me in with this ridiculous Australian barter. Get ducats if you want to keep the peace with me; you know if I say a single word at the right place it's all up with you."
"Softly, you wretched man!"
"Ay! now you want me to whisper. Well, shut my mouth then, be kind to me, Therese—let me have a little money."
"But I tell you there is none in the house! Don't worry me! I have not a farthing, and don't want any; there is a curse on anything which is gold. There, all my chests and boxes are here; look through them, and if you find anything, take it."
It appeared that the man was not slow to take advantage of this permission, for soon he was heard to exclaim, "Ah! What is this? A gold bracelet."
"Yes; the strange lady gave it to Noémi. If you can make use of it, take it."