“Yes. The men are diving for frutti di mare, aren’t they?”
Vere nodded.
“The men are nothing. But there is a boy who is wonderful.”
“Why? What does he do?”
“He stays under water an extraordinary time. Now wait. Have you got a watch, Madre?”
“Yes.”
“Take it out, there’s a darling, and time him. I want to know—there he is! You see!”
“Yes.”
“Have you got your watch? Wait till he goes under! Wait a minute! There! He’s gone! Now begin.”
She drew into her lungs a long breath, and held it. The mother smiled, keeping her eyes obediently on the watch which lay in her hand.