"Si, si! È vero, è vero!" cried Maurice.
"I've been eating Zampaglione, and I am full. If I go into the sea to-night I shall die."
"Mamma mia!" ejaculated Nito, throwing up his hands towards the stars.
He dared not give the lie to the "signore distinto," yet he had no trust in Gaspare's word, and had gained no sort of conviction from his eloquent writhings.
"You must go in, Nito," said Gaspare.
"I—Madonna!"
"Why not?"
"Why not?" cried Nito, in a plaintive whine that was almost feminine. "I go into the sea with my rheumatism!"
Abruptly one of his legs gave way, and he stood before them in a crooked attitude.
"Signore," he said to Maurice. "I would go into the sea, I would stay there all night, for I love it, but Dr. Marini has forbidden me to enter it. See how I walk!"