ey; they are poor devils!"

"Who dares say that?" shrieked another, and now suddenly followed one of
those quarrels which are so quickly excited on the least occasion among
the passionate people of the south. There was much rage, abuse, and
noise. How flashed the eyes, how shook the fists, what threats resounded
there!

"Peace, my dear friends, be quiet, I tell you!" cried the fisherman,
with his stentorian voice. "See, there comes a new purchaser for my
fish. Be quiet, and let us see how much France is disposed to offer us."

The disturbance subsided as suddenly as it had arisen, and all pressed
nearer; all directed interrogating, curious, expectant glances at Signor
Gianettino, who just at that moment approached with a proud and grave
step, followed by the solemn train of six scullions with their baskets.

No one had before remarked him in the crowd, for they had been all eyes
and ears for Don Bempo, and hence every one supposed that he had only
just then arrived.

The shrewd chief cook also assumed the appearance of having only
accidentally passed that way without the intention of buying any thing.

But he suddenly stopped before the great fish as if astonished at its
enormous size, and seemed to view it with admiration and delight.

"What a rare and splendid animal is this!" he finally exclaimed with
animation. "Really, one must come to Rome to see such a wonder!"

"That is understood!" exultingly cried the bystanders, who had a
reverence for the fishes of Rome.

"This is no niggard! _He_ will not be so mean as to offer twelve ducats
for such a miracle as this!"

"Twelve ducats!" cried Gianettino, folding his hands. "How can you think
me so pitiful as to offer such a miserable sum for so noble a fish. No,
truly, he must have a bold forehead who would offer so little money for
this splendid animal!"

"Hear him! hear!" cried the people. "This is a learned man. He knows
something of the value of rarities!"

"_Viva!_ Long life to the French cook, _il grande ministre della
cucina!_"

Gianettino bowed politely in response to the compliment, and then
civilly asked the price of the fish.

The fisherman stood there with an expression of regretful sadness upon
his face. "I fear it will be of little use to name the price!" said he,
"the fish is as good as sold!"

"Nevertheless, name the price!"

"Twenty ducats!"

"Twenty ducats!" exclaimed Gianettino, with an expression of the
liveliest astonishment. "You