"Five Turkish women," the other returned. "That's fifty ducats for the king and a flask of wine for me...." "Good, let us drink." "... In women," continued the _doganiere_, "and in specie." The negro paid. They drank at a nearby tavern, their eyes never straying from their merchandise. Guido understood that they were slaves destined for the harem of the most illustrious Caraccioli. At Venice, where he had lived, it was customary, since the Turks were pirating, to return the compliment. If this was becoming popular in Naples, so much the better; he would gather, into a little house, some Oriental women for his pleasure. Guido was neither sufficiently naive nor spiteful to believe that the most excellent hypocrite was carrying on the trade of fair eyes for his friends. Well! he could do likewise: arm a vessel, dispatch it on long cruises to the Barbary coasts, nourish the enlisted bandits with salty provisions and the captive beauties with blancmange.... Ah! he suddenly remembered: all his wealth had been confiscated by the crown! Not even a ducat in his hose; not a sword, not a pistol to procure money on the highway, and bareheaded as a Lazarite! He would have to attend to this penury. The office of the royal customs-house was opened and the overseer was drinking to the fiscal ransom of the Algerian women: he entered. The arrant employees of His Majesty were drowsing pen in hand, of course. He pushed another door, though perceived: a third one, and the treasure. From a very fine collection of garments, hose, cloaks, swords, pistols and French hats, he provided himself with a quite gallant outfit, added a remarkable piece of Alençon silk, a little string for the women, and some rope for the silent strangulation of the cashier. It was a small matter to pass through the three doors where pleasant dreams were stirring, and he found him a little farther away. His sleep was hardly broken: a little movement of the hands, nothing more. Without being very rich, the royal coffer was still interesting. He placed it in his pockets, untied the rope, returned it to its place, and strolled out. On the threshold, the _doganiere_ saluted him: "Does Your Excellency deign to be pleased?" "Yes, yes," Guido replied. "These gentlemen are polite. Here," he added, taking out a ducat, "go and drink with this." The negro counted his women: one, two, three, four.... "All's well. No, I should have five. Let us count them: one, two, three, four, five." The carriage departed. "I love you, my lord, let us go!" The yellow Algerian, appearing before him like a radiant caprice, had taken him by the hand. "As soon as I saw you," she continued, "I hid myself so as not to be led away with the others, for I belong to you, I am your slave. My name is Pavona." "But," asked Guido, "how were you able to see me with your closed eyes, for I know that, under your hood, your eyes are closed!" "It is true," said Pavona. "You know me then?"