It was all governed by the infernal attraction exercised by the female of the species.

The men were working, struggling, and trying to grow rich and celebrated, all in order to possess one of these creatures.
"Believe me, my son, and do not imitate your father in this respect." The old man had said too much to back out now and he had to go on, letting out the rest of it, bit by bit.

Thus Esteban learned that the captain was enamored with a lady in Naples and that he had remained there pretending business matters, but in reality dominated by this woman's influence.
"Is she pretty ?" asked the boy eagerly.
"Very pretty," replied Caragol.

"And such odors!...

And such a swishing of fine clothes!..." Telemachus thrilled with contradictory sensations of pride and envy.