Instead of the flannel shirt and Prince Albert coat he had affected on shipboard he now wore a native costume of faded velvet, while a cloak of thin but voluminous cloth swung from his shoulders, and a soft felt hat shaded his dark eyes.
His appearance was entirely in keeping with the place, and the American noticed that the villagers who passed doffed their hats most respectfully to this seemingly well-known individual.

But mingled with their polite deference was a shyness half fearful, and none stopped to speak but hurried silently on.
"And how do we happen to find you here, Signor Valdi ?" Patsy was saying.

"Do you live in Taormina ?" "I am of this district, but not of Taormina," he replied.

"It is chance that you see me here.

Eh, Signor Bruggi, is it not so ?" casting one of his characteristic fierce glances at the shopkeeper.
"It is so, your excellency." "But I am glad you have come to the shadow of Etna," he continued, addressing the Americans with slow deliberation.