Chapter 101

“Is everything all right?” I said.

“Yeah,” Sylvia said. “He was on the terrace, and after a bit he started to get sleepy, so we left.”

“Aren’t you worried about those three boys falling into the stream?” Mrs. Rosati said, pointing to the waterfall and stream.

“We were very concerned, so we installed safeguards. For example, there’s a low fence where the pool at the base of the largest waterfall flows into the stream, and a much higher one somewhat farther downstream at the edge of our property; by the way, the stream is quite shallow. In addition, there’s a fence hidden behind the shrubbery at the edge of the yard. Add to that the fact that all three of them swim like fish, and Dani and I have threatened them with absolutely dire consequences if they fail to keep within bounds.”

“Well,” she said, “they are rather well-behaved for little boys.”

“Most of the time,” I said.

“Are they allowed to get into the pool at the base of the waterfall?” Sylvia said.