(a) The narrator was surprised to see the boys shining shoes because he thought that they sold fruits for a living. However, when he questioned the boys regarding this, Nicola said that they also did a lot of other things for a living. The boys hoped that the narrator would ask for their services and in return would earn some good money.
(b) When the narrator suggested that the boys were saving to emigrate to the States.
Nicola responded that how much ever they wished to do that, currently they had other plans, which he was unwilling to and uncomfortable sharing with the narrator.
(c) Although the boys were small and innocent, there was a maturity in their demeanour, which was unbelievable at their age.
