But it is usual for them when questioned, to
say that they come from Naples, that being the principal city in
that portion of Italy, or indeed in the entire kingdom.
"Who do you live with," continued Henry.
"With the padrone."
"And who is the padrone?"
"He take care of me--he bring me from Italy."
"Is he kind to you?"
Phil shrugged his shoulders.
"He beat me sometimes," he answered.
"Beats you? What for?"
"If I bring little money."
"Does he beat you hard?"
"Si, signor, with a stick."
"He must be a bad man," said Henry, indignantly.
"How much money must you carry home?"
"Two dollars."
"But it isn't your fault, if people will not give you money."
"Non importa. He beat me."
"He ought to be beaten himself."
Phil shrugged his shoulders. Like most boys of his class, to him
the padrone seemed all-powerful. The idea that his oppressive
taskmaster should be punished for his cruelty had never dawned
upon him. Knowing nothing of any law that would protect him, he
submitted to it as a necessity, from which there was no escape
except by running away. He had not come to that yet, but some of
his companions had done so, and he might some day.
Pages:
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29