He
was a short man, very dark with fierce black eyes and a sinister
countenance. It was his habit to walk about the streets from
time to time, and keep a watch, unobserved, upon his young
apprentices, if they may be so called. If he found them
loitering about, or neglecting their work, they were liable to
receive a sharp reminder.
The boys were both startled at his sudden appearance, but after
the first start, Phil, who was naturally courageous, recovered
his self-possession. Not so with Giacomo, who was the more
afraid because he knew he had gained but little money thus far.
"We are not wasting our time, padrone," said Phil, looking up
fearlessly.
"We will see about that. How long have you been together?"
"Only five minutes."
"How much money have you, Filippo?"
"A dollar and twenty cents."
"Good; you have done well. And how is it with you, Giacomo?"
"I have forty cents."
"Then you have been idle," said the padrone, frowning.
"No, signore," said the boy, trembling. "I have played, but they
did not give me much money."
"It is not his fault," said Phil, coming boldly to the defense of
his friend.
"Attend to your own affairs, little scrape-grace," said the
padrone, roughly.
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