"He might have got as much as you."
"No, padrone; I was lucky. A kind lady gave me fifty cents."
"That is not my affair. I don't care where you get the money.
But if you don't bring home all I expect, you shall feel the
stick."
These last words were addressed to Giacomo, who understood their
import only too well. In the miserable lodging where he herded
with thirty or forty others scarcely a night passed without the
brutal punishment of one or more unfortunate boys, who had been
unsuccessful in bringing home enough to satisfy the rapacity of
the padrone. But of this an account will hereafter be given.
"Now, go to work, both of you," said the padrone, harshly.
The two boys separated. Giacomo went uptown, while Phil kept on
his way toward the Astor House. The padrone made his way to the
nearest liquor shop, where he invested a portion of the money
wrung from the hard earnings of his young apprentices.
Toward the close of the afternoon Phil found himself in front of
the Astor House. He had played several times, but was not
fortunate in finding liberal auditors. He had secured but ten
cents during this time, and it seemed doubtful whether he would
reach the sum he wanted.
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