"He is a bad man."
"Who is the padrone?" asked Jimmy, curiously.
"He is my master. He sends me out to play for money."
"And must you give all the money you make to him?"
"Yes; if I do not bring much money, he will beat me."
"Then he must be a bad man. Why do you live with him?"
"He bought me from my father."
"He bought you?" repeated Jimmy, puzzled.
"He hires him for so much money," explained Paul.
"But why did your father let you go with a bad man?" asked
Jimmy.
"He wanted the money," said Phil. "He cared more for money than
for me."
What wonder that the boys sold into such cruel slavery should be
estranged from the fathers who for a few paltry ducats sell the
liberty and happiness of their children. Even where the contract
is for a limited terms of years, the boys in five cases out of
ten are not returned at the appointed time. A part, unable to
bear the hardships and privations of the life upon which they
enter, are swept off by death, while of those that survive, a
part are weaned from their homes, or are not permitted to go
back.
"You must not ask too many questions, Jimmy." said Mrs. Hoffman,
fearing that he might awaken sad thoughts in the little musician.
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