So it will be better for us both."
The transfer was quickly made, and the two boys kept together
until they heard the clock strike eleven. It was now so late
that they determined to return to their miserable lodging, for
both were tired and longed for sleep.
CHAPTER VII
THE HOME OF THE BOYS
It was a quarter-past eleven when Phil and Giacomo entered the
shabby brick house which they called home, for want of a better.
From fifteen to twenty of their companions had already arrived,
and the padrone was occupied in receiving their several
contributions. The apartment was a mean one, miserably
furnished, but seemed befitting the principal occupant, whose
dark face was marked by an expression of greed, and alternately
showed satisfaction or disappointment as the contents of the
boys' pockets were satisfactory or otherwise. Those who had done
badly were set apart for punishment.
He looked up as the two boys entered.
"Well, Filippo," he said, harshly, "how much have you got?"
Phil handed over his earnings. They were up to the required
limit, but the padrone looked only half satisfied.
"Is that all you have?" he asked, suspiciously.
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