"It was not long, signore."
"You can eat what is given you, but you must not waste too much
time."
A boy entered next, who showed by his hesitating manner that he
did not anticipate a good reception. The padrone, accustomed to
judge by appearances, instantly divined this.
"Well, Ludovico," he said, sharply, "what do you bring me?"
"Pardon, padrone," said Ludovico, producing a small sum of money.
"I could not help it."
"Seventy-five cents," repeated the padrone, indignantly. "You
have been idle, you little wretch!"
"No, padrone. Indeed, I did my best. The people would not give
me money."
"Where did you go?"
"I was in Brooklyn."
"You have spent some of the money."
"No, padrone."
"You have been idle, then. No supper to-night. Pietro, my
stick!"
Pietro was one of the older boys. He was ugly physically, and
his disposition corresponded with his appearance. He could have
few good traits, or he would not have possessed the confidence of
the padrone. He was an efficient assistant of the latter, and
co-operated with him in oppressing the other boys. Indeed, he
was a nephew of the padrone's, and for this reason, as well as
his similarity of disposition, he was treated with unusual
indulgence.
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