Meanwhile the other boys looked on, helpless to interfere. The
more selfish were glad that they had escaped, though not at all
sure but it would be their turn next evening. There were others
who felt a passive sympathy for their unlucky comrade. Others
were filled with indignation at the padrone, knowing how cruel
and unjust were his exactions. Among these was Phil. Possessed
of a warm and sympathetic heart, he never witnessed these cruel
punishments without feeling that he would like to see the padrone
suffering such pain as he inflicted upon others.
"If I were only a man," he often thought, "I would wrench the
stick from his hand, and give him a chance to feel it."
But he knew too well the danger of permitting his real sentiments
to be reflected in his face. It would only bring upon him a
share of the same punishment, without benefiting those who were
unfortunate enough to receive it.
When Ludovico's punishment was ended, he was permitted to go to
bed, but without his supper. Nor was his the only case. Five
other boys were subjected to the same punishment. The stick had
no want of exercise on that evening. Here were nearly forty
boys, subjected to excessive fatigue, privation, and brutal
treatment daily, on account of the greed of one man.
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