Probably, in some cases, the treatment is less
brutal than I have depicted; but from the best information I can
obtain from trustworthy sources, I fear that the reality, if
anything, exceeds the picture I have drawn.
"I think I should enjoy giving your padrone a horsewhipping,"
said the gentleman, impetuously. "Can such things be permitted
in the nineteenth century?"
"I have no doubt the little rascals deserve all they get," said
the grocer, who would probably have found in the Italian padrone
a congenial spirit.
Mr. Pomeroy deigned no reply to this remark.
"Well, boys," he said, consulting his watch, "I must leave you.
Here are twenty-five cents for each of you. I have one piece of
advice for you. If your padrone beats you badly, run away from
him. I would if I were in your place."
"Addio, signore," said the two boys.
"I suppose that means 'good-by.' Well, good-by, and better luck."
CHAPTER IX
PIETRO THE SPY
Though from motives of policy the grocer had permitted the boys
to warm themselves by his fire, he felt only the more incensed
against them on this account, and when Mr. Pomeroy had gone
determined to get rid of them.
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