But it was too good to last. When they returned at
evening they found their old enemy in command. He looked more
ill-tempered and sour than ever, but gave no explanation of his
and Pietro's absence, except to say that he had been out of the
city on business. He called for the boys' earnings of the day
previous, but to their surprise made no inquiries about how they
had supplied themselves with supper or breakfast. He felt that
his influence over the boys, and the terror which he delighted to
inspire in them, would be lessened if they should learn that he
had been arrested and punished. The boys were accustomed to look
upon him as possessed of absolute power over them, and almost
regarded him as above law.
Pietro, too, was silent, partly for the same reasons which
influenced the padrone, partly because he was afraid of offending
his uncle.
Meanwhile poor Giacomo remained sick. If he had been as robust
and strong as Phil, he would have recovered, but he was naturally
delicate, and exposure and insufficient food had done their work
only too well.
Four days afterward (to advance the story a little) one of the
boys came to the padrone in the morning, saying: "Signore
padrone, Giacomo is much worse.
Pages:
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193