He was a short man, very dark with fierce black eyes and a sinister countenance.
It was his habit to walk about the streets from time to time, and keep a watch, unobserved, upon his young apprentices, if they may be so called.
If he found them loitering about, or neglecting their work, they were liable to receive a sharp reminder.
The boys were both startled at his sudden appearance, but after the first start, Phil, who was naturally courageous, recovered his self-possession.

Not so with Giacomo, who was the more afraid because he knew he had gained but little money thus far.
"We are not wasting our time, padrone," said Phil, looking up fearlessly.
"We will see about that.

How long have you been together ?" "Only five minutes." "How much money have you, Filippo ?" "A dollar and twenty cents." "Good; you have done well.

And how is it with you, Giacomo ?" "I have forty cents." "Then you have been idle," said the padrone, frowning.
"No, signore," said the boy, trembling.

"I have played, but they did not give me much money." "It is not his fault," said Phil, coming boldly to the defense of his friend.
"Attend to your own affairs, little scrape-grace," said the padrone, roughly.