Then he drew off the ragged shirt which the boy wore underneath, and his bare back was exposed to view.
"Hold him, Pietro!" In Pietro's firm grasp, the boy was unable to stir.

The padrone whirled the stick aloft, and brought it down upon the naked flesh, leaving behind a fearful wheal.
Ludovico shrieked aloud, and again implored mercy, but in vain, for the stick descended again and again.
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.