They don't look like thieves.

Did you ever have anything stolen by one of this class of boys ?" "Not that I know of," said the grocer, hesitatingly; "but it is likely they would steal if they got a chance." "We have no right to say that of anyone without good cause." "We never steal," said Phil, indignantly; for he understood what was said.
"Of course he says so," sneered the grocer.

"Come and warm yourselves, if you want to." The boys accepted this grudging invitation, and drew near the stove.
They spread out their hands, and returning warmth proved very grateful to them.
"Have you been out long ?" asked the gentleman who had interceded in their behalf, also drawing near the stove.
"Since eight, signore." "Do you live in Brooklyn ?" "No; in New York." "And do you go out every day ?" "Si, signore." "How long since you came from Italy ?" "A year." "Would you like to go back ?" "He would," said Phil, pointing to his companion.

"I would like to stay here, if I had a good home." "What kind of a home have you?
With whom do you live ?" "With the padrone." "I suppose that means your guardian ?" "Yes, sir," answered Phil.
"Is he kind to you ?" "He beats us if we do not bring home enough money." "Your lot is a hard one.

What makes you stay with him?
Don't the boys ever run away ?" "Sometimes." "What does the padrone do in that case ?" "He tries to find them." "And if he does--what then ?" "He beats them for a long time." "Evidently your padrone is a brute.