The old woman continued, "Always animals!" she groaned. "This stupid child would feed every cat, dog, goose, and donkey while I starve!"
In a way, the old woman was right. Tony did just this with his money. He spent it on food for stray animals.
Or, sometimes he gave it to beggars who sat on church steps. They were not so fortunate as he. For he was beautiful to look at and people always believed his sad tales. He was a splendid actor.
He also knew that the old woman had enough for herself. So why should he bring home his pennies when men and beasts starved on the streets?
But he did not put it this way to his guardian. It was so much easier to turn his pockets inside out and say, with a roguish smile, "Niente! (Nothing!)"
"How would you like me to take the lad to live with me?" asked Guido, the Marionette Man.
"Heaven protect you, sir!" cried the old woman. "You do not know Tony!"
But here she was wrong, for Guido did know Tony. He had often watched him on the streets, begging. Such a clever child would be able to help in the Marionette show.
"Let me have him," said Guido, pleasantly. "I am not afraid of little boys who do not tell the truth. I will teach him as I teach my little trained dog, eh?"
He laughed and looked into Tony's eyes. Tony smiled at him and brushed away the tears.