It is trueappearances may be deceptive. With reference to the two boys, Nicola andJacopo, the axiom is surely relevant and appropriate. When the narrator, A.J.Cronin first met them at the outskirts of Verona, they looked shabby andunkempt. Even Luigi, the driver passed a hasty judgement about them. However,on observing the boys from close quarters, the narrator realized they were themost extraordinary children he had ever met. He came to know they possessed allthe qualities of gentlemen. They were responsible, caring, well-behaved,self-reliant, courageous, hardworking, committed and dedicated to save theirailing sister. The author was so much impressed with their maturity andself-sacrificing nature.

They didvarious menial jobs such as, selling fruit, newspapers, shoe-shining, runningerrands, as guides, etc. to pay the medical expenses for their sisterundergoing medical treatment for the tuberculosis of the spine. The narrator developed boundless admiration and respect for them.