CHAPTER IV
AN INVITATION TO SUPPER
Tim had raised his fist to strike the young fiddler, when he was
suddenly pushed aside with considerable force, and came near
measuring his length on the ground.
"Who did that?" he cried, angrily, recovering his equilibrium.
"I did it," said a calm voice.
Tim recognized in the speaker Paul Hoffman, whom some of my
readers will remember as "Paul the Peddler." Paul was proprietor
of a necktie stand below the Astor House, and was just returning
home to supper.
He was a brave and manly boy, and his sympathies were always in
favor of the oppressed. He had met Phil before, and talked with
him, and seeing him in danger came to his assistance.
"What made you push me?" demanded Tim, fiercely.
"What were you going to do to him?" rejoined Paul, indicating
the Italian boy.
"I was only goin' to borrer his fiddle."
"He would have broken it," said Phil.
"You don't know how to play," said Paul. "You would have broken
his fiddle, and then he would be beaten."
"I would pay for it if I did," said Tim.
"You say so, but you wouldn't. Even if you did, it would take
time, and the boy would have suffered."
"What business is that of yours?" demanded Tim, angrily.
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