"It is always my business when I see a big boy teasing a little
one."
"You'll get hurt some day," said Tim, suddenly.
"Not by you," returned Paul, not particularly alarmed.
Tim would have gladly have punished Paul on the spot for his
interference, but he did not consider it prudent to provoke
hostilities. Paul was as tall as himself, and considerably
stronger. He therefore wisely confined himself to threatening
words.
"Come along with me, Phil," said Paul, kindly, to the little
fiddler.
"Thank you for saving me," said Phil, gratefully. "The padrone
would beat me if the fiddle was broke."
"Never mind about thanks, Phil. Tim is a bully with small boys,
but he is a coward among large ones. Have you had any supper?"
"No," said Phil.
"Won't you come home and take supper with me?"
Phil hesitated.
"You are kind," he said, "but I fear the padrone."
"What will he do to you?"
"He will beat me if I don't bring home enough money."
"How much more must you get?"
"Sixty cents."
"You can play better after a good supper. Come along; I won't
keep you long."
Phil made no more objection. He was a healthy boy, and his
wanderings had given him a good appetite.
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