"
"Are you going to leave the padrone?" asked Mrs. Hoffman, with
interest.
"Si, signora," said Phil.
"Will he let you go?"
"I shall run away," said Phil.
"You see, mother, Phil would be sure of a beating if he went home
without his fiddle. Now he doesn't like to be beaten, and the
padrone gives harder beatings than you do, mother."
"I presume so," said Mrs. Hoffman, smiling. "I do not think I am
very severe."
"No, you spoil the rod and spare the child."
"Is Phil going to stay in the city?"
"No; the padrone would get hold of him if he did. He is going to
New Jersey to make his fortune."
"But he will need a fiddle."
"I am going to lend him money enough to buy one. I know a
pawnbroker who has one for sale. I think I can get it for three
or four dollars. When Phil gets it he is going around giving
concerts. How much can you make in a day, Phil?"
"Sometimes I make two dollars," answered Phil.
"That is excellent, especially when you are your own padrone.
You will be able to save up money. You will have to buy a
pocketbook, Phil."
"Where will you sleep, Phil?" asked Jimmy, interested.
Phil shrugged his shoulders. He had not thought of that question
particularly.
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