Hoffman's rooms. While on his way he heard the sound of a
hand-organ, and, looking across the way, saw, with some
uneasiness, his old enemy Pietro, playing to a crowd of boys.
"I hope he won't see me," said Phil to himself.
He was afraid Pietro would remember his old violin, and, seeing
the difference in the instrument he now had, inquire how he got
it. He might, if not satisfied on this point, take Phil home
with him, which would be fatal to his plans. He thought it
prudent, therefore, to turn down the next street, and get out of
sight as soon as possible. Fortunately for him Pietro had his
back turned, so that he did not observe him. Nothing would have
pleased him better than to get the little fiddler into trouble,
for, besides being naturally malicious, he felt that an
exhibition of zeal in his master's service would entitle him to
additional favors at the hands of the padrone, whom he hoped some
day to succeed.
"Oh, what a beautiful fiddle!" said Jimmy, in admiration, as
Phil reappeared. "Do you think I could play on it?"
Phil shook his head, smiling.
"Don't let Jimmy have it. He would only spoil it," said Mrs.
Hoffman. "I don't think he would succeed as well in music as in
drawing.
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