But they had homes and parents to supply their wants,
while he must work for his livelihood.
After a time, recess came. Then the boys gathered around, and
asked Phil to play them a tune.
"Will he let me?" asked the young fiddler, again referring to
the teacher.
The latter, being applied to, readily consented, and expressed
his own wish to hear Phil. So the young minstrel played and sang
several tunes to the group of children who gathered around him.
Time passed rapidly, and the recess was over before the children
anticipated it.
"I am sorry to disturb your enjoyment," said the teacher; "but
duty before pleasure, you know. I will only suggest that, as our
young friend here depends on his violin for support, we ought to
collect a little money for him. James Reynolds, suppose you pass
around your hat for contributions. Let me suggest that you come
to me first."
The united offerings, though small individually, amounted to a
dollar, which Phil pocketed with much satisfaction. He did not
remain after recess, but resumed his wanderings, and about noon
entered a grocery store, where he made a hearty lunch. Thus far
good fortune attended him, but the time was coming, and that
before long, when life would wear a less sunny aspect.
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