But our hero was
at that time wandering about the country, and the advertisement
did not fall under the eyes of those with whom he came in
contact. At length the padrone was compelled to own himself
baffled and give up the search. He was not without hopes,
however, that sometime Phil would turn up. He did hear of him
again through Pietro, but not in a way to bring him any nearer
his recovery.
This is the way it happened:
One Saturday morning in March, about three months after Phil had
found a home, the doctor said to him: "Phil, I am going to New
York this morning on a little business; would you like to come
with me?"
Phil's eyes brightened. Though he was happy in his village home,
he had longed at times to find himself in the city streets with
which his old vagabond life had rendered him so familiar.
"I should like it very much," he answered, eagerly.
"Then run upstairs and get ready. I shall start in fifteen
minutes."
Phil started, and then turned back.
"I might meet Pietro, or the padrone," he said, hesitating.
"No matter if you do, I shall be with you. If they attempt to
recover you, I will summon the police."
The doctor spoke so confidently that Phil dismissed his momentary
fear.
Pages:
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204