d Philip.

"I assure you, you will have nothing to complain of," said Riccabocca
earnestly. "If we are together, we can consult about the program."

"We shall have plenty of time to do that during the day, professor."

"Then you don't care to room with me?" said Riccabocca, looking
disappointed.

"No, I don't."

"What are you afraid of?"

"I am afraid you might have an attack of neuralgic headache during the
night," said Philip, laughing.

Professor Riccabocca saw that it would be of no use for him to press the
request, and allowed himself to be conducted to the same room which he
had so unceremoniously left a short time before.

During the afternoon, Philip had a call from John Turner, the secretary
of the Young Men's Club. He was a pleasant, straightforward young man,
of perhaps twenty.

"We are very much obliged to you, Mr. Gray," he said, "for kindly
consenting to play for our benefit."

"It is for my interest," said Philip frankly. "I may as well remain here
and earn ten dollars as to be idle."

"But you made a great deal more, I understand, in Wilkesville?"

"Yes; but I might not be as fortunate here. I had not intended to appear
here at all, and should not have done so unless you had invited me. How
many have you in your club?"

"Only about twenty-five, so far, and some of us are not able to pay
much."

"How long has your club been formed?" asked Philip.

"Only about three months. We wanted a place where we could meet together
socially in the evening, and have a good time. Before, we had only the
stores and barrooms to go to, and there we were tempted to drink. Our
club was started in the interests of temperance, and we can see already
that it is exerting a good influence."

"Then I am very glad to assist you," said Philip cordially.

"You must come round and see our room. Are you at leisure now?"

"Yes, Mr. Turner."

Philip accompanied his new friend to the neatly furnished room leased by
the society. He was so well pleased with its appearance that he thought
he should himself like to belong to such an association, whenever he
found a permanent home. At present he was only a wanderer.

"Our debt is thirty-four dollars," said the secretary. "You may not
think it large, but it's large for us."

"I hope our entertainment will enable you to clear it off."

"If it should it will give us new courage."

On the evening of the next day Philip and the professor entered the hall
engaged for th