Philip's playing, except that
he did play, was amazed to find him so proficient. Instead, however, of
concluding that a boy so gifted was abundantly able to "paddle his own
canoe," as the saying is, he was the more resolved to carry him back to
Norton, and to take into his own care any the boy might have earned. In
the middle of the entertainment was a recess of ten minutes, which most
of the audience spent in conversation.

Miss Carrie began again to speak of Philip.

"Oh,--uncle," she said, "I'm so glad you know that lovely boy-player! He
is earning lots of money."

"Is he!" asked the squire, pricking up his ears. "Who told you so?"

"One of the young men that belongs to the club told me they were to pay
him ten dollars for playing to-night."

"Ten dollars!" ejaculated the squire, in amazement. "I don't believe it!
It's ridiculous!"

"Oh, yes, it is true!" said Mrs. Cunningham. "John Turner told Carrie;
and he is secretary, and ought to know."

"That isn't all," continued Carrie. "Mr. Turner says it is very kind of
Mr. Gray--"

"Mr. Gray!" repeated the squire, amused.

"Well, Philip, then. I suppose you call him Philip, as you are his
guardian."

"Well, what were you going to say?"

"Mr. Turner says that it is very kind of Philip to play for so little,
for he made a good deal more money by his entertainment in Wilkesville."

"Did he give a concert in Wilkesville?" asked the squire quickly.

"Yes, he and the professor. He was liked very much there."

"And you heard that he made a good deal of money there?"

"Yes; lots of it."

"Then," thought the squire, "he must have considerable money with him.
As his guardian I ought to have the care of it. He's a boy, and isn't
fit to have the charge of money. It's very lucky I came here just as I
did. It's my duty, as his guardian, to look after him."

The squire determined to seek an interview with our hero as soon as the
entertainment was over.

CHAPTER XXXVI. THE PRETENDED GUARDIAN.

Philip played with excellent effect, and his efforts were received with
as much favor at Knoxville as at Wilkesville. He was twice encored, and
at the end of each of his selections he was greeted with applause.

As for Professor Riccabocca, people hardly knew what to make of him.
He was as eccentric and extravagant as ever, and his recitations were
received with good-natured amusement. He didn't lack for applause,
however. There were some boys on the front seats wh