as she looked at Henry's pale face.

That was little likely to be. Always a delicate child, Henry had a
year previous contracted a cold, which had attacked his lungs, and had
gradually increased until there seemed little doubt that in the long
struggle with disease nature must succumb, and early death ensue.

"How long have you been in this country?"

"Un anno."

"How long is that?"

"A year," said Henry. "I know that, because 'annus' means a year in
Latin."

"Si, signor, a year," said Phil.

"And where do you come from?"

"Da Napoli."

"That means from Naples, I suppose."

"Si, signor."

Most of the little Italian musicians to be found in our streets are
brought from Calabria, the southern portion of Italy, where they
are purchased from their parents, for a fixed sum, or rate of annual
payment. But it is usual for them when questioned, to say that they come
from Naples, that being the principal city in that portion of Italy, or
indeed in the entire kingdom.

"Who do you live with," continued Henry.

"With the padrone."

"And who is the padrone?"

"He take care of me--he bring me from Italy."

"Is he kind to you?"

Phil shrugged his shoulders.

"He beat me sometimes," he answered.

"Beats you? What for?"

"If I bring little money."

"Does he beat you hard?"

"Si, signor, with a stick."

"He must be a bad man," said Henry, indignantly.

"How much money must you carry home?"

"Two dollars."

"But it isn't your fault, if people will not give you money."

"Non importa. He beat me."

"He ought to be beaten himself."

Phil shrugged his shoulders. Like most boys of his class, to him the
padrone seemed all-powerful. The idea that his oppressive taskmaster
should be punished for his cruelty had never dawned upon him. Knowing
nothing of any law that would protect him, he submitted to it as a
necessity, from which there was no escape except by running away. He
had not come to that yet, but some of his companions had done so, and he
might some day.

After this conversation he played another tune. Mrs. Leigh drew out her
purse, and gave him fifty cents. Phil took his fiddle under his arm,
and, following the servant, who now reappeared, emerged into the street,
and moved onward.

CHAPTER II

PHIL AND HIS PROTECTOR

To a certain extent Phil was his own master; that is, he was at liberty
to wander where he liked, provided he did not neglect his business, and
returned to the lodging-h