ng alarming in that prospect. He was not afraid but that
he could earn his own living, and fare better than he did at present,
when out of his earnings and those of his comrades the padrone was
growing rich. Other boys had run away, and though some had been brought
back, others had managed to keep out of the cruel clutches of their
despotic master.

It did not take Phil long to come to a decision. He felt that he should
never have a better chance. He had three dollars in his pocket thanks
to the generosity of the sailors--and this would last him some time.
It would enable him to get out of the city, which would be absolutely
necessary, since, if he remained, the padrone would send Pietro for him
and get him back.

There was only one regret he had at leaving the padrone. It would part
him from his little comrade, Giacomo. Giacomo, at least, would miss
him. He wished the little boy could have gone with him, but this, under
present circumstances, was impossible. By staying he would only incur a
severe punishment, without being able to help his comrade.

It was still but nine o'clock. He had plenty of time before him, as
he would not be missed by the padrone until he failed to make his
appearance at night. Having no further occasion to go uptown, he
decided to turn and walk down into the business portion of the city.
He accordingly made his way leisurely to the City Hall Park, when he
suddenly bethought himself of Paul Hoffman, who had served as his friend
on a former occasion. Besides Giacomo, Paul was the only friend on whom
he could rely in the city. Paul was older and had more experience than
he, and could, no doubt, give him good advice as to his future plans.

He crossed the Park and Broadway, and kept along on the west side of the
street until he reached the necktie stand kept by Paul. The young street
merchant did not at first see him, being occupied with a customer, to
whom he finally succeeded in selling two neckties; then looking up, he
recognized the young fiddler.

"How are you, Phil?" he said, in a friendly manner. "Where have you kept
yourself? I have not seen you for a long time."

"I have been fiddling," said Phil.

"But I don't see your violin now. What has become of it?"

"It is broken--destroyed," said Phil.

"How did that happen?"

Phil described the manner in which his violin had been stolen.

"Do you know who stole it?"

"It was that boy who tried to take it once in the Park."

"When I