this point, for he saw by the clock on Trinity
spire that it was time to go back to join Paul Hoffman, as he had
agreed. I may here add that Phil's wrongs were avenged that same
evening, his friend, Dick, administered to Tim the promised "lickin'"
with such good effect that the latter carried a black eye for a week
afterwards.

CHAPTER XV

PHIL'S NEW PLANS

As the clock struck twelve Phil reached the necktie stand of his friend,
Paul Hoffman.

"Just in time," said Paul. "Are you hungry?"

"A little."

"That's right. You're going to dine with me; and I want you to bring a
good appetite with you."

"What will your mother say?" asked Phil, doubtfully.

"Wait and see. If you don't like what she says you can go off without
eating. Where have you been?"

"I went down to Wall Street."

"On business?" inquired Paul, with a smile.

"No," said Phil, seriously. "I saw Lucia."

"Who is she?"

"I forgot. You don't know Lucia. She lived in my home in Italy, and I
used to play with her. She told me of my mother."

"That's lucky, Phil. I hope your mother is well."

"She is not sick, but she is thin. She thinks of me," said Phil.

"Of course she does. You will go home and see her some day."

"I hope so."

"Of course you will," said Paul, confidently.

"I saw the boy who stole my fiddle," continued Phil.

"Tim Rafferty?"

"Yes."

"What did he say?"

"I was with a bootblack--the one they call 'Ragged Dick.' Do you know
him?"

"Yes; I know Dick. He is a bully fellow, always joking."

"Dick wanted to lick him, but a policeman came, and he went away."

"Does Dick know that he stole your fiddle?"

"Yes."

"Then he will be sure to punish him. It will save me the trouble."

The walk was not long. Soon they were at Paul's door.

"I have brought company to dinner, mother," said Paul, entering first.

"I am glad to see you, Phil," said Mrs. Hoffman. "Why have you not come
before?"

"How is that, Phil? Will you stay now?" said Paul.

Mrs. Hoffman looked at Paul inquiringly.

"Phil was afraid he would not be welcome," he exclaimed.

"He is always welcome," said Mrs. Hoffman.

"Where is your fiddle?" asked Jimmy.

"A boy took it," said Phil, "and threw it into the street, and a wagon
went over it and broke it."

Jimmy was quite indignant for his friend, when the story had been told.

"It's lucky for Tim Rafferty that he is not here," said Paul, "or he
might suffer."

"If I was a big boy I'd