章节正文
going up to the jolly pair said, "I want some pennies."
Sailors are free with their money. Parsimony is not one of their
vices. Both thrust their hands into their pockets, and each drew
out a handful of scrip, which they put into Phil's hands, without
looking to see how much it might be.
"That's all right, boy, isn't it?" inquired the first.
"All right," answered Phil, wondering at their munificence. He
only anticipated a few pennies, and here looked to be as much as
he was generally able to secure in a day. As soon as he got a
good chance he counted it over, and found four half dollars,
three quarters, and four tens--in all, three dollars and fifteen
cents. At this rate, probably, the sailors' money would not last
long. However this was none of Phil's business. It was only
nine o'clock in the forenoon, and he had already secured enough
to purchase immunity from blows at night. Still there was one
thing unsatisfactory about it. All this money was to go into the
hands of the padrone. Phil himself would reap none of the
benefit, unless he bought his dinner, as he had purchased supper
the evening before. But for this he had been severely" target="_blank" title="ad.剧烈地；严格地">severely punished,
though he could not feel that he had done very wrong in spending
the money he himself earned. However, it would be at least three
hours before the question of dinner would come up.
He put the money into the pocket of his ragged vest, and walked
on.
It was not so cold as the day before. The thermometer had risen
twenty-five degrees during the night--a great change, but not
unusual in our variableclimate. Phil rather enjoyed this walk,
notwithstanding his back was a little lame.
He walked up the Bowery to the point where Third and Fourth
avenues converge into it. He kept on the left-hand side, and
walked up Fourth Avenue, passing the Cooper Institute and the
Bible House, and, a little further on, Stewart's magnificent
marble store. On the block just above stood a book and
periodical store, kept, as the sign indicated, by Richard
Burnton. Phil paused a moment to look in at the windows, which
were filled with a variety of attractive articles. Suddenly he
was conscious of his violin being forcibly snatched from under
his arm. He turned quickly, and thought he recognized Tim
Rafferty, to whom the reader was introduced in the third chapter
of this story.
CHAPTER XIII
PHIL FINDS A CAPITALIST
To account for Phil's unexpected loss, I must explain that Tim
Rafferty, whose ordinary place of business was in or near the
City Hall Park, had been sent uptown on an errand. He was making
his way back leisurely, when, just as he was passing Burnton's
bookstore, he saw Phil looking in at the window. He immediately
recognized him as the little Italian fiddler who had refused to
lend him his fiddle, as described in a previous chapter. In his
attempt he was frustrated by Paul Hoffman. His defeat incensed
him, and he determined, if he ever met Phil again, to "get even
with him," as he expressed it. It struck him that this was a
good opportunity to borrow his fiddle without leave.
When Phil discovered his loss, he determined to run after the
thief.
"Give me back my fiddle!" he cried.
But this Tim was in no hurry to do. As he had longer legs than
Phil, the chances were that he would escape. But some distance
ahead he saw one of the blue-coated guardians of the public
peace, or, in newsboy parlance, a cop, and saw that Phil could
easily prove theft against him, as it would be impossible to pass
himself off as a fiddler. He must get rid of the violin in some
way, and the sooner the better. He threw it into the middle of
the street, just as a heavy cart was coming along. The wheels of
the ponderousvehicle passed over the frail instrument, crushing
it utterly. Phil ran forward to rescue his instrument, but too
late. It was spoiled beyond recovery. Phil picked up the pieces
mechanically, and took them back with him, but he soon realized
that he might as well cast them away again. Meanwhile Tim,
satisfied with the mischief he had done, and feeling revenged for
his former mortification, walked up a side street, and escaped
interference.
Phil had come to one of those crises in human experience when it
is necessary to pause and decide what to do next. The fiddle was
not a valuable one--in fact, it was a shabby little
instrument--but it was Phil's stock in trade. Moreover, it
belonged to the padrone, and however innocent Phil might be as
regarded its destruction, his tyrannical master was sure to call
him to heavy account for it. He was certain to be severely" target="_blank" title="ad.剧烈地；严格地">severely
punished, more so than the evening before, and this was not a
pleasant prospect to look forward to. The padrone was sure not
to forgive an offense like this.
Thinking over these things, a bold suggestion came into Phil's
mind. Why need he go back at all? Why should he not take this
occasion for breaking his fetters, and starting out into life on
his own account? There was nothing 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 severepunishment, 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 stopped him?"
"Yes."
"I know him. It is Tim Rafferty. He is a mean boy; I will pay
him up for it."
"I do not care for it now," said Phil.
"But what will your padrone say when you come home without it?"
"He would beat me, but I will not go home."
"What will you do?"
"I will run away."
"Good for you, Phil! I like your spunk," said Paul, heartily.
"I wouldn't go back to the old villain if I were you. Where are
you going?"
"Away from New York. If I stay here the padrone would catch me."
"How much did you earn with your fiddle when you had it?"
"Two dollars, if it was a good day."
"That is excellent. I'll tell you what, Phil, if you could stay
in the city, I would invite you to come and live with us. You
could pay your share of the expense, say three or four dollars a
week, and keep the rest of your money to buy clothes, and to
save."
"I should like it," said Phil; "but if I stay in the city the
padrone would get hold of me."
"Has he any legal right to your services?" asked Paul.
Phil looked puzzled. He did not understand the question.
"I mean did your father sign any paper giving you to him?"
"Yes," said Phil, comprehending now.
"Then I suppose he could take you back. You think you must go
away from the city, then, Phil?"
"Yes."
"Where do you think of going?"
"I do not know."
"You might go to Jersey--to Newark, which is quite a large city,
only ten miles from here."
"I should like to go there."
"I don't think the padrone would send there to find you. But how
are you going to make your living--you have lost your fiddle?"
"I can sing."
"But you would make more money with your fiddle."
"Si, signore."
"Don't talk to me in Italian, Phil; I no understand it."
Phil laughed.
"You can speak English much better than most Italian boys."
"Some cannot speak at all. Some speak french, because we all
stayed in Paris sometime before we came to America."
"Parlez-vous Francais?"
"Oui, monsieur, un peu."
"Well, I can't. Those three words are all the French I know.
But, I say, Phil, you ought to have a fiddle."
"I should like to have one. I should make more money."
"How much would one cost?"
"I don't know."
"I'll tell you what I will do, Phil," said Paul, after a moment's
thought. "I know a pawnbroker's shop on Chatham Street where
there is a fiddle for sale. I don't think it will cost very
much; not more than five dollars. You must buy it."
"I have not five dollars," said Phil.
"Then I will lend you the money. You shall buy it, and when you
have earned money enough you shall come back to New York some day
and pay me."
"Thank you," said Phil, gratefully. "I will surely pay you."
"Of course you will, Phil," said Paul, confidently. "I can see
by your face that you are honest. I don't believe you would
cheat your friend."
"I would not cheat you, Signor Paul."
"I see, Phil, you are bound to make an Italian of me. You may
just call me Paul, and don't mind about the signor. Now I'll
tell you what I propose. I cannot leave my business for an hour
and a half. You can go where you please, but come back at that
time, and I will take you home to dinner with me. On the way
back I will stop with you at the Chatham Street store and ask the
price of the violin; then, if it doesn't cost too much, I will
buy it."
"All right," said Phil.
"You must come back at twelve o'clock, Phil."
Sailors are free with their money. Parsimony is not one of their
vices. Both thrust their hands into their pockets, and each drew
out a handful of scrip, which they put into Phil's hands, without
looking to see how much it might be.
"That's all right, boy, isn't it?" inquired the first.
"All right," answered Phil, wondering at their munificence. He
only anticipated a few pennies, and here looked to be as much as
he was generally able to secure in a day. As soon as he got a
good chance he counted it over, and found four half dollars,
three quarters, and four tens--in all, three dollars and fifteen
cents. At this rate, probably, the sailors' money would not last
long. However this was none of Phil's business. It was only
nine o'clock in the forenoon, and he had already secured enough
to purchase immunity from blows at night. Still there was one
thing unsatisfactory about it. All this money was to go into the
hands of the padrone. Phil himself would reap none of the
benefit, unless he bought his dinner, as he had purchased supper
the evening before. But for this he had been severely" target="_blank" title="ad.剧烈地；严格地">severely punished,
though he could not feel that he had done very wrong in spending
the money he himself earned. However, it would be at least three
hours before the question of dinner would come up.
He put the money into the pocket of his ragged vest, and walked
on.
It was not so cold as the day before. The thermometer had risen
twenty-five degrees during the night--a great change, but not
unusual in our variableclimate. Phil rather enjoyed this walk,
notwithstanding his back was a little lame.
He walked up the Bowery to the point where Third and Fourth
avenues converge into it. He kept on the left-hand side, and
walked up Fourth Avenue, passing the Cooper Institute and the
Bible House, and, a little further on, Stewart's magnificent
marble store. On the block just above stood a book and
periodical store, kept, as the sign indicated, by Richard
Burnton. Phil paused a moment to look in at the windows, which
were filled with a variety of attractive articles. Suddenly he
was conscious of his violin being forcibly snatched from under
his arm. He turned quickly, and thought he recognized Tim
Rafferty, to whom the reader was introduced in the third chapter
of this story.
CHAPTER XIII
PHIL FINDS A CAPITALIST
To account for Phil's unexpected loss, I must explain that Tim
Rafferty, whose ordinary place of business was in or near the
City Hall Park, had been sent uptown on an errand. He was making
his way back leisurely, when, just as he was passing Burnton's
bookstore, he saw Phil looking in at the window. He immediately
recognized him as the little Italian fiddler who had refused to
lend him his fiddle, as described in a previous chapter. In his
attempt he was frustrated by Paul Hoffman. His defeat incensed
him, and he determined, if he ever met Phil again, to "get even
with him," as he expressed it. It struck him that this was a
good opportunity to borrow his fiddle without leave.
When Phil discovered his loss, he determined to run after the
thief.
"Give me back my fiddle!" he cried.
But this Tim was in no hurry to do. As he had longer legs than
Phil, the chances were that he would escape. But some distance
ahead he saw one of the blue-coated guardians of the public
peace, or, in newsboy parlance, a cop, and saw that Phil could
easily prove theft against him, as it would be impossible to pass
himself off as a fiddler. He must get rid of the violin in some
way, and the sooner the better. He threw it into the middle of
the street, just as a heavy cart was coming along. The wheels of
the ponderousvehicle passed over the frail instrument, crushing
it utterly. Phil ran forward to rescue his instrument, but too
late. It was spoiled beyond recovery. Phil picked up the pieces
mechanically, and took them back with him, but he soon realized
that he might as well cast them away again. Meanwhile Tim,
satisfied with the mischief he had done, and feeling revenged for
his former mortification, walked up a side street, and escaped
interference.
Phil had come to one of those crises in human experience when it
is necessary to pause and decide what to do next. The fiddle was
not a valuable one--in fact, it was a shabby little
instrument--but it was Phil's stock in trade. Moreover, it
belonged to the padrone, and however innocent Phil might be as
regarded its destruction, his tyrannical master was sure to call
him to heavy account for it. He was certain to be severely" target="_blank" title="ad.剧烈地；严格地">severely
punished, more so than the evening before, and this was not a
pleasant prospect to look forward to. The padrone was sure not
to forgive an offense like this.
Thinking over these things, a bold suggestion came into Phil's
mind. Why need he go back at all? Why should he not take this
occasion for breaking his fetters, and starting out into life on
his own account? There was nothing 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 severepunishment, 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 stopped him?"
"Yes."
"I know him. It is Tim Rafferty. He is a mean boy; I will pay
him up for it."
"I do not care for it now," said Phil.
"But what will your padrone say when you come home without it?"
"He would beat me, but I will not go home."
"What will you do?"
"I will run away."
"Good for you, Phil! I like your spunk," said Paul, heartily.
"I wouldn't go back to the old villain if I were you. Where are
you going?"
"Away from New York. If I stay here the padrone would catch me."
"How much did you earn with your fiddle when you had it?"
"Two dollars, if it was a good day."
"That is excellent. I'll tell you what, Phil, if you could stay
in the city, I would invite you to come and live with us. You
could pay your share of the expense, say three or four dollars a
week, and keep the rest of your money to buy clothes, and to
save."
"I should like it," said Phil; "but if I stay in the city the
padrone would get hold of me."
"Has he any legal right to your services?" asked Paul.
Phil looked puzzled. He did not understand the question.
"I mean did your father sign any paper giving you to him?"
"Yes," said Phil, comprehending now.
"Then I suppose he could take you back. You think you must go
away from the city, then, Phil?"
"Yes."
"Where do you think of going?"
"I do not know."
"You might go to Jersey--to Newark, which is quite a large city,
only ten miles from here."
"I should like to go there."
"I don't think the padrone would send there to find you. But how
are you going to make your living--you have lost your fiddle?"
"I can sing."
"But you would make more money with your fiddle."
"Si, signore."
"Don't talk to me in Italian, Phil; I no understand it."
Phil laughed.
"You can speak English much better than most Italian boys."
"Some cannot speak at all. Some speak french, because we all
stayed in Paris sometime before we came to America."
"Parlez-vous Francais?"
"Oui, monsieur, un peu."
"Well, I can't. Those three words are all the French I know.
But, I say, Phil, you ought to have a fiddle."
"I should like to have one. I should make more money."
"How much would one cost?"
"I don't know."
"I'll tell you what I will do, Phil," said Paul, after a moment's
thought. "I know a pawnbroker's shop on Chatham Street where
there is a fiddle for sale. I don't think it will cost very
much; not more than five dollars. You must buy it."
"I have not five dollars," said Phil.
"Then I will lend you the money. You shall buy it, and when you
have earned money enough you shall come back to New York some day
and pay me."
"Thank you," said Phil, gratefully. "I will surely pay you."
"Of course you will, Phil," said Paul, confidently. "I can see
by your face that you are honest. I don't believe you would
cheat your friend."
"I would not cheat you, Signor Paul."
"I see, Phil, you are bound to make an Italian of me. You may
just call me Paul, and don't mind about the signor. Now I'll
tell you what I propose. I cannot leave my business for an hour
and a half. You can go where you please, but come back at that
time, and I will take you home to dinner with me. On the way
back I will stop with you at the Chatham Street store and ask the
price of the violin; then, if it doesn't cost too much, I will
buy it."
"All right," said Phil.
"You must come back at twelve o'clock, Phil."
- thrust [θrʌst]
v.&n.猛推；冲；刺；挤进 (初中英语单词) - climate [´klaimit] n.气候；特殊气候地带 (初中英语单词)
- institute [´institju:t] n.学院 vt.建立；设置 (初中英语单词)
- variety [və´raiəti] n.变化；多样(性)；种类 (初中英语单词)
- attractive [ə´træktiv] a.有吸引力；诱人的 (初中英语单词)
- conscious [´kɔnʃəs] a.意识的；自觉的 (初中英语单词)
- account [ə´kaunt] vi.说明 vt.认为 n.帐目 (初中英语单词)
- errand [´erənd] n.差使，使命 (初中英语单词)
- italian [i´tæliən] a.意大利 n.意大利人 (初中英语单词)
- previous [´pri:viəs] a.先，前，以前的 (初中英语单词)
- instrument [´instrumənt] n.仪器；手段；乐器 (初中英语单词)
- rescue [´reskju:] vt.&n.救援；挽救 (初中英语单词)
- meanwhile [´mi:n´wail] n.&ad.其间；同时 (初中英语单词)
- mischief [´mistʃif] n.伤害；故障；调皮 (初中英语单词)
- valuable [´væljuəbəl, -jubəl] a.有价值的，贵重的 (初中英语单词)
- moreover [mɔ:´rəuvə] ad.再者，此外，而且 (初中英语单词)
- innocent [´inəsənt] a.无罪的；单纯的 (初中英语单词)
- destruction [di´strʌkʃən] n.破坏，毁灭 (初中英语单词)
- prospect [´prɔspekt, prəs´pekt] n.景色；境界 v.勘察 (初中英语单词)
- forgive [fə´giv] vt.原谅，谅解，宽恕 (初中英语单词)
- offense [ə´fens] n.冒犯；触怒；犯法 (初中英语单词)
- suggestion [sə´dʒestʃən] n.建议，提议；暗示 (初中英语单词)
- enable [i´neibəl] vt.使能够；赋予权力 (初中英语单词)
- absolutely [´æbsəlu:tli] ad.绝对地；确实 (初中英语单词)
- severe [si´viə] a.严厉的；苛刻的 (初中英语单词)
- punishment [´pʌniʃmənt] n.罚，刑罚 (初中英语单词)
- accordingly [ə´kɔ:diŋli] ad.因此；从而；依照 (初中英语单词)
- customer [´kʌstəmə] n.顾客，买主，主顾 (初中英语单词)
- sometime [´sʌmtaim] ad.曾经 a.从前的 (初中英语单词)
- monsieur [mə´sjə:] n.先生 (初中英语单词)
- gratefully [´greitfuli] ad.感激地 (初中英语单词)
- handful [hændful] n.一把，少数，一小撮 (高中英语单词)
- severely [si´viəli] ad.剧烈地；严格地 (高中英语单词)
- ragged [´rægid] a.衣服破烂的 (高中英语单词)
- thermometer [θə´mɔmitə] n.温度计；寒暑表 (高中英语单词)
- unexpected [ʌniks´pektid] a.突然的；意外的 (高中英语单词)
- recovery [ri´kʌvəri] n.重获；获得；恢复 (高中英语单词)
- shabby [´ʃæbi] a.(衣服)破旧的 (高中英语单词)
- generosity [,dʒenə´rɔsiti] n.慷慨；慷慨的行为 (高中英语单词)
- decided [di´saidid] a.明显的；决定的 (高中英语单词)
- broadway [´brɔ:dwei] n.&a.百老汇大街(的) (高中英语单词)
- forenoon [´fɔ:nu:n] n.午前，上午 (英语四级单词)
- violin [,vaiə´lin] n.(小)提琴 (英语四级单词)
- leisurely [´leʒəli] a.从容地，慢慢地 (英语四级单词)
- fiddle [´fidl] n.小提琴 v.拉提琴 (英语四级单词)
- vehicle [´vi:ikəl] n.车辆；媒介物 (英语四级单词)
- necktie [´nektai] n.领带 (英语四级单词)
- villain [´vilən] n.坏人；恶棍；反面角色 (英语四级单词)
- immunity [i´mju:niti] n.免疫；免除 (英语六级单词)
- unsatisfactory [,ʌnsætis´fæktəri] a.不能令人满意的 (英语六级单词)
- variable [´veəriəbəl] a.易变的 n.可变量 (英语六级单词)
- cooper [´ku:pə] v.&n.制桶工人；修桶工人 (英语六级单词)
- forcibly [´fɔ:səbli] ad.强行地，强烈地 (英语六级单词)
- ponderous [´pɔndərəs] a.沉重的；冗长的 (英语六级单词)
- earnings [´ə:niŋz] n.收益；报酬；获得 (英语六级单词)
- confidently [´kɔnfidəntli] ad.有信心地；自信地 (英语六级单词)
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章节正文
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