At the same time a smile of genuine benevolence softened the tough, ancient visage of the veteran; and they proceeded with the lesson.
After it was over, the teacher said to the pupil,—
"Now, my young friend, I will hear that observation or question of yours, whatever it is."
"I think I have answered it for myself," said Frank. "I was going to say, I should think it would be better to learn to drum on a drum; but I see now, if I get to roll the sticks on a board, which is hard, I can roll them so much the better on a drumhead, which is elastic."
"Right, my young friend," replied the veteran, approvingly. "And in the mean time, we avoid a good deal of unpleasant noise, as you see." For he had other pupils practising under his eye in the woods, not far from Frank.
"And I should like to ask—if I could have permission," began Frank, archly.
"Ask me any thing you please, out of lesson-hours." And the old drummer patted the young drummer's shoulder.
Frank felt encouraged. He was beginning to like his teacher, notwithstanding his odd ways; and he hoped the old man was beginning to like him.
"I want to know, then, if you think I will make a drummer?"
"And what if you will not?"