"Then I shall think I ought to give up the idea of it at once; for I don't want to be second-rate in any thing I once undertake."
"And you have been just a little discouraged over your first lesson? and would be willing now to give up?"
"No, sir. I should feel very bad to be obliged to give up the drum."
"Very well. Then I can say something to comfort you. Stick to it, as you have begun, and you will make a drummer."
"A first-rate one?" Frank asked, eagerly.
"First-rate, or else I am no judge."
"I am glad!" and the delighted pupil fairly jumped for joy.
From that time the two got on capitally together. Frank soon become accustomed to the veteran's eccentric manners, and made great proficiency in his exercises. And it was not long before the hard-featured old drummer began to manifest, in his way, a great deal of friendly interest in his young pupil.
"Now, my boy," said he one day, after Frank had been practising successfully the "seven-stroke roll," greatly to the satisfaction of his instructor,—"now, my boy, I think you can be safely intrusted with your comrade."
"My comrade?" queried the pupil.