Though he was at an age when boys enjoy play better than work or study, he had no opportunity to join in their games.
One of the boys, observing him, came up and said frankly, “Do you want to play with us?”
“Yes,” said Phil, brightening up, “I should like to.”
“Come on, then.”
Phil looked at his fiddle and hesitated.
“Oh, I’ll take care of your fiddle for you. Here, this tree is hollow; just put it inside, and nobody will touch it.”
Phil needed no second invitation. Sure of the safety of his fiddle, which was all-important to him since it procured for him his livelihood, he joined in the game with zest. It was so simple that he easily understood it. His laugh was as loud and merry as any of the rest, and his face glowed with enjoyment.
It does not take long for boys to become acquainted. In the brief time before the teacher’s arrival, Phil became on good terms with the schoolboys, and the one who had first invited him to join them said: “Come into school with us. You shall sit in my seat.”
“Will he let me?” asked Phil, pointing to the teacher.
“To be sure he will. Come along.”