“Not by you,” returned Paul, not particularly alarmed.
Tim would have gladly have punished Paul on the spot for his interference, but he did not consider it prudent to provoke hostilities. Paul was as tall as himself, and considerably stronger. He therefore wisely confined himself to threatening words.
“Come along with me, Phil,” said Paul, kindly, to the little fiddler.
“Thank you for saving me,” said Phil, gratefully. “The padrone would beat me if the fiddle was broke.”
“Never mind about thanks, Phil. Tim is a bully with small boys, but he is a coward among large ones. Have you had any supper?”
“No,” said Phil.
“Won’t you come home and take supper with me?”
Phil hesitated.
“You are kind,” he said, “but I fear the padrone.”
“What will he do to you?”