“Yes, I took one or two lessons, but I had to give it up for a bad job. I couldn’t get into it somehow.”

“You didn’t try very long,” said Philip, smiling.

“I reckon I’d never do much at it. How long have you been a fiddler?”

“I’ve been playing three or four years.”

“Sho! You don’t say so! Do you like it?”

“Yes; very much.”

“Well, I’m glad you happened along. It would have been a pity to have our dance spoiled.”

By this time they had reached the farmhouse, and Abner went in, followed by our hero.

A young woman, his brother’s wife, looked at Philip in some surprise.

“You see, I’ve got a fiddler, after all,” said Abner gleefully. “We won’t have to put off the dance.”