he, to Philip admiringly. "Why, you beat
Paul Beck."

"Is he the one you expected to have?"

"Yes. Paul's got a big name for fiddlin'."

"I am glad you like my playing," said Philip, who was naturally pleased
to find that he was likely to give satisfaction in his new business.

"The boys will be pleased, I can tell you."

"I will do all I can to give them satisfaction," said Philip modestly.

"Oh, you will! there's no doubt about that. How much did you pay for
your fiddle?"

"I believe it cost twenty-five dollars. My father gave it to me."

"Sho! I didn't think fiddles cost so much."

"Some cost a great deal more."

"Seems a good deal to lay out, but you'll get your money back, if you
can get enough to do."

"I hope so."

"Well, you must excuse me now. I've got to slick up, and go after Mary
Ann Temple. She'd have been awfully disappointed if we'd had to give it
up."

"Is she fond of dancing?"

"You'd better believe she is. Why, that girl could dance for four hours
stiddy--without wiltin'!"

"How late do you keep it up?"

"Till eleven or twelve. You won't be sleepy, will you?"

"If I am, I will get up later to-morrow morning."

"That's all right. You can get up jest as late as you like. Lucy will
save you some breakfast. We don't allow no one to go hungry here. But I
must be off. You will go to the hall along with Jonas and Lucy.
They'll introduce you round and see that you are taken care of." Philip
congratulated himself on being so well provided for, at least for one
night. The future was uncertain, but with the money which he was to
receive for his services, he would be able to get along for two or
three days, and he might, perhaps, if successful, obtain another similar
engagement.

He had a new reason for being thankful that Squire Pope had not
succeeded in depriving him of his violin, for this was likely to prove a
breadwinner.

He continued to practice till it was time to go over to the hall.

CHAPTER XX. A LIVELY EVENING.

Schoolhouse Hall, as may be inferred, was a large hall, occupying
the second story of the Center Schoolhouse, and though not originally
intended for dancing-parties, answered very well for that purpose.

The hall was tolerably well filled when Philip entered in company with
Jonas Webb and his wife.

Philip had effaced, as well as he could, the stains of travel, had
arrayed himself in a clean shirt and collar, brushed his hair neatly,
and, being naturally