ked Nick Holden. He was a coarse, rough-looking boy,
his reddish face one mass of freckles, and about as unattractive as a
person could be, without absolute deformity. This, however, was not the
ground for Philip's dislike.

With all his unattractiveness, Nick might have possessed qualities which
would have rightly made him popular. So far from this, however, he was
naturally mean, selfish, and a bully, with very slight regard for truth.

Will it be believed that, in spite of his homely face, Nick really
thought himself good-looking and aspired to be a beau? For this reason
he had often wished that he possessed Philip's accomplishment of being
able to play upon the violin.

His conversational powers were rather limited, and he felt at a loss
when he undertook to make himself fascinating to the young ladies in the
village. If he could only play on the violin like Philip he thought he
would be irresistible.

He had therefore conceived the design of buying Philip's instrument for
a trifle, judging that our hero would feel compelled to sell it.

The reader will now understand the object which led to Nick's call so
soon after the funeral of Mr. Gray. He was afraid some one else might
forestall him in gaining possession of the coveted instrument.

When Philip saw who his visitor was, he was not overjoyed. It was with
reluctance that he rose and gave admission to Nick.

"I thought I would call around and see you, Phil," said Nick, as he sat
down in the most comfortable chair in the room.

"Thank you," responded Phil coldly.

"The old man went off mighty sudden," continued Nicholas, with
characteristic delicacy.

"Do you mean my father?" inquired Philip.

"Of course I do. There ain't any one else dead, is there!"

"I had been expecting my poor father's death for some time," said Philip
gravely.

"Just so! He wa'n't very rugged. We've all got to come to it sooner or
later. I expect dad'll die of apoplexy some time-he's so awful fat,"
remarked Nicholas cheerfully. "If he does, it's lucky he's got me to run
the business. I'm only eighteen, but I can get along as well as anybody.
I'm kinder smart in business."

"I am glad you are smart in anything," thought Philip; for he knew that
Nick was a hopeless dunce in school duties.

"I hope your father'll live a good while," he said politely.

"Yes, of course," said Nick lightly. "I'd be sorry to have the old man
pop off; but then you never can tell about such a thing a