ightened if they
had heard of his intention. However, I will proceed:

"I was all out of money when Philip met me, and I hadn't had anything to
eat since morning, he bought me some supper, and is paying my expenses.
He is a poor boy, coming to New York to get a place, if he can. He has
got a violin, and he plays beautifully. He earned all the money he has
by giving concerts."

"I should like to see Philip," said Jennie, with interest.

"I asked him if he wouldn't go out West with me, but he wouldn't. He
told me he wouldn't do anything for me unless I would agree to come
home."

"He is a sensible boy," commented Mr. Taylor, in a tone of approval.

"We thought at first of coming right home on the cars, but I wanted to
walk and see something of the country, and Philip said he didn't mind.
He told me I must write and tell you, so that you needn't feel anxious.

"You will see us in a few days. I will bring Philip to the house. Your
son, HENRY TAYLOR."

"Is that all?" asked Jennie.

"Yes; I consider it a very fair letter. It is evident Henry has made the
acquaintance of a sensible boy. I shall take care that he doesn't let it
drop."

CHAPTER XLIV. A FRESH START.

Five days later, just as Mr. Taylor was sitting down to dinner, at the
close of the day, the door-bell rang violently.

There was a hurried step heard in the hall, and the door opening quickly
Henry Taylor rushed in, his face beaming with smiles.

"Oh, I'm so glad to see you, Henry!" said Jennie, embracing him. "I
missed you awfully."

Henry looked at his father, a little doubtful of his reception.

"Are you well, father?" he asked.

"Quite well," responded Mr. Taylor coolly. "Where did you leave your
scalps?"

"What?" ejaculated Henry, bewildered.

"I thought you left home to kill Indians."

"Oh!" said Henry, smiling faintly. "I didn't meet any Indians--except
one--and he was friendly."

"Then your expedition was a failure?"

"I guess I'll leave the Indians alone," said Henry sheepishly.

"That strikes me as a sensible remark. Of course, a few Indian scalps
would be of great use to you. I fully expected a present of one, as
a trophy of my son's valor; but still, in case the Indian objected
to being scalped, there might be a little risk in performing the
operation."

"I see you are laughing at me, father," said Henry.

"Not at all. You can see that I am very sober. If you think you can make
a good living hunting Indians--I don't