CHAPTER IV.
AN INVITATION TO SUPPER Tim had raised his fist to strike the young fiddler, when he was suddenly pushed aside with considerable force, and came near measuring his length on the ground.
"Who did that ?" he cried, angrily, recovering his equilibrium.
"I did it," said a calm voice.
Tim recognized in the speaker Paul Hoffman, whom some of my readers will remember as "Paul the Peddler." Paul was proprietor of a necktie stand below the Astor House, and was just returning home to supper.
He was a brave and manly boy, and his sympathies were always in favor of the oppressed.

He had met Phil before, and talked with him, and seeing him in danger came to his assistance.
"What made you push me ?" demanded Tim, fiercely.
"What were you going to do to him ?" rejoined Paul, indicating the Italian boy.
"I was only goin' to borrer his fiddle." "He would have broken it," said Phil.
"You don't know how to play," said Paul.

"You would have broken his fiddle, and then he would be beaten." "I would pay for it if I did," said Tim.
"You say so, but you wouldn't.

Even if you did, it would take time, and the boy would have suffered." "What business is that of yours ?" demanded Tim, angrily.
"It is always my business when I see a big boy teasing a little one." "You'll get hurt some day," said Tim, suddenly.
"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.