attached to each commodore’s boat, from which a preconcerted

David was amazed, but overjoyed. That he was found to be the son of a famous man affected him not at all, only so far as it seemed to set his father right in other eyes--in David's own, the man had always been supreme. But the going away--the marvelous going away--filled him with excited wonder.

"You mean, I shall go away and study--practice--learn more of my violin?"

"And hear beautiful music like the organ in church, only more--bigger--better?"

"And know people--dear people--who will understand what I say when I play?"

Simeon Holly's face paled a little; still, he knew David had not meant to make it so hard.

"Why, it's my 'start'--just what I was going to have with the gold-pieces," cried David joyously. Then, uttering a sharp cry of consternation, he clapped his fingers to his lips.

"N--nothing, really, Mr. Holly,--Uncle Simeon,--n--nothing."

Something, either the boy's agitation, or the luckless mention of the gold-pieces sent a sudden dismayed suspicion into Simeon Holly's eyes.