"Don't be downhearted, Philip," said Frank, pressing his hand with
boyish sympathy.

"I don't mean to be, Frank. I am naturally cheerful and hopeful. I
shall miss my poor father sadly: but grieving will not bring him
back. I must work for my living, and as I have no money to depend
upon, I cannot afford to lose any time in forming my plans."

"You will come over to our house and take your meals!"

"Yes, Frank."

Frank Dunbar's father was a small farmer, who, as Frank had said,
found it hard work to make both ends meet. Among all the village
boys, he was the one whom Philip liked best, though there were many
others whose fathers were in hotter circumstances. For this,
however, Philip cared little. Rich or poor, Frank suited him, and
they had always been known as chums, to adopt the term used by the
boys in the village.

It may be thought that as Philip's circumstances were no better,
such an intimacy was natural enough. But Philip Gray possessed
special gifts, which made his company sought after. He was a fine
singer, and played with considerable skill on the violin--an
accomplishment derived from his father, who had acted as his
teacher. Then he was of a cheerful temperament, and this is a gift
which usually renders the possessor popular, unless marred by
positive defects or bad qualities. There were two or three young
snobs in the village who looked down upon Philip on account of his