Part 9 (1/2)
Eli's mother died when he was a little boy
This is a sad event in any boy's life
When Eli was about twelve years old, his father took a journey from home
He was gone two or three days
When he returned, he called the housekeeper
He asked her what the boys had been doing
She told him what the elder boys had done
”But what has Eli been doing?” said he
”He has beena fiddle,” was the answer
”Ah!” said the father, ”I fear Eli will take his portion in fiddles”
The fiddle was finished like a common violin
It ood music
Many people came to see it
They said it was a fine piece of work for a boy
Afterwards people brought him their violins to mend
He did thenicely
Every one was surprised
They brought him other work to do
Eli's father had a nice watch
Eli loved to look at it
It was a great wonder to him
He wished to see the inside of it
His father would not allow this
One Sunday the fa ready for church
Eli noticed that his father intended leaving his watch at home