Part 13 (1/2)

”Yes,” replied the boy at his side, ”They were at the fair, and the girl sang.”

”Did you notice which way they went when they left the market place?”

Philippe demanded quickly.

”Well--” hesitated the other, ”I did see them going down--Oh, don't bother me now. I want to see the film,” he added irritably.

But Philippe had him by the shoulders.

”Come out of here,” he ordered.

The boy was too amazed to refuse. Together the two marched out of the theater.

On the sidewalk Philippe seized the boy's arm and said to him, ”I must find those people. Do you understand? Now, you've got to think which way you saw them go!”

After Philippe had told his story and explained about Tom and Zelie, the other boy remarked, ”Well, my friends and I followed the organ man to a narrow little street where the poorest people live. The place was very dark, even in the daytime. It frightened some of the little children; so we left. We did not stay to see where the organ man went.”

Philippe thanked his new acquaintance, and the boy was glad to go back to his seat in the theater.

Philippe followed directions, and soon he was in the dingy little street in which Tom and Zelie had disappeared.

No one was about. It was the blackest, most silent place Philippe had ever been in. He and his dog huddled beside a wall. There was n.o.body whom he could ask for information. Had he the courage to ring a doorbell?

He started toward a door. His finger was about to push the bell when a voice called to him. The voice came from above.

Philippe looked up, and there was Tom!

He was looking out of a window. It was so dark that Philippe could not see Tom's face very clearly. But his voice was cheery.

”h.e.l.lo, my lad,” he called. ”So you've come to us at last!”

Philippe ran up the steps, and Tom let him into the house. It was a poor house and smelled musty and old.

Tom was very pleased to see the boy.

”I knew that some day you would come,” he said, slapping Philippe on the back. ”You are a fine brave lad, and we shall have a splendid life together, wandering on the road.”

[Ill.u.s.tration: ”YOU ARE A FINE, BRAVE LAD”]

”Where is Zelie?” asked Philippe.

”Ah, she will soon be home. She is so busy. She works very late sometimes,” answered Tom smiling.

”What does she do?” Philippe asked after a little silence.

”She plays the organ, and she sings,” the man replied. ”Now, you shall join her, and together you two should bring in much money.”

His eyes gleamed. Philippe did not feel very happy. But he could not tell why. Perhaps he was just tired, and tomorrow all would be well.

Then suddenly from the street below, there came a howl. Philippe ran to the window and saw his dog, Trompke, below. The fat puppy was whimpering and calling his master. He had been forgotten outside.