I like a drum myself , and mean to learn as soon as ever I can . '' `` I like a fiddle best ; I can play one too , '' said Nat , getting confidential on this attractive subject . `` Can you ? '' and Tommy stared over the rim of his mug with round eyes , full of interest . `` Mr. Bhaer 's got an old fiddle , and he 'll let you play on it if you want to . '' `` Could I ? Oh , I would like it ever so much . You see , I used to go round fiddling with my father , and another man , till he died . '' `` Was n't that fun ? '' cried Tommy , much impressed . `` No , it was horrid ; so cold in winter , and hot in summer . And I got tired ; and they were cross sometimes ; and I did n't get enough to eat . '' Nat paused to take a generous bite of gingerbread , as if to assure himself that the hard times were over ; and then he added regretfully : `` But I did love my little fiddle , and I miss it . Nicolo took it away when father died , and would n't have me any longer , 'cause I was sick . '' `` You 'll belong to the band if you play good . See if you do n't . '' `` Do you have a band here ? '' Nat 's eyes sparkled . `` Guess we do ; a jolly band , all boys ; and they have concerts and things . You just see what happens to-morrow night . ''
After this pleasantly exciting remark , XXXXX returned to his supper , and Nat sank into a blissful reverie over his full plate .
Bhaer Mr. Nat Nicolo Tommy boys gingerbread night summer times