He watched the figure for some time , till at length the old man left the crowded paths , and threw himself on the soft grass under a lime tree , which stood at some distance from where Tiidu was sitting . Then the young man walked slowly past , in order that he might look at him more closely , and as he did so the old man smiled , and held out his hand . ` What have you done with your pipes ? ' asked he ; and then in a moment Tiidu knew him . Taking his arm he drew him into a quiet place and told him all that had happened since they had last met . The old man shook his head as he listened , and when Tiidu had finished his tale , he said : ' A fool you are , and a fool you will always be ! Was there ever such a piece of folly as to exchange your pipes for a scullion 's ladle ? You could have made as much by the pipes in a day as your wages would have come to in half a year . Go home and fetch your pipes , and play them here , and you will soon see if I have spoken the truth . ' Tiidu did not like this advice -- he was afraid that the people would laugh at him ; and , besides , it was long since he had touched his pipes -- but the old man persisted , and at last Tiidu did as he was told . ` Sit down on the bank by me , ' said the old man , when he came back , ` and begin to play , and in a little while the people will flock round you . ' Tiidu obeyed , at first without much heart ; but somehow the tone of the pipes was sweeter than he had remembered , and as he played , the crowd ceased to walk and chatter , and stood still and silent round him . When he had played for some time he took off his hat and passed it round , and dollars , and small silver coins , and even gold pieces , came tumbling in . Tiidu played a couple more tunes by way of thanks , then turned to go home , hearing on all sides murmurs of ` What a wonderful piper ! Come back , we pray you , next Sunday to give us another treat . ' ` What did I tell you ? ' said the old man , as they passed through the garden gate . ` Was it not pleasanter to play for a couple of hours on the pipes than to be stirring sauces all day long ? For the second time I have shown you the path to follow ; try to learn wisdom , and take the bull by the horns , lest your luck should slip from you ! I can be your guide no longer , therefore listen to what I say , and obey me .
Go every Sunday afternoon to those gardens ; and sit under the lime tree and play to the people , and bring a felt hat with a deep crown , and lay it on the ground XXXXX your feet , so that everyone can throw some money into it .
For as at besides from in that through to with