THE STORY OF A PICTURE.

pictures from a house. He stepped in quickly, and,
crossing the courtyard, stood amongst them. From
the conversation that went on around him, he knew
that a sale of paintings was just over, and he waited
anxiously for a chance of offering his services in help-
ing to remove them.
 Old Marco was lucky in getting that Madonna,"
said a man close by his side.
 "Lucky That he was. What is he giving for it ?"
 "Only five hundred scudi. If I had offered fifty
more for it, it would have come down to me."
 Or to any one else," returned the first speaker
with a laugh.
 Can you tell me who got that splendid Raphael ?"
asked a young man, as he darted suddenly towards
him from amongst the crowd.
 No, no; that was sold before I came."
 Signor Valedi."
 "Oh! Thank you, thank you," and the young
man was about to go away as suddenly as he had
come, when he caught sight of Pietro, and turning
round, exclaimed-
 "Here, boy, have you strong arms ? Come this way'."
 In another moment Pietro was hurrying after him
through the crowd, fearing at every turn lest he might
lose sight of him, and pushing the people aside in his
haste. He followed him into the house, where men
were hurrying through the half-darkened rooms, some
bearing lamps or torches, others guiding those who
were carrying out large pictures. Here the young
man went to a table, on which lay some portfolios
filled with engravings, and a very small oil-painting.
He piled them on each other, and then gave them to
Pietro, bidding him carry them very carefully. Pietro
scarcely knew how he left the house, and made his
 is