4A DOG OF FLANDERS. 23

and laborious of all their four-footed
victims. One day, after two years
of this long and deadly agony,
Patrasche was going on as_ usual
along one of the straight, dusty, un-
lovely roads that lead to the city
of Rubens. It was full midsummer,
and very warm. His cart was very
heavy, piled high with goods in metal
and in earthenware. His owner saun-
tered on without noticing him other-
wise than by the crack of the whip
as it curled round his quivering
loins. The Brabantois had paused to
drink beer himself at every wayside
house, but he had forbidden Patrasche
tostopamoment fora draught from the
canal. Going along thus, in the full

sun, on a scorching highway, having