A DOG OF FLANDERS. 39

deep ruts in the mud if it had not
been for the strength and the indus-
try of the animal he had befriended.
As for Patrasche, it seemed heaven
to him. After the frightful burdens
that his old master had compelled him
to strain under, at the call of the
- whip at every step, it seemed nothing
to him but amusement to step out
with this little light green cart, with
its bright brass cans, by the side of
the gentle old man who always paid
him with a tender caress and with a
kindly word. Besides, his work was
over by three or four in the day, and
after that time he was free to do as he
would, — to stretch himself, to sleep
in the sun, to wander in the fields, to
romp with the young child, or to play