108 4A DOG OF FLANDERS.

The drawings were to go in on
the first day of December, and the
decision be given on the twenty-
fourth, so that he who should win
might rejoice with all his people at
the Christmas season.

In the twilight of a bitter wintry
day, and with a beating heart, now
quick with hope, now faint with fear,
Nello placed the great picture on his
little green milk-cart, and took it,
with the help of Patrasche, into the
town, and there left it, as enjoined,
at the doors of a public building,

“Perhaps it is worth nothing at
all. How can I tell?” he thought,
with the heartsickness of a great
timidity. Now that he had left it
there, it seemed to him so hazardous,