A DOG OF FLANDERS. 139

On the steps and in the entrance-hall
there was a crowd of youths,— some
of his age, some older, all with par-
ents or relatives or friends. His
heart was sick with fear as he went
amongst them, holding Patrasche
close to him. The great bells of the
city clashed out the hour of noon
with brazen clamor. The doors of
the inner hall were opened ; the
eager, panting throng rushed in: it
was known that the selected picture
would be raised above the rest upon
a wooden dais.

A mist obscured Nello’s sight, his
head swam, his limbs almost failed
him. When his vision cleared he
saw the drawing raised on high: it
was not his own! A slow, sonorous