168 A DOG OF FLANDERS.

‘There came also, as the day grew
apace, a painter who had fame in the
world, and who was liberal of hand
and of spirit. “I seek one who
should have had the prize yesterday
had worth won,” he said to the peo-
ple; “a boy of rare promise and
genius. An old wood-cutter on a
fallen tree at eventide — that was all
his theme; but there was greatness
for the future in it. I would fain
find him, and take him with me and
teach him Art.”

And a little child with curling fair
hair, sobbing bitterly as she clung to
her father’s arm, cried aloud, “O
Nello, come! We have all ready for
thee. The Christ-child’s hands are
full of gifts, and the old piper will