or, The Silver Skates 149

“¢ Wouvermans,” began the captain, oratorically, “ was born
in 1620, just four years before Berghem. He was a master
of his art, and especially excelled in painting horses. Strange
as it may seem, people were so long finding out his merits
that, even after he had arrived at the height of his excellence,
he was obliged to sell his pictures for very paltry prices. The
poor artist became completely discouraged, and, worse than all,
was over head and ears in debt. One day he was talking
over his troubles with his father-confessor, who was one of the
few who recognized his genius. The priest determined to
assist him, and accordingly lent him six hundred guilders, ad-
vising him, at the same time, to demand a better price for his
pictures. Wouvermans did so, and in the meantime paid his
debts. Matters brightened with him at once. Everybody
appreciated the great artist who painted such costly pictures.
He grew rich. The six hundred guilders were returned; and,
in gratitude, Wouvermans sent also a work which he had
painted, representing his benefactor as St. Hubert kneeling be-
fore his horse, — the very picture, Ludwig, of which we were
speaking last night.”

‘So, so!” exclaimed Ludwig, with deep interest, “I must
take another look at the engraving as soon as we get home.”

At that same hour, while Ben was skating with his com-
panions beside the Holland dike, Robby and Jenny stood in
their pretty English schoolhouse, ready to join in the duties of
their reading class.

“Commence, Master Robert Dobbs,” said the teacher.
“ Page 242: now, sir, mind every stop.”

And Robby, in a quick, childish voice, roared forth at
school-room pitch : —