The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-11

 famine-strlcken winter when the only light and warmth that could be found was by the village hearths, and when all drew nearer to each other, all to all, except to Nello and Patrasche.
 Then there arrived man with mule, who offered to take the milk into Ant werp. The burden that Patrasche had to draw became very light. He stopped every morning ats the old familiar doors and looked at them patiently. No doubt 1t cost many a heart little pang to let the dog draw on his cart empty, but everybody desired to please Baas Colgez
 The weather became wilder and colder with the approach of Christmas. Death entered the little hut and took away Jehan Daas. He had been only poor, paralyzed old man, who could not raise hand in their help and defense, but he had loved them. A great solitude and desolation closed around Nello and Pa trasche. They refused to be comforted as thev followed the rough deal box to the white church yard on the white winter day.
 The owner of the hut, hard, miserly man, demanded the rent, which was over due He would grant no mercy and claimed every stick and stone, every poor pot and pan in the place.
 Let us go, Patrasche," said Nello. Dear, dear old Patrasche. We will not wait to be kicked out
 It was December 24 when they departed fo mt werp. Patrasche hung his head for he missed his harness and knew that some thing was wrong. At one of the cot tages Nello stopped timidly and asked: ''Would you give Patrasche crust? He is old and has had nothing since yester- day morning.
 The woman shut the door hastily, mur- muring some vague words about wheat and rye being very dear. The boy and the dog went on weariy. They asked no more.
 By slow and painful ways they reached Antwerp. "If I had anything that could sell to get him bread" thought Nello, but he had nothing except the thin linen and serge that covered him scantily and his pair Of wooden shoes.
 
 Patrasch5 seemed to understand. 'He nestled his nose in the lads hand as if to comfort him.
 The winner of the drawing prize was to be proclaimed at noon. On the steps of the building and in the entrance hall was a crowd of youths--some of his age, some older, all with parents or relatives or friends. His heart was sick with fear as he went amonss them, holding Pa trasche close to him. The great city bells cashed-eut the hour. The doors of the inner hall opened. The eager panting throng rushed in
 It was made known that the selected picture would be raised above the rest on 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 voice was proclaiming aloud that the victory had been won by stephen Klesslinger. son of wharfinger of the burg of Antwerp.
 When Hello recovered consciousness he was lying on the stones outside and Pa trasche was licking his face and moaning over him. In the distance throng of the youths of Antwerp were shouting around their successful comrade and es- corting him with acclamations to his home on the quay.
 The boy staggered to his feet and drew the dog into his arms. 'It is all over, dear Patrasche, all overl' he said. Weak with despair and with huDger he began the weary way back to the vil'