ll the bells did
not ring.

II

Christmas was near at hand again, and every one was happy.

Not far from the city two little brothers lived on a farm--Pedro and
Little Brother.

Their father was poor and had no gift to lay on the altar. But Pedro had
saved all his earnings, and he had one shining silver piece. His father
had promised the little boys that they might go to the church on
Christmas eve and take the gift.

It was quite dark when the lads started on their way to the city. The
snow was falling fast, but they buttoned their little jackets close
about them and walked along briskly. They were not far from the church
when they heard a low whine of distress. Little Brother, clinging to
Pedro in fear, cried, "What is it, Pedro, what is it?"

Pedro ran across the street, and there under a small heap of snow, what
do you think he found? A little black and white dog, shivering with
cold, and nearly starved. Pedro opened his jacket, and put the dog
inside to keep it warm.

"You will have to go to the church alone, Little Brother," Pedro said.
"I must take this little dog back to the farm, and give it food, else it
will die."

"But I don't want to go alone, Pedro," said Little Brother.

"Won't you please go and put my gift on the altar, Little Brother? I
wish so much to have it there to-night."

"Yes, Pedro, I will," said Little Brother.

He took the gift and started toward the church. Pedro turned and went
home.

When Little Brother came to the great stone church and looked up at the
high tower, he felt that he could not go in alone. He stood outside a
long time watching the people as they passed in. At last he entered
quietly and took a seat in a corner.

III

When Little Brother went into the church, all the people were seated.
They sat quietly hoping that at last the bells would ring again as in
the days of old.

The organ pealed out a Christmas hymn. The choir and the people arose,
and all sang the grand old anthem. Then a solemn voice said, "Bring now
your gifts to the altar."

The king arose and went forward with stately tread. Bowing before the
altar, he laid upon it his golden crown. Then he walked proudly back to
his seat. All the people listened, but the bells did not ring.

Then the queen arose and with haughty step walked to the front. She took
from her neck and wrists her beautiful jewels and laid them upon the
altar. All the people listened, but the bells did not ring.

Th