to it, and was able to see it perfectly.
An iron rail surrounded the structure on which it was laid, preventing
too close an approach; but standing here, outside of the rail,
David saw that the image was very rudely carved out of wood, and
was intended to represent a child. Why such an image should be the
object of such interest and devotion he could not for the life of
him imagine. He could only postpone any investigation into this
until he could find out from some one.

And now there came over him an overwhelming desire to obtain a
fragment from some portion of this image, or, its dress, or its
surroundings, to serve as a relic. His relic-hunting propensities
had never been stronger than they were at this moment, and no sooner
did the idea suggest itself than he looked all around to see what
were the chances.

As he looked around he saw that the cathedral was nearly empty: a
priest was near the high altar, two boys were in the middle of the
nave, by the chief entrance was a little group just preparing to
leave. Nearer him, and close by the image, were two women. They
were on their knees, and appeared to be absorbed in their devotions.
It seemed to David that it would be quite easy to possess himself
of some small and unimportant portion of the drapery. He was quite
unobserved, for the two women who were nearest were not regarding
him, the drapery was within easy reach, and a row of tassels, upon
which he could lay his hand, offered an irresistible temptation.
If he could but get one of those tassels, what an addition it would
be to his little stock of treasures!

David once more looked all around. The priests were still at the
altar; but the boys had gone from the nave, and those who had been
near the door had departed. The women seemed as intent as ever upon
their devotions. David looked at the drapery once more, and upon
one of the tassels which was nearest him.

Once more he looked all around, and then, stretching forward his
hand, he touched the coveted tassel.

Then he drew back his hand, and putting it in his pocket, he drew
forth his knife, which he opened.

Then he looked around once more.

Then, for the last time, he put his hand forward, holding the knife
so as to cut the tassel. But the cord which bound the tassel to
the drapery was strong, and the knife was very dull, and David
found that it was not so easy as he had supposed. But he was
determined to get it, and so he sawed away, with his dull o