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 THE BRIDGE OF CONSTANTINE

been languishing in the dungeons of the bey was brought hither, presented with paint-pots and brushes, planted before the naked walls, and told to cover them with pictures. "But I am not an artist, I am a cobbler," cries the prisoner. "That makes no difference. You are a Christian. You must know how to paint. Until you begin, you shall receive twenty-five lashes every day; but if you make us pretty pictures, you shall have your freedom." Needless to say the prisoner found keen inspiration in the blows, and rapidly produced a series of mural masterpieces, of which it is not too great praise to say that they were painted with much feeling.