accident.

Rubens reduced his work to a system. While in his studio he was the
incarnation of fire and energy. But at four o'clock each day he dismissed
his pupils, locked the doors, and mounting his horse, rode off into the
country, five miles and back.

One afternoon, when the master had gone for his usual ride, several of
the pupils returned to the studio, wishing to examine a certain picture,
and by hook or by crook gained admittance. On an easel was a partly
finished canvas, the paint fresh from the hands of the master. The boys
examined the work and then began to scuffle--boys of sixteen or seventeen
always scuffle when left to themselves. They scuffled so successfully
that the easel was upset, and young Van Dyck fell backwards upon the wet
canvas, so that the design was transferred to his trousers.

The picture was ruined.

The young men looked upon their work aghast. It meant disgrace for them
all.

In despair Van Dyck righted the easel, seized a brush, and began to
replace the picture ere it could fade from his memory. His partners in
crime looked on with special personal interest and encouraged him with
words of lavish praise. He worked to within ten minutes of the time the
master was due; and then all made their escape by the window through
which they had entered.

The next day, when the class assembled, the pupils were ordered to stand
up in line. Then they were catechized individually as to who had replaced