"Carl sank on his knees beside the master's desk, and from his eyes there fell upon the white dove's poor broken wing, two tears, large and bright.
"The master took the poor dead dove from his hands, and laid it tenderly down on the desk with the bright things; then raising Carl, he softly said—
"'My children, there is no brighter gem on earth, than a tender, pitying tear.'
"The boys were silent for a moment, for they felt that the master had decided that Carl had rightly won the angel, and then Kline cried out—
"'Nay, master, thou didst not fairly explain to us. I pray thee give us yet another trial.'
"'Yes, dear master,' said Max 'give us one more trial.'
"'What sayest thou Carl?' said Master Friedrich.
"'Yes, dear master,' answered the generous boy.
"The good master smiled thoughtfully, and his eyes rested for a moment, lovingly, upon Carl; then glancing round, he said—'He who brings me the loveliest thing on earth to-morrow, shall have the angel.'
"The children clapped their hands, and departed satisfied.