Philippe sang to attract the crowds and soon people began to stop and to laugh at Trompke. All the time Philippe was looking about him, while his heart beat fast.
Perhaps a few feet away from him were his friends. He hoped that he would find them. Perhaps Zelie had sung to the same people who were now laughing at Trompke.
The boy examined every booth. But there was no sign of Tom or Zelie.
Meanwhile the sister's lace was selling fast. People stopped to laugh and to pet Trompke. The little boy explained to them about the lace.
"The finest lace in all the world, madam," said he, "made by the sisters in Ghent. A very excellent bargain."
Philippe sold all his lace and found his pockets bulging with money. How pleased the good sister would be!
[Illustration: HE DRESSED TROMPKE AS A BRIDE]
Besides, he had made extra money for himself. People gave him extra money because they liked his sweet voice and because Trompke made them laugh.
But the heart of Philippe was heavy. He had not seen Tom and Zelie! He was in a strange city; he was far from home, and it was growing late.
Philippe now walked slowly to the post office. Here he sent away two letters. One was to his father.
He told his father not to worry about him. He said that he could not return to Brussels because he was going to make his way and send them a great deal of money. He enclosed some bills in the envelope, and he felt proud.
The other letter was to the sister and contained the money in payment for the laces and also payment of the amount the sister had loaned him.
He still had money in his pocket. He bought food. But Trompke ate most of it. Somehow Philippe did not feel hungry. He was too excited.
The shadows were falling in Bruges. The high towers were reflected in the canals. The city was slowly being covered by night.
A terrible, lonesome feeling came over Philippe as he watched the darkness stealing on. How could he stay all night in the ghostly darkness of this old city? His teeth began to chatter.
"I don't know," answered Philippe truthfully.
"You don't know?" the boy laughed. "Then let me take you somewhere. Have you some money?"
[Illustration: VIEW OF A CANAL FROM THE ROSARY DOCK, BRUGES]
"We can go to the cinema," smiled the boy eagerly.