On this occasion, as they approached a woodchopper's cottage (or
rather, hovel), there were sounds of acute distress within--the
piercing cries of a child evidently in great pain. There was a
moment of hesitancy in the party, and then Miss Madison's graceful
indifference vanished utterly. As she ran hastily to the cabin,
Scofield felt that now probably was a chance for more than mere
observation, and he kept beside her. An ugly cur sought to bar
entrance; but his vigorous kick sent it howling away. She gave him
a quick pleased look as they entered. A slatternly woman was
trying to soothe a little boy, who at all her attempts only
writhed and shrieked the more. "I dunno what ails the young one,"
she said. "I found him a moment ago yellin' at the foot of a tree.
Suthin's the matter with his leg."
"Yes," cried Miss Madison, delicately feeling of the member--an
operation which, even under her gentle touch, caused increased
outcry, "it is evidently broken. Let me take him on my lap;" and
Scofield saw that her face had softened into the tenderest pity.
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