He stopped to examine it more closely and perceived that it was a small black kitten.

The tiny creature came towards him and began walking about his feet, looking into his face and crying piteously.

He stooped down and stroked it, shuddering as his hands came in contact with its emaciated body.

Its fur was saturated with rain and every joint of its backbone was distinctly perceptible to the touch.

As he caressed it, the starving creature mewed pathetically.
Owen decided to take it home to the boy, and as he picked it up and put it inside his coat the little outcast began to purr.
This incident served to turn his thoughts into another channel.