He was aware also of some stir, even before he spied, under a withered clump, the saffron body of an infant girl, feebly squirming.
By a loathsome irony, there lay beside her an earthen bowl of rice, as an earnest or symbol of regret.
Blind pity urged him into the atrocious hollow.

Seeing no further than the present rescue, he caught up the small unclean sufferer, who moaned the louder as he carried her down the bank, and waded out through the sludge.

To hold the squalling mouth above water, and swim, was no simple feat; yet at last he came floundering among the tussocks, wrapped the naked body in his jacket, and with infinite pains tugged his terrified pony along a tortuous bar to the land.
Once in the river-path, he stood gloomily, and let Mrs.Forrester canter up to join him.

Indeed, he had almost forgotten her.
"Splendid!" she laughed.

"What a figure of fun! But what can you have brought back?
Oh, please! I can't wait!" He turned on her a muddy, haggard face, without enthusiasm, and gently unfolded the coat.